NFL Waiver Wire: Week 9 Pickups

The Derrick Henry injury news was a bombshell Monday and the loss of Jameis Winston is just as devastating for the Saints. There's a lot to discuss this week so let's get to it.

QUARTERBACK

SECONDARY TARGETS

Taysom Hill, Trevor Siemian, NO - Siemian played decently replacing Jameis Winston on Sunday, but it wouldn't surprise if Taysom Hill magically comes back from his concussion and is under center for the Saints this week. Hill gives a running option to the team near the goal line and had a string of games last season scoring 28.6, 20.3, 27.9 and 25.9 fantasy points in a four-week stretch. He also has good matchups the next two weeks, facing the Falcons and Titans. FAAB: Hill - $4-$8; Siemian - $1-$2

RUNNING BACK

PRIMARY TARGETS

Michael Carter, NYJ - Carter seemingly has taken control of the New York backfield after getting 15 carries and 14 targets (14-9-95) Sunday with Mike White under center. White appears to be Captain Checkdown (six target to Ty Johnson as well) and there's a chance he's actually better than Zach Wilson. Carter looks like he'll be the main guy — an aggressive bid will be needed with Derrick Henry owners likely to blow their FAAB money this week. FAAB: $15-$20

Adrian Peterson, Jeremy McNichols, Dontrell Hilliard, TEN - With Derrick Henry expected to miss 6-10 weeks, Adrian Peterson was signed Monday to the practice squad with the expectation of then being elevated to the active roster. I'm not sure how much Peterson has left in the tank,  but he fits more of an early down, goal-line role than either McNichols or Hilliard. If the Titans don't make another move — when the Henry news broke, speculation was that the Titans would trade for Marlon Mack; I'm not sure I buy into this given it being an intra-division trade, though anything is possible — or if Peterson doesn't work, it'll likely be McNichols handling most of the workload. He's more of a change-of-pace back, but the team doesn't have too many options. Hilliard is worth a small bid in deeper leagues as he'll move up a spot on the depth chart. FAAB: Peterson $10-$15; McNichols $4-$8; Hilliard $1-$2

Boston Scott, Jordan Howard, PHI - I really thought this was going to be a great opportunity but it was the law firm of Scott and Howard who dominated the backfield while it was still a game Sunday. Philadelphia has typically employed a RBBC and Scott isn't built to handle 20 touches per game. Gainwell is droppable; he hasn't been efficient, averaging only 3.8 yards per carry. With Miles Sanders on IR, he'll miss at least two more games leaving plenty of touches for both running backs. FAAB: Scott $10-$15, Howard $7-$12

SECONDARY TARGETS

Carlos Hyde, JAC - James Robinson suffered a heel injury at Seattle on Sunday and is uncertain to play this week. I'd be higher on Hyde, but Robinson could still play and the matchup, while at home, isn't ideal given it's against my Buffalo Bills (I'll be at the game, FWIW — come say hi). Hyde should see about 15 touches if Robinson is out. FAAB: $4-$8

Jeff Wilson, SF - Wilson is expected to return to practice this week. He will command a fraction of the FAAB money this week as opposed to next week if he has a good game Sunday. After two solid fantasy games, Elijah Mitchell is now dealing with a rib injury that could limit him this week. Wilson  averaged 4.8 yards per carry last season and had two 100-yard games. San Francisco should continue to be a run-heavy offense, making Wilson at least a "stash" target this week. FAAB: $4-$8

Derrick Gore, KC - Gore wasn't really on my radar heading into the season. The injury to Clyde Edwards-Helaire has opened up some touches, and while Darrel Williams is still the main running back for the Chiefs, Gore appears to now have a role in their offense. I'd feel better about this recommendation if he was involved in the passing game (zero targets Monday night) and Andy Reid said Gore needs to improve his pass-blocking. Making the situation even murkier is that Edwards-Helaire could return this week, which could lead Gore being inactive. FAAB: $2-$4

WIDE RECEIVER

PRIMARY TARGETS

DeVante Parker, MIA - Parker looked completely healthy Sunday, catching eight passes for 85 yards against a tough Bills defense. The 11 targets jump out as the stat to focus on, and he continues to be the top receiving option for the Dolphins with Will Fuller out. The fantasy playoff schedule (depending on your league) looks good too, with the Giants, Saints and Titans on Miami's schedule. FAAB: $8-$14

SECONDARY TARGETS

Elijah Moore, NYJ - Moore caught all six targets Sunday for a respectable 67 yards. The Jets have given him carries in his last two games, showing they're trying to get him touches. The injury to Corey Davis should mean a consistent number of targets for Moore. FAAB: $2-$4

TIGHT END

SECONDARY TARGETS

Pat Freiermuth, PIT - "I before e except after C" is a rule unless you're a rookie tight end who plays for the Steelers. Freiermuth has come on for Pittsburgh the last two weeks, and the absence of Eric Ebron, provided he stay out, doesn't hurt his targets. Freiermuth had seven targets in each of two games, parlaying those into 12.8 and 14.4 fantasy points in full-point PPR leagues. The matchup against Chicago this week isn't good, but he has Baltimore (twice), Kansas City and the Chargers on his schedule, which are excellent matchups. FAAB: $4-$8

DEFENSE

Indianapolis Colts - I'm breaking the 50 percent rule, but the Colts are only rostered in 65 percent of leagues on Yahoo. I don't think Mike White is the second coming of Joe Montana, and it seems like at least one turnover from him making his first road start is almost a guarantee. FAAB: $3-$6