Frey’s Fantasy Focus: Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups Featuring a Former Vikings Legend
Josh Frey
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After we get through week 9, we will officially be halfway through the NFL regular season. Time flies when we’re having fun, doesn’t it. Anyway, we’ve got a whole new list of players to watch this week for your fantasy teams. Here are three to keep a close eye on.
QB Jordan Love (0.4%)
This feels like a shockingly low rostered percentage for the Green Bay quarterback. This week got off to a rough start for the Packers when they found out that Aaron Rodgers will be out against the Chiefs with COVID-19. Without the MVP around, Jordan Love is in line for his first career NFL start.
It really couldn’t have come against a better defense either. The Chiefs have given up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing QBs this year. In addition, they still are allowing 7.8 yards per pass attempt, third-worst in the NFL. With Davante Adams and Allen Lazard set to return, Love should have a full strength receiving group to throw to. If you need to replace Rodgers, or Tom Brady on a bye week, Love should be taken under serious consideration in fantasy leagues.
RB Adrian Peterson (38.0%)
In the wake of Derrick Henry’s broken foot, the Titans signed veteran RB Adrian Peterson early in the week. The 36-year-old is set to take on a Rams defense that just added Von Miller, but despite their star presence, LA has proven vulnerable in the run. Their sole loss this season came to a Cardinals team that rushed for over 200 yards.
Recently the Rams opponents haven’t had as much success, but these games have come against the Seahawks, Giants, and Texans. When they went against De’Andre Swift’s Detroit Lions, that group ran for 134 yards. This is certainly a risky play given we don’t know what Peterson’s immediate role will look like, but there’s a good chance he immediately takes the role of lead back and put up some nice fantasy numbers.
WR Jamison Crowder (22.1%)
In Mike White’s first start, he not only turned heads by throwing for over 400 yards, but he also immediately established a favorite target. Jamison Crowder caught 8 of 9 targets on the day, and his share was second only to RB Michael Carter. If White continues to treat Crowder as his favorite receiver, he should gain enough yards that make him worth a flex in fantasy.
However, this week provides a special opportunity against an Indianapolis Colts defense. The Colts have allowed 19 passing touchdowns through their first 8 games and multiple passing scores in 7 of their first 8 games. If Crowder can find his way into the end zone, he could be in store for a massive fantasy football output in week 9.