Week 9 Waiver Wire: Identifying the 10 Best Emergency Adds

It's only Tuesday, but it's never too early to start looking ahead to the Week 9 waiver wire for emergency 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 those two starts. He has the athletic ability to scramble for yards, but is he a game-saver at quarterback? No—but he has 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 been flat-out 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 Jonathan Baldwin, Chiefs (0.4%)

A first-round pick that had been sidelined to start 2011, Baldwin burst onto the scene Monday night with five catches for 82 yards and a score against the Chargers. The Chiefs have said that they want to get Baldwin more involved in the offense and that showed on Monday night. They mostly used him in three-receiver sets, with Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston occupying the outside. He's going to get favorable matchups, and with Matt Cassel playing as well as he is, Baldwin is definitely worth a look this week.  

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 had 16 catches and a score. Even when Hines Ward returns, Brown will get his looks.

WR Early Doucet, Cardinals (10.3%) 

Andre Roberts still sits above him on the Cardinals' depth chart, but that hasn't stopped Doucet from playing like a starter this season. Statistically, his 359 yards and three scores put him near the top of most free-agent pools at the receiver position. Doucet has been fairly consistent, too: In four of the seven games in 2011, Doucet has eight or more fantasy points (standard leagues).

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 Brent Celek, Eagles (5.6%)

I'd expect Celek's ownership percentage to spike in coming days, so go get him now if you need a tight end. And really, he's a tremendous option to pick up this week and start the rest of the season. Celek has finally been integrated back into the Eagles' offense, and he's responded with 136 yards and a pair of scores over the past two games. He's a must-add for those weak at tight end.  

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.