Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups: Verdicts on Laurent Robinson and More Week 8 Studs

Alas, another week has come and gone in the NFL. The playoffs are going to be here before we know it.

I'm not talking about the NFL playoffs, of course. I'm talking about the fantasy playoffs, which are just a couple weeks away. If your season still needs saving, you better get off your duff and make some moves.

Then again, if your season does need saving, odds are it's because you don't know what the hell you're doing.

But don't worry, I'm not here to scold. I'm here to help. For example, you might be wondering which Week 8 studs are worth grabbing off the waiver wire.

Good question. Let's go ahead and discuss five of the studliest Week 8 studs.

Christian Ponder, QB, Minnesota Vikings

There generally aren't going to be many solid QBs to go around on the waiver wire on a week-to-week basis, but you're about see a lot of action around Christian Ponder. The rookie threw for 236 yards and a touchdown in Week 8, and has looked pretty solid in his two starts.

To be honest, the only rookie QB I'm not skeptical about this year is Cam Newton, and you do have to realize that Ponder and the Vikings have a bye in Week 9. He's not going to pay immediate dividends.

But once they get back, I actually think Ponder is going to be solid. The Vikings have to play some tough teams in the weeks immediately after their bye, but none of them defend the pass particularly well. If you absolutely need a quarterback, you could do worse.

Verdict: Pick him up

Reassuring tweet

Javon Ringer, RB, Tennessee Titans

I'm definitely stretching the limits of the word "stud" by including Javon Ringer in this particular discussion. He had just 60 yards on 14 carries in Week 8, adding five receptions for 42 yards.

The reason I am including Ringer is because he basically took over for Chris Johnson late in the game. He performed well, and the word around the campfire is that the work is going to keep coming.

I look at Ringer as a low-risk, high-reward kind of guy. If he doesn't perform, he is easily cut. If he performs well, he could see further increases in his workload. By extension, that will mean more points for you.

And that, of course, will mean a smile on your face.

Verdict: Pick him up

Reassuring tweet

Laurent Robinson, WR, Dallas Cowboys

When you think of Cowboys receivers, you think of Miles Austin and Dez Bryant. You don't think of Laurent Robinson.

But when Robinson hauls in five catches for 103 yards and a touchdown, you tend to take note.

However, it is a general rule of mine never to get too excited about guys who rack up a lot of points on a single play, and Robinson is guilty of doing just that. Most of his production came on a 70-yard touchdown catch. Take that away, and we're not talking about him.

Verdict: Pass

Just for funsies tweet

Brent Celek, TE, Philadelphia Eagles

I'm not one to toot my own horn, but I totally called Brent Celek having a big game against the Cowboys on Sunday night. Better yet, he surpassed my expectations by catching seven passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.

Celek has now caught touchdown passes in two straight weeks, and I think you can chalk his success up to improved play from Philly's offense. The Eagles look much sharper, and the results speak for themselves.

So my advice, such as it is, is to pick up Celek and hope that the Eagles can keep it up.

Verdict: Pick him up

Reassuring tweet

Scott Chandler, TE, Buffalo Bills

Scott Chandler started hot this season with four touchdown grabs in Buffalo's first three games, but he did nothing at all in their next three games.

In Week 8, Chandler resurfaced by catching two touchdown passes. He now has six in seven games, which is Calvin Johnson-like.

Nevertheless, I'm on the fence about Chandler because he's a clear feast-or-famine producer. If you're desperate, you should definitely pick him up and stayed tuned when the Bills are in the red zone. If you're not desperate, I'd lay off.

Verdict: Pick him up

Just for funsies tweet

That should do it for now. As you can see, there are some good options out there on the waiver wire. Go get 'em, and good hunting in Week 9.