The NFL trade deadline used to be a yawn-inducing nothingburger, served cold.

Major League Baseball reshuffled pennant races with its annual midseason yard sale. The NBA spent February swapping stars and setting social media on fire.

Football usually offered up a backup lineman for a conditional seventh-round pick.

Then the league pushed its deadline back, front offices mastered salary-cap gymnastics, and general managers discovered that admitting a season was lost could actually be good business.

This year’s deals aren’t waiting for Nov. 10. Chicago surrendered two first-round picks for All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Houston acquired Marvin Harrison Jr., reuniting him with college quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Now, fantasy managers have an entirely different problem: You could leave for lunch on deadline day with your roster intact and return to find a trade has punched a hole in it.

One acquisition could turn your dependable 15-touch running back into a committee member. One departure could transform a rookie collecting splinters into the hottest waiver claim in your league.

A Jonathan Taylor trade could make Seth McGowan worth every last dollar of your FAAB budget. Tony Pollard’s departure could open the door for Nicholas Singleton after Tennessee’s bye. Brian Thomas Jr. might rediscover his rookie-year brilliance elsewhere. Quentin Johnston could get a fresh start too, although his hands remain a mystery.

Between potential trades, mounting injuries and bye-week headaches, your next difference-making waiver claim might be someone barely seeing the field today.

Editor’s note: Updated Tuesday, Nov. 3, following Chicago’s 34-17 victory over Seattle. This expanded Week 9 fantasy football waiver-wire guide features 33 recommended pickups and five drop candidates, incorporating Monday Night Football results, injury developments and potential opportunities ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline.

Priority targets

— WR Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars (ESPN: 40%; Yahoo: 43%): Thomas scored against Indianapolis but remains a shadow of the receiver who produced 87 receptions, 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie, having lost substantial opportunities to Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers. A potential deadline trade could restore his downfield target volume and WR2 upside, making him an intriguing speculative investment before his situation changes.

— RB Tyler Allgeier, Cardinals (ESPN: 46%; Yahoo: 52%): Allgeier erupted for 191 scrimmage yards and two TDs against Dallas, including 147 rushing yards on 11 carries, while injuries to Jeremiyah Love (ankle) and Bam Knight (concussion) left him handling every second-half and overtime offensive snap. With both backs potentially sidelined against Seattle, Allgeier offers immediate RB1 upside after demonstrating the receiving involvement and explosive-play ability necessary to thrive with a featured workload.

— QB Malik Willis, Dolphins (ESPN: 11%; Yahoo: 20%): Willis completed 21 of 32 passes for 211 yards and two TDs against New England, giving him consecutive multi-TD performances to complement 225 rushing yards and three rushing scores this season. Detroit has surrendered the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, providing Willis with immediate QB1 streaming upside and another favorable matchup against Indianapolis looming in Week 10.

— TE Brenton Strange, Jaguars (ESPN: 50%; Yahoo: 63%): Strange caught two passes for 55 yards against Indianapolis, including a 46-yard gain, giving him 21 receptions for 262 yards over his last four games despite Jacksonville’s limited passing volume in Sunday’s blowout. His growing intermediate role provides a dependable PPR floor and low-end TE1 upside heading into Thursday’s matchup at Baltimore.

— D/ST Chiefs (ESPN: 53%; Yahoo: 43%): Kansas City has generated 10 takeaways through seven games and faces a Jets offense that has allowed Geno Smith to absorb 23 sacks through eight contests. Steve Spagnuolo’s pressure packages should exploit New York’s protection problems, while upcoming matchups against Atlanta and Arizona make the Chiefs an attractive multigame investment.

Other top targets

— QB Michael Penix Jr., Falcons (ESPN: 19%; Yahoo: 20%): Penix completed just eight of 24 passes for 125 yards and four interceptions in Tampa Bay’s rain-soaked shutout, abruptly ending a streak of two consecutive performances exceeding 20 fantasy points. Cincinnati has surrendered 304.4 passing yards per game and 7.6 yards per attempt, creating substantial rebound potential in Madrid if Drake London is healthy.

— QB Sam Darnold, Seahawks (ESPN: 31%; Yahoo: 43%): Darnold completed just 17 of 34 passes for 188 yards, two TDs and an interception in Monday night’s 34-17 loss to Chicago, absorbing three sacks as Seattle converted only one of 11 third downs. Arizona has surrendered 17 passing TDs and 8.5 yards per attempt through seven games, making Darnold a viable bounce-back streamer with another favorable matchup against Las Vegas looming in Week 10.

— QB J.J. McCarthy, Giants (ESPN: 15%; Yahoo: 9%): McCarthy completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards without a turnover against Houston in Week 7, demonstrating improved downfield efficiency after arriving from Minnesota. His mobility and increasing command of New York’s offense offer intriguing superflex appeal against Philadelphia, with a potentially more favorable matchup against Washington in Week 10.

— QB Anthony Richardson, Colts (ESPN:

— WR Jordyn Tyson, Saints (ESPN: 35%; Yahoo: 52%): Tyson could finally make his NFL debut against Cleveland after a hamstring injury sidelined the eighth overall pick, whose 89.5 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus over his final two college seasons ranked among the nation’s elite. Availability has always been the concern, never production — he totaled 136 receptions, 1,812 yards and 18 TDs over his final two seasons at Arizona State — making him a high-upside stash with potential WR2 value once healthy.

— WR Makai Lemon, Eagles (ESPN: 52%; Yahoo: 58%): Lemon has capitalized on DeVonta Smith’s absence, catching 13 passes for 124 yards and a TD over his last two games while commanding a 24.2% target share. Philadelphia has every incentive to keep developing its first-round pick, whose separation ability and increasing rapport with Tanner McKee should preserve meaningful opportunities even after Smith returns.

— WR DeMario Douglas, Patriots (ESPN: 52%; Yahoo: 37%): Douglas caught three passes for 76 yards and a TD against Miami, giving him four scores over his last four games. Injuries to A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins could expand his route participation, making him an appealing PPR flex against Green Bay.

— WR Caleb Douglas, Dolphins (ESPN: 29%; Yahoo: 28%): Douglas caught four of six targets for 43 yards against New England, giving the rookie 13 receptions for 226 yards and two TDs on 19 targets through four appearances. His 11.9 yards per target and increasing route participation provide explosive-play upside against Detroit, although an aggravated ankle injury warrants monitoring.

— WR Antonio Williams, Commanders (ESPN: 16%; Yahoo: 26%): Williams caught three passes for 54 yards against Philadelphia, benefiting from Terry McLaurin’s season-ending injury while Washington reduced its receiver rotation and increased his snap share. His expanding route participation creates PPR flex potential alongside Stefon Diggs, although the Rams present a difficult Week 9 matchup.

— WR Ryan Flournoy, Cowboys (ESPN: 22%; Yahoo: 34%): Flournoy caught another TD against Arizona, extending his streak to four consecutive games with either a score or at least 70 receiving yards. George Pickens’ shoulder and hamstring issues could increase Flournoy’s opportunities against Indianapolis, which entered Week 8 allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to slot receivers.

— WR Keenan Allen, Colts (ESPN: 42%; Yahoo: 51%): Allen caught all seven targets for 67 yards against Jacksonville, giving him 36 receptions for 325 yards despite Indianapolis’ offensive struggles and an average of approximately nine yards per catch. His dependable short-area target volume provides PPR flex value against Dallas, with additional opportunities possible if Josh Downs’ reported trade request results in a move.

— WR Devaughn Vele, Saints (ESPN: 59%; Yahoo: 52%): Vele has quietly produced 33 receptions for 348 yards and three TDs on 48 targets through seven games, but Jordyn Tyson’s impending return could threaten his substantial route participation in New Orleans. The 6-foot-5 receiver has surfaced in trade speculation, and a move to a receiver-needy contender could preserve or even enhance his PPR value, making him an intriguing deadline stash.

— WR Adonai Mitchell, Jets (ESPN: 11%; Yahoo: 11%): Mitchell erupted for seven receptions, 142 yards and a TD against Las Vegas while handling 95% of New York’s 11-personnel snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. His 4.34 speed and expanding route participation offer substantial upside, although competition from Garrett Wilson and Omar Cooper Jr. makes him a volatile flex against Kansas City.

— RB Jonah Coleman, Broncos (ESPN: 52%; Yahoo: 73%): Coleman produced 104 scrimmage yards and a TD on 15 touches against Kansas City, out-touching J.K. Dobbins 15-7 after RJ Harvey landed on injured reserve with a knee injury. With Harvey and Tyler Badie sidelined, the rookie’s growing rushing workload and receiving involvement make him a potential weekly RB2 with upside against Carolina — and he should be universally rostered.

— RB Seth McGowan, Colts (ESPN: 21%; Yahoo: 31%): McGowan has rushed 37 times for 163 yards, including five carries for 29 yards against Jacksonville, while serving as Jonathan Taylor’s primary backup in an offense already stripped of veterans Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. If Indianapolis trades Taylor, the 223-pound rookie’s combination of power and 4.49 speed could immediately vault him into RB2 consideration, making him a priority speculative stash ahead of the deadline.

— RB Mike Washington Jr., Raiders (ESPN: 18%; Yahoo: 27%): Washington handled 25 carries for 83 yards against the Jets while Ashton Jeanty received just two rushing attempts, signaling a stunning backfield reshuffle that featured Washington as Las Vegas’ primary early-down and goal-line option. His projected rushing volume and high-value touches make him an aggressive waiver target with RB2 upside against San Francisco if the arrangement continues.

— RB Kaelon Black, 49ers (ESPN: 23%; Yahoo: 31%): Black rushed 12 times for 63 yards and a 30-yard TD against Atlanta in Week 7 after Christian McCaffrey suffered a hamstring injury, demonstrating his ability to handle early-down work in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. McCaffrey is expected to return after San Francisco’s bye, but Black offers valuable insurance with immediate RB2 upside if the veteran suffers another setback.

— RB Devin Singletary, Giants (ESPN: 4%; Yahoo: 5%): Singletary could see expanded opportunities following Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s placement on injured reserve, particularly with Cam Skattebo’s ball-security issues creating uncertainty in New York’s backfield. His receiving versatility and experience offer speculative PPR flex value against Philadelphia, although a potential deadline acquisition could undermine his workload.

— RB Emmett Johnson, Chiefs (ESPN: 12%; Yahoo: 19%): Johnson exploded for five receptions, 128 yards and a TD against Denver, including a 73-yard score, but he played just 12 offensive snaps as Kenneth Walker III remained Kansas City’s featured back. His receiving explosiveness creates premium handcuff value, although Sunday’s extraordinary efficiency is unsustainable without substantially more touches.

— RB Ray Davis, Bills (ESPN: 3%; Yahoo: 4%): Davis has received minimal opportunities behind James Cook III and Ty Johnson, but Cook’s brief evaluation for a head injury against Baltimore underscores the importance of securing backfield insurance. His physical running style offers potential early-down and goal-line value if Cook misses time, although Johnson would likely retain significant receiving work.

— RB Nicholas Singleton, Titans (ESPN:

— TE Mike Gesicki, Bengals (ESPN: 15%; Yahoo: 19%): Gesicki caught four passes for 76 yards and a TD against Tennessee, extending his scoring streak to five games while his 67.6% snap share represented a season high. His six TDs on just 24 targets suggest inevitable scoring regression, but Joe Burrow’s prolific passing offense provides legitimate TE1 streaming potential against Atlanta.

— TE Terrance Ferguson, Rams (ESPN: 12%; Yahoo: 16%): Ferguson remains on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain, but his eligibility to return coincides with increased receiving opportunities following Davante Adams’ hamstring injury. His 4.63 speed and downfield athleticism make him an intriguing stash in Sean McVay’s multiple-tight-end offense, provided he returns healthy enough to earn meaningful routes.

— TE Eli Raridon, Patriots (ESPN: 2%; Yahoo: 1%): Raridon caught one pass for five yards against Miami but became New England’s primary tight end after Hunter Henry suffered a foot injury, playing 92% of the offensive snaps following Henry’s departure, according to PFF. The rookie’s 13 receptions for 173 yards and two TDs this season offer evidence of receiving upside, making him a potential TE1 streamer against Green Bay if Henry remains sidelined.

— TE Greg Dulcich, Dolphins (ESPN: 1%; Yahoo: 6%): Dulcich caught four passes for 43 yards against New England, extending his streak to three consecutive games with at least four receptions as Malik Willis increasingly targets the middle of the field. Detroit has surrendered a league-high 61 receptions, 684 yards and 11 TDs to tight ends, creating an unusually favorable streaming opportunity.

— D/ST Bears (ESPN: 29%; Yahoo: 28%): Chicago’s acquisition of All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons paid immediate dividends in Monday night’s 34-17 victory over Seattle, with Simmons producing six tackles, a sack and two tackles for loss while the Bears generated three sacks and an interception. His disruptive interior presence could transform Chicago into a weekly fantasy starter rather than merely a streaming option, beginning with a favorable matchup against Tampa Bay.

— D/ST Giants (ESPN: 3%; Yahoo: 3%): New York faces an Eagles offense averaging approximately 15 points and 270 yards per game since Tanner McKee replaced Jalen Hurts, with McKee absorbing 10 sacks and throwing two interceptions in three starts. Philadelphia’s depleted receiving corps and protection problems create matchup-driven streaming appeal despite the Giants’ modest recent defensive production.

— D/ST Saints (ESPN: 2%; Yahoo: 4%): New Orleans returns from its bye to face a Cleveland offense averaging just 17.4 points per game, having generated 18 sacks and nine takeaways through seven contests. Deshaun Watson’s three consecutive games without a TD pass create turnover potential, making the Saints a desperation streamer with a favorable matchup.

Drop candidates

— QB Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals: Brissett was benched after completing just 10 of 23 passes for 119 yards and an interception against Dallas, with Gardner Minshew replacing him and throwing three TDs to engineer a 33-30 overtime comeback. Arizona has named Minshew its starter moving forward, promoted rookie Carson Beck to the backup role and relegated Brissett to emergency third quarterback, making the veteran expendable in virtually every redraft format.

— WR Xavier Worthy, Chiefs: Worthy continues to play substantial snaps without generating dependable fantasy production, while Rashee Rice’s return and Kansas City’s expanding receiver rotation have complicated his target hierarchy. His vertical speed preserves occasional big-play upside, but inconsistent volume and potential deadline additions make him expendable in conventional formats.

— RB Omarion Hampton, Chargers: Hampton played just 31% of the offensive snaps against the Rams as Los Angeles continued dividing carries among Hampton, Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal. Mitchell’s early-down opportunities and Vidal’s receiving role have squeezed Hampton’s high-value touches, making him expendable in shallower redraft leagues despite his long-term talent.

— TE Mark Andrews, Ravens: Andrews caught three passes for 14 yards against Buffalo, extending his streak to six consecutive games with 28 or fewer receiving yards as his snap share and downfield opportunities continue declining. Lamar Jackson’s thumb injury will require surgery and an injured-reserve stint, further diminishing Andrews’ already limited TE1 prospects.

— WR Jaylin Noel, Texans: Noel suffered a severe turf toe injury against the Giants that required surgery and ended a promising season in which he caught 19 passes for 331 yards and two TDs. Marvin Harrison Jr.’s arrival and Tank Dell’s return give Houston alternatives to absorb his vacated opportunities, making Noel expendable in all redraft formats.

More online

Need help setting your lineup? Look for Eddie Brown’s weekly Fantasy Football Start/Sit Guide at sandiegouniontribune.com before the first NFL game each week, typically on Thursdays, with matchup-by-matchup advice on who to start, sit and stream.

©2026 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.