Week 9 Waiver Wire: Scouting the Best Available Players

Success in fantasy football doesn't happen without roster changes each season, and although that may go without saying, consistently checking the free agents is crucial and it is overlooked at times.

However, regardless of how deep your league runs, the players left on the market become less and less appealing as the season winds down. That being said, here are four players who should be available that can significantly help your team make a playoff run.

Jason Hill: WR, Jaguars

Jacksonville may have the worst passing offense in the game, but WR Jason Hill is gradually becoming a solid asset for rookie QB Blaine Gabbert to target.

Hill is second on the Jags in receptions, targets, yards and first downs, but leads the team with three receiving TDs. No, it's not overly appealing, however, Hill would make a solid backup for any of the receiving slots, provided that you need it.

That said, don't be surprised if he's Jacksonville's leading receiver by season's end.

Christian Ponder: QB, Vikings

As long as RB Adrian Peterson remains in Minnesota, rookie QB Christian Ponder will be a viable option in fantasy football.

Having a stout ground game takes a lot of pressure off the passing game, and based on how Ponder has played thus far, he appears to have a lot of potential. Obviously he's not a starter right now, but for those in a two-QB league, he deserves at least consideration.

Also, if your starting QB is underachieving and/or injured, it might not be a bad idea to window-shop for another QB, provided that you have no confidence in your backup.

Braylon Edwards: WR, 49ers

Braylon Edwards could be the steal of the free-agent market within the next couple of weeks. San Francisco continues to have success on the ground despite having no threat of a passing game.

All that could change this week, however, because although RB Frank Gore should have a solid game, having Edwards back gives QB Alex Smith another decent receiving target other than Michael Crabtree.

TE Vernon Davis may very well be San Fran's most talented receiving target, but he's underproducing this season thanks to the 49ers' injuries in the receiving corps. But with Edwards returning last week against Cleveland and having his most effective game this season (four catches for 42 yards), he's only going to produce more and more.

Doug Baldwin: WR, Seahawks

You know a team is lacking in the passing game when its best WR is a free agent in most leagues. Seattle's Doug Baldwin is part of an offense that ranks No. 24 in passing, however, he leads the Seahawks in receptions, yards, TDs and first downs.

Now he's obviously not going to be an every-week starter, but Baldwin can still give you a better shot at winning than an average receiver on a better offense.

Another thing playing in his fantasy favor is that Seattle usually falls behind early, so they have to throw sooner and more often. Therefore, the odds of him producing some solid numbers increase, which is better than having someone else start who's been underachieving.

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