CFB Waiver Wire: Players to Pick Up Week 9

Throughout the college football season, I'll pick two guys from every active conference who either caught my eye in the previous week or who have a favorable match-up in the near future. As always, I'll get to any questions or comments you have in the comments section below.

First though, here are the guys who made me look good last week;

Oregon RB Travis Dye (33.1 points)
Utah QB Cameron Rising (26.0 points)
South Alabama QB Jake Bentley (25.8 points)
Miami RB Jaylan Knighton (25.6 points)
Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson (25.1 points)
Michigan RB Hassan Haskins (23.0 points)
UTSA QB Frank Harris (21.6 points)
San Jose State TE Derrick Deese (19.6 points)
UCF RB Isaiah Bowser (17.1 points)
Michigan D/ST (12.5 points)

Slate Background: The weekday games slow down this week as we have Troy at Coastal Carolina and South Florida at East Carolina on Thursday Night as well as Navy at Tulsa and UNLV at Nevada on Friday Night. I would recommend targeting East Carolina and Nevada for fantasy purposes in those small slates. Saturday is absolutely loaded with Michigan at Michigan State, Texas at Baylor, Miami at Pittsburgh, Georgia vs. Florida (Jacksonville, FL), Ole Miss at Auburn, SMU at Houston and Penn State at Ohio State.

*Fantasy Points referenced in article are DK format.
**To qualify for recommendations, players must be rostered in less than 50 percent of Fantrax Leagues

AAC

Holton Ahlers, QB, East Carolina (17 percent rostered)

Ahlers put forth an admirable performance against a tough Houston defense with three total touchdowns and 23.8 fantasy points. It will get much easier this week for the Pirates when they host South Florida in a game that should have a ton of points. With that in mind, Ahlers is averaging 34.0 passing attempts and 9.6 rushing attempts per game which is plenty of opportunity to do some fantasy damage. 

Shamari Brooks, RB, Tulsa (14 percent rostered)

Brooks is averaging 106.0 rushing yards and 1.0 touchdowns on 19.8 attempts per game over his last four contests. The crazy part is that those are the numbers and he had eight carries for negative two yards against Houston, so you can imagine how good he was in those other three games against Arkansas State, Memphis and USF. This week's opponent, Navy, was surprisingly stout against the Cincinnati run-game this past week (yielded 95 yards on 28 carries), but I expect them to be a bit softer this week after such a tough opponent. That's where Brooks comes in who has a great shot at this fourth 100-yard rushing performance in five games.

Week 8 Rewind; Houston QB Clayton Tune (11.0 points - 19/29, 169 YDS, 2 TD) & UCF RB Isaiah Bowser (17.1 points - 26 ATT, 111 YDS, 2 REC, 10 YDS)

ACC

Jeff Sims, QB, Georgia Tech (42 percent rostered)

Sims has been on this list before and continues to perform as he is averaging 33.9 fantasy points over his last four contests. Georgia Tech's defense is so bad that he really has no choice but to put up production each and every week. They'll go up against Virginia Tech this week who has given up over 400 yards of offense in each of their last three games, including 550 yards in a 41-36 loss to Syracuse. Syracuse's QB, Garrett Shrader, who has a similar game to Sims had over 50 fantasy points against the Hokies this past weekend.

Jaylan Knighton, RB, Miami (26 percent rostered)

Knighton was great against NC State with 166 total yards from scrimmage on 27 touches against a tough NC State defensive front. If he can do that against NC State, he could have some monster performances against the likes of Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, Florida State, Virginia Tech and Duke to finish the season. I fully anticipate Knighton being over 50 percent rostered following this waiver wire period, so go out and get him while you can.

Week 8 Rewind; Florida State QB Jordan Travis (18.7 points - 5/10, 123 YDS, 9 ATT, 78 YDS, 1 TD) & Miami RB Jaylan Knighton (25.6 points - 21 ATT, 83 YDS, 6/6 TAR, 83 YDS, 1 TD)

BIG 12

Gerry Bohanon, QB, Baylor (28 percent rostered)

Bohanon has been better than expected in 2021 with 18 total touchdowns in seven games. He's great for fantasy line-ups as he has a rushing score in five of those seven contests and doesn't really make mistakes with just two turnovers all season. Baylor and Texas have a pivotal game in the Big 12 this week which should mean there will be some offense as there usually is when these two teams meet up.

Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State (35 percent rostered)

Hutchinson is clearly the number one receiver for the Cyclones with 46 catches for 539 yards and five touchdowns on 56 targets in seven games. On a per game average, that's 6.6 catches for 77.0 yards and 0.7 touchdowns on 8.0 targets which equates to roughly 19.4 fantasy points per contest. He should be rostered in far more leagues with those kinds of numbers and he's not going to slow down against other Big 12 defenses.

Week 8 Rewind; Kansas State QB Skylar Thompson (15.2 points - 24/30, 296 YDS, 1 TD) & Oklahoma WR Mike Woods (DNP - Undisclosed Injury)

BIG TEN

Payne Durham, TE, Purdue (39 percent rostered)

Durham had a huge game against Wisconsin with nine catches for 112 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. Although he did not have a touchdown prior to that since Week 2, he continues to see healthy volume while having at least five targets in every game. This suggests that he has significant upside which came to fruition against the Badgers. There's no reason he shouldn't be in lineups against Nebraska, Michigan State, Ohio State and Northwestern over the next month of the season.

Taulia Tagovailoa, QB, Maryland (45 percent rostered)

After starting the season with 26.3 fantasy points per game through his first four, he has just 11.5 fantasy points per game over his last three. Part of that has to do with losing WR Dontay Demus to injury, but most of it has to do with tough competition in Iowa, Ohio State and Minnesota. I like his chances to get closer to the 26.3 mark this week against Indiana as the Hoosiers are giving up 31 points per game. I also like WR Rakim Jarrett (39 percent rostered) and RB Tayon Fleet-Davis (16 percent rostered).

Week 8 Rewind; Penn State RB Noah Cain (5.1 points - 11 ATT, 43 YDS, 1 REC, 3 YDS) & Michigan RB Hassan Haskins (23.0 points - 23 ATT, 110 YDS, 2 TD)

C-USA

Grant Wells, QB, Marshall (27 percent rostered)

Wells had a breakout game in Week 7 with five total touchdowns on his way to a season-high 36.3 fantasy points. Coming off a bye, he should be ready to keep rolling as Marshall will host FIU who is giving up 306 passing yards per game and a staggering 404 passing yards per game when on the road. For that reason, I also like pass-catchers Corey Gammage (7 percent rostered) and Xavier Gaines (24 percent rostered).

Victor Tucker & Grant DuBose, WR/WR, Charlotte (19/20 percent rostered)

I'm continuing my strategy of recommending opposing receivers against Western Kentucky's high-flying offense which is averaging 40 points and 543 yards of offense. With a decent quarterback in Chris Reynolds (39 percent rostered), both Tucker and DuBose should be in play as Charlotte will need to chuck the ball early and often. Tucker is averaging 16.5 fantasy points on 7.0 targets per game while DuBose is averaging 17.7 fantasy points on 7.1 targets per game.

Week 8 Rewind; UTSA QB Frank Harris (21.6 points - 12/20, 193 YDS, 2 TD, 8 ATT, 59 YDS) & FIU WR Tyrese Chambers (6.1 points - 4 REC, 41 YDS)

MAC

Kyle Vantrease, QB, Buffalo (2 percent rostered)

There's only one MAC game on the schedule with Bowling Green at Buffalo, so not a lot to choose from this week. Interestingly enough, Bowling Green does give up 360 yards per contest, however, most of that comes on the ground at 191 yards per game. With Marks (67 percent rostered) questionable for the game and Dylan McDuffie (16 percent rostered) playing well, it's tough to not go with the run game, but Vantrease does have three rushing scores in his last five games.

Dylan McDuffie, RB, Buffalo (16 percent rostered)

McDuffie is a definite play if Marks is forced to miss another game as he is coming off back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances. Maybe he's a play either way though as he does have eight total touchdowns, including at least one score in six of eight games. I've safely recommended both players, but I would go with McDuffie if Marks doesn't play and Vantrease if they both play.

Week 8 Rewind; Western Michigan RB Sean Tyler (11.4 points - 10 ATT, 48 YDS, 1 TD, 2 REC, 16 YDS) & Miami (OH) TE Andrew Homer (6.8 points - 1 REC, 3 YDS, 1 TD)

MOUNTAIN WEST

Derrick Deese, TE, San Jose State (45 percent rostered)

Deese is a repeat recommendation as he is not only one of the hottest tight ends in the country, he's a streaking receiving option overall with 100-yard receiving performances in three of his last four games. His floor has been amazing over the last month of the season with four straight double-digit performances. This shouldn't go away either as he leads the team with 6.8 targets per game.

Charles Williams, RB, UNLV (48 percent rostered)

I'm not going away from Williams until he's rostered in over 50 percent of leagues as he's easily the best running back in the conference. Nevada is giving up 144 rushing yards per game and 5.1 yards per carry, so there's a good chance Williams has yet another strong performance this week. Over the last month of the season, William is averaging 24.1 fantasy points per game which is plenty good.

Week 8 Rewind; UNLV RB Charles Williams (13.9 points - 24 ATT, 94 YDS, 1 TD, 1/2 TAR, 1 LOST FUMBLE) & San Jose State TE Derrick Deese (19.6 points - 6/8 TAR, 106 YDS)

PAC-12

Anthony Brown, QB, Oregon (28 percent rostered)

Brown leaves a lot to desire in the passing game, yet he's a viable fantasy option because what he does with his legs. Through his first seven games, he's averaging 10.4 rushing attempts for 46.7 rushing yards and 0.9 touchdowns per game. That's really boosted his fantasy numbers and helped him average 21.6 fantasy points per game. I love his schedule to finish the season with games against Colorado, Washington, Washington State, Utah and Oregon State which means he'll be playable for the rest of the year.

Keaontay Ingram, RB, USC (20 percent rostered)

Ingram is a candidate to break out for a huge game as his volume has been consistent with 17.3 rushing attempts for 110.7 rushing yards and 1.7 receptions on 2.0 targets per game over his last three games. Despite just having one touchdown over those three games, he's averaging 17.4 fantasy points. If the touchdowns start to come, Ingram could have a monster performance. I have no doubt that USC will put up some points against Arizona this week.

Week 8 Rewind; Oregon RB Travis Dye (33.1 points - 14 ATT, 35 YDS, 4 TD, 4 REC, 36 YDS) & Utah QB Cameron Rising (26.0 points - 22/36, 267 YDS, 2 TD, 10 ATT, 73 YDS)

SEC

Bo Nix, QB, Auburn (27 percent rostered)

I've been burned by Nix many times over the last couple of years, yet here I am once again as the junior signal-caller enticed me with a three-touchdown and 28.9 fantasy point performance at Arkansas in Week 7. The fact remains that Ole Miss gives up 28 points and 426 yards per game, so it's really set up for Nix to have a decent fantasy performance. It should make us feel better that Nix had 24.7 fantasy points against Ole Miss last year with a couple of touchdowns.

Josh Ali, WR, Kentucky (6 percent rostered)

Ali is expected to make his return from an undisclosed injury at Mississippi State this week. To start the season, Ali averaged 16.7 fantasy points on 4.0 catches for 73.0 yards and 5.3 targets through the first three games. It then appeared that he was dealing with this injury to start the SEC season while teammate Wan'Dale Robinson (91 percent rostered) has flourished. I'm willing to take a chance on Ali because Kentucky has an extremely easy schedule the rest of the way with Mississippi State, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, New Mexico State and Louisville. Quarterback Will Levis (16 percent rostered) is also a smart play for the rest of the year.

Week 8 Rewind; LSU RB Tyrion Davis-Price (11.3 points - 17 ATT, 53 YDS, 1 TD) & Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson (25.1 points - 10/17, 194 YDS, 4 TD, 3 ATT, 33 YDS)

SUN BELT

Jake Bentley, QB, South Alabama (15 percent rostered)

It is not the time to get away from Bentley as they go up against Arkansas State who is allowing a blistering 579 yards and 44 points per game. Although the Jaguars somehow lost to Louisiana-Monroe and Bentley threw a couple of picks, he should be remain in line-ups for his next game. Outside of the turnovers, he's playing extremely well while completing 75 percent of his passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns to go along with a couple of rushing scores in just two games.

Darren Grainger, QB, Georgia State (2 percent rostered)

It looks like the Panthers are set to go with Grainger over Cornelious Brown the rest of the way and deservedly so. Grainger has been fantastic in wins over Texas State and Louisiana-Monroe while averaging 34.1 fantasy points. He's particularly attractive due to his running skills with 13.0 carries for 95.0 yards and 0.5 touchdowns in those two games while also accumulating six passing scores. He'll have at least a couple of scores against Georgia Southern this week.

Week 8 Rewind; South Alabama QB Jake Bentley (25.8 points - 30/41, 320 YDS, 4 TD, 2 INT) & Louisiana WR Dontae Fleming (6.7 points - 2/4 TAR, 47 YDS)

INDEPENDENTS

CJ Daniels, WR, Liberty (7 percent rostered)

With Demario Douglas (31 percent rostered) banged up, Daniels is coming off his best game with seven catches on 13 targets for 135 yards and two touchdowns at North Texas. While that type of volume is not usual, he does have at least one score in five of his last six games. That's definitely sustainable against Massachusetts and Ole Miss over the next two weeks as the Flames will likely need to throw the ball.

Week 8 Rewind; BYU QB Jaren Hall (8.3 points - 15/20, 143 YDS, 8 ATT, 17 YDS)

DEFENSE RECOMMENDATIONS

Wisconsin (vs. Iowa) - You could likely go with either of these defenses as this game should have a very low over/under. Iowa is rostered across most leagues while the Badgers are at just 20 percent. This unit heated up at Purdue with six sacks and five turnovers.

Oklahoma State (vs. Kansas) - The Jayhawks may have held down Oklahoma for a single half, but they now will go up against an angry Cowboys team that is driven by their defense. Their rostered in just 18 percent of leagues and a top play this week.

Arizona State (vs. Washington State) - The Sun Devils have accumulated six turnovers and nine sacks over their last three games. I expect them to be fresh off a bye week and take care of business against a Washington State team in flux. Rostered in just eight percent of leagues.

Week 8 Rewind; Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State (1.5 points - 21 PA, 3 Sacks, 0 TAs), Purdue vs. Wisconsin (9 points - 30 PA, 2 Sacks, 2 TAs, 1 TD) & Michigan vs. Northwestern (12.5 points - 7 PA, 1 Sack, 2 TAs)

SUMMARY & TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

Utilizing the two players for each conference above, here are my top recommendations for the week by position:

QB: South Alabama Jake Bentley, Auburn Bo Nix, East Carolina Holton Ahlers

RB: Miami Jaylan Knighton, USC Keaontay Ingram, UNLV Charles Williams

WR: Iowa State Xavier Hutchinson, Charlotte Victor Tucker, Charlotte Grant DuBose

TE: San Jose State Derrick Deese, Purdue Payne Durham

D/ST: Oklahoma State (vs. Kansas), Arizona State (vs. Washington State), Wisconsin (vs. Iowa)