Fantasy Football Waiver Wire, Week 9: Marvin Jones is What's Going On

Marvin Jones was mentioned here last week as a recommended pickup. This week, he will shoot from being owned in 45% of leagues (and that was up from 8% the week before) to probably being owned in 90% of leagues by week’s end. Obviously, he is going to be popular after 4 touchdowns. We are getting limited in options at the halfway point, so he is worth a chance if you need receiver help. Just know that a) touchdowns are volatile b) his snaps have been limited, so he needs to get more time on the field to continue his recent run. Mohamed Sanu did not practice, though, so Jones is going to get another opportunity to impress the coaches and demand more attention.

All of these players are available in at least a third of all leagues on CBS Sports.

QUARTERBACKS

Terrelle Pryor (63%) should be the target in shallower leagues, as the matchup against the Eagles should provide plenty of opportunities. In deeper leagues, I would go with Jake Locker (44%), as there will be opportunities on the outside as the Rams load up to stop the run. If you are in desperation mode, your choice is to go with Nick Foles (30%) against the Raiders (I would pass on Barkley), or Josh McCown (9%) against the Packers, or you could be brave and go with the Minnesota quarterback based on playing Dallas, who have given up huge chunks of yards.

RUNNING BACKS

Keep an eye on the Jamaal Charles situation. He will be on the injury report this week. Knile Davis (18%) would get a chance as the backup with Charles questionable, but I wouldn’t overspend here, because you would likely be waiting until game time, and also, I am not convinced there wouldn’t be a split with Davis and say, Dexter McCluster.

Other than that, you will likely have to look for matchup plays. It can work, or at least give you a chance in a bye week. Last week, I ended up starting Kendall Hunter in one spot because of the ideal matchup with the Jaguars. While he didn’t do anything in the first half, he ended with over 80 yards.

This week, look to Mike Tolbert (44%) at home against the Falcons. He’s been on a touchdown tear lately and will get opportunities against Atlanta. The other choice is James Starks (32%) vs. Bears.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Last week, I talked about getting Darrius Heyward-Bey (61%) with Reggie Wayne out, and with a bye, he might still be there. I also talked about the duo of Kendall Wright (50%) and Nate Washington (46%) against the Rams. I have a feeling one of them will put up top end numbers (maybe not a 80 yard catch and taunt like Golden Tate), just don’t ask me who will get the big play.

Eddie Royal (61%) has been a disappointment after all the early touchdowns, but this is a matchup against Washington that merits a start.

Emmanuel Sanders (54%) against the Patriots is another viable starting option for a guy who might be available.

Meanwhile, Kenny Stills (15%) is going to be boom/bust as the speed guy in the Devery Henderson role, but that can be a good thing in the flex role. We saw how much the Jets struggled to cover other receivers when Marvin Jones torched them.

Dexter McCluster (4%) is your sneaky play, especially if Jamaal Charles is out or limited against the Bills. He might get some carries to go with slot work on offense.

TIGHT ENDS

Andrew Quarless (15%) should be your matchup target at tight end this week, because the Bears have struggled covering the position all year.

If you don’t get Quarless, I would go for Tyler Eifert (57%) against the Dolphins, who rank in the bottom 8 in points allowed to tight ends.

DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS

This week, there are plenty of reasonable matchups to exploit if you play the waiver wire. Tennessee (52%) against the Rams offense with Kellen Clemens would be my first choice. Oakland (33%) going against the Eagles struggling offense, particularly if turnover machine Matt Barkley is playing, is a close second. Indianapolis (45%) against the Texans is a pretty good fall back option.

OVERVIEW

My top pickups for this week:

Marvin Jones
Darrius Heyward-Bey
Mike Tolbert
Kenny Stills
Knile Davis
Eddie Royal
Andrew Quarless
Nate Washington
Kendall Wright
Dexter McCluster