Fantasy Football 2018: Top 10 waiver wire Week 9 pickups

4. Vance McDonald, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers

The reliable Vance McDonald has steadily gained the trust of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and he added 3 receptions for 47 yards against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8 to a running season total of 23 receptions and 321 yards.

McDonald hasn’t found the end zone much this season, catching just one touchdown pass, but at a position where depth is almost impossible to find, he has become a reliable backup option. The former San Francisco 49ers tight end has a relatively high floor, and it’s worth noting that McDonald has put up at least 60 receiving yards in three games this season. Since he’s appeared in six games in total, that’s a pretty good split.

Next week, McDonald will feature in a rivalry contest against the Baltimore Ravens, whom he caught 5 passes for 62 yards against in Week 4. As a whole, McDonald is averaging 14.0 yards per reception and 53.5 yards per game, and he has earned his role as a key part of the Steelers offense. It’s possible more targets could come his way, because he’s been there whenever Roethlisberger has called his number.

At this point in the season, Jesse James has become an afterthought behind McDonald in the Steelers offense, showing just how much McDonald has taken the ball and run with it, especially after stiff-arming Chris Conte as part of a 112-yard performance against Tampa Bay in Week 3.