Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Top Pickups for Week 9

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It's Week 9 of the 2012 NFL season, and that means that we've entered the second half of this year's fantasy football campaign, where every game takes on added importance as teams make a push for the playoffs and a shot at a championship.

As we enter the stretch run, it's more crucial than ever that fantasy owners improve their rosters wherever possible, so here's a look at a handful of players available in may leagues that can help you do just that.

Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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If you took an informal poll as to who the top three fantasy quarterbacks over the past three weeks are I'm sure that you'd hear names such as Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers, Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos.

I'm just as sure that very few people would mention Josh Freeman of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, only Rodgers has more fantasy points over the past three games than Freeman, who has averaged over 325 passing yards and three touchdowns a game over that stretch.

The fourth-year pro is still available in a number of leagues, but at this point he shouldn't be.

Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts

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Every season injuries lay waste to the running back position in fantasy football. Donald Brown of the Indianapolis Colts was one of the players who was felled in 2012, as a knee injury cost the fourth-year pro two games.

Brown returned to action last week against the Tennessee Titans and played well in a committee attack with rookie Vick Ballard, picking up 80 yards on 14 carries.

Granted, Brown isn't a worldbeater, but as Brown rounds back into form the timeshare in the Indy backfield should swing in his favor, making him a viable flex play or depth addition.

Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

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Speaking of injuries, the Pittsburgh Steelers have had a number of their own in the backfield, causing them to start Isaac Redman, Rashard Mendenhall and Jonathan Dwyer all at some point so far this year.

The past two games it's been Dwyer that's gotten the call, and the third-year pro has made the most of his increased playing time, topping the century mark in both contests.

Much like Brown, Dwyer isn't going to win many fantasy games single-handedly, but so long as Dwyer remains the lead back in the Steel City he's very much worth a roster spot.

Titus Young, WR, Detroit Lions

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I guess one man's curse is another man's gain.

With Calvin Johnson hampered by a bum knee, double coverage and a video game curse, second-year wide receiver Titus Young of the Detroit Lions had a huge game in Sunday's win over the Seattle Seahawks.

Young hauled in nine passes for 100 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the afternoon, and with Nate Burleson done for the year  with a broken leg, Young will continue to see increased targets in the Detroit passing game.

Given the attention that Johnson receives on the other side, that's a good thing, indeed.

Mike Williams, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Hurry to get your piece of the potent Tampa Bay passing attack!

And no, I haven't been drinking.

It stands to reason that with Josh Freeman putting up huge numbers that his receivers would benefit. While Vincent Jackson grabs all the headlines third-year pro Mike Williams has been grabbing his fair share of passes, as well.

The 25-year-old has reeled in 14 catches for 207 yards and two touchdowns over the past three games. With Jackson the focus of opposing defenses, the single coverage that Williams sees should lead to nice statistical production moving forward.