2022 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Best Pickups for Week 9
The 2022 fantasy football waiver wire has certainly had better weeks. This time around it feels more like a search for scraps than a productive week. Nonetheless, you may have an injured player or streamer that you are looking to replace. If that is the case, we can still find some valuable waiver wire pickups. Here are five of the best waiver wire pickups heading into week nine of the NFL season.
*All of these players are available in over half of ESPN leagues as of November 1, 2022.*
Justin Fields- 26.2%
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has become a productive fantasy option. Over the last couple of weeks, Fields has produced at a high caliber. Overall, the Bears’ offense has looked better as they have embraced Fields running ability. As a result, Fields has rushed for 60 or more yards in each of the last three games. He added two rushing touchdowns as well. Fields’ elite production on the ground makes him an above-average fantasy option. Plus, the Bears traded for Chase Claypool which will add another weapon to their offense. Regardless of if you think the Bears gave up too much for Claypool (they did), from a fantasy perspective, he will help Fields. The question of adding Fields will revolve around your league and team. If you play in a quarterback premium league he should be rostered. If you are looking for a quarterback in a one-quarterback league he could be a solid addition as well.
Khalil Herbert- 47.7%
If you read the previous entry about Fields you likely understand how Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert has become a waiver wire priority. The Bears are scoring more and Herbert is slowly becoming the Bears lead back. Herbert made the list for the best week four pickups due to an injury to David Montgomery. Since then, he has dropped below the 50% ownership mark again. That is due to Herbert being the backup in Chicago. However, over the last two weeks, Herbert has been seeing an increase in carries. Herbert got 12 carries in week seven and 16 in week eight. Meanwhile, Montgomery got 15 each week. If Herbert continues to get trend up he will be a league-winning back. Even if he sits in the 12 to 15 carries range for the remainder of the year he can be productive. At a minimum, he is worth a roster spot.
Jeff Wilson- 45.6%
The San Franciso 49ers traded running back Jeff Wilson to the Miami Dolphins which resurrected Wilson as a valuable fantasy football asset. Wilson was a week two waiver wire priority. After that point, he was productive in San Francisco, but his services were not needed after the 49ers traded for Christian McCaffrey. There is a good chance that someone in your league dropped Wilson after the McCaffrey trade. If that is the case for you do not hesitate to pick up Wilson from the waiver wire. Simply put, the Dolphins would not trade for Wilson just for him to sit on the bench.
Josh Palmer- 25%
The Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver core has struggled with injuries. Keenan Allen is still battling injury. Mike Williams will miss several weeks. Even our waiver wire target Josh Palmer missed week seven. Coming off of a bye in week eight he should be ready to go. Palmer has provided production at moments during the 2022 season. He has scored 10 or more PPR points in half of the games he has played in 2022. Due to the injuries to Williams and Allen, Palmer should be given plenty of opportunities to succeed in the next couple of weeks.
Greg Dulcich – 33.9%
Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich was the tight end to add last week. Since his roster percentage has jumped from 7.7% to 33.9%. However, he has yet to eclipse the 50% mark. In week eight Dulcich proved why he was a valuable waiver wire pickup as he had four catches for 87 yards. In PPR scoring formats, this put Dulcich over 10 points for the third consecutive game. Oh, he has only played three games too. The Broncos may have a bye in week nine, but if you have the flexibility Dulcich is still worth the pickup. If you need a tight end there is no reason to risk letting Dulcich end up on a league-mates team.
