NFL Week 9 Waiver Wire: Vikings QB Christian Ponder and Others You Must Add

It's only Monday, but it's never too early to start looking ahead to the Week 9 waiver wire for help in the coming weeks. Here's a list of available guys who played well in Week 8 and could help moving forward:

QB Christian Ponder, Vikings (Owned in 15.5% of ESPN leagues)

Ponder now has two NFL starts under his belt, so we have a better idea of what we're getting from week to week. The Vikings rookie quarterback has thrown for over 200 yards with a score in each of his first two starts. He also has the athletic ability to scramble for yards. Is he a game-saver at quarterback? No. But he's been better than a lot of fantasy quarterbacks through his first two games. 

RB Javon Ringer, Titans (2.3%)

At what point do the Titans have to give more carries to Ringer? He's flat-out been better than Chris Johnson in 2011. I wouldn't count on a big number of carries (he received 14 in Week 8) unless Johnson picks up an injury, but Ringer is a guy you can stash while continuing to monitor the Titans running back situation.

RB Maurice Morris, Lions (13.8%)

Who really knows when Jahvid Best (concussion) will return to the Lions active list? While Best is out, Morris will continue to be the beneficiary. He ran for 55 yards and a score on Sunday against the Broncos, and there should be red zone opportunities in the Lions offense. He's worth a pickup at this point. 

WR Antonio Brown, Steelers (23.8%)

There have been a few clunker performances, but Brown should be more widely owned. He has more total targets than Mike Wallace and is on pace for nearly 850 yards. Over the past two games, Brown has 16 catches and a score. Even when Hines Ward returns, Brown will get his looks.  

WR Michael Crabtree, 49ers (56.5%)

I'm finally coming around on Crabtree. He has 14 receptions and a score in his past two games. The 49ers are never going to be a high-flying, passing offense, but there's some value here. If you need receiver help, Crabtree can provide it.  

TE Scott Chandler, Bills (25.7%)

Chandler has caught more than two passes in just one game this season, but he's been a touchdown vulture all year. In seven games, Chandler has seven touchdowns. In standard leagues, there's not much more you can ask for in a waiver wire tight end. 

Bills DEF/ST (11.6%)

Yes, the Redskins are a depleted offense. They were missing several pieces and started John Beck at quarterback. But give credit where credit is due, and the Bills defense deserves some for their nine-sack, two-turnover shut out of the Redskins.