Fantasy Football: Week 9

We have entered the month of November. The climax of the month is often seen as Thanksgiving, which is becoming a football holiday as much as it is an American one. As the date approaches November 23rd, the football season intensifies. The leaves turn brown, the air gets cold, and the games get good. November football is midseason, and every game counts.

From a fantasy perspective, November is even more important. Turkey Day represents Week 12, which is only two weeks away from the fantasy playoffs. This is the homestretch, and player additions from the waiver wire are crucial to success in the second half of the season. With that in mind, these are the top player adds for Week 9.

Additions

Alex Collins – This is likely the first guy targeted this week. Thursday night, Collins totaled 113 rushing yards on 18 carries, as well as 30 receiving yards on two catches. He continues to impress with his yards per carry numbers throughout the season. Collins has emerged as the top early-down back in Baltimore, making him a must-add this week.

Jamison Crowder – Against Dallas on Sunday, Crowder had his best game of the season by far, with 9 catches for 123 yards in the air. Although starting him is unwise against the Seattle Seahawks this week, he should definitely make a fantasy roster, as his rapid increase in workload should continue with Terrelle Pryor being benched after his own lack of production.

Kenyan Drake – The NFL had one of its most active trade deadlines in its history this past week. This included struggling All-Pro RB Jay Ajayi being sent to Philadelphia, leaving the Miami backfield with many questions pertaining to their new starting running back. It looks like Kenyan Drake will step in. Drake was great at the University of Alabama, and has had success when given the ball at the professional level. Maybe don’t start him until he proves himself, but he’s definitely worth the add.

Devin Funchess – The other major trade this week was Kelvin Benjamin being sent to Buffalo to circle the wagons. This leaves Funchess as the starting WR in Carolina. He should see a rapid increase in targets and efficiency, so grab him if he isn’t already snatched up in your fantasy league.

Josh Gordon – This last addition is very important. A few years ago, Josh Gordon was a top 5 fantasy receiver. After multiple issues with drugs, he has been suspended from the NFL since 2014. However, Gordon was reinstated to the league earlier today. Although he is not eligible to return until November 27th, he is certainly a great stash. If Gordon does return on the 27th, he would have fantasy relevance for the last week of the regular season and the playoffs. If Gordon is half the player that he was back in 2013 and 2014, then he is worthy of a starting position in the fantasy playoffs. Pick him up while you can, just in case…

I wish you the best of luck in Week 9!