Fantasy football waiver wire players should be picked up for NFL Week 9

Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season is almost complete and it’s time to look ahead to Week 9 and evaluate what you need to win your fantasy football game next week.

Whether your team is still undefeated or you’re hovering around the second half of the standings, there’s plenty of depth available to help you make a strong push toward the finish line. Your next quarterback, running back and pass catcher can be found on the waiver wire to fill the gaps needed on your roster this week.

Here are eight players who could be available on the waiver wire this week.

Waiver Wire goals week 9:

*All roster numbers are via Yahoo Sports

RB Dalvin Cook, Dallas Cowboys

(Included in 20% of competitions)

Dalvin Cook was removed from the Cowboys’ practice squad after a bye week before the game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8. He was signed in late August and may still be available in your league. Cook could make an impact in a backfield where running backs Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott have seen a combined 97 carries for 361 yards and just one touchdown in six games.

During his six-year tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, Cook was a key workhorse at running back. He was eager to get back on the field after a disappointing 2023 season that saw him go without a touchdown for the first time in his career.

Elliott was also available in 75% of the competitions in Week 8.

WR Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks

(Recorded in 68% of competitions)

Lockett hasn’t set the world on fire this season, but could see more opportunities in the future depending on the status of wide receiver DK Metcalf, who was inactive for the Seahawks’ Week 8 game due to a knee injury. Lockett was primarily featured in three-receiver sets in Seattle’s run-heavy offense.

Oddly enough, some of Lockett’s most productive games this season have come against defenses that have given up the fewest points to receivers. That logic will be tested in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams, who have given up the 15th fewest fantasy points at the position.

WR Carlo Tilman, Cleveland Browns

(Recorded in 19% of competitions)

Tillman continues to improve his stock this week following the Cleveland Browns’ 29-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

He finished the game with seven receptions for 99 yards and caught two of quarterback Jameis Winston’s three touchdown passes. Tillman has been targeted 21 times in the last two games since the Browns traded Amari Cooper. Tillman was second on the team behind Elijah Moore with nine goals on Sunday.

Tillman’s final outing was a follow-up to his Week 7 effort against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he had eight receptions for 81 yards. He also caught the 2-point conversion attempt.

WR Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Included in 50% of competitions)

If you need depth at receiver and Tillman and Lockett are unavailable in your league, Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Jalen McMillan could be an option to consider.

McMillan was forced to take on a bigger role in Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons with both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out. Quarterback Baker Mayfield told reporters that offensive coordinator Liam Coen has done a good job of getting the offense ready to play without the pair of receivers.

McMillan caught just four of his seven targets for 35 yards in the loss. Sure, it wasn’t impressive, but maybe an extra week of preparation could get Mayfield and McMillan on the same page.

AT Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Recorded in 62% of competitions)

Otton should be strongly considered if you are not sold on McMillan or have a tight need. While McMillan struggled with an expanded role, Otton picked up some of the Buccaneers’ offensive production against the Falcons. He caught nine of his 10 targets for 81 yards and two touchdowns to celebrate National Tight Ends Day on Sunday.

Otton is coming off a strong two weeks after notching a then-season-high 14 points and recording eight receptions for 100 yards.

Otton could still have a big week ahead of him against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have given up the most fantasy points to tight ends through the first seven weeks of the season.

QB Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

(Recorded in 62% of competitions)

The rookie quarterback followed his most productive fantasy week with another in Week 8. Nix produced 29.76 fantasy points against the Carolina Panthers, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks through the first seven weeks. Nix completed 28 of 37 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns. He also contributed as a runner with four yards and a touchdown on five carries.

Nix plays this week against the Baltimore Ravens, who allow the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Considering he has recorded at least 21 points in three of his last four games, Nix could be in line for another big game in Week 9.

WR Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers

(Recorded in 36% of competitions)

The 2024 first-round pick made his NFL debut for the San Francisco 49ers last week against the Kansas City Chiefs after missing the first six games of the season following a gunshot wound he suffered during the offseason.

He had three receptions on five targets for 21 yards, but could be in line for more production as he gains more praise. While there is only a small sample size of Pearsall to evaluate, there is an opportunity for Pearsall to take on a larger workload as receiver Brandon Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL last week.

QB Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

(Recorded in 64% of competitions)

Tagovailoa missed the previous five weeks after suffering a concussion in Week 2 of the season, but performed well in his return on Sunday. He completed 28 of his 38 pass attempts for 234 passing yards and a touchdown in the Dolphins’ 28-27 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. He also rushed for 13 yards on three carries, showing he’s not afraid to still using his legs to bring the offense forward.

He finished with 14 points in what was considered a favorable game against the Cardinals, who allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

His Week 9 game isn’t considered favorable when the Dolphins travel to play the Buffalo Bills — the same team he was playing against when he suffered his last concussion — but he is expected to put up 16 fantasy points.