Week 9 Waiver Wire: Hunt, Kraft, Tracy Jr. - Must-Add Players for Week 10

Week 9 Waiver Wire: Essential Must-Add Players for Week 10 Success

As Week 9 concludes and we look toward Week 10, smart fantasy managers are already preparing their waiver wire claims for Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. This week features significant opportunities across multiple positions, with several players set to provide immediate fantasy value.

Priority #1: Kareem Hunt (RB - Kansas City Chiefs)

Ownership: 45-60% (varies by platform) Waiver Priority: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (MAXIMUM)

Why Now: Isiah Pacheco's season-ending knee injury makes Hunt the immediate RB1 for the Chiefs' high-powered offense.

Weekly Projection (Week 10+):

• 15-20 touches per game
• RB2 with high-end RB1 upside
• Andy Reid's system historically supports strong RB production
• Elite offensive line creates consistent running lanes

Recommendation: Use your #1 waiver claim. This is the clearest waiver priority of Week 9 and could be a league-winning add.

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Priority #2: Tucker Kraft (TE - Green Bay Packers)

Ownership: 25-40% (varies by platform) Waiver Priority: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (VERY HIGH)

Why Now: ESPN analysis called Kraft a "potential league-winner" at tight end. The Packers are feeding him targets consistently, and he's shown excellent chemistry with the quarterback.

Weekly Projection:

• 5-7 targets per game
• TE8-12 with weekly TE1 upside
• Redzone threat
• Packers' playoff push increases opportunities

Recommendation: If you need tight end help or have an injury, Kraft is a top-tier add. Even if you're comfortable at TE, consider adding him to prevent opponents from grabbing him.

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Priority #3: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB - New York Giants)

Ownership: 20-35% Waiver Priority: ⭐⭐⭐ (HIGH)

Why Now: Week 9 waiver wire consensus ranked Tracy as a must-add running back. The Giants are feeding him volume in a feature role.

Weekly Projection:

• 12-18 carries per game
• Flex/RB3 value with RB2 upside in good matchups
• Giants' struggling offense limits ceiling, but volume is opportunity

Recommendation: Add if you need RB depth or are dealing with injuries. Not worth your #1 claim, but definitely target after top priorities.

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Priority #4: Troy Franklin (WR - Houston Texans)

Ownership: 15-25% Waiver Priority: ⭐⭐⭐ (MEDIUM-HIGH)

Why Now: Week 10 waiver wire recommendations highlighted Franklin as a rising target. The Texans' passing game is providing consistent opportunities.

Weekly Projection (Week 10):

• Tougher matchup vs Texans' defense initially
• Week 11+ friendlier schedule (vs Raiders, ranked 26th against pass)
• WR3/Flex value with weekly upside

Recommendation: Add in deeper leagues (12+ teams). Monitor his Week 10 performance before relying on him, but get him now before his value spikes.

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Priority #5: Zonovan Knight (RB - Los Angeles Chargers)

Ownership: 5-15% Waiver Priority: ⭐⭐ (MEDIUM)

Why Now: Week 10 matchup against Dallas is elite. The Cowboys rank 30th in rush EPA defense and allow the third-most fantasy points to running backs.

Weekly Projection (Week 10 specifically):

• Excellent streaming option for Week 10
• 10-15 touches likely
• RB2/Flex potential in this favorable matchup
• Long-term value uncertain, but Week 10 is prime

Recommendation: Perfect streaming add if you need a Week 10 fill-in. Not a season-long solution, but this matchup is too good to ignore.

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Deeper League Adds

Sam Darnold (QB - Minnesota Vikings)

• Available in 55% of leagues
• Scored 20+ points in 2 of last 3 games
• Serviceable QB2/streaming option

Kyle Monangai (RB)

• 39% available
• Priority target if available in your league
• Strong backup RB option

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Waiver Wire Strategy by League Size

10-Team Leagues:

1. Kareem Hunt (if available)
2. Tucker Kraft (if you need TE)
3. Troy Franklin (deep stash)

12-Team Leagues:

1. Kareem Hunt (absolutely necessary add)
2. Tucker Kraft (high priority)
3. Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB depth critical)
4. Troy Franklin (WR depth)

14+ Team Leagues:

• All of the above players should be prioritized
• Add Zonovan Knight for Week 10 streaming
• Consider Sam Darnold if QB-needy

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PPR League Adjustments

In PPR formats:

• Tucker Kraft's value increases (receiving volume = PPR points)
• Troy Franklin more valuable (Texans' passing game creates catches)
• Kareem Hunt remains top priority (elite pass-catching ability)

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Players to Drop for These Adds

Consider cutting:

• Injured players without clear return timelines
• Low-upside backup RBs in poor offenses
• Boom-or-bust WRs who haven't hit yet
• Redundant QB/TE depth pieces

Rule of thumb: If you wouldn't start them in Week 10 or Week 11, they're cuttable for these adds.

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Final Waiver Claim Recommendations

Burn your #1 waiver claim on:

• Kareem Hunt (absolutely)

Save your waiver priority if:

• You already own Hunt
• None of these players address your needs
• You're comfortable waiting for FAAB or waivers to clear

Aggressive FAAB Bids (if applicable):

• Kareem Hunt: 40-60% of remaining budget
• Tucker Kraft: 15-25% (if TE-needy)
• Tyrone Tracy Jr.: 10-15%
• Others: 5-10%

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Key Takeaways

• Kareem Hunt is THE waiver claim of Week 9
• Tucker Kraft could be a league-winner at tight end
• Streaming options like Zonovan Knight provide Week 10 value
• Act fast - Tuesday night/Wednesday morning claims are critical
• FAAB budgets should be allocated aggressively for Hunt

This Week 9 waiver wire provides clear, actionable targets. Smart managers who act decisively could gain significant advantages heading into the critical fantasy playoff stretch.