Fantasy Football Alert: Top Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 9)

The wire is getting thinner and thinner.

Nov 07, 2011
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Image via Complex Original
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Image via Complex Original

Intro

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Through the first half of the season, we have had some excellent suggestions, and some not so great options for you guys. As we continue on, the choices will get fewer and far between, meaning it's time to start looking even more specifically at matchups and spot starts. Take a look at a few players we think can help you this upcoming week as you start your push for the playoffs. 

Jenkins

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5. Michael Jenkins

Jacoby Ford

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4. Jacoby Ford

WR, Oakland Raiders
Owned in ESPN Leagues: 36.4%
Ford got off to a horrible start this season, but has been seeing much more action in the past few weeks, his most coming this week with Carson Palmer's first start. Ford caught five balls for over 100 yards and a touchdown. He's got some competition from Denarius Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey, but if he becomes Palmer's favorite new target, he would be a great addition. 

Rams

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3. Rams Defense

Owned in ESPN Leagues: 4.3%
It’s to the point where spot starts can be a major part of your fantasy game. The Rams have two straight solid defensive performances against a high-powered Saints team and a less impressive Cardinals squad allowing a respectable total of 40 points. Considering a Browns offense that couldn’t find the endzone with a GPS is up next, we expect another good showing. 

Alex Smith

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2. Alex Smith

It's come to this point. We are still hesitant to bring his name up in the same sentence with the word "fantasy," but at 7-1, it looks like Smith can finally be relied upon for a backup role. Don't get us wrong, Smith is no points machine, and frankly, the 49ers are at their best when Smith is doing what you see in the picture above, but we can no longer ignore his 10 touchdowns to only two picks. Smith still has solid weapons surrounding him in Crabtree, Davis and Gore, so don't be too afraid to grab him. 

Carson Palmer

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1. Carson Palmer

QB, Oakland Raiders
Owned in ESPN Leagues: 24.4%

What? Mr. six interceptions in six quarters is a good waiver add? Yes, he is actually. Think about it. Palmer was thrown into the middle of a game only knowing 15 plays in his first outing, and he only had another week to learn the playbook before his first start. Yet, he still threw for three touchdowns and over 300 yards against the Broncos. Considering he has so many young and talented receivers at his disposal, there is very good upside here, if nothing else for a backup role. 

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