Navigating the twists and turns of the NFL fantasy football season is the top priority for savvy managers looking to stay one step ahead of their league mates. No fantasy football team is complete without a little help from the waiver wire. The injury bug hit the quarterback position this week, as Kirk Cousins was lost for the year, while Matthew Stafford, Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder and Tyrod Taylor all picked up various knocks.

Whether your team needs a full rebuild, or you’re looking for a bye-week fill-in, you’re next game-winning move is just a read away. Let’s take a look at our fantasy football waiver wire targets heading into Week 9.

Quarterbacks to Target

Will Levis, Tennessee Titans: 

Get him while he’s hot folks! Will Levis burst on to the scene with 4 touchdowns in his debut on Sunday. The Kentucky product unleashed a number of fantastic deep balls and seemed to be on the same page with DeAndre Hopkins.

“That damn Will can play.”@will_levis balled out Sunday, and @GrindSimmons94 was his biggest fan 🙌 @Titans pic.twitter.com/rCxITAaTQx

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) October 31, 2023

You can grab Levis to take over for the injured Kirk Cousins at just the right time. As the Tennessee Titans take on the shorthanded Steelers, before favorable matchups with the Panthers and Colts in the coming weeks.

While there’s no guarantee the 2nd-round pick keeps his job when Ryan Tannehill returns, he’s an excellent low-cost streamer. Levis athleticism also provides plenty of upside in the event he needs to move the football with his legs. Remember he was an accomplished runner in college and the Titans could look to integrate some read options into their offense.

Running Backs to Target:

Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens: 

Coming off a three-touchdown performance, Edwards needs be your top priority on the waiver wire heading into Week 9.

Edwards now has at least 60 rushing yards and a score in back-to-back games. The Baltimore Ravens are the 3rd-most run heavy team in the NFL this season, at 32.6 plays per game. “Gus the bus” has seen 11 red zone touches and 105 carries already.

Gus Edwards for the second time today!

📺: #BALvsAZ on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Quwvdzpx7G pic.twitter.com/RD9RDyeeHL

— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2023

Many more high-scoring weeks are in store as the Ravens continue to get comfortable in Todd Monken’s new scheme. Baltimore’s new explosive element has seen their Super Bowl odds drop in recent weeks, as sportsbooks take note of their newfound capabilities. Edwards will be a volume-dependent back, but you’ll want every piece of that in a successful scoring offense. Add Gus Edwards on the waiver wire while you still can.

Other RBs to target: Emari Demercado, Arizona Cardinals

Wide Receivers to target:

Demario Douglas, New England Patriots:

The rookie out of Liberty is the new defacto WR1 in New England with Kendrick Bourne lost for the season with a torn ACL. Douglas saw a nearly 25% target share last week and is in line for a whole lot more work.

Bill O’Brien’s offense has thrown the football 61% of the time this season, and that should only increase as the Patriots continue to trail in football games.  

DEMARIO DOUGLAS 🔥@popshotta3 | #ForeverNE

📺 on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/l0iV4H7d1N

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 22, 2023

The underlying metrics show that Douglas is a fantasy football asset as a flex option down the stretch. The 6th-round draft pick ranks 23rd in the NFL in yards per route run (2.19) and 16th in target separation (2.17 yards). Snag him off the waiver wire while you still can.

Tight Ends to target:

Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints:

A versatile puzzle piece of any team, Taysom Hill has been a top-tier fantasy asset the last two weeks. For those of you missing Kirk Cousins, Hill is a possible option.

The converted quarterback has operated as the New Orleans Saints red-zone hammer all year, and needs to be plucked off the waiver wire. The BYU product has back-to-back weeks with at least 10 touches and a score. With the dearth of weekly options at the tight end position, Hill is more than worth a roll of the waiver wire dice.

Defense to target for Week 9:

New Orleans Saints: 

Streaming the defense playing the Chicago Bears every week is a recipe for success in fantasy. New Orleans ranks 9th in points per game allowed at 19.3 and 5th in total yards conceded at 296.4. Additionally, the Saints have racked up 21 sacks and 6 interceptions on the year and will likely add to those numbers against an overmatched Bears squad in Week 9.