Injuries are piling up in the NFL. That makes the waiver wire even more important this time of year.

The main difficulty comes in the form of several teams are waiting until much later in the week to declare the player out for that week. So while many leagues have a waiver wire set early in the week, it’s oftentimes not known if specific players will play or not.

Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and anticipate that an injury from this past week could linger into the next week.

Here’s the best week 9 waiver wire adds.

Antone Smith, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The running back situation in Tampa Bay is a bit muddy.

The Buccaneers were already down to their third running back in Jacquizz Rodgers. Rodgers had to leave the week 8 loss to Oakland with an injury and didn’t return, allowing Smith to dominate the carries.

With a Thursday night game approaching in week 9, it’s extremely likely that Smith would be the main running back option on a short week. And if Smith is the man, even though he’s the fourth option, that doesn’t mean he should be passed up by fantasy owners.

All Tampa Bay running backs have succeeded this season, with Rodgers being the latest example. He went for double-digit points in all games he started this season.

Smith was just signed a few weeks ago, but he was the main option in week 8. That shouldn’t change in week 9. He’s a must-add with a Thursday night game looming.

Charcandrick West, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Remember when I told everyone to wait on West earlier this season as a handcuff? I wish I had followed my own advice.

West is sure to be the top waiver wire pickup for week 9 after second-stringer Spencer Ware left the week 8 win with a concussion. West carried the ball 14 times in his absence, going for 52 yards.

West was bothered by an ankle injury earlier in the season, allowing Ware to dominate the carries after Jamaal Charles suffered several setbacks to his injury. West likely would have put up more of a fight for carries had it not been for his own injury.

He showed plenty of flashes last year of having the ability to put up fantasy points. I doubt there will be much of a drop-off from Ware to West. If he’s not owned in your league, which is highly likely, then you should get him on your roster as soon as possible.

Tim Hightower, RB, New Orleans Saints

If you were watching the Saints game in week 8, you witnessed a lot more work for Hightower thanks to an early fumble by starter Mark Ingram.

For many, Hightower will be a high reward fantasy option, especially since he turned that expanded role in week 8 to a solid fantasy outing. He went for 102 yards on 26 carries.

But don’t put all your hope in Hightower. It’s not unusual for a running back to miss some time because of turnovers and then see regular work the next week. It is a bit unusual to be benched for basically the whole game, but Hightower has value in that offense for a reason.

He may not get as much work going forward, but even this glimmer of hope from week 8, is enough to pick him up for your fantasy roster. The Saints offense is as high-powered as they come, so there’s definitely value with Hightower.

Donte Moncrief shouldn't stay on the waiver wire past week 9. Flickr/Angie Six/http://bit.ly/1it021m
Donte Moncrief shouldn’t stay on the waiver wire past week 9. Flickr/Angie Six/http://bit.ly/1it021m

Donte Moncrief, WR, Indianapolis Colts

People might be sleepwalking to Moncrief since he’s missed most of the season, but you should start jumping on the bandwagon.

Moncrief is owned in a little more than 60 percent of leagues on NFL.com. It should be higher than that.

Moncrief is the second wide receiver on a wide-open offense that finds itself down often. Also, injuries are starting to pile up for the Colts receivers, making Moncrief even more valuable.

He was targeted nine times in week 8 in his first game since week 2. Quarterback Andrew Luck consistently targets Moncrief and that will continue as this season progresses.

Don’t let him sit on the waiver wire through this week.

 

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*