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Week 8 was another perfect week, kinda. Marcus Mariota obviously did not start so he was thrown out. Otherwise it was a 2/2 day. Alex Smith only threw for 145 yards but he had two passing touchdowns and 78 rush yards and another score on the ground. That resulted in a huge fantasy day: Smith’s best yet! Meanwhile Brian Hoyer wasn’t amazing, but he did have 17 fantasy points which is a success if you were to the point of starting him.
For Week 9, Zach is probably shying away from Derek Carr (46% owned) once again. The Steelers are a good defense. The Jets were too but still play it safe here. Even if you don’t start Carr this week, he needs to be owned and he is out there in a lot of leagues. I’d also like to throw out Marcus Mariota’s name again. He’s out there in plenty of leagues and gets the Saints this week. The same Saints that just allowed Eli Manning to throw six touchdowns. Mariota just misses this list but he’s definitely a good add.
For this article, I’d like to look at two QBs owned in 50% or less of Fleaflicker leagues and another QB owned in 25% or less to account for the QB scarcity in 2QB leagues. There are definitely some good QBs readily available if you need a stream this week!
Standard League QB Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 9
Tyrod Taylor (BUF) vs Dolphins
OWNED IN: 46% of Fleaflicker leagues
Tyrod Taylor should be healthy coming off three weeks of rest. He was quite a fantasy sensation prior to his injury, averaging over 20 points through five games. His worst game was still 14 points. His mobility (about 40 rush yards per game) keeps his floor very high.
The Dolphins have allowed at least 270 passing yards in each of the last three games. In addition to Tyrod Taylor’s three weeks off, the entire team will be rested coming off the bye. That hopefully means the return of Sammy Watkins, who hasn’t been at full health for most of the season. Taylor should be able to pick up where he left off when he had 22 points in Week 5.
Jay Cutler (CHI) @ Chargers
OWNED IN: 41% of Fleaflicker Leagues
I think it has gone under the radar but Jay Cutler has at least 17 points in each of the last 4 games. Sure it took a rushing touchdown to get there in Week 8, but the Vikings have a very tough defense. The Chargers are a much easier matchup.
The Chargers have allowed 19+ points to the QB in 4 of the last 5 games. The lone game where that didn’t happen was vs Mike Vick. Cutler should have no problem hitting Alshon Jeffery and co in this game. Another point in Cutler’s favor: The Chargers have just four interceptions on the season. That should ease some of the concerns you may have.
Deeper League QB Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 9
Kirk Cousins (WAS) @ Patriots
OWNED IN: 17% of Fleaflicker Leagues
After finishing as the QB1 (!) in Week 7, Cousins headed to his bye and remained unowned in the overwhelming majority of leagues. Prior to that Kirk Cousins had two games with less than 10 points. He is far from a guarantee, that much is certain. One big positive? Desean Jackson should finally be ready to return to action after the bye. Djax/Garcon/Jordan Reed is really not a bad trio of options. Coming off the bye, I like Cousins to deliver a respectable game here.