Waiver Wire Week 9: Top Fantasy Football Pickups, Sleepers and Players to Target Before Week 9

The fantasy football waiver wire is heating up as managers prepare for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season. With several key players dealing with injuries and some unexpected performances changing team depth charts, this week’s waiver period offers multiple opportunities to strengthen fantasy rosters.

The Week 9 waiver wire features several intriguing running backs, wide receivers and tight ends who could become valuable additions for the remainder of the season. Mike Washington Jr. headlines the available options after taking on a larger role in the Las Vegas Raiders’ backfield, while Emmett Johnson and Seth McGowan are also worth targeting.

At wide receiver, Adonai Mitchell, Antonio Williams, DeMario Douglas and Treylon Burks are among the players attracting attention after productive Week 8 performances.

Fantasy managers should also monitor quarterback injuries, defensive streaming opportunities and upcoming bye weeks before making their roster decisions.

Top 10 Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 9

Here are the top 10 players to consider adding ahead of Week 9:

Running backs dominate this week’s list because of their potential workload increases and injury-related opportunities. Managers looking for immediate production should prioritize Washington, while Johnson and Black offer significant upside as bench stashes.

Best Running Back Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 9

1. Mike Washington Jr., Las Vegas Raiders

Mike Washington Jr. is arguably the most important running back to target on the Week 9 waiver wire.

The rookie made a significant impression in Week 8, recording 25 carries for 83 rushing yards while playing 60% of the offensive snaps. Ashton Jeanty, meanwhile, played only 40% of the snaps and received five touches.

This development could indicate a major change in the Raiders’ backfield rotation. Washington has demonstrated efficiency throughout the season, and the coaching staff appears interested in giving him a larger opportunity.

Fantasy managers should make him a priority, particularly in leagues where starting running backs are difficult to find.

Recommended FAAB bid: $29

2. Emmett Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs

Emmett Johnson is another running back worth adding before Week 9.

He delivered an impressive receiving performance in Week 8, recording five receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown. Although he played only 19% of the offensive snaps, his performance demonstrated his ability to create big plays.

Johnson remains an appealing backup option behind Kenneth Walker III. His current role limits his immediate fantasy production, but an injury or increased workload could quickly change his value.

He is an excellent bench stash for managers who want to secure potential running back depth.

Recommended FAAB bid: $19

3. Seth McGowan, Indianapolis Colts

Seth McGowan could become an important fantasy option if the Colts make a significant change to their running back room.

Trade rumors involving Jonathan Taylor have increased ahead of the November 10 NFL trade deadline. If Taylor is moved and Indianapolis does not acquire another starting-caliber running back, McGowan could receive an opportunity to lead the backfield.

The Colts have a favorable fantasy schedule during the second half of the season, making McGowan an interesting player to stash.

Recommended FAAB bid: $14

4. Kenny Gainwell, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kenny Gainwell has quietly become an interesting fantasy football option.

He rushed 25 times for 140 yards in Week 8 after recording 14 carries for 88 yards in Week 7. His production has increased as Tampa Bay has leaned more heavily on its rushing attack.

Although Bucky Irving remains an important part of the backfield, Gainwell has demonstrated that he can deliver productive performances when given opportunities.

He should be considered a potential RB3 with additional upside if Irving misses time.

Recommended FAAB bid: $14

5. Kaelon Black, San Francisco 49ers

Kaelon Black is a valuable running back stash for fantasy managers.

The rookie rushed 12 times for 63 yards and a touchdown in his most recent appearance, showing that he can contribute when given an opportunity.

Christian McCaffrey remains the primary option in San Francisco, but his workload and injury history make Black an appealing backup to roster.

If McCaffrey misses time, Black could become a valuable fantasy starter.

Recommended FAAB bid: $14

Best Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Targets for Week 9

Unlike previous weeks, the available wide receiver group does not feature an obvious league-winning addition. However, several players have established roles that make them useful WR3 or flex options.

Adonai Mitchell, New York Jets

Adonai Mitchell is one of the most intriguing wide receivers available in many fantasy leagues.

He delivered a breakout performance against the Raiders in Week 8, recording seven receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown.

Mitchell has demonstrated his ability to produce explosive plays, although consistency remains a concern in the Jets’ crowded receiving group.

His talent makes him worth adding, especially for managers looking for a high-upside replacement.

Antonio Williams, Washington Commanders

Antonio Williams has become an increasingly attractive fantasy option following Terry McLaurin’s season-ending injury.

Williams caught five of six targets for 54 yards in Week 8. He has also recorded more than 50 receiving yards in consecutive games.

His involvement in Washington’s passing offense makes him a reasonable WR3 or flex option heading into Week 9.

DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots

DeMario Douglas could benefit from injuries affecting New England’s receiving options.

He has delivered several strong fantasy performances over the past month, including multiple games with at least 15 fantasy points.

Douglas has a relatively inconsistent floor, but his recent production makes him a worthwhile addition for managers needing wide receiver depth.

Treylon Burks, Washington Commanders

Treylon Burks is another Commanders receiver worth considering.

He recorded three receptions for 81 yards in Week 8 after finishing with four catches for 66 yards before the team’s bye.

Burks has demonstrated big-play potential and could benefit from McLaurin’s absence.

His ability to produce explosive receptions makes him an interesting flex option.

Malachi Fields, New York Giants

Malachi Fields is an intriguing deeper-league addition.

He has recorded 13 targets for 104 yards across two games with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback.

The Giants face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9, a matchup that could create opportunities for outside receivers.

Fields is not a guaranteed starter in fantasy lineups, but his explosive ability makes him worth monitoring.

Best Quarterback Waiver Wire Pickups

Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins

Malik Willis is one of the most attractive quarterback streaming options heading into Week 9.

Despite a difficult matchup against New England in Week 8, Willis recorded 15.6 fantasy points.

His rushing ability provides a valuable fantasy advantage, while Miami’s young receiving options are continuing to develop.

With a matchup against Detroit approaching, Willis is worth considering as a streaming quarterback, particularly in leagues where managers need a replacement.

Recommended FAAB bid: $9

Other quarterbacks to monitor include:

• Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
• J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
• Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
• Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders
• Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sam Darnold is another attractive streaming option if available in your league.

Best Tight End Waiver Wire Pickup

Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals

Mike Gesicki is one of the strongest tight end additions available ahead of Week 9.

He delivered four receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee in Week 8.

Gesicki has now scored six touchdowns in seven appearances this season, making him an appealing option for fantasy managers struggling at tight end.

His upcoming matchup against Atlanta also provides an opportunity for another productive performance.

He should be considered a priority addition in leagues where reliable tight ends are difficult to find.

Recommended FAAB bid: $9

Other tight ends worth monitoring include Chigoziem Okonkwo, Kenyon Sadiq, Michael Mayer and Greg Dulcich.

Week 9 Defense Rankings and Best Streaming Defenses

Finding the right defense can make a significant difference in fantasy football. Managers should consider matchup quality, opponent scoring potential and turnover opportunities when selecting their Week 9 defense.

Based on the available streaming recommendations, these are five defenses worth considering:

The Chiefs are an appealing streaming option against the Jets, while Detroit could offer fantasy value against Miami.

New Orleans is another option for managers searching for a less widely rostered defense.

These are streaming targets rather than guaranteed weekly projections. Managers should check final injury reports and starting quarterback situations before locking in their defenses.

Week 9 Kicker Rankings and Streaming Options

Fantasy managers searching for a kicker can also consider the following options:

Managers should verify team and matchup details against the latest schedule before making a kicker addition.

Important Injuries to Monitor Before Week 9

Injuries could significantly influence fantasy football lineups this week.

Some of the key players to monitor include:

• Lamar Jackson – Thumb injury, potentially season-ending.
• Tyler Huntley – Toe injury, with a possible move to injured reserve.
• Kyler Murray – Hamstring injury.
• Jeremiyah Love – Ankle injury.
• Bam Knight – Concussion.
• Jeremy McNichols – Foot injury.
• Christian Watson – Rib injury.
• George Pickens – Shoulder and hamstring concerns.
• Michael Wilson – Rib injury.
• Hunter Henry – Foot injury.
• Jake Ferguson – Ankle injury.

Fantasy managers should follow practice reports and official team updates before making final lineup decisions.

Week 9 Fantasy Football Bye Weeks

Two NFL teams are on bye in Week 9:

• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Tennessee Titans

Managers with players from either team should prepare replacement options before the waiver period closes.

Checking the bye-week schedule is particularly important when choosing between multiple waiver-wire additions.

Players Fantasy Managers Can Consider Dropping

Waiver-wire additions are only part of the equation. Managers may also need to remove underperforming players to create roster space.

Some potential drop candidates include:

Jacoby Brissett’s declining performance and uncertain starting role make him difficult to trust.

J.K. Dobbins has also seen his workload decrease, while Chris Godwin Jr. has struggled to deliver consistent receiving production.

However, managers should consider league size, roster depth and individual team situations before dropping established players.

Final Verdict: Who Should You Target on the Week 9 Waiver Wire?

The Week 9 waiver wire offers several opportunities to improve fantasy football rosters before the second half of the season.

Mike Washington Jr. should be the top priority because of his increased workload with the Raiders. Emmett Johnson and Seth McGowan are valuable running back stashes, while Kenny Gainwell and Kaelon Black offer additional depth and potential upside.

At wide receiver, Adonai Mitchell, Antonio Williams and DeMario Douglas are among the most interesting additions. Mike Gesicki is a strong tight end target, and Malik Willis offers streaming potential at quarterback.

For managers searching through the Week 9 fantasy rankings, the most important strategy is to prioritize players with increasing workloads rather than chasing one-week performances.

Meanwhile, the Week 9 defense rankings favor Kansas City and Detroit as streaming options.

Making the right waiver-wire decisions now could provide a significant advantage as the 2026 fantasy football season moves toward its second half.