Here's a quick look at 10 fantasy players to target off the waiver wire as we head into Week 9.
Shaun Alexander, RB, Washington: With Ladell Betts sidelined due to an injured knee, Alexander has now taken over as the best handcuff for Clinton Portis. Alexander won't take carries from this season's top fantasy running back, but Portis is getting a little nicked up. He's on pace for a career-high 374 carries at his current rate.
Donnie Avery, WR, St. Louis: I listed Avery in this spot last week, but he's still a free agent in 50 percent of NFL.com leagues. That won't be the case after what was a monster performance in New England. He caught six passes for 163 yards and scored a touchdown in the 23-16 loss. Avery has now scored in three of his last four games.
Kevin Curtis, WR, Philadelphia: Curtis had an unimpressive stat line in his first action of the season, catching three passes for 45 yards in a 27-14 win over Atlanta. But with one full game now under his belt and a favorable matchup against the Seattle Seahawks next on the slate, Curtis should definitely be owned in most fantasy leagues.
Kevin Faulk, RB, New England: The Patriots backfield is one that fantasy owners need to watch. With the status of Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan uncertain, Faulk will be a hot name on the waiver wire after totaling 107 scrimmage yards and one touchdown against St. Louis. The Pats face a vulnerable Indianapolis run defense in Week 9.
David Garrard, QB, Jacksonville: Despite facing a Cleveland defense that ranked seventh in the league against the pass, Garrard still posted solid numbers this week. He's put together a few nice stat lines and will be an attractive fantasy option against Cincinnati in Week 9. Garrard is currently available in 20 percent of NFL.com leagues.
Chad Pennington, QB, Miami: Pennington has quietly put up some very nice numbers over the past three weeks, including a 314-yard, one-touchdown performance in a win over Buffalo. With a game against the very defenseless Denver Broncos next on the schedule, Pennington will be a viable fantasy starter in countless leagues for Week 9.
Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta: How can you not be impressed with Ryan? This kid goes into Philadelphia, one of the most hostile venues in sports, and throws for 277 yards and two touchdowns. He might be a rookie quarterback, but Ryan has played more like a seasoned veteran. He's got a great matchup in Week 9 against the Oakland Raiders.
Kolby Smith, RB, Kansas City: With Larry Johnson's future in doubt, Smith has a chance to see more carries in the weeks to come. He might have been forced to share carries with Jamaal Charles, but Charles sustained a high ankle sprain against the Jets and could be out several weeks. Smith is worth a roster spot in most formats.
Ryan Torain, RB, Denver: Selvin Young has been a disappointment, Andre Hall has fumbilitis and Michael Pittman's solid, but not a true featured back. Enter Torain, who is expected to make his regular-season debut against Miami. He might not make an instant fantasy impact, but the rookie is worth adding and stashing on your roster.
Nate Washington, WR, Pittsburgh: Much like Larry Johnson, Santonio Holmes could be facing further discipline for his off-field troubles. That makes Washington, who posted nice numbers against the Giants, an attractive option off the waiver wire. He's a serious playmaker that can stretch defenses in the Steelers' offensive attack.
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