Here are some players to consider picking up this week, if available, to get ahead of the other managers in your league. These players include potential bye-week fill-ins, players returning from injury, and defenses to consider in advance.
Week 9 Byes: Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Congratulations if you made it through bye-magedon in Week 8! This week, only four teams are on bye, so hopefully those lineups will be a little easier to set. This week's article will include some last-minute options if you were unable to fill your roster early, as well as players to snag with the future in mind.
Beat the Waiver Wire: No-Brainers
In most leagues, these guys aren't available. But if you're fortunate enough to see them on the waiver wire, grab them.
QB Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (63% rostered on Sleeper)
Murray may be somewhat of an afterthought in fantasy leagues, after missing two games to injury and then having a bye week. It is unclear whether Murray will return in Week 9, but if he does, it will be against Dallas, which is the absolute best matchup for fantasy quarterbacks, as they give up seven fantasy points over expectation to opposing quarterbacks.
Beat the Waiver Wire: Quarterbacks
QB J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings (24% rostered on Sleeper)
After Carson Wentz went down with an injury, it was clear it was time for McCarthy to return. With only one solid quarter of football under his belt, we still don't know who McCarthy really is, but why not take a chance on him if you have a roster spot? The Minnesota Vikings have the second-best schedule for quarterbacks moving forward. If McCarthy hits, he could be a league winner.
QB Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons (21% rostered on Sleeper)
The Falcons had to turn to Kirk Cousins in Week 8, with Penix dealing with an injury, and they look to be going right back to him after Kirk Cousins' tough outing. Atlanta gets New England in Week 12, a team giving up 2.4 fantasy points over expectation to opposing QBs. After that they they get an even better matchup with Indianapolis.
Just a reminder to check your waiver wire for: Joe Flacco (55%)
