“In the Scope” is a unique weekly article that won’t solely focus on giving readers mainstream fantasy football waiver wire pickups. Instead, we aim to recommend the top free agents to acquire after waivers run. These players may be the top pickups next week, saving you Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) and waiver priority. So whether you’re trying to grab the leftover mainstream fantasy football waiver wire Week 9 pickups or the longer-ranged free agents, below are some options to consider.
Rostership percentages are based on ESPN Points Per Reception (PPR) redraft fantasy football leagues as of Wednesday, Nov. 2.
Check Your Waivers: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 9 Pickups
• Andy Dalton (QB, New Orleans Saints) | 19.1 percent
• Justin Fields (QB, Chicago Bears) | 38.1 percent
• Romeo Doubs (WR, Green Bay Packers) | 51.8 percent
• Rondale Moore (WR, Arizona Cardinals) | 57.1 percent
• Devin Duvernay (WR, Baltimore Ravens) | 38.5 percent
• Josh Palmer (WR, Los Angeles Chargers) | 37.4 percent
• Michael Gallup (WR, Dallas Cowboys) | 46.4 percent
• Evan Engram (TE, Jacksonville Jaguars) | 45.3 percent
• Greg Dulcich (TE, Denver Broncos) | 32.6 percent
In the Scope Targets: Top Fantasy Football Free Agent Week 9 Finds
Caleb Huntley (RB, Atlanta Falcons) | 17 Percent
The Atlanta Falcons’ backfield has been an interesting case since running back Cordarrelle Patterson landed on Injured Reserve (IR) ahead of Week 5. Head coach Arthur Smith has gone with a committee approach between rookie Tyler Allgeier and Caleb Huntley. However, Huntley has been far more inefficient with his opportunities, averaging 4.7 Yards Per Carry (YPC) to Allgeier’s 3.9.
This week, Atlanta is facing off against a Chargers defense that is giving up an average of 26.7 Points Per Reception (PPR) points to the running back position. Patterson is expected to return this week but will likely be limited. As a result, Huntley should again see around 10 to 12 carries. While that isn’t a ton of volume for someone you might consider staring, it’s worth noting Huntley has also been far more efficient than Allgeier in the red zone, averaging 4.6 YPC to Allgeier’s 2.6.
Regardless of Patterson’s status, Huntley has likely earned a role in this offense. Of course, he won’t be a weekly play. However, the Falcons’ next three matchups are favorable for the running back position. Huntley is as solid an adoption as you’ll find on free agency this week if you need to get someone in your lineups. – Nate Polvogt
Deon Jackson (RB, Indianapolis Colts)| 10.1 Percent
Indianapolis Colts’ undrafted, second-year RB Deon Jackson gets an immediate bump in fantasy value with the departure of Nyheim Hines to Buffalo. Jackson exceeded all expectations in Week 6, filling in for an injured Jonathan Taylor, and finishing as the PPR RB1 on the week. Jackson turned 22 touches into 121 yards and a TD, including an impressive 10 catches on 10 targets.
When above a 50 percent snap share this season, Jackson has averaged 12.5 rushes and seven targets per game. He will now step into Nyheim Hines‘ role for the Colts. Having already shown he can handle both rushing and receiving work, Jackson has immediate stand-alone value alongside a less than 100 percent Taylor and league-winning upside should Taylor miss any more time. – Scott Rinear
JaMycal Hasty (RB, Jacksonville Jaguars)| 1.7 Percent
I don’t love JaMycal Hasty as a player. He’s a bit slow for his size. However, the prospect aside, Hasty will have an opportunity one way or another in Jacksonville. The Jaguars run the ball 27.6 times per game, the 11th most in the NFL.
Travis Etienne does not profile as a player that can handle 24 touches every game as he did in London last week. Assuming Hasty will see more volume moving forward, he also has great upcoming matchups with Las Vegas and Kansas City. Both of these teams are top-seven matchups for the position.
Hasty saw a season-high eight total touches, including four targets last week. If Jacksonville trails heavily against the Chiefs in Week 10, Hasty could see FLEX-worthy usage. It’s not a sexy pickup, but it might be what fantasy managers need following the waiver wire run in Week 9. – Seth Woolcock
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