Week 9 Upgrades, Downgrades, and Waiver Wire Wonders

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The number in red next to a waiver wire gem indicated the percentage of a "blind bid" budget used in some leagues to award free-agent pickups. If your league does not use blind bid waivers, consider the number a way to rank the quality of waiver wire additions.

Quarterback Upgrade

1. QB Taysom Hill, NO (waiver wire: 25-50%)
2. QB Tyrod Taylor, HOU (waiver wire: 10-20%)
3. QB Justin Fields, CHI (waiver wire: 5-10%)
4. QB Jimmy Garoppolo, SF (waiver wire: 5-10%)
5. QB Mike White, NYJ (waiver wire: 3-5%)
6. QB Kyle Allen, WAS (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
7. QB David Blough, DET (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
8. QB Colt McCoy, ARI (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
9. QB Cooper Rush, DAL (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
10. QB Trevor Siemian, NO (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)
11. QB P.J. Walker, CAR (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex)

Quarterback Downgrade

1. QB Jameis Winston, NO (waiver wire: DROP)
2. QB Ryan Tannehill, TEN (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX)
3. QB Taylor Heinicke, WAS (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX)
4. QB Jared Goff, DET (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX)
5. QB Justin Herbert, LAC
6. QB Trey Lance, SF (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX)
7. QB Sam Darnold, CAR (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX)
8. QB Trevor Lawrence, JAX (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX)
9. QB Kyler Murray, ARI
10. QB Matt Ryan, ATL
11. QB Zach Wilson, NYJ (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX)

Running Back Upgrade

1. RB Michael Carter, NYJ (waiver wire: 50+%)
2. RB Adrian Peterson, TEN (waiver wire: 25-50%)
3. RB Ty Johnson, NYJ (waiver wire: 20-40%)
4. RB Boston Scott, PHI (waiver wire: 20-40%)
5. RB Elijah Mitchell, SF
6. RB Jeremy McNichols, TEN (waiver wire: 12-25%)
7. RB Mark Ingram, NO (waiver wire: 10-20%)
8. RB Carlos Hyde, JAX (waiver wire: 5-10%)
9. RB Melvin Gordon, DEN
10. RB Javonte Williams, DEN
11. RB Jordan Howard, PHI (waiver wire: 1%)
12. RB Mekhi Sargent, TEN (waiver wire: 1%)

Running Back Downgrade

1. RB Derrick Henry, TEN (waiver wire: DROP IN REDRAFT IF NO IR SPOT )
2. RB Kenneth Gainwell, PHI (waiver wire: DROP)
3. RB Antonio Gibson, WAS (waiver wire: HOLD)
4. RB Alex Collins, SEA (waiver wire: HOLD EXCEPT IN SHORT BENCH LEAGUES)
5. RB James Robinson, JAX
6. RB Jamaal Williams, DET (waiver wire: DROP)

Wide Receiver Upgrade

1. WR Tyler Boyd, CIN (waiver wire: 15-30%)
2. WR Jamison Crowder, NYJ (waiver wire: 15-30%)
3. WR Tyler Lockett, SEA
4. WR Randall Cobb, GB (waiver wire: 12-25%)
5. WR Michael Pittman, IND
6. WR Brandon Aiyuk, SF (waiver wire: 10-20%)
7. WR Cole Beasley, BUF
8. WR Jamal Agnew, JAX (waiver wire: 7-15%)
9. WR Elijah Moore, NYJ (waiver wire: 5-10%)
10. WR Tajae Sharpe, ATL (waiver wire: 1%)

Wide Receiver Downgrade

1. WR Calvin Ridley, ATL (waiver wire: HOLD FOR ONE WEEK)
2. WR Tim Patrick, DEN (waiver wire: DROP)
3. WR Kalif Raymond, DET (waiver wire: DROP)
4. WR Laviska Shenault, JAX (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
5. WR DeVonta Smith, PHI (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
6. WR Courtland Sutton, DEN
7. WR Rondale Moore, ARI (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER)
8. WR Mike Williams, LAC
9. WR DeAndre Hopkins, ARI
10. WR Justin Jefferson, MIN
11. WR Jerry Jeudy, DEN (waiver wire: HOLD)
12. WR Emmanuel Sanders, BUF

Tight End Upgrade

1. TE Evan Engram, NYG (waiver wire: 15-30%)
2. TE Pat Freiermuth, PIT (waiver wire: 10-20%)
3. TE Dan Arnold, JAX (waiver wire: 7-15%)
4. TE T.J. Hockenson, DET
5. TE Logan Thomas, WAS (waiver wire: 7-15%)
6. TE Dallas Goedert, PHI
7. TE Tyler Conklin, MIN (waiver wire: 1%)

Tight End Downgrade

1. TE Robert Tonyan Jr, GB (waiver wire: DROP)
2. TE Ricky Seals-Jones, WAS (waiver wire: DROP)
3. TE Kyle Pitts, ATL
4. TE Mo Alie-Cox, IND (waiver wire: DROP)
5. TE Noah Fant, DEN (waiver wire: DROP IN SHORT BENCH LEAGUES)
6. TE Rob Gronkowski, TB (waiver wire: HOLD)

Quarterback Upgrade

QB Kyle Allen, WAS - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Allen's name could be in the mix to start for Washington after their Week 9 bye after Taylor Heinicke disappointed again in the loss to Denver.

QB David Blough, DET - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Blough doesn't have much to offer this offense, but Jared Goff has been so bad that a quarterback change for the sake of defeating team discouragement is on the table during the bye.

QB Justin Fields, CHI - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Fields looked like he was playing freer with Matt Nagy not on the sidelines due to covid. He had a sensational fourth-down touchdown run and finally came through for fantasy teams, although his outlook for this week is dimmer against the Steelers, Nagy or no Nagy.

QB Jimmy Garoppolo, SF - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Garoppolo looked renewed and ran in two scores in the win against the Bears to keep the 49ers playoff pulse alive. He'll have a matchup with Arizona this week and has tightened his hold on the starting job.

QB Taysom Hill, NO - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - We already know that Hill can perform up to fantasy QB1 standards when he starts. He'll take over for the fallen Jameis Winston as soon as he's over the concussion that has kept him out since Week 5.

QB Colt McCoy, ARI - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - McCoy could get a start this week if Kyler Murray's ankle sprain keeps him out against the 49ers even though he's had a few extra days of rest coming off of a Thursday night game.

QB Cooper Rush, DAL - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Rush was excellent for an unheralded backup in the win over the Vikings. If the Cowboys decide to take it slow with Dak Prescott's return (in part because of Rush's good play), Rush will have some 2QB/Superflex value against Denver this week.

QB Trevor Siemian, NO - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Siemian was solid, but unspectacular,, in relief of Jameis Winston, but it was enough along with some timely defense to get the win. Siemian will be a viable streamer in Week 9 against Atlanta if Taysom Hill isn't over his concussion, but Hill will start as soon as he is ready.

QB Tyrod Taylor, HOU - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Taylor not being ready this week is a bit of a yellow flag, but his fantasy upside as a running quarterback who will also be playing from behind a lot is undeniable. Add him in hopes that he'll return to face Miami if he hasn't been added yet in your league.

QB P.J. Walker, CAR - (waiver wire: 1% in very deep/2QB/Superflex) - Walker could get a start against the Patriots if Sam Darnold isn't recovered from the concussion that knocked him out of Week 8.

QB Mike White, NYJ - (waiver wire: 3-5%) - White hung a 400-yard game on the Bengals defense that just frustrated Lamar Jackson and otherwise made the Mike LaFleur offense come alive in a way that Zach Wilson hadn't. He'll start against the reeling Colts on Thursday and has some 2QB/Superflex appeal with an outside chance to hold the job after Wilson returns from his knee injury.

Quarterback Downgrade

QB Sam Darnold, CAR - (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX) - Darnold wasn't playing well against a poor Falcons defense and then he left with a concussion. His Week 9 status for the matchup against a Patriots team he has struggled against is uncertain.

QB Jared Goff, DET - (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX) - Goff was terrible yet again, enough to make you wonder if he'll be the starter coming out of the bye.

QB Taylor Heinicke, WAS - (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX) - We could easily get news over the bye that the Football Team has decided to bench Heinicke for Kyle Allen. Stay tuned in 2QB/Superflex.

QB Justin Herbert, LAC - Herbert is in a slump. He should be a solid play against the Eagles, but he isn't the every-week fantasy QB1 we hoped for, and should only be plugged in against good matchups like the one he has in Week 9.

QB Trey Lance, SF - (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX) - Lance isn't going to start again this year unless Jimmy Garoppolo gets hurt. The frequency of that in the past means that Lance is still a hold in 2QB/Superflex.

QB Trevor Lawrence, JAX - (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX) - Lawrence did about as little with 54 pass attempts versus a poor defense that could expect for fantasy. Even with his running ability and constant helping of garbage time defenses, he's only a desperation play across formats, with the Bills up next.

QB Kyler Murray, ARI - We can't hold Murray's fantasy performance totally against him as it was just bad luck that the Cardinals scored all three touchdowns on the ground. He's a downgrade because he suffered an ankle injury that could affect his Week 9 availability against the 49ers.

QB Matt Ryan, ATL - Losing Calvin Ridley is going to make everything harder for Ryan, and the Saints defense this week won't help matters. He's just a desperation play even in 2QB/Superflex.

QB Ryan Tannehill, TEN - (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX) - Tannehill could get to pass more with Derrick Henry out, but the Titans offense also becomes a lot easier to defend. He's only viable in 2QB/Superflex leagues now.

QB Zach Wilson, NYJ - (waiver wire: DROP IN 1QB, HOLD IN 2QB/SUPERFLEX) - Wilson's deficiencies running the Jets offense were on display as Mike White made it look viable where Wilson was unable. It's possible Wilson may not get his job back this year if White keeps this up.

QB Jameis Winston, NO - (waiver wire: DROP) - Winston suffered a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season

Running Back Upgrade

RB Michael Carter, NYJ - (waiver wire: 50+%) - Carter came alive with a full game of Mike White. He should be in lineups on Thursday against the Colts.

RB Melvin Gordon, DEN - Gordon scored twice and had a key fumble in the win over Washington, but his upgrade is because the Broncos traded Von Miller in a sign that they could still deal Gordon before the trade deadline.

RB Jordan Howard, PHI - (waiver wire: 1%) - Howard accounted for two scores in the blowout win and looked strong running downhill. He might have become the backup to Boston Scott and otherwise earned a larger role in the backfield going forward.

RB Carlos Hyde, JAX - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Hyde could start against the Bills this week if James Robinson's heel injury keeps him on the sidelines, but his fantasy potential is low.

RB Mark Ingram, NO - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Ingram looked reborn against the Bucs and should be a bigger factor going forward with the Saints likely morphing into an even run-heavier offense with Jameis Winston sidelined.

RB Ty Johnson, NYJ - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Johnson scored and had another strong game as a receiver in the upset win over the Bengals. He's behind Michael Carter for touches but still has enough value in PPR leagues to merit a flex/emergency RB2 start against the Colts on Thursday night.

RB Jeremy McNichols, TEN - (waiver wire: 12-25%) - McNichols is the current backup to Derrick Henry, so he was first in line for touches with Henry out for 6-10 weeks, but the team plans on signing Adrian Peterson, so McNichols' role may not change much, if at all, if Peterson is up to the task of replacing Henry.

RB Elijah Mitchell, SF - Mitchell had a big game against a rough run defense in Chicago. He's a strong RB2 going forward with Jeff Wilson still weeks away from a return.

RB Adrian Peterson, TEN - (waiver wire: 25-50%) - The Titans plan on signing Peterson to the practice squad and promoting him to the active roster. He's an ideal replacement for Derrick Henry with a powerful style and workhorse mentality.

RB Mekhi Sargent, TEN - (waiver wire: 1%) - The Titans like Sargent, who should get a callup to the active roster in the wake of the Derrick Henry injury. He could surprise and earn a larger than anticipated role in the backfield.

RB Boston Scott, PHI - (waiver wire: 20-40%) - Scott scored twice in the win over Detroit and he gets the weak Chargers run defense next. He's still only a flex/emergency RB2, but you can see his ceiling with Kenny Gainwell fading into the background.

RB Javonte Williams, DEN - Williams is an upgrade on the speculative possibility that Melvin Gordon will get dealt since the Broncos traded Von Miller to the Rams.

Running Back Downgrade

RB Alex Collins, SEA - (waiver wire: HOLD EXCEPT IN SHORT BENCH LEAGUES) - Collins isn't healthy, but could come out of the bye fresh and have a better second half. Chris Carson could return for Week 10, or not play again this year, as neck injuries are unpredictable.

RB Kenneth Gainwell, PHI - (waiver wire: DROP) - Gainwell's production shrunk even though Miles Sanders was out for Week 8. He got a lot of opportunities to run but was unsuccessful on most of them. Jordan Howard took over the heavy lifting when the game was decided, so Gainwell didn't get into the touchdown scoring party.

RB Antonio Gibson, WAS - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Gibson's role got even smaller in Week 8 even though the injury report made it seem like things were going in the right direction. He'll get to rest during the bye, but we probably need to see a big game from him before we trust him in lineups again.

RB Derrick Henry, TEN - (waiver wire: DROP IN REDRAFT IF NO IR SPOT ) - Henry will have foot surgery this week and only be back before the end of the fantasy season if he pushes to the early end of the 6-10 week return to play timeline

RB James Robinson, JAX - Robinson left Week 8 early with a heel injury that is not serious. His Week 9 status is unknown.

RB Jamaal Williams, DET - (waiver wire: DROP) - Williams missed Week 8 because of a thigh injury. He should return after the bye, but he is only going to have value if D'Andre Swift misses time in the second half of the season.

Wide Receiver Upgrade

WR Jamal Agnew, JAX - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Agnew isn't going away as a core part of the Jaguars offense. He scored against the Seahawks and actually got more snaps than Laviska Shenault. He'll be a what the heck flex against the Bills.

WR Brandon Aiyuk, SF - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Aiyuk has returned to a starter's role and target share for the 49ers just as Jimmy Garoppolo has reasserted himself, keeping the passing offense viable. There might not be as many targets to go around when George Kittle returns, but each target should be worth more in a better offense.

WR Cole Beasley, BUF - Beasley had his second big week in a row to help convince fantasy teams to keep him in through the ups and downs as a PPR WR3/Flex.

WR Tyler Boyd, CIN - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Boyd had a strong game as the Bengals' passing attack was as evenly distributed among the top three receivers as it has been all year. Even if this isn't sure to become a trend, Boyd is talented enough to merit a pickup to make sure no one else can benefit from it if it does persist.

WR Randall Cobb, GB - (waiver wire: 12-25%) - Cobb scored twice as the leader of the depleted Packers wide receiver corps and the injury to Robert Tonyan Jr should make him the top target in the middle of the field. He'll be a WR3/Flex option against the Chiefs.

WR Jamison Crowder, NYJ - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Crowder led the Jets wide receivers in targets in Week 8, a good sign of his value for as long as Mike White is the quarterback and possibly beyond if Zach Wilson improves at running the offense. Crowder is a solid PPR WR3/Flex against the Colts on Thursday.

WR Tyler Lockett, SEA - Lockett bounced back with a vengeance against the Jaguars. Even if Russell Wilson isn't ready to go after this week's bye, we won't be putting Lockett on our benches again.

WR Elijah Moore, NYJ - (waiver wire: 5-10%) - Moore was only in on about a third of the snaps, but he still caught six passes for 67 yards and could be starting to emerge with the passing offense settling down under the leadership of Mike White.

WR Michael Pittman, IND - Pittman was the clear #1 receiver even with T.Y. Hilton back in the lineup (briefly) in Week 8. He's unbenchable going forward and a DFS anchor against the Jets on Thursday night.

WR Tajae Sharpe, ATL - (waiver wire: 1%) - Sharpe is the de facto #1 receiver while Calvin Ridley is on mental health leave. He's still only a desperation play, but he knows Arthur Smith's offense well from their time together in Tennessee.

Wide Receiver Downgrade

WR DeAndre Hopkins, ARI - Hopkins struggled with a hamstring issue and missed some time against the Packers. He has three extra days to recover after the Thursday night game, but these problems can linger, so we'll be watching his practice reports closely.

WR Justin Jefferson, MIN - Jefferson got banged up and had an all-around rough night against the Cowboys. He's still a must-start but carries little momentum into a Week 9 date with the Ravens.

WR Jerry Jeudy, DEN - (waiver wire: HOLD) - If the Broncos pass offense can't produce a solid fantasy play against Washington, then what do we have? Jeudy might be excused since it was his first week back, so hold him to see what he does against Dallas.

WR Rondale Moore, ARI - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - The Cardinals have been trying to get Moore involved in the offense, but he has cooled off following a hot start. He's more convincing more as a role player with desperation play value than a potential breakout rookie in fantasy leagues.

WR Tim Patrick, DEN - (waiver wire: DROP) - With Jerry Jeudy back, Patrick had his lowest target total on the year: 3. He's not worth carrying in typical leagues.

WR Kalif Raymond, DET - (waiver wire: DROP) - Raymond looked like an emerging #1 receiver - at least for the 2021 Lions - and then faded into the background in the embarrassing loss to the Eagles. Back to waiver wire...

WR Calvin Ridley, ATL - (waiver wire: HOLD FOR ONE WEEK) - Ridley stepped away from the team indefinitely to deal with mental health issues. He could be back in a few weeks, he could never play football again. Let's see if there's any news on this week before dropping him.

WR Emmanuel Sanders, BUF - Sanders had a week-killing zero, but he has also had two two-touchdown games and the Bills offense was dormant for a half, so we will forgive him as long as he bounces back against Jacksonville.

WR Laviska Shenault, JAX - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Shenault could hit eventually, but it's not in the cards with this version of Jaguars. He seems to be third at best in the pecking order in an anemic passing offense.

WR DeVonta Smith, PHI - (waiver wire: DROP FOR 10-20% OR HIGHER) - Smith is blending into a low wattage pass offense as Dallas Goedert appeared to be Jalen Hurts favorite target in Week 8. He's a desperation play until he heats up again.

WR Courtland Sutton, DEN - Sutton had a disappointing week against Washington in a bad sign for his value going forward.

WR Mike Williams, LAC - Williams is fading, but it could be in part because Bill Belichick sought to take him away in the contest with the Patriots. This week vs. the Eagles should be better for Williams. If it isn't we might be benching him in shallower leagues.

Tight End Upgrade

TE Dan Arnold, JAX - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - Arnold had a good fantasy week, but it took 54 painful attempts from Trevor Lawrence to get there. He's a fine plug-in at tight end in PPR leagues but will be inconsistent with a dependence on volume for value.

TE Tyler Conklin, MIN - (waiver wire: 1%) - Conklin had a solid PPR game in a low-scoring contest where the Cowboys held down the Vikings offense. He is at worst a viable streaming option this week against the Ravens.

TE Evan Engram, NYG - (waiver wire: 15-30%) - Engram will play on Monday night, but his upgrade comes from the potential to get traded at the deadline to a better offense and better role.

TE Pat Freiermuth, PIT - (waiver wire: 10-20%) - Freiermuth had maybe the play of the game for the Steelers on his crucial go-ahead touchdown on a contested catch. Eric Ebron should be a nonfactor even when he is healthy as the Steelers have found a keeper in their second round pick.

TE Dallas Goedert, PHI - Goedert was clearly Jalen Hurts favorite target in the win over the Lions. The Eagles' pass offense is meager and mercurial, but Goedert is worth a play in Week 9 against the Chargers.

TE T.J. Hockenson, DET - The worse the Lions play, the better it is for Hockenson's fantasy value. He was solid as a short-range option in the blowout loss to the Eagles and could have a better second half than first.

TE Logan Thomas, WAS - (waiver wire: 7-15%) - There's no guarantee that Thomas will return after the Week 9 bye, but he should be close. The Washington pass offense hasn't been the best producer of fantasy value, but Thomas was consistent before going out with a hamstring injury. He's a preemptive pickup if you are desperate at tight end.

Tight End Downgrade

TE Mo Alie-Cox, IND - (waiver wire: DROP) - Alie-Cox was an afterthought in Week 8 after he had built great momentum in fantasy leagues going into the game, which was high-scoring as expected. He's back to being a desperation play.

TE Noah Fant, DEN - (waiver wire: DROP IN SHORT BENCH LEAGUES) - Fant has been making too many mistakes and now Albert Okwuegbunam is getting healthy, so Fant's time as a solid TE1 is coming to a close.

TE Rob Gronkowski, TB - (waiver wire: HOLD) - Gronkowski left with back spasms in what could be an ominous sign for his value going forward. He will have the bye to rest his various maladies, so hold him until Week 10 if you can.

TE Kyle Pitts, ATL - Pitts was blotted out by Stephon Gilmore in a great sign for the respect he gets, but a terrible sign of how he will be treated going forward with Calvin Ridley away from the team indefinitely. The Saints are up next and could use Marshon Lattimore on the talented rookie.

TE Ricky Seals-Jones, WAS - (waiver wire: DROP) - Seals-Jones was a dud with the rest of the Washington pass offense in the loss at Denver. With a bye up and Logan Thomas close to a return, Seals-Jones is droppable.

TE Robert Tonyan Jr, GB - (waiver wire: DROP) - Tonyan tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the season