Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups, Best Fantasy Sleepers to Target After Box Score Review

Week 9 got underway on Thursday with a clash between the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins. Another 13 games have yet to unfold, and many managers will be looking for waiver-wire targets with a chance to shine in them.

Injuries are still a problem, and four teams—the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers—are on bye.

Here, you'll find a look at some of the top players who may still be available after waiver claims have been processed. We'll dive into past performances, what to expect in Week 9 ,and each player's point-per-reception (PPR) outlook.

Sam Darnold, QB, Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Stephen Brashear

The Seattle Seahawks have become one of the NFL's hottest teams, due in no small part to the play of quarterback Sam Darnold. The 2024 Pro Bowler is proving that last season with the Minnesota Vikings wasn't a fluke.

Darnold is averaging a respectable 16.3 fantasy points per game, making him a solid fill-in this week. There's a good chance that he'll outpace his usual production as well.

The Seahawks are set to visit the Washington Commanders, who have struggled against opposing passers this season. Washington ranks 30th in net yards per pass attempt allowed, and it has surrendered an average of 20.5 fantasy points to opposing QBs.

Darnold is still available in over half of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears

AP Photo/John Locher

The running back pool is shallow, especially after New York Giants back Tyrone Tracy Jr. was heavily claimed. He is likely to be New York's starter moving forward, now that Cam Skattebo is out for the year.

Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai is a clear backup to D'Andre Swift. However, he's starting to see an increased role and has some matchup-based deep-sleeper value moving forward.

While Monangai recorded just seven carries in Week 8, the Bears also spent most of the game playing catch-up with the Baltimore Ravens. Against the New Orleans Saints two weeks ago, he tallied 15 touches, 94 scrimmage yards and a touchdown.

This week, the Bears will visit the Cincinnati Bengals, who have surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Monangai is available in roughly 70 percent of ESPN and Yahoo leagues.

Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

Kayshon Boutte remains the top wide receiver to target, and he's still available in over 50 percent of Yahoo leagues and 60 percent of ESPN leagues.

Boutte has become an integral part of the New England Patriots' passing attack and one of Drake Maye's preferred targets. While Stefon Diggs still leads the Patriots in targets (49), receptions (42), and receiving yards (470), Boutte ranks second in yards (431) and leads the team with five touchdowns.

In each of his last three games, Boutte has both topped the 50-yard mark and found the end zone.

This week's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons isn't ideal. Atlanta has surrendered an average of just 22.1 fantasy points to opposing wide receiver groups this season. However, Boutte is starting to play like New England's best receiver, and top targets are always worth scooping up off the wire.

Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Ella Hall

The outlook for Juwan Johnson is a bit cloudy because the New Orleans Saints are making a quarterback change. Spencer Rattler is out, while rookie Tyler Shough is in. It's impossible to know how heavily Shough will target his top tight end.

New Orleans' matchup with a very good Los Angeles Rams defense is also concerning. While the Rams haven't completely shut down opposing tight ends, they've allowed just 9.5 points per week to the position group.

However, Johnson's production makes him worth an add. He's averaged 9.6 points per game, making him TE11 on the season entering Week 9.

Johnson has a respectable PPR floor this week and is a strong streamer moving forward. He's still available in over 60 percent of ESPN and Yahoo leagues.

*Fantasy roster and scoring information from FantasyPros.