Week 9 In the Scope Targets (2023)

Welcome to another captivating edition of “In the Scope,” your ultimate destination for fantasy football insights that delve deeper than the mainstream. As we stand on the brink of another week of the NFL season, we’re all set to help you uncover those hidden gems on the Week 9 waiver wire. These potential pickups can give your fantasy team the competitive edge it needs without exhausting your Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB), preserving your resources for a strong playoff push.

Whether you’re on the lookout for budget-friendly additions or aiming to secure players post the initial Week 9 waiver wire frenzy, we’ve got your back with our top choices.

Rostership percentages are based on ESPN Points Per Reception (PPR) redraft fantasy football leagues as of Tuesday, Oct. 31.

Check Your Waivers: Mainstream Fantasy Football Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups

Let’s kick things off by exploring some of the most intriguing mainstream Week 9 waiver wire targets. These players are gaining attention and were likely priorites, but there still might be a window of opportunity to add them to your roster:

• QB
  • Sam Howell (QB, Washington Commanders) | 30.3%
  • Will Levis (QB, Tennessee Titans) | 1.0%
  • Baker Mayfield (QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) | 27.9%

• RB
  • Chuba Hubbard (RB, Carolina Panthers) | 42.9%
  • Emari Demercado (RB, Arizona Cardinals) | 39.2%
  • Tyjae Spears (RB, Tennessee Titans) | 36.1%
  • Royce Freeman (RB, Los Angeles Rams) | 29.3%
  • Devin Singletary (RB, Houston Texans) | 33.0%
  • Roschon Johnson (RB, Chicago Bears) | 46.5%
  • Zach Charbonnet (RB, Seattle Seahawks) | 30.2%

• WR
  • Demario Douglas (WR, New England Patriots) | 1.2%
  • Quentin Johnston (WR, Los Angeles Chargers) | 31.4%

• TE
  • Logan Thomas (TE, Washington Commanders) | 38.7%
  • Taysom Hill (TE, New Orleans Saints) | 14.7%
  • Michael Mayer (TE, Las Vegas Raiders) | 6.7%
  • Trey McBride (TE, Arizona Cardinals) | 7.8%

In the Scope Targets: Top Fantasy Football Week 9 Free Agent Finds

Khalil Shakir (WR, Buffalo Bills) | 0.2% Rostered

Khalil Shakir is gaining traction with his role in the Buffalo Bills’ offense. With Dawson Knox out, Dalton Kincaid has played more in-line, opening up more snaps in the slot for Shakir.  The second-year Boise State product saw a season-high 65% of snaps on “Thursday Night Football” last week. In that game, he caught all six of his targets for 92 yards, finishing as the PPR WR25 on the week. What was particularly intriguing is that this came in a game where both Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis each also caught nine of 12 targets.

With matchups against the Bengals, Broncos and Jets coming up, who boast formidable outside corners, the Bills might lean on Shakir in the slot. A wide receiver who ran a 4.43 40-yard dash working out of the slot for Josh Allen is never a bad speculative add, especially after the Week 9 waiver wire runs.

Leonard Fournette (RB, Buffalo Bills) | 3.2% Rostered

The Buffalo Bills have made a significant move by signing Leonard Fournette this week. Given Latavius Murray‘s recent struggles and decreased snap count (down to 33% in Week 8), and with James Cook not being a goal-line back, Fournette could fill an essential role.

Fournette is a versatile back known for his pass-blocking, receiving abilities and effectiveness on the goal line. With 142 receptions over the past two seasons and 16 total touchdowns, he brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Bills’ offense. Buffalo will likely manage Cook’s workload carefully, considering he hasn’t seen more than 67% of the snaps in a game this season.

These acquisitions make Fournette a valuable addition to your fantasy roster, especially considering the Bills’ dynamic offense provides plenty of scoring opportunities. Don’t hesitate to pick him up after the Week 9 waiver wire clears.

Thanks for reading our “In the Scope” targets to add following the Week 9 waiver wire run. Check out more of our fantasy football and other written content here at In-Between Media, or head over to our YouTube channel to get your fix via video.

*Photo Credit: Daniel Bartel – USA TODAY Sports*