As we approach Week 9 of the fantasy football season, managers face a dynamic waiver wire landscape filled with opportunities and challenges. With four teams—Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, and the New York Jets—on a bye, numerous quality players will be temporarily inactive. Additionally, injuries and the looming trade deadline on November 4th could lead to significant roster shake-ups. To navigate this week effectively, fantasy owners must stay vigilant, ready to adjust their lineups and make strategic additions or drops based on emerging circumstances.
### Teams on Bye and Key Players to Watch
The four teams on bye this week mean that several notable players will be on the sidelines, but many of these players remain valuable assets to target for the remainder of the season. Among these are quarterbacks like Justin Fields and Harold Fannin Jr., tight ends David Njoku and Mason Taylor, and running backs such as Saquon Barkley and Quinshon Judkins. While these players won’t contribute in Week 9, their roles and potential for the rest of the season make them worthy additions, especially in deeper leagues.
However, injuries cloud the outlook for some of these key players. For example, Saquon Barkley is dealing with a groin injury, and Quinshon Judkins is sidelined due to a shoulder issue. The extent of their injuries remains unclear, so fantasy managers should consider adding handcuffs or alternative starters like Dylan Sampson and Tank Bigsby preemptively. These backups could see increased workloads if Barkley or Judkins are unable to return promptly.
### Potential Trade Deadline Impact
The trade deadline on November 4th adds another layer of complexity. Players such as Breece Hall, Tony Pollard, Jakobi Meyers, Calvin Ridley, and Chigoziem Okonkwo might be on the move, which could open the door for other players to see an uptick in opportunity and production. For instance, if Hall or Pollard are traded, running backs like Tyjae Spears and Isaiah Davis could benefit, while wide receivers Tre Tucker and Chimere Dike might see increased targets if Meyers or Ridley change teams. Similarly, Gunnar Helm could gain more snaps if Okonkwo is traded.
Fantasy managers should closely monitor trade rumors and be ready to pounce on these potential breakout candidates, as these players could become valuable contributors down the stretch.
### Quarterbacks: Who to Add and Drop
Several quarterbacks are dealing with injuries or are on bye, shaping the waiver wire landscape. Notable quarterbacks on bye include Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, Justin Fields, and Dillon Gabriel. Meanwhile, several QBs have injury concerns: Lamar Jackson (hamstring), Jayden Daniels (hamstring), Brock Purdy (toe), Kyler Murray (foot), Michael Penix Jr. (foot), J.J. McCarthy (ankle), Carson Wentz (shoulder), Bryce Young (ankle), Joe Burrow (toe), and Anthony Richardson (eye).
Among available quarterbacks in shallower leagues, Joe Flacco stands out despite being rostered in 84% of leagues. Flacco has been a consistent fantasy performer since taking over in Cincinnati, scoring at least 22.8 fantasy points in all three of his starts. He offers top-10 upside and faces the Chicago Bears in Week 9, making him a strong streaming option for fantasy managers.
Brock Purdy, although sidelined for four weeks, is hopeful to return in Week 9 against the Giants. In his limited appearances this season, Purdy has shown the ability to produce over 20 fantasy points, so he’s worth monitoring if he’s available.
Aaron Rodgers has been surprisingly productive, scoring over 20.8 fantasy points in each of his last three games. Facing the Colts in Week 9, Rodgers is a viable low-end starting option and has favorable matchups coming up against Cincinnati and Chicago.
Kyler Murray is returning from both a bye week and a two-game absence due to a foot injury. His Week 9 matchup against Dallas could be a good opportunity to see if he can perform at a low-end starter level once healthy.
C.J. Stroud, although less appealing in Week 9 against Denver, has shown promise with 22.4 or more fantasy points in three of his past four games. With favorable matchups looming against Jacksonville and Tennessee, Stroud may be worth rostering in deeper leagues.
On the other hand, Kirk