Waiver Wire Week 9

Week 9 is a week of some big named players on bye. This week we have Atlanta, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, and Tennessee on bye. There are 9 wide receivers alone from those teams that will be big losses for your fantasy teams. Here is a short list of players to look at to fill in those gaps in your lineup in week 9.

QB 

Ryan Tannehill (MIA) didn't do a lot of passing in week 8, because he didn't really need to. The Dolphins defense handled the heavy lifting, returning 2 interceptions for touchdowns. He did continue his streak of over 40 yards rushing for the 4th consecutive game. Tannehill is unlikely to get you a ton of points against a good pass defense at home this week against the Chargers, but he is playing well, and if he continues to get some rushing, he can be a good bye week fill in this week.

Michael Vick (NYJ) relieved Geno Smith in week 8 against the Bills. Vick didn't do a lot passing in week 8, but did have 69 yards rushing. If Vick is going to start next week, he will have some time to get reps and have a game plan built for him. The rushing alone will make up for a lot, and if your QB is on bye, Vick could help you out for a week.

RB 

Lorenzo Taliaferro (BAL) was a lone bright spot for the running back position that is unlikely to be owned in all leagues. Owned in only 12% of ESPN leagues, Taliaferro was the goal line back for the Ravens in week 8. Only rushing for 27 yards, he did score 2 times. He is a gamble, but with running back injuries and byes, Taliaferro is one of few running backs worth a look for week 9. Baltimore plays Pittsburgh next week, the 12th ranked run defense.

Denard Robinson (JAX) got a lot of work, and was effective, for the second week in a row. Running the ball 18 times for 108 yards and catching 1 pass for 10 yards, Robinson played well. Jacksonville faces off against the 29th ranked run defense of the Bengals next week. If he gets the work, the yardage should be there.

Alfred Blue (HOU) is not only the backup for Arian Foster, but also finding himself getting some work at times this year. Getting 14 carries for 42 yards in week 8, and a catch for 22 yards, blue and the Texans have some good running match ups coming up. A week 10 bye is a negative, but facing off against the Eagles in week 9, the Browns in week 11, and the Bengals in week 12 make the next 3 games good ones for the Houston running game. The Texans face only 2 top 10 defenses rest of season, and the average run defense faced for the rest of the year is 20.3. Blue is a good addition to a roster given that the Texans tend to be run heavy and have an injury prone Foster playing in front of Blue.

Charles Sims (TB) is a rookie back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sims has been on the IR designated to return so far this season, but began practicing last week. With the lack of production, and apparent desire for the Bucs to trade everyone on their team, Sims is likely to get a shot very soon. He is a must add to any team that is in a bad spot at running back. I wrote about Sims last week in an article about IR designated to return players available with this link.

WR 

Martavis Bryant (PIT) was a recipient of the monster day of Ben Roethlisberger in week 8. Making 5 catches on 7 targets for 83 yards and 2 touchdowns, Bryant has scored 3 times in his first 2 games. I thought about writing about him last week, but wanted to see one more week of good production before making a recommendation to pick him up. Now is that time. Pittsburgh plays at the 22nd ranked pass defense of  Baltimore next week. Not a lot of scoring allowed through the air by the Ravens so far this season, but if the Steelers can build on their momentum from this week, Bryant could turn into a monster.

Donte Moncrief (IND) showed up huge this week for the Colts. A benefactor of the game flow, being down big quick, Moncrief made 7 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown. In the first week without both Reggie Wayne and Trent Richardson, Moncrief fit seamlessly into the offense. You can read my article on Donte from last week here. Assuming Wayne is out again this week with his elbow injury, Moncrief is a good addition to replace some of the receivers on bye in week 9. The Giants are the opponent for Indy in week 9, and have the 25th ranked pass defense in the league. Look for good production for Moncrief and the Colts in week 9.

Allen Robinson (JAX) is averaging 5.4 receptions per week for 64.7 yards a game, scoring twice for the Jaguars since week 2. Robinson is a good play for any fantasy team in a PPR league. Only owned in 3% of ESPN leagues, he is likely sitting on the waiver wire for the taking. The Jags face the Bengals this week and their 23rd ranked pass defense. If nothing else, Robinson is a good replacement for the week 9 bye guys, and may find a permanent spot on your roster after that.

Brandon LaFell (NE) was a beast in week 8. The favorite target of Tom Brady on Sunday, LaFell caught 11 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. In PPR formats, it was his 3rd game in his last 5 with at least 23.9 points. Facing off against Denver's 17th ranked pass defense in week 9, LaFell could well find himself having another week of productive work. The schedule for the Patriots gets a bit brutal for the rest of the season, but as we have learned this season, never count out Brady and the Pats offense.

Davante Adams (GB) has been a bit hit and miss so far this season, but has taken over the number 3 receiver spot for the Packers. The schedule gets nice in the coming weeks, after the week 9 bye for Adams. Facing an average pass defense of 21.5 in the rankings, Adams has some very soft match ups, and 3 top 6 pass defenses left on the schedule. He is not necessarily a must add this week as he is on bye, but don't let him sit on the wire for too long.

 Thus brings us to the end of the waiver wire article for week 9. There are definitely some possible stars emerging and some good replacements for your bye weeks and injured players. Go pick 'em up, and good luck this week!

Practice Report Round Up Week 8

Week 8 brings us some familiar names on the practice reports, some new additions, and a few guys getting back in action. Here is the list of guys you might care about for your fantasy games this week.

John Brown (ARI) is probable after being limited in practice this week. Brown may make a good fill in for injured wide receivers or bye week fill in. The Cardinals play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The Eagles have the 23rd ranked pass defense. This game may see the Cardinals put the ball in the air more as Carson Palmer has not appeared on the practice report himself this week.

Harry Douglas (ATL) is a welcome addition back to a struggling Falcons offense. The bad news is that he can't play offensive line. Douglas is a good third option for the Falcons, but Matt Ryan has had little time to make the read to get to Douglas. Detroit has one of the best defensive units so far this season, so I personally wouldn't be playing Douglas.

Owen Daniels (BAL) is out this week after having some "cleanup" done on his knee. No other viable option exists with the Ravens for fantasy purposes, so go fine yourself a waiver guy like maybe Andrew Quarless from Green Bay or Luke Willson or Cooper Helfet from the Seahawks.

Fred Jackson (BUF) is out for a few weeks. Some estimates are 2-3 weeks, or as many as 6 with a groin injury. In the absence of both Jackson and CJ Spiller there isn't a consensus on whether Anthony Dixon or Bryce Brown are the best play. Take your shot this week, or just don't play any Buffalo running back this week. The Bills play the stingy run defense of the Jets this week, so caution may be the best option.

Philly Brown (CAR) is out this week with a concussion. It is unlikely you were playing Brown, but he does return kicks, so if you were playing him in a league that gives credit for this, you won't have him to score for you this week.

Chris Ogbonnaya (CAR) is questionable this week with a groin injury against the Seattle Seahawks. The Panthers running back situation is its usual mess, with anyone who is anyone banged up. Jonathan Stewart is getting the start this week, but with the 2 starting guards out for the Panthers, I wouldn't feel good about starting any of their backs.

Fozzy Whitaker (CAR) is out this week. Part of the mess of injured Panthers running backs, Whitaker will not be available to you this week.

AJ Green (CIN) is questionable this week. Having already missed time with a toe injury this season, this is not a surprise to any Green owner. He was heard to say last week that he was playing this week, but was only able to do conditioning this week at practice. I wouldn't count on him playing, and even if he does, there is no way to know how effective he would be. I would look for better options this week.

Reggie Bush (DET) is listed as doubtful this week with an ankle injury. With Joique Bell and Theo Riddick both healthy, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense for the Lions to play Bush this week. Riddick might be a good addition if you are weak at running back, as the Lions play against the terrible defense of the Atlanta Falcons this week.

Calvin Johnson (DET) was a limited participant in practice this week. According to multiple reports on Friday night, it is unlikely the Lions will play Johnson this week. If they do, you can be pretty confident that he will be able to contribute, as the Lions have found a way to be competitive so far in his absence. The confounding issue is that this game is an afternoon game in London, and starts at 9:30 am eastern, 6:30 am pacific. If you go to bed with Johnson in your lineup, you better be up to make sure he plays.

Theo Riddick (DET) is listed as probable for the Lions this week. In the absence of Reggie Bush, Riddick will likely get the workload of the second running back for the Lions. In week 6 when bush was inactive, Riddick was a big contributor in the Lions passing game against the Vikings. He had 5 catches for 75 yards and a score, adding slightly to that with 3 rushes for 6 yards. Riddick is a good hail mary at running back against the Falcons. If Detroit can get a big lead, it is likely that Riddick will see much of the work. He will likely make a good one week option for a desperate team.

Eric Ebron (DET) is out this week against the Falcons. Missing his second game in a row for the Lions with a hamstring injury, if you were playing Ebron, time to get another option.

Joseph Fauria (DET) is bad at being a pet owner. Fauria will miss another game with an ankle injury, now famously, sustained trying to stop his dog from peeing in the house. I feel bad for Fauria, but it is one of the better weird injury stories.

Brandon Pettigrew (DET) is listed as doubtful for the Lions this week. The third tight end for the Lions to be unlikely to play this week, Pettigrew has a foot injury. Having almost fallen off the fantasy football map, it is unlikely that you were playing Pettigrew anyways, but if you were, unlikely this week.

James Starks (GB) is probable for Sunday after being limited in practice all week with an ankle injury. It is unclear if Starks will continue to get the workload he was getting in the past few games seeing as he is hurt, but he has been getting a near equal share of the work and did score last week. Keep an eye on the inactives list to be sure, but Lacy seems like the better option this week for the Pack.  This is also the Sunday night game, so it makes it more difficult to wait to see what Starks status will be.

Trent Richardson (IND) did not participate in practice this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday with a hamstring injury. Richardson left last weeks game early and has not been on the field since. This is a late game on Sunday, so I would make other plans if you have Richardson in your starting lineup.

Reggie Wayne (IND) is out for Sunday against the Steelers. After suffering an elbow injury, Wayne is likely to miss a few weeks. A possible replacement in the Colts lineup is either Hakeem Nicks or Donte Moncrief.

Toby Gerhart (JAX) was a full participant in practice Friday. It is unclear what Gerhart's role will be with the Jags on Sunday, but he was unimpressive in his previous appearances for Jacksonville. This one is your judgement call.

Donnie Avery (KC) is out this week for the Chiefs with a groin injury. Not a big fantasy name, you likely don't have Avery as a regular member of your squad, but if you did, take him out.

Shane Vereen (NE) missed Friday practice with an illness. Head coach Bill Belichick is famous for listing guys on the injury report possibly erroneously, but it is possible that Vereen will not play. Keep an eye on the inactives Sunday. Jonas Gray is a good name to keep in mind if Vereen is out.

Jimmy Graham (NO) was limited in practice this week with a shoulder injury. Graham was active last week, but only got 2 targets. Being the night game on Sunday makes him a difficult decision. It is possible that if you wait on him and he is inactive you could gamble on Gavin Escobar or Niles Paul in the Monday night game, but unlikely you have a better option that Graham. Because he played last week, it is likely he would play this week after being able to participate in practice at all.


Pierre Thomas (NO) is out this week for the Saints with rib and shoulder injuries. The logical replacement for Thomas in the Saints offense is Travaris Cadet. Likely available, if you want to play a Saint against the Packers 31st ranked run defense, Cadet will assume the Thomas role.

Khiry Robinson (NO) is out this week with an arm injury. This bolsters the role for Mark Ingram for the Saints. Ingram is a great play this week as the only running back surviving for the Saints that actually runs most of the time.

Eric Decker (NYJ) was limited in practice this week for the Jets. This will likely be the case for most, if not all, of the season. Keep an eye on the inactives for Sunday as Decker has missed time already this year, but if you have been playing him, plan on continuing.

Darren Sproles (PHI) was a full participant in practice for the Eagles. Officially listed as questionable with a knee injury, keep your eye on the inactives and make your educated decision.

Vincent Jackson (TB) is questionable for the Buccaneers after being limited all week in practice. Widely expected to play, you can likely pencil Jackson into your lineup Sunday, but make sure to check inactives Sunday morning.

Shonn Greene (TEN) was a full participant in practice for the Titans. Muddying up the running back situation for Tennessee, Greene will likely be in a backfield with a disappointing Bishop Sankey on Sunday. Currently there is no solid information on who will have what workload, so playing either guy is a gamble. Adding to that the Titans are starting Zach Mettenberger this week for the first time. The Titans may decide that it is time to see what the youth of their team can do together, so tread carefully with Greene.

Robert Griffin III (WAS) was a limited participant in practice this week. Being called a game time decision by head coach Jay Gruden, it is possible Griffin returns to play this week. Being the Monday night game makes it nearly impossible to wait to see, but you may want to stash RG3 if you have faith left in him.

That brings this look at the Friday practice reports to a close. Remember the early Sunday London game, and to keep a close eye on the inactives for your players. Good luck this week!