Fantasy Football Waiver Wire, Week 9: Courtland Sutton Highlights a Week of Rookie Receivers

Courtland Sutton is the biggest winner of the NFL trade deadline, when veteran Demaryius Thomas was traded to the Houston Texans. I broke down this trade from a fantasy perspective already today and that has most of my thoughts on Sutton. But I will add that if you have read my FAAB primer, my advice would be push to close to all-in on Sutton, and at least 50% of your budget, if you need a starting WR option. It’s pretty rare to have this happen where a promising young player has the path cleared for him mid-season, barring an injury.

Sutton is available in nearly two-thirds of all leagues, so he should be a heavy waiver target over the next day. He’s not the only rookie wide receiver gaining steam, and read further for all my recommendations.

RUNNING BACKS

This is a slow week for running backs if you need help. I’m not sure there’s anything but a flex/bye week fill-in and hope situation. Frank Gore (58%) is probably your best committee back bet this week. That is, unless Royce Freeman is out again, in which case Devontae Booker (42%) would be a flex start again. Jamaal Williams (36%) is the other name to check on with the Packers shipping out Ty Montgomery.

That takes it from a three-man committee to two, increasing the chances for both Aaron Jones and Williams. As for Montgomery, Baltimore presents a similar crowded situation and he is more likely to eat into Javorius Allen’s value than create enough for himself.

If you are thinking longer term, one potential add is Elijah McGuire (9%), who is eligible to come off IR, in a situation with the Jets where Bilal Powell is now out for the year. Dont’a Foreman (20%) has still yet to return but is a low-end risk to get an increased role late in the year for Houston. Meanwhile, Theo Riddick (20%) was out again last week, but I could see him having increased value in PPR leagues with the Golden Tate trade, where he gets 6-7 catches per game.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Courtland Sutton is the #1 target this week by far, but other rookies should be rostered. D.J. Moore (16%) had 90 yards receiving last week for a career high, and the opportunity is there for the rookie to emerge over the second half of the season.

Tre'Quan Smith (62%) is still lurking and hasn’t had any big games since Ted Ginn went on IR, but still is going to see increased opportunities over the last half of the season.

Then, you still have the Miami Dolphins still hanging out there for you to use. Danny Amendola (31%) has been steadily racking up points–and even threw a TD last week– while DeVante Parker (16%) came back and had over 100 yards receiving.

TIGHT ENDS

Jack Doyle (38%) is on his bye week but he’s still a must-add, and gives you Top 5 tight end production potential over the next 8 games. When Doyle was out, Eric Ebron was among the highest-scoring tight ends, and Doyle returned last week and immediately was way more involved than Ebron, and scored a touchdown.

If you need someone for a spot start this week, pickings are slim. Chris Herndon (21%) has caught a TD pass in three straight games. He’s not been a highly targeted player, but there’s no better options out there and you can hope the streak continues.

QUARTERBACKS

Ryan Fitzpatrick (10%) is the man again, for now. And he’s been a Top 5 weekly QB when he has played, so if you need a good option, you have to go get him.

Joe Flacco (53%) has a great schedule coming up, so add him before it’s too late.

For this week, if you need a deeper league spot start, look to the Raiders-49ers matchup, where both Derek Carr (41%) and C.J. Beathard (26%) should be able to score.

KICKERS

Graham Gano (36%) vs TB is the top recommendation this week, but there are several decent options. Robbie Gould (55%) vs OAK should provide some points, and Dustin Hopkins (43%) vs ATL is another potential scoring matchup.

DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS

The teams that have allowed the fewest points so far meet on Monday Night, so go with the COWBOYS vs Tennessee.

The DOLPHINS vs NY Jets is a favorable matchup where Sam Darnold could turn the ball over, while the JETS could also provide scoring opportunities going against Brock Osweiler.

The CHIEFS go to Cleveland, where they just fired the coach and offensive coordinator.

OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS

WR Courtland Sutton, Denver (50%+)
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tampa Bay (20-25%)
TE Jack Doyle, Indianapolis (20%)
WR Devante Parker, Miami (10-15%)
WR Tre’Quan Smith, New Orleans (10%)
QB Joe Flacco, Baltimore (10%)
WR Danny Amendola, Miami (5%)
WR D.J. Moore, Carolina (5%)
RB Frank Gore, Miami (minimum)
RB Dont’a Foreman, Houston (minimum)