Week 9 Waiver Wire: Antonio Brown and the Waiver-Wire Must-Haves of Week 9

Now, entering Week 9, there are many intriguing matchups that will draw some fantasy sleepers into the spotlight.  Playmakers such as Antonio Brown and Lance Moore have really stood out the past few weeks, while promising young receivers like Brandon LaFell and Torrey Smith have started to find their role in their respective offenses.

The following waiver-wire must-haves will have big performances in the upcoming weeks.  Add these individuals to your team where needed ASAP, because they will not be available for long.

QB Colt McCoy, Cleveland Browns

Height: 6'1''

Weight: 215 pounds

Week 8 Stats: @ San Francisco, completed 22-of-34 attempted passes for 241 yards, one touchdown, one interception, a 64.7 completion percentage and 83.1 QB rating

Season Stats: Completed 163-of-286 attempted passes for 1,618 yards, nine touchdowns, five interceptions, a 57.0 completion percentage and 76.4 QB rating

Week 8 Fantasy Points: 12 

Total Fantasy Points (2011-12 season): 93

Percent Owned: 23.2

Week 9 Opponent: @ Houston Texans (5-3)

McCoy is a safe start against the Texans if you don't have an elite quarterback available.  However, don't expect anything spectacular.  It's looking like a 15-point day for Colt.

WR Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens

Height: 6'1''

Weight: 205 pounds

Week 8 Stats: vs. Arizona Cardinals, three receptions for 57 yards

Season Stats: 15 receptions for 326 yards and three touchdowns, one rushing attempt for 10 yards

Week 8 Fantasy Points: 5 

Total Fantasy Points: 50 

Percent Owned: 25.9

Week 9 Opponent: @ Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)

Torrey Smith has really proven that he can make an impact in this league, already assuming a fairly productive role in his first season with the Baltimore Ravens.  In a tough division battle against the Steelers, you can expect Smith to have a solid outing.  If Flacco performs well, Smith will have at least one touchdown.

TE Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers

Height: 6'5''

Weight: 256 pounds

Week 8 Stats: vs. New England Patriots, seven receptions for 85 yards

Season Stats: 30 receptions for 361 yards and two touchdowns, one rushing attempt for six yards

Week 8 Fantasy Points: 8 

Total Fantasy Points: 44

Percent Owned: 43.3

Week 9 Opponent: vs. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)

Miller has been one of the better TEs the past few weeks, earning at least eight fantasy points in three of his last four performances.  Miller should have at least a 10-point day, with Big Ben in need of that instant dish-off pass due to the ferocious Baltimore Ravens defense.

WR Brandon LaFell, Carolina Panthers

Height: 6'2''

Weight: 211 pounds

Week 8 Stats: vs. Minnesota Vikings, one reception for 44 yards

Season Stats: 17 receptions for 276 yards and two touchdowns

Week 8 Fantasy Points: 4 

Total Fantasy Points: 37

Percent Owned: 2.2

Week 9 Opponent: Bye, Titans (4-3) in Week 10

Brandon LaFell has only earned seven or more fantasy points three times so far this season.  However, LaFell has big-play potential but doesn't see enough touches.  When LaFell catches the ball he has been terrific, earning 16.2 yards per catch.  Soon enough LaFell will become a bigger part of Carolina's game plan.  

WR Lance Moore, New Orleans Saints

Height: 5'9''

Weight: 190 pounds

Week 8 Stats: @ St. Louis Rams, seven receptions for 74 yards and one touchdown

Season Stats: 30 receptions for 338 yards and two touchdowns

Week 8 Fantasy Points: 13 

Total Fantasy Points: 47

Percent Owned: 68.9

Week 9 Opponent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)

Lance Moore isn't available in many leagues, but if you are fortunate enough to snag him in Week 9 do so immediately.  Moore is a constant target for Brees because he's reliable and knows how to earn extra yardage after the catch.

TE Scott Chandler, Buffalo Bills

Height: 6'7''

Weight: 263 pounds

Week 8 Stats: vs. Washington Redskins, two receptions for 35 yards and two touchdowns

Season Stats: 15 receptions for 133 yards and six touchdowns

Week 8 Fantasy Points: 15 

Total Fantasy Points: 47

Percent Owned: 26.9

Week 9 Opponent: vs. New York Jets (4-3)

Scott Chandler has been on and off throughout the course of the first eight weeks, but if you are in need of a tight end and Heath Miller isn't available, then Chandler is the next best thing.  

The only problem with Chandler is that starting him is like playing Russian roulette: You really don't know what your going to get.  One game he earns zero fantasy points, and the next he puts up 15.  Add at your own risk, but definitely will payoff if he performs at his highest level of play, like in Weeks 1 and 8 (earning a combined 33 points).

WR James Jones, Green Bay Packers

Height: 6'1'' 

Weight: 208 pounds

Week 7 Stats: @ Minnesota Vikings, four receptions for 63 yards

Season Stats: 19 receptions for 326 yards and three touchdowns

Week 7 Fantasy Points: 6

Total Fantasy Points: 48

Percent Owned: 64.8

Week 9 Opponent: @ San Diego Chargers (4-3)

James Jones has been magnificent of late, recording a combined 45 fantasy points in his last four games.  As a proven playmaker Jones will continue to see plenty of action, making him a valuable asset to your fantasy squad.  

If you're going to pick him up, don't wait, because Jones isn't available in many leagues.  If you do have Jones be sure to start him this week against the Chargers.  Guaranteed 10-point minimum.

WR Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers

Height: 5'10'' 

Weight: 186 pounds

Week 8 Stats: vs. New England Patriots, nine receptions for 67 yards and one touchdown

Season Stats: 34 receptions for 431 yards and one touchdown, three rushing attempts for 19 yards

Week 8 Fantasy Points: 12 

Total Fantasy Points: 46

Percent Owned: 29.1

Week 9 Opponent: vs. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)

Antonio Smith has been very impressive in recent performances, and I don't expect him to slow down now.  Ben Roethlisberger really spreads the field by throwing to all of his receivers, which makes Smith a valuable asset because he has proven to be a playmaker.

WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, Oakland Raiders

Height: 6'2'' 

Weight: 210 pounds

Week 7 Stats: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, five receptions for 89 yards

Season Stats: 27 receptions for 434 yards and one touchdown

Week 7 Fantasy Points: 8

Total Fantasy Points: 46

Percent Owned: 59.5

Week 9 Opponent: vs. Denver Broncos (2-5)

In each of the last four weeks, Darrius Heyward-Bey has recorded at least eight fantasy points.  Once Carson Palmer gets familiar with the offense, Heyward-Bey will be a fantasy football gem.  If he's still available, pick him up ASAP.