Week nine of the 2026 NFL season is done, and you are looking in the mirror wondering how it all went so wrong. You thought Puka would finally fix things for the Rams, and you were wrong. You thought Kirk Cousins couldn’t be chained by the 49ers defense, and you were wrong. You probably didn’t think Joey Fagnano would be good, and you were right! You thought you could win at fantasy football, but you don’t have to be wrong. Before you give up on your fantasy season, remember that the waiver wire exists to save you from the cruel and unforgiving fantasy football gods. I will provide you with the best options available. If I don’t mention someone whom you think I should be talking about, just know there are many reasons why I overlooked them. Maybe they are owned in most leagues. Maybe they are so bad I don’t even consider them. Or maybe it’s because your opinions cannot be trusted. After all, you are here. So let us examine our best week nine waiver wire options for our championship run…
Week Ten Waiver Wire Quarterbacks
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (61% rostered)
Don’t look now, but C.J. Stroud is QB6 this year and has a bad defense playing behind him. If you need quarterback help, C.J. Stroud is an absolute must
Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders (14% rostered)
At the behest of my editor, I will add Fernando Mendoza to this list. Rightfully so, as the Raiders’ playoff window is rapidly closing after a very bad showing by Kirk Cousins. Last year, Tyler Shough came in halfway through the Saints’ season and helped many people make the playoffs. This could very likely happen with a much better quarterback prospect if Klint Kubiak decides to play for the future.
Week Ten Waiver Wire Running Backs
Corey Kiner, New England Patriots (5% rostered)
Rhamondre Stevenson is currently getting an MRI on his knee, which means Corey Kiner is the only running back left in a high-powered New England offense. I think it is safe to say Rhamondre is going to miss at least some time, so if you need running back help, you need to run to grab Kiner.
Kaleb Johnson/Marshawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers (30%/2% rostered)
Josh Jacobs just had surgery and will be out at least a month. So one of these guys is going to be the lead back for the Packers. I’m not sure either of them are any good, but beggars can’t be choosers. Pick your poison.
Seth McGowan, Indianapolis Colts (19% rostered)
Jonathan Taylor might get traded, and Seth McGowan did have a touchdown in week nine. Really, that is it. If JT is traded, McGowan is a lead back for the Colts. That doesn’t make him a good option, but a lead back is theoretically worth something.
Week Ten Waiver Wire Wide Receivers
Jordyn Tyson, New Orleans Saints (58% rostered)
In his first game of the season, Jordyn Tyson didn’t do much, but that is really not the point. Tyson is a first-round rookie in a high-powered offense with a smart OC. Tyson has the potential to be a league winner if he stays healthy. Grab him if he’s available in your leagues.
Caleb Douglas, Miami Dolphins (25% rostered)
Caleb Douglas is a solid flex player who, when healthy, has been the clear number one receiver on the Dolphins. In week nine, he had 6 catches for 70 yards. He should be rostered everywhere.
Week Ten Waiver Wire Tight Ends
Juwan Johnson (47% rostered)
With Kelvin Banks Jr. healthy, we saw Juwan Johnson have his highest route share in the last month. Before he got hurt, Johnson was consistently putting up TE1 weeks, and he had another one in Week 9, with 2 catches for 34 yards and 1 touchdown. I wouldn’t burn my waiver priority on him, but if he clears waivers and I need tight end help, Juwan Johnson is my guy.
