Week 9 Waiver Wire Gold: Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Hidden Gems

The Week 9 waiver wire is headlined by one name you absolutely MUST prioritize: Tyrone Tracy Jr. But beyond the obvious top add, there are several under-the-radar pickups that could win you your fantasy football league down the stretch.

Top Priority: Running Backs

🔥 Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) - TOP WAIVER ADD

Why He's Essential: Cam Skattebo suffered a season-ending dislocated ankle injury in Week 8, leaving the Giants' backfield wide open. Tracy Jr. is now positioned to be the clear lead back in New York's run-heavy offense.

The Opportunity:

15-20 carries per game projected
Goal-line work secured
No significant competition for touches
Giants have been committed to running the ball

FAAB Recommendation: 45-55% (or #1 waiver claim)

Trade Strategy: If you didn't get him on waivers, overpay now. His value will only increase.

Joe Flacco (IND QB) - Rising QB Streamer

Why Now: Flacco has been a top-six fantasy QB in each of the last two weeks, posting 24+ fantasy points in both games. Week 9 brings a favorable matchup against a banged-up Bears secondary.

The Case:

Volume is there (35+ passing attempts weekly)
Multiple deep threats (Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce)
Bears defense depleted by injuries
Colts in a playoff push = aggressive playcalling

FAAB Recommendation: 8-12% (streaming option)

Roschon Johnson (CHI RB) - Sleeper Add

While D'Andre Swift has the starting job, Johnson has carved out a significant role:

Red zone carries increasing
Pass-catching specialist
Potential standalone value if Swift injury occurs

FAAB Recommendation: 5-8%

Tight End Streamers

Cole Kmet (CHI TE) vs. Bengals

Why This Week: The Bengals defense has been the friendliest to tight ends in 2025 - no defense has allowed more fantasy points to the position.

The Matchup:

Bears visit Bengals in Week 9
Caleb Williams looking for safety valves
Cincinnati allows 13+ PPR points per game to TEs

FAAB Recommendation: 6-10% (if you need a TE stream)

Hunter Henry (NE TE) - PPR Specialist

With the Patriots potentially trading weapons, Henry's target share could spike:

7-9 targets per game baseline
Red zone presence
Safe PPR floor in bad matchups

FAAB Recommendation: 4-7%

Wide Receiver Adds

Kayshon Boutte (NE WR) - High Upside

The Opportunity: If Brian Thomas Jr. gets traded (monitoring deadline), Boutte becomes the Patriots' WR1 by default.

Why Add Now:

Cost is minimal before potential trade
Physical receiver with contested catch ability
Drake Maye developing chemistry
Week 9-10 could show breakout potential

FAAB Recommendation: 8-12% (speculative)

Jalen McMillan (TB WR) - Rookie Upside

Tampa Bay's offense continues producing fantasy value, and McMillan is emerging:

5+ targets in consecutive weeks
Big-play ability (2 TDs last 3 games)
Baker Mayfield trusts young receivers

FAAB Recommendation: 6-10%

Defense/Special Teams

Cleveland Browns DST vs. Arizona

The Matchup: Cleveland's elite defense faces Joshua Dobbs, who has been turnover-prone in 2025.

Why Stream:

Browns defense remains top-5 overall
Arizona's offensive line struggles
Potential for 10+ fantasy points

FAAB Recommendation: 4-6%

Pittsburgh Steelers DST @ Washington

Sam Howell under pressure means turnover opportunities for Pittsburgh's aggressive defense.

FAAB Recommendation: 3-5%

Deeper League Adds (14+ Teams)

Demario Douglas (NE WR) - PPR Value

Slot specialist getting 6-8 targets weekly
Safe PPR floor, limited ceiling
FAAB: 3-5%

Jordan Mason (SF RB) - Injury Handcuff

If Isaac Guerendo's injury lingers, Mason regains value
Hold if you own Guerendo
FAAB: 5-8%

Quentin Johnston (LAC WR) - Boom-or-Bust

Chargers' deep threat
Inconsistent but high ceiling
FAAB: 4-7%

Players to Drop

Make room for these adds by cutting:

❌ Elijah Moore (CLE WR) - Disappeared from offense ❌ Jerick McKinnon (KC RB) - No standalone value ❌ Zach Wilson (DEN QB) - Not starting quality ❌ Tyler Higbee (LAR TE) - Lost in crowded offense

FAAB Budget Strategy

If you're below 50% of your budget remaining, go big on Tyrone Tracy Jr. He's the type of add that wins championships.

Recommended Splits:

40-50% budget remaining: Spend 45-55% on Tracy
60-80% budget remaining: Spend 35-45% on Tracy
80%+ budget remaining: Spend 50-60% on Tracy

Don't overthink it - volume is king in fantasy football, and Tracy just inherited a massive workload.

Injury Watch for Future Waiver Adds

Keep these names on your radar if injuries occur:

Tyjae Spears (TEN) - Handcuff for Tony Pollard
Tyler Allgeier (ATL) - Handcuff for Bijan Robinson
Elijah Dotson (LAC) - Next man up if J.K. Dobbins injured

The Bottom Line

Week 9 waivers are all about Tyrone Tracy Jr. Everything else is secondary. If you miss on Tracy, pivot immediately to:

Joe Flacco (if you need a QB)
Cole Kmet (if you need a TE)
Kayshon Boutte (if you need a WR with upside)

The wire is thin, but opportunities exist. Strike fast, strike decisively, and don't leave FAAB on the table - we're in the playoff push now.

Good luck on waivers!