*This story has been updated to correct a typo.
Week 8 of 2024 NFL season is almost over, and it’s time to start looking ahead to Week 9 and evaluating what you need to win your fantasy football game next week.
Whether your team is still undefeated or you’re playing in the bottom half of the standings, there’s plenty of depth available to help you make a strong push toward the finish line. Your next quarterback, running back and pass catcher can be found on the waiver wire to fill needed gaps on your roster this week.
Here are eight players who could be available on the waiver wire this week.
Waiver Wire Goals for Week 9:
*All roster numbers are via Yahoo Sports
R.B. Dalvin Cook, Dallas Cowboys
Dalvin Cook was elevated to the Cowboys’ practice squad after a bye week for the game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 8. He was signed in late August and may still be available in your league . Cook could make an impact in a backfield that has seen running backs Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott combine for 97 carries for 361 yards and just one touchdown in six games.
During his six-year tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, Cook was one of the premier running backs. He was eager to get back on the field after a disappointing 2023 season that saw him go without a touchdown for the first time in his career.
Elliott was also available in 75% of leagues in Week 8.
W.R. Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
Lockett hasn’t set the world on fire this season, but could see more opportunities in the future depending on the status of wide receiver DK Metcalf, who was inactive for the Seahawks’ Week 8 game due to a knee injury. Lockett had primarily been featured in three-receiver sets during Seattle’s pass-heavy offense.
Oddly enough, some of Lockett’s most productive games this season have come against defenses that have given up the fewest points to receivers. That logic will be put to the test in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams, who have given up the 15th fewest fantasy points at the position.
W.R. Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns
Tillman continues to improve his stock this week following the Cleveland Browns’ 29-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
He finished the game with seven receptions for 99 yards and caught two of three touchdown passes from quarterback Jameis Winston. Tillman has been targeted 21 times in the last two games since the Browns traded Amari Cooper. Tillman was second on the team, behind Elijah Moore, with nine targets Sunday.
Tillman’s performance in Week 8 follows his Week 7 effort against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he had eight receptions for 81 yards. He also contributed to the 2-point conversion attempt.
W.R. Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If you need depth at receiver and Tillman and Lockett are unavailable in your league, Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Jalen McMillan could be an option to consider.
McMillan had to play a bigger role in Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out of action. Quarterback Baker Mayfield told reporters that offensive coordinator Liam Coen did a good job preparing the offense to play without the pair of receivers.
McMillan caught only four of his seven targets for 35 yards in the loss. Sure, it wasn’t impressive, but maybe another week of preparation could get Mayfield and McMillan on the same page.
YOU Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Otton should be strongly considered if you’re not sold on McMillan or have a tight end need. As McMillan struggled to play a larger role, Otton took over some of the Buccaneers’ offensive production against the Falcons. He caught nine of 10 targets for 81 yards and two touchdowns to celebrate National Tight Ends Day on Sunday.
Otton had a poor two weeks after producing what was then a season-high 14 points and recording eight receptions for 100 yards.
Otton could have another big week coming up against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have given up the most fantasy points to tight ends through the first seven weeks of the season.
QB Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
The rookie quarterback followed his most productive fantasy week with another in Week 8. Nix produced 29.76 fantasy points against the Carolina Panthers, who allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to the shifts during the first seven weeks. Nix completed 28 of 37 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns. He also contributed as a rusher with four yards and a touchdown on five carries.
Nix is scheduled to face the Baltimore Ravens this week, who are allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Considering he’s finished with at least 21 points in three of his last four games, Nix could be in line for another big game in Week 9.
W.R. Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers
The 2024 first-round pick made his NFL debut for the San Francisco 49ers last week against the Kansas City Chiefs after missing the first six games of the season following a gunshot wound that he suffered during the offseason.
He had three receptions on five targets for 21 yards, but could be in line for more production as he continues to garner acclaim. While there is only a small sample of Pearsall to evaluate, there is an opportunity for Pearsall to take on a larger workload with receiver Brandon Aiyuk suffering a torn ACL last week.
QB Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Tagovailoa missed the previous five weeks after suffering a concussion in the second week of the season, but returned well on Sunday. He completed 28 of 38 pass attempts for 234 passing yards and a touchdown in the Dolphins’ 28-27 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. He also totaled 13 yards in three runs, showing he’s not afraid to always use his legs to move the offense forward.
He finished with 14 points in what was considered a favorable game against the Cardinals, who allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
His Week 9 game is not considered favorable when the Dolphins travel to face the Buffalo Bills – the same team he played on when he suffered his last concussion – but he is expected to produce 16 fantasy points.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Fantasy football waiver players to be picked up for NFL Week 9
