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Week 9 Waiver Wire Deep Dive

By Kevin English | Updated on Tue, 01 Aug 2023 . 11:41 AM EDT

I’ve dug into some important data from the week to help you find some players who could help you in the coming weeks and potentially beyond. I have listed the players at each position in order of priority.

RBs

James Cook, Bills

Cook might not be on many wires, but I’ll mention him just in case because he was more involved this week than he has been in any game so far. He played on 25% of snaps and got 6 touches. More importantly, he was very effective, taking 5 carries for 35 yards and taking his only reception for 41 yards. He may have earned additional playing time going forward, and I would add him if he is available.

Caleb Huntley, Falcons

Huntley continues to run the ball on almost every snap he plays. He was in the game for 24 snaps (36%) and got 16 carries, which he took for 91 yards. He was far more effective on the ground than Tyler Allgeier (who played on 60% of snaps), so we may see Huntley’s snaps increase. That said, Cordarelle Patterson’s return is nearing, so keep your hopes for both players in check.

D’Ernest Johnson, Browns

This might become a worthless suggestion if the Browns don’t move Kareem Hunt by Tuesday’s deadline.But if they do, Johnson instantly should move into around a 30-35% snap share and have significant value. He had only been on the field for 1 snap all season until Monday night, when he played on 8 snaps and took 4 carries for 17 yards. Chubb and Hunt were both effective, as they typically are, so if Hunt is not moved, disregard this.

Ronnie Rivers, Rams

There remains a chance that Kyren Williams will take a big chunk of the work for Los Angeles when he returns from the IR, but you just never know what HC Sean McVay is going to do. For now, Rivers played on 36% of snaps (only slightly behind Darrell Henderson) and led the team in carries with 8 (21 yards). He also get 4 targets and caught them all for 15 yards. Henderson was less involved on the ground and through the air, even though he played on a few more snaps. I would avoid all Rams backs, with their line playing horribly, but in case you are very desperate Rivers could be a name you want to add.

WRs

Van Jefferson, Rams

Jefferson returned on Sunday and played on 53% of snaps. He did not get a target, but if he is your wire and you are desperate WR, he could be added. Eventually he will likely take Ben Skowronek’s snaps away and should play on the majority of snaps, and this offense is desperate for receivers to make an impact.

Terrace Marshall, Panthers

I mention Marshall for the second straight week, after he played on 92% of snaps on Sunday and got 9 targets, a 25% target share. He only caught 4 for 87 yards, but you can see his physical tools, and if he keeps improving he could provide significant upside down the stretch. I recommend stashing him now.

KJ Hamler, Broncos

The Broncos desperately need players who can make big plays, and Hamler did that on Sunday. He caught a 47-yard pass and seems like the only player on the roster capable of catching Wilson’s deep ball. He played on 70% of snaps, his highest mark of the season, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him continue to get more work. He caught 2 of 3 targets for 52 yards and also received a carry, which he took for 9 yards. If you are desperate at receiver due to injuries, Hamler could be a nice add in deep leagues.

Julio Jones, Bucs

Since Jones was likely dropped in most leagues and is now back, he is worth a speculative add in deep leagues where managers are desperate for WR help. Jones played on 57% of snaps on Thursday and caught 2 of 4 targets for 21 yards and a score. They also gave him a carry, trying to get him going. He will remain far behind WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in targets but could provide some value.

Denzel Mims, Jets

Mims played 75% of snaps on Sunday, only behind Garrett Wilson. He got 3 targets and caught 2 for 76 yards. If he continues to play as the #2 WR, or even #3 once Corey Davis returns, he could be in line for some decent numbers. It seems the Jets are intent on not playing Elijah Moore, and he may be traded this week. So Mims is an interesting speculative add.

Kalif Raymond, Lions

I mention Raymond for the second week in a row, since he was largely ignored last week by managers. He played on 90% of snaps, only behind St. Brown, and went 3-76 on 4 targets. The Lions will have to pass it a lot, even though they’d rather run, and Raymond is going to be on the field a ton (at least until Jameson Williams plays, or D.J. Chark returns). He is worth adding, especially as potential help during the byes.

N’Keal Harry, Bears

Harry has quickly moved into a prominent role in the Bears offense. In his first game last week, he played on 42% of snaps, and this week he played on 63% (second most among Bears’ receivers). He only got 2 targets, but 1 of them was for a score. This is a very low-volume passing offense, but Harry was a 1st-round pick and might get the chance to finally show he can play in Chicago. In very deep or dynasty leagues, he is a sneaky add this week.

Rashid Shaheed, Saints

This is a very deep name, but Shaheed is one I’d keep an eye on. You don’t need to add him yet, but there is a chance the Saints just decide to keep rolling with Shaheed even when Jarvis Landry is healthy. The rookie out of Weber State has been explosive and effective so far, catching all 3 of his targets on Sunday for 38 yards. He is very fast (ran a 4.42 at his pro day) and has been making plays for the Saints the past few weeks. He was targeted as a priority in free agency after the draft because of his return skills, but he has been showing he can be effective as a receiver as well. I won’t be adding him quite yet, but I’ll be keeping an eye on his usage over the next few weeks.

Samori Toure, Packers

Another very deep name, Toure entered the game after Christian Watson was injured (and with Allen Lazard already out for the game). He ended up played on 23% of snaps and got 4 targets, catching only 1 for a TD. He is likely not a very good player, but if the coaches decide to give him significant snaps he could surprise us.

TEs

Tyler Conklin, Jets

There is a good chance Conklin was dropped in your league, but he seems to be one of the only players jibing with Zach Wilson. If you are in need of a TE, you can do much worse than Conklin. He led the Jets with 10 targets on Sunday (a 24% target share) and caught 6 for 79 yards and 2 TDs.

Logan Thomas, Commanders

Thomas is likely available in many leagues, as he has been sidelined for quite a while with injury. However, he returned Sunday and played on 56% of snaps. He was not targeted, but has connected well with Taylor Heinicke before and could be very useful over the 2nd half of the season. If you are desperate for TE help, he is a nice add.

Tommy Tremble, Panthers

Tremble has not done much yet, and the Panthers are not a good offense, but he is playing snaps and is relatively involved, making him a potential add in very deep leagues. He played on 57% of snaps, ahead of Ian Thomas at 55%, and got 4 targets to Thomas’ 1. He caught 2 of them for 17 yards. Again, it’s a desperation add, but it could pay off if the offense improves in the second half.

Kevin Scott is a fantasy pro who has been playing in high-stakes redraft and dynasty leagues for over 15 years. He has won over $100,000 playing fantasy football. He has written for Sports Illustrated, 4for4, Fansided, FFToday, and Chiefs Wire. You can follow him on Twitter @kevinscottff, or check out his podcast called Grinding the Data.