Fantasy Football Week 9 waiver wire pick ups: Top 8 Wide Receivers

Oct 27, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) looks ahead during a run against the New York Jets during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

Fantasy football owners will be without some big options this week as the Brocos trio of receivers, Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, and the Giants receivers among those on their bye week. Thankfully, wide receiver also typically offers plenty of depth, and there are options on the waiver wire that can help you if you make the right pickups. Here are the eight options I like the most who are available in over 50% of ESPN leagues:

1. Marvin Jones-Cincinnati Bengals (1.1%)

Jones has been a nice pickup the last two weeks, but jumps to the top of this list after a huge week 8. Jones matched his career touchdown total with four scoring catches against the Jets while catching all eight passes thrown his way for 122 yards. He’s caught a touchdown in three straight games and has been over 50 yards in each of those contests as well. He’s emerged as a nice secondary option in the suddenly prolific Cincinnati passing attack and should have another solid game this week against Miami.

2. Percy Harvin-Seattle Seahawks (38.7%)

Harvin nears his return and the timing couldn’t be more opportune for the Seahawks who lost Sidney Rice for the season with a torn ACL. Harvin returned to practice last week but wasn’t able to play Monday. He has a very favorable schedule ahead and could be a true WR1 when he gets back to full speed as the top receiver for the Seahawks.

3. Keenan Allen-San Diego Chargers (34.1%)

Oct 14, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs after a reception during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 19-9. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Before his bye week, Allen was rapidly on the rise as the top option in the Chargers pass-heavy attack. He struggled a little against Jacksonville since San Diego was so far ahead they didn’t throw the ball as much, but preceded that with a pair of 100+ yard games with a touchdown in each. The Chargers also face a favorable schedule which could complete Allen’s emergence as their go-to option in the passing game.

4. Kenny Stills-New Orleans Saints (1.1%)

Stills is a home run threat for the Saints and demonstrated his upside with 129 yards a pair of scores on Sunday. He relies on the big play as evidenced by just three catches, but has found the end zone in each of the Saints last two games and is getting plenty of looks from QB Drew Brees in the New Orleans offense which spreads the ball around nicely and can make him fantasy relevant going forward.

5. Darrius Heyward-Bey-Indianapolis Colts (10.8%)

DHB was on his bye week last week, but don’t forget about him and the Colts need to fill the void with Reggie Wayne out for the year. Heyward-Bey had a nice game before the bye against the Brocos catching four passes for 44 yards and a touchdown while adding a 30-yard rush. He faces a tough Texans defense this week but will be worth watching going forward to see if his targets and play-making opportunities increase.

6. Kendall Wright-Tennessee Titans (34.4%)

Jake Locker is back which makes Wright an intriguing option even though he hasn’t had the breakout season that many expected. He has been targeted at least eight times in each of the Titans last four games finishing with a season-high in catches (9) and yards (98) against San Francisco before his bye week last week. Locker’s vertical throwing ability makes Wright worth a look if someone dropped him too early this year.

7. Dexter McCluster-Kansas City Chiefs (2.0%)

Oct 27, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dexter McCluster (22) celebrates with the fans after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

McCluster has led the Chiefs in receiving in each of the last two weeks totaling 11 catches on 15 targets for 137 yards and a touchdown. KC plays a conservative offense, but it does lead to receptions and play-making opportunities which McCluster took advantage of the last two weeks. This week, KC takes on the Bills who have been beaten badly by opposing WR making McCluster a flex possibility especially in a PPR league.

8. Jeremy Kerley-New York Jets (4.9%)

Kerleyhas been the best Jets receiver this season and has gotten plenty of passes thrown his way. This week, he faces a nice matchup against the Saints as New York tries to keep up with Drew Brees and company. Kerley is worth a look in deep leagues and has one week fill-in potential.

This list of WR’s is part of my weekly waiver wire focus. If you need further help constructing your team, check out my top ten waiver wire picks of the week as well as my top waiver targets at each of the following positions: QB, RB, TE, D/ST

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