Fantasy Football Week 9: Risers, Fallers and Top Trade Candidates

On Tuesday, November 3, 2015, the most "exciting" day in all of sports that could impact fantasy football happened—the NFL trade deadline.

Well, that's a lie.

After what is usually a rather pointless day, no players were traded, except for Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas—almost.

While we as fans would like the see the NFL trade deadline be as exciting as the NBA or MLB deadlines, maybe it's better this way.

Why? Well, unlike the NBA and MLB, a football player can't be traded and immediately step out on the field and contribute—especially a skill position player.

Let's say a wide receiver is traded, or even a quarterback. Those types of roles need to learn a whole new offense. While it may not be a huge or drastic change from one system to another, in reality, it's much more so than baseball, where the player is simply tasked with doing the same thing they did on their previous team.

That's not to say baseball is easy—it's a hard sport and was my first love.

The only "headline" trade we did see involved the San Francisco 49ers shipping embattled tight end Vernon Davis to the Denver Broncos.

Sure, it adds another weapon for the Broncos, but let's pump the brakes on the narrative that this trade means the Broncos are "going for it all."

Remember, this isn't 2010 Davis.

Riser: DeAngelo Williams, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

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Likely popping up on every single waiver-add column across the Internet, Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams makes this list, too.

Sorry for the monotony. Well, kind of.

As you all know, Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell is done for the season, which gives Williams free rein over this backfield for the rest of the season.

And you know what? That's not a bad thing. Williams has been marvelous this season when he's played more than 10 snaps a game.

We know what he did during Bell's two-game suspension, and after Bell was forced to leave the game in Week 8, Williams received just nine carries but totaled over 70 yards.

If he's available in your league, go get him—obviously. But if you're one of those guys who kept him after Bell came back, you look like a genius.

Faller: Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers

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While this one is a bit of a gimme, San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde is in a mess of a situation.

We all knew San Francisco was a nightmare to begin with, but when you add in the signing of running back Pierre Thomas and the benching of quarterback Colin Kaepernick in favor of Blaine Gabbert, it's just bad. Not to mention Hyde is injured.

This "faller" description applies even when Hyde does return from injury. Thomas isn't horrible, and I'm surprised he had to wait until Week 9 to get a job.

While Hyde did see a ton of carries, he wasn't able to do a whole lot with them, averaging just over four yards per carry and going over 55 rushing yards just two times.

To conclude, Gabbert is the new starting QB and Thomas being on board makes for a situation you shouldn't want any part of, even when Hyde does return.

Riser: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Tennessee Titans

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Coming into this season, no one expected much out of Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham.

However, we all knew the talent was there, regardless of the off-the-field issues he had in college.

DGB is in an interesting situation now, though. Fellow wide receiver Kendall Wright has an MCL injury, and his status for Week 9 is up in the air. Now, I'm no expert, but don't expect him to play.

The Titans also fired head coach Ken Whisenhunt Tuesday, according to ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky, and have promoted tight ends coach Mike Mularkey to interim head coach.

With Wright out and a new man calling the shots, maybe, just maybe DGB gets a real shot to do something.

Faller: Jordan Cameron, TE, Miami Dolphins

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Done.

Absolutely, 100 percent done with Miami Dolphins tight end Jordan Cameron.

Again, another very obvious bust here, but please let me vent.

Cameron has been extremely frustrating on a team in which we could all agree should be much better than it is.

Cameron has caught more than three balls just once this season, and he has just a single touchdown catch.

He's droppable in all leagues. I'm done with him.

Funny thing is, you probably were weeks ago. I'm a sucker for believing he could turn it around.

Riser: Dontrelle Inman, WR, San Diego Chargers

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During the fantasy football season, there are always obvious guys we should pick up throughout the year. For example, this week it's Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams, and Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford. However, there are also those guys that can go under the radar and deliver you solid production.

Meet San Diego Chargers wide receiver Dontrelle Inman.

You may remember him from the end of the 2014 season. If not, let me refresh your memory.

During Weeks 16 and 17, fellow wide receiver Keenan Allen missed the end of the season with a collarbone injury.

During those two weeks, Inman saw a healthy amount of targets and posted exactly 79 receiving yards in both games, although he went without a touchdown.

With everyone looking at wide receivers Stevie Johnson and Malcom Floyd (and rightfully so), give Inman a shot. He could be a solid points-per-reception option down the stretch.

Faller: Anquan Boldin, WR, San Francisco 49ers

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What do you know? Two San Francisco 49ers players make the "fallers" section. Hmm, weird.

However, wide receiver Anquan Boldin, amid the 49ers demise, has actually been a decent fantasy option. Earlier this season, Boldin had a small stretch where he topped 100 yards twice, but he's had also had his fair share of bad games.

With the 49ers benching quarterback Colin Kaepernick, it's safe to say we really have no idea how much Blaine Gabbert will use him, or, quite frankly, if Gabbert is any good.

During his stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Gabbert didn't look like a competent NFL quarterback. You can give Gabbert the benefit of the doubt if you want, but I'm staying away from Boldin—and every 49ers player from here on out.

Trade Candidates

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Sell High: C.J. Anderson, RB, Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson actually did something in Week 8!

Running for over 100 yards in the Broncos' win over the Green Bay Packers, I'm not sure anyone actually had enough faith to start him.

Looking ahead, I'm convinced this was a fluke for Anderson. I'm still done with him.

If you can find a running back-needy owner who is willing to take a flier on Anderson, you can probably get 65 cents on the dollar as opposed to 25 cents just a week prior.

Buy Low: Giovani Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Over his last two contests, Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard is averaging just six touches per game, and saw just 3 in Week 8.

Bernard is obviously more valuable in points-per-reception leagues. However, Bernard has topped double-digit carries four times this season.

The decrease in touches is nothing you should be concerned about if you are an owner, but if he is owned by someone else in your league, shoot them an offer.

An example offer could be someone like New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks or Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns.

Get Rid Of: Melvin Gordon, RB, San Diego Chargers

As opposed to fellow rookie running back Todd Gurley, San Diego Chargers ball-carrier Melvin Gordon has been uninspiring.

As we know, the Danny Woodhead factor is legitimate. In addition to that, Gordon is averaging less than four yards per carry this season, has no rushing touchdowns and leads Anderson by just four fantasy points in points-per-reception leagues.

Likely taken within the first four rounds of your fantasy draft, it's time to part with Gordon.

All advanced stats courtesy of Pro Football Focus.

Follow me on Twitter @RichardJanvrin.