Admin October 28, 2024
Impactful NFL rookies for fantasy football this season
The Fantasy Footballers talk about who they like in this NFL rookie class for fantasy teams this year.
Sports Seriously
Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season is nearly complete, and it’s time to start looking ahead to Week 9 and evaluating what you need to win your fantasy football matchup next week.
Whether your team is still undefeated or you’re floating around the second half of the standings, there’s plenty of depth available to help you make a strong push toward the finish line. Your next quarterback, running back and pass catcher can be found on the waiver wire to fill the gaps needed on your roster this week.
Here are eight players that might be available on the waiver wire this week.
Waiver Wire Targets Week 9:
*All roster numbers are via Yahoo Sports
RB Dalvin Cook, Dallas Cowboys
- (Rostered in 20% of leagues)
Dalvin Cook was elevated from the Cowboys’ practice squad following a bye week for the game against the San Franciso 49ers in Week 8. He was signed in late August and may still be available in your league. Cook could make an impact in a backfield that’s seen running backs Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott combine for 97 carries for 361 yards and just one touchdown in six games.
During his six-year tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, Cook was a primary workhorse running back. He’s been eager to get back on the field following a disappointing 2023 season that saw him go without a touchdown for the first time in his career.
Elliott was also available in 75% of leagues in Week 8.
WR Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
- (Rostered in 68% of leagues)
Lockett hasn’t set the world on fire this season but could see more opportunities going forward depending on the status of wide receiver DK Metcalf, who was inactive for the Seahawks’ Week 8 game due to a knee injury. Lockett had primarily been featured in three-receiver sets in Seattle’s pass-heavy offense.
Oddly enough, some of Lockett’s most productive games this season have come against defenses that have given up the fewest points to receivers. That logic will be put to the test in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams, who have given up the 15th fewest fantasy points to the position.
WR Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns
- (Rostered in 19% of leagues)
Tillman continues to improve his stock this week following the Cleveland Browns’ 29-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
He finished the game with seven receptions for 99 yards and caught two of quarterback Jameis Winston’s three touchdown passes. Tillman has been targeted 21 times through the last two games since the Browns traded Amari Cooper. Tillman was second on the team, behind Elijah Moore, with nine targets on Sunday.
Tillman’s latest performance followed up his Week 7 effort against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he had eight receptions for 81 yards. He also caught the 2-point conversion attempt.
WR Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- (Rostered in 50% of leagues)
If you need depth at receiver and Tillman and Lockett aren’t available in your league, Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Jalen McMillan might be an option to consider.
McMillan had to take on a bigger role in Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons with both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out of action. Quarterback Baker Mayfield told reporters that offensive coordinator Liam Coen did a good job getting the offense ready to play without the pair of receivers.
McMillan caught just four of his seven targets for 35 yards in the loss. Sure, it wasn’t impressive, but maybe another week of preparation could get Mayfield and McMillan on the same page.
TE Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- (Rostered in 62% of leagues)
Otton should be strongly considered if you aren’t sold on McMillan or have a need at tight end. While McMillan struggled with a larger role, Otton took on some of the Buccaneers’ offensive production against the Falcons. He caught nine of his 10 targets for 81 yards and two touchdowns to celebrate National Tight Ends Day on Sunday.
Otton has not put together two strong weeks after producing what was then a season-high 14 points and recording eight receptions for 100 yards.
Otton could have another big week ahead against the Kansas City Chiefs, who have given up the most fantasy points to tight ends through the first seven weeks of the season.
QB Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
- (Rostered in 62% of leagues)
The rookie quarterback followed his most productive fantasy week with another in Week 8. Nix produced 29.76 fantasy points against the Carolina Panthers, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks through the first seven weeks. Nix completed 28 of 37 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns. He also contributed as a runner with four yards and a touchdown on five carries.
Nix is scheduled to play the Baltimore Ravens this week, who allow the third most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. When you consider he’s finished with at least 21 points in three of his last four games, Nix could be in line for another big game in Week 9.
WR Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers
- (Rostered in 36% of leagues)
The 2024 first-round pick made his NFL debut for the San Francisco 49ers last week against the Kansas City Chiefs after missing the first six games of the season following a gunshot wound he suffered during the offseason.
He had three receptions on five targets for 21 yards but could be in line for more production as he continues to get acclaimed. While there’s only a small sample size from Pearsall to evaluate, there’s an opportunity for Pearsall to take on a larger workload with receiver Brandon Aiyuk suffering a torn ACL last week.
QB Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
- (Rostered in 64% of leagues)
Tagovailoa missed previous five weeks after suffering a concussion in Week 2 of the season but did well in his return on Sunday. He completed 28 of his 38 pass attempts for 234 passing yards and a touchdown in the Dolphins’ 28-27 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8. He also rushed for 13 yards on three carries, showing that he isn’t afraid to still use his legs to move the offense forward.
He finished with 14 points in what was considered a favorable matchup against the Cardinals, who allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
His Week 9 matchup isn’t considered as favorable when the Dolphins travel to play the Buffalo Bills – the same team he played when he suffered his latest concussion – but he’s projected to produce 16 fantasy points.