Fantasy Football Week 9 Flex Rankings, Waiver-Wire Targets and Projections

Midway through the NFL season, fantasy managers are likely looking to add to their teams to beef up their rosters, supplement injuries or underperformance, or stash a potential contributor for further down the line.

All while ensuring they have the best FLEX options in their lineup from week to week.

Ahead of a potentially pivotal Week 9, find out who the top FLEX starts are and which waiver wire additions to keep an eye on, in this preview.

FLEX Rankings for Week 9

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1. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins

2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals

3. Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams at Washington Commanders

4. Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

5. Kenneth Walker, RB, Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Jets

6. Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers vs. Denver Broncos

7. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys at Indianapolis Colts

8. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons vs. Cincinnati Bengals

9. Javonte Williams, RB, Dallas Cowboys at Indianapolis Colts

10. Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles

11. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts vs. Dallas Cowboys

12. James Cook III, RB, Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings

13. Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams at Washington Commanders

14. Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots

15. Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

16. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons

17. Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders at San Francisco 49ers

18. Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons

19. Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens

20. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins

Seth McGowan, RB, Indianapolis Colts

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A report from Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport over the weekend that the Colts are open to trading star back Jonathan Taylor, coupled with a 42-7 blowout loss to the Jaguars, means we are likely closer than ever to McGowan being the primary back in the Indianapolis offense.

The seventh-round pick out of Kentucky may have seen limited touches thus far in 2026, but that will change if and when Taylor is dealt.

Through his first eight weeks with the Colts, McGowan has carried 37 times for 163 yards, an average of 4.4. Against the Jaguars on Sunday, he averaged 5.8 yards per carry.

He is a power runner with good vision, which means he is unlikely to explode through the defensive front, but he will bowl over opposing players and can pick up tough yardage to give the Colts some sort of identity offensively.

A worthy grab and stash candidate, thanks to the uncertainty surrounding Taylor and the rest of the Colts' key offensive players, he is available in 80 percent of leagues, according to Fantasy Pros.

Far from a sure-thing, he will at least see more touches as the Colts look to preserve Taylor from injury, and managers in need of running back depth should consider him.

Projection: 8 carries, 45 yards, 1 rec, 5 yards

DeMaro Douglas, WR, New England Patriots

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Over the last four games, Douglas has scored four touchdowns, tallied 17 catches, and accumulated 250 yards.

He has finished in the top 10 at his position three times and, yet, remains available in over 60 percent of leagues, per Fantasy Pros.

Quickly becoming one of Drake Maye's favorite targets in scoring situations, Douglas has plenty of upside for fantasy managers and should be at or near the top of all waiver wire add lists.

That he has a Week 9 match-up against a middle-of-the-pack Green Bay defense should be even more encouraging for those in need of wide receiver depth or an upgrade at the position.

The reception numbers may not be there on paper, but he finds the end zone and is well worth the risk.

Projection: 3 rec, 50 yards, TD