Fantasy Football Week 9: LeGarrette Blount and The Waiver-Wire Must-Haves

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Midway through the 2010-11 NFL season, we have seen many new players making a name for themselves, as well as some legends proving that they still belong.

Surprisingly, there are still a ton of hidden gems available on waiver wires, such as LeGarrette Blount, in leagues all over who can be valuable assets to your squad.

The following "sleepers" will have big performances in Week 9.

Add these gems to your roster where needed ASAP.

QB Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Week 9 Opponent: Atlanta Falcons

If you are in desperate need of a quarterback with all of these injuries and poor performances, Josh Freeman is a great pickup.

Freeman has led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to three wins in their last four games. In those four games he has thrown for a total of four touchdowns and only one interception, while earning over 200 yards in each outing.

Freeman and the Buccaneers have a fairly easy schedule ahead of them with the exception of the rough, tough Baltimore Ravens and the always dangerous New Orleans Saints. Add this rising young star to your roster now, only being owned by 26.8 percent of fantasy teams according to ESPN.

WR Brandon Tate, New England Patriots

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Week 9 Opponent: Cleveland Browns

Before Week 9, Brandon Tate had not produced the way everyone expected him to once Randy Moss was traded. But this past Sunday, Tate had his first explosive performance of the season and his career.

Tate showed fantasy owners that they may want to scoop him up off the waiver wire before it's too late. Against the Minnesota Vikings, the wideout from UNC recorded three catches for 101 yards and one touchdown.

Tate has the skill and athleticism to put up numbers like this on a weekly basis and will have another terrific game this upcoming Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

QB Jason Campbell, Oakland Raiders

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Week 9 Opponent: Kansas City Chiefs

After a rough start to the 2010 NFL season, Jason Campbell has turned things around and been extremely productive of late.

In Week 7, against the Denver Broncos, Campbell threw 12-of-20 for 204 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Oakland Raiders to a 59-14 victory. Then in Week 8 he had an even better performance against the Seattle Seahawks, completing 15 passes out of 27 attempts for 310 yards and two touchdowns.

Going up against the 23rd overall ranked passing defense of the Kansas City Chiefs, Campbell would be an excellent quarterback to start in Week 9 if you are in need of a replacement.

WR Steve Breaston, Arizona Cardinals

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Week 9 Opponent: Minnesota Vikings

Steve Breaston made his return in Week 8 after recovering from a knee injury and showed exactly how much of a role he can play for his team. Against the Buccaneers, Breaston was targeted 11 times, making eight receptions for 147 yards, while also running the ball one time for 14 yards.

Since he has just returned from injury, many fantasy football users are unaware of the value he brings to your team, only being owned by 48.4 percent of fantasy teams.

RB LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Week 9 Opponent: Atlanta Falcons

Rookie LeGarrette Blount has begun to make a name for himself, playing exceptionally well in recent games.

In his first breakthrough performance against the St. Louis Rams in Week 7, Blount made 11 carries for 72 yards. He then had an even larger impact in Week 8, rushing 22 times for 120 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals.

Last week Blount was only owned by 1.0 percent of fantasy football teams, but that has now skyrocketed to 20.7 percent. Don't miss out on your chance to add this hidden gem that will soon blossom into one of the more dominant running backs in the National Football League.