Fantasy Football: top waiver wire pick ups for Week 9

Week 9 looks to be a rough week for waiver claims, as six teams are on bye, with only a few solid replacement options are available. But there are a few diamonds in the rough. New this week: ownership percentage in ESPN leagues is listed in parenthesis next to the player’s team name.

Tim Hightower, RB, New Orleans Saints (1.9%) - Tim Hightower firmly entrenched himself in the rotation of Saints running backs. Hightower had 26 carries for over 100 yards in Week 8 as a result of a Mark Ingram fumble. Oh yeah, and this was against the Seahawks. The Saints announced on Monday that they plan to use Hightower and Ingram in a committee. Obviously, a committee is not something to fantasy owners want to see, as both Hightower and Ingram have a cap on their value. Hightower is a wait-and-see pick up for this week, but still worth a shot for a team desperate at running back. If your desperate for a running back to start this week, the Saints do play San Francisco, so Hightower could potentially put up good numbers.

Charcandrick West, RB, Kansas City Chiefs (7.3%) - This is an interesting situation. Jamaal Charles is still not at full health, and there is a chance Spencer Ware could miss Week 9 after suffering a concussion in Week 8. If that happens, West will be in for a big workload. West is an intriguing flyer for Week 9 if West and/or Charles are not available or at full strength, especially against the Jaguars.

Jamison Crowder, WR, Washington Redskins, (44.5%) - I know, I know, his team is on a bye in Week 9. But Crowder has amassed more than 10 points in each of his last three games, and over 100 yards receiving in his last two games. He has emerged as Kirk Cousins’ favorite target not named Jordan Reed. You can’t play him this week, but Crowder can be a long term option at the flex spot.

Honorable Mention: Robert Kelly, RB, Washington Redskins (22.9%) - For as long as Matt Jones is out, Kelly is the top option for the Redskins in the backfield. Kelly’s performance in London likely earned him more snaps when Jones returns.

Honorable Mention: Quincy Enunwa, WR, New York Jets (56.8%) - As previously stated, not a great week for waivers. Enunwa has played well of late, at least 13 points in each of his last two games, but his level of play has been sporadic, and is not something to be trusted week in and week out. The quarterback play on his team hasn’t been great either. However, Enunwa has a favorable matchup against a poor Dolphins secondary. Enunwa probably is the best receiver option to plug in for receivers on bye, but clearly is a risky play.

Honorable Mention: Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans (44.1%) - Henry had his best game as a pro in Week 8, and he can be a filler for a desperate lineup against the Chargers in Week 9. However, as long as he is healthy, DeMarco Murray is in charge of the Tennessee backfield. Henry is a must-own handicap for Murray owners, but otherwise is a risky bench stash, purely banking on a Murray injury.

Keep an eye out for starts and sits coming later in the week.