Six weeks left in the fantasy regular season. Unless you’re 0–8, don’t throw in the towel yet. Every week matters. Some teams are already in must-win mode, a few are locked into the playoffs, and most of us are in the muddled middle.
My teams are clawing back after a rough start—weekly, herculean waiver work has been a big part of it. All three finished top-half last week and I went 2–1.
This is where the season pivots. Managers who’ve attacked waivers to build depth (not just plug holes) are climbing, while early risers who ignored waivers are fading.
Quick “strength of waivers” check from last week’s picks—crystal-ball lineup:
QB — Joe Flacco — 26.55
RB — Isaiah Davis — 17.9
RB — Jeremy McNichols — 11.8
WR — Xavier Hutchinson — 17.9
WR — Rashid Shaheed — 15.5
TE — Oronde Gadsden — 18.7
K — Brandon Aubrey — 6.0
DST — New England Patriots — 9.0
Total — 123.35 (Week 8 was 152.15)
Maybe an anomaly, maybe a sign waivers are thinning.
Isiah Pacheco’s absence and Cam Skattebo’s season-ender push Kareem Hunt, Brashard Smith, and Tyrone Tracy to the front of waiver claims, but they aren't likely RB1s (more likely RB2/3) and you’ll have to compete for them. If you miss out—or just want an easier edge—there’s a hidden gem.
Special teams look especially thin as rosters harden and managers stash extra Ks and D/STs. One exception worth a look: the Detroit Lions D/ST—top-4 over the last seven weeks, coming off a bye (so they may have been dropped), with a soft-to-medium slate the next four weeks and a friendly Week 17 vs. the Vikings. If they’re out there, add and hold.
Now on to business…
If you’re familiar with my Streamers for the Desperate series, feel free to skip down to this week’s rankings.
If you’re new, here’s the quick background. These articles are based on the principles I outlined in How To Own Your League's Waiver Wire, and they’re geared toward deep-roster leagues (18–24 spots), where free agents thin out quickly, with extra consideration for dynasty and keeper formats.
Players with an asterisk (*) are available in my toughest 24-man league, where streaming is truly challenging. Rookies and sophomores have an (R) and (S) after their names to indicate they might have longer-term upside potential.
I loosely rank the players, but your roster needs and league type should guide your prioritization. In parentheses after each name, you’ll see the opponent’s rank against that position for the next four weeks — '1st' being the toughest matchup, '32nd' the softest. Then in the blurb, I give each player's four-week stat line, such as (CMP-ATT/YDS-TD-INT) for a quarterback.
If you are playing in more standard formats, such as a Yahoo redraft league, check out ASL’s Fantasy Football Adds - Week 9 by Colton Peters and Fantasy Football Adds - Week 9 by Chris Hexter.
Finally, a word on philosophy: I put in waiver requests every week for every team, not just to cover immediate needs but to strengthen my roster top-to-bottom. Deep benches build injury resilience and force other managers into weaker options — which opens the door for trades and future draft capital.
Quarterbacks
Sam Darnold, Sea @ Wsh (27th, 10th, 8th, 13th) – Darnold (61-92/849-7-2, 7/3-0) is coming off a rough Week 7 outing versus the Texans' elite defense but has generally kept the offense on schedule through seven starts. The Seahawks' Week 8 bye arrived at a good time to reset protections after a strip sack and to recalibrate the quick game. Washington presents a bottom-tier draw this week, and the perimeter trio of DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett gives Darnold a plausible path to a rebound QB2 line.
Tua Tagovailoa, Mia v Bal (29th, 2nd, 27th, Bye) – Tagovailoa (80-117/766-8-6, 5/15-0) rebounded from turnover-heavy weeks by delivering four touchdowns while playing through an illness. The offense leaned into timing and YAC, with quick decisions restoring rhythm. The Ravens are a bottom-tier draw, and if Miami sustains the tempo and protects the ball, Tua profiles as a high-variance QB2 with multi-TD upside.
Aaron Rodgers, Pit v Ind (21st, 7th, 26th, 25th) – Rodgers (68-100/703-8-2, 2/7-0) has posted multiple touchdowns in three straight and five of seven, keeping Pittsburgh’s pass game efficient even in losses. He is distributing well and finishing drives, with timing improving in the intermediate windows. The floor remains tied to pressure and pace, but he’s a steady QB2 streamer while the touchdown rate holds.
*Jacoby Brissett, Ari @ Dal (32nd, 19th, 14th, 28th) – Brissett (52-81/599-4-1, 10/47-1) has stacked two productive starts, finding Trey McBride for scores and adding a rushing TD while taking heavy pressure. Kyler Murray (foot) is expected back after the bye, which likely returns Brissett to the bench for Week 9. If he does draw another start, the Cowboys represent a bottom-tier QB matchup this week. He’s a contingency 2QB/Superflex streamer only, pending Murray’s status.
*Tyler Huntley, Bal @ Mia (23rd, 11th, 6th, 22nd) – Huntley (27-37/254-1-0, 11/92-0) executed a controlled plan with accuracy and designed runs, adding 53 rushing yards in his Week 8 start. Lamar Jackson’s hamstring status is the pivot point; if Huntley draws another start, his rushing usage and short-area efficiency provide a workable floor in 2QB/Superflex leagues. The pass volume is capped by design, so he remains game-script dependent.
Honorable Mention:
Tyler Shough (R), NO @ LAR (8th, 12th, Bye, 3rd) – Shough (17-30/128-0-1, 3/12-0) has been named the starter, with the 1–7 Saints shifting to evaluation mode after benching Spencer Rattler. Head Coach Kellen Moore can lean on Alvin Kamara and quick-game concepts to ease the transition while letting Shough’s arm test intermediate windows to Chris Olave. His immediate outlook is volatile, but he’s an honorable-mention pickup strictly as a dynasty stash with a real chance to hold the job the rest of the way.
Running Backs
Kareem Hunt, KC @ Buf (27th, Bye, 10th, 7th) – Hunt (26/130-3, 3-3/21-1) overcame minor ankle and knee issues and reclaimed short-yardage and goal-line work, punching in two scores on Monday. With Isiah Pacheco sidelined by an MCL injury, Hunt projects to handle more early-down snaps while keeping the finishing role near the stripe. Brashard Smith should continue in two-minute and long-down situations, but the Chiefs are likely to lean on Hunt for the first carry of most series. A bottom-tier Bills run defense this week further supports his touchdown-driven case as a streamer with a clearer path to volume.
Tyrone Tracy (S), NYG v SF (19th, 25th, 3rd, 4th) – Tracy (23/101-1, 2-3/14-0) moves into the lead role after Cam Skattebo suffered a season-ending ankle injury, with Devin Singletary likely to rotate. The Giants have used Tracy’s straight-line speed on outside zone and he should see the first crack at goal-line work. He should handle the first crack at carries and short-yardage; targets are the swing factor for a startable line. Volume lifts his floor, and his speed preserves a path to a useful line.
Brashard Smith (R), KC @ Buf (27th, Bye, 10th, 7th) – Smith (18/51-0, 11-12/95-0) set season highs during a blowout, operating as the passing-down option while the Chiefs managed the second half. With Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt controlling early-down and scoring snaps, Smith’s weekly value rides on targets when Kansas City leans on quick-game concepts. Even against a softer Bills run defense, his path is two-minute and long-down work rather than volume carries. He’s a deeper-league PPR streamer when game flow cooperates.
*Samaje Perine, Cin v Chi (25th, Bye, 12th, 5th) – Perine (26/168-1, 5-6/24-0) broke a 32-yard touchdown and posted his best yardage of the season while still trailing Chase Brown in touches. Cincinnati mixed him on early downs and trusted him late, preserving a credible 1B role even with Brown on top. The Bengals’ recent gap/duo success meshes with Perine’s downhill style. He’s a viable streamer where you’re betting on 8–12 touches and a red-zone look.
Jeremy McNichols, Wsh v Sea (13th, 4th, 28th, Bye) – McNichols (6/37-0, 11-15/129-0) once again led Washington’s backfield in receiving, pacing the team with 64 yards through the air while doing little on the ground. He’s locked into two-minute and long-down snaps regardless of the Commanders’ quarterback, keeping a steady target floor when Washington trails. The Seahawks can squeeze early-down efficiency, making checkdowns an important outlet. In PPR formats he remains a viable deep-league streamer.
Emanuel Wilson, GB v Car (14th, 22nd, 26th, 11th) – Wilson (20/89-0, 5-6/20-0) delivered a season-high 87 scrimmage yards as the change-of-pace back while Josh Jacobs struggled, but his role has usually hovered around a handful of touches. Green Bay trusted him for multiple consecutive snaps across full possessions last week, not just cameos, and handle to underneath routes. Yet, Jacobs retains early-down and goal-line work. Wilson needs efficiency and targets to matter in most formats. He’s a deep-league PPR patch more than a standard streamer.
*Ameer Abdullah, Ind @ Pit (12th, 24th, Bye, 6th) – Abdullah (7/37-1, 3-3/30-0) picked up light work behind Jonathan Taylor even in a blowout, narrowly out-snapping Tyler Goodson while DJ Giddens sat. Indianapolis continues to funnel base and scoring snaps to Taylor, leaving Abdullah for spot series, two-minute work, and occasional red-zone usage. He’s a desperation PPR flier while Taylor dominates volume.
Receivers
Malik Washington, Mia v Bal (31st, 9th, 23rd, Bye) – Washington (13-18/88-1, 0/0-0) stepped into a larger role with Darren Waller on IR and Tyreek Hill out for the season, turning five targets into a score last week. The Dolphins used him on quick and intermediate concepts, and his recent reception efficiency supports continued involvement. With Jaylen Waddle drawing top coverage, Washington profiles as the third read for Tua Tagovailoa with schemed touches and red-zone chances. The matchup is especially friendly against a Ravens unit that has been soft versus receivers, keeping him in the streamer mix for Week 8.
*Zay Jones, Ari @ Dal (32nd, 15th, 21st, 26th) – Jones (9-13/154-0, 0/0-0) turned two targets into two chunk gains last time out and looks healthy after the knee issue. He remains the Cardinals’ No. 3 wideout behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, so volume can be thin. With Jacoby Brissett showing comfort pushing intermediate throws, Jones stays in the big-play mix if game script turns pass-heavy. The Cowboys are a favorable matchup, so his chances for a big play are better this week.
*Roman Wilson (S), Pit v Ind (29th, 7th, 14th, 19th) – Wilson (7-8/103-1, 0/0-0) posted his best line with Calvin Austin back, returning to a more comfortable role and converting a late touchdown. Prior to that, he had been quiet for weeks, so expectations should remain measured. Still, the Steelers have carved out designed looks to keep him involved. A forgiving matchup keeps him on the streaming radar if Pittsburgh leans pass.
Christian Watson, GB v Car (1st, 17th, 27th, 8th) – Watson (4-4/85-0, 0/0-0) looked like himself in his first game back from a torn ACL, catching everything and flashing his downfield burst. The Packers eased him in, but he still operated as one of Jordan Love’s primary vertical threats. The Panthers are a difficult matchup and may reduce his big-play chances. If Green Bay schemes play-action shots, Watson’s efficiency can still carry a usable line.
Xavier Hutchinson, Hou v Den (3rd, 26th, 24th, 9th) – Hutchinson (9-13/100-3, 0/0-0) delivered career highs with 69 yards and a score, capitalizing on the absences of Nico Collins and Christian Kirk. The Texans trusted him in high-leverage spots, but earlier games showed how snaps have not always translated to production. If one of Collins or Kirk returns, his targets may compress; if they sit, his routes should remain robust. Against the Broncos' stingy defense could limit production this week.
Jaylin Noel (R), Hou v Den (3rd, 26th, 24th, 9th) – Noel (11-16/153-1, 1/5-0) stacked 77 yards on Monday night with 63 more on Sunday, earning steady work while Collins and Kirk have been sidelined. The rookie has handled both slot and perimeter snaps and drew trust in key situations. Even when veterans return, his recent efficiency argues for a continued role. A tough matchup tempers ceiling, but the usage trend supports a viable floor.
Chimere Dike (R), Ten v LAC (7th, Bye, 4th, 15th) – Dike (15-20/188-1, 1/0-0) has surged over the last two weeks, logging 12 catches for 163 yards and a score while building quick chemistry with Cam Ward. His routes and targets have expanded with Calvin Ridley managing a hamstring issue. A sturdy opponent this week can cap explosive play potential, but the current role is encouraging if Ridley sits again. He profiles as a volume-driven streamer.
*Mack Hollins, NE v Atl (6th, 16th, 12th, 14th) – Hollins (11-12/166-0, 1/4-0) just posted a season-best 7-for-7 for 89 yards on a healthy snap share. New England still spreads the ball among Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Hunter Henry, so week-to-week volume will fluctuate. The Falcons have limited wide receivers, which narrows his margin for error. He’s a deeper-league streamer while the routes stay strong.
Tight Ends
AJ Barner, Sea @ Wsh (25th, 27th, 11th, 9th) – Barner (11-13/131-2) has flashed efficient hands and red-zone finishing, but his weekly targets have swung with game script. The Seahawks still spread the ball, which can cap routes and limit bankable volume. He remains a viable streamer where touchdown equity is the hope, with volatile yardage week to week.
Pat Freiermuth, Pit v Ind (29th, 5th, 32nd, 23rd) – Freiermuth (9-11/135-2) reasserted his middle-of-the-field and red-zone role, converting high-leverage looks. The Colts are soft against tight ends, which boosts his touchdown odds this week. The Steelers run a three-tight-end rotation with Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington. Freiermuth leads in routes and red-zone looks, but shared snaps can cap weekly volume.
Jake Tonges, SF @ NYG (17th, 11th, 27th, 24th) – Tonges (7-8/60-1) showed he can contribute when called upon, yet he sits behind the 49ers’ entrenched starter, George Kittle, and primary pass-catchers. Routes and snaps are game-plan dependent, which makes his floor fragile. He profiles as a deep-league contingency or desperation streamer who needs a big play or a score.
Gunnar Helm (R), Ten v LAC (5th, 6th, 26th, 21st) – Helm (12-16/108-1) has earned steadier usage, with the rookie working into the Titans’ progression reads. The Chargers present a top-five matchup for slowing tight ends this week, which lowers his margin for error. Volume growth keeps him on the radar, but expectations should be TE2-ish with a path through chain-moving targets rather than explosives.
*Tyler Higbee, LAR v NO (14th, 10th, 26th, 16th) – Higbee (7-10/59-1) remains a secondary option in the Rams’ passing game, functioning as a safety valve with occasional red-zone involvement while Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp dominate targets. His target share can drift when the Rams lean on wide-receiver personnel. He’s a usage-driven TE2 for streamers who can accept a modest yardage profile.
*Michael Mayer, LV v Jax (21st, 8th, 12th, 13th) – Mayer (6-9/60-1) as carved out seam and underneath work, but the Raiders funnel volume to Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, with Tre Tucker taking the verticals. That distribution keeps his ceiling in check. He profiles as a TE2 whose value comes from short-area targets; touchdowns are a bonus rather than the base.
Kickers
Jason Myers, Sea @ Wsh (24th, 26th, 23rd, 12th)
Chad Ryland, Ari @ Dal (17th, 10th, 6th, 2nd)
Joey Slye, Ten v LAC (15th, Bye, 1st, 10th)
Matt Gay, Wsh v Sea (10th, 3rd, 29th, Bye) - Watch injury status / replacement: Matthew Wright
Brandon McManus, GB v Car (11th, 32nd, 25th, 14th)
Defense / Special Teams
Detroit Lions v Min (31st, 17th, 10th, 24th)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Ten (32nd, 8th, 12th, 30th)
Los Angeles Rams v NO (29th, 19th, 15th, 14th)
Jacksonville Jaguars @ LV (30th, 12th, 17th, 18th)
Chicago Bears @ Cin (25th, 31st, 8th, 10th)
