Week 9 Waiver Wire Box Score Stat Projections for Top Fantasy Pickups and Sleepers

Week 8 wrapped with an impressive performance by the Chicago Bears and their newest defensive playmaker, Jeffery Simmons. The Bears are just one of several teams that have scrambled to add new pieces ahead of next week's trade deadline.

Fantasy managers may be scrambling to add players ahead of Week 9, as injuries continue to be a massive blight on the 2026 fantasy landscape. While players who can impact games as dramatically as Simmons may not be readily available on the waiver wire, some viable starting options are out there.

Here, you'll find a look at some prime sleepers who are available in most leagues, their upcoming matchups, and some Week 9 projections.

Let's be clear. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold did not have a great game against the Bears on Monday night. He struggled to deal with Chicago's constant pressure, and he wasn't nearly as careful with the football as he should have been.

However, Darnold did throw a pair of touchdown passes and finished with a solid 18.5 fantasy points. He has topped 15 points in back-to-back weeks and has a very favorable matchup in Week 9.

The Seahawks are set to host the Arizona Cardinals, who recently named Gardner Minshew as their new starting quarterback. Minshew's boost to the offense could keep Seattle in a pass-heavy mode. If so, Darnold could shine.

The Cardinals have surrendered the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Darnold is only rostered in 41 percent of fantasy leagues.

Week 9 Projection: 289 passing yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 19 rushing yards

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bears' new-look defensive front could be a problem for opposing ground games. Chicago has surrendered the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this season and should be even better with Simmons in the lineup. However, that probably won't prevent the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from taking a run-heavy approach against the Bears this week.

Tampa has skewed almost exclusively toward the run since Baker Mayfield returned from a dislocated thumb two weeks ago. The Bucs actually beat the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday despite a 0-3 passing performance by Mayfield.

No. 2 running back Kenneth Gainwell has allowed Tampa Bay to be so run-focused. He has been extremely effective in tandem with Bucky Irving and racked up 14 fantasy points in Week 8.

Volume should be enough to make Gainwell a viable flex play this week. He's rostered in 45 percent of leagues.

Week 9 Projection: 69 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 18 receiving yards

In the past, tight end Jake Ferguson usually served as the Dallas Cowboys' No. 2 or No. 3 target. However, Ferguson played less of a role following last year's addition of George Pickens, and No. 3 receiver Ryan Flournoy has pushed him further down the hierarchy.

Flournoy has established a strong rapport with quarterback Dak Prescott and has become the clear-up No. 3 target behind Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. He has become a high-volume target in his own right and has been more productive than many managers might realize.

The Indianapolis Colts have surrendered the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers, but volume should push Flournoy toward double digits. He's hit that mark in four straight games and should benefit from Indy's focus on Lamb and Pickens.

Flournoy is rostered in just 33 percent of fantasy leagues.

Week 9 Projection: 5 receptions, 59 yards

Tight end Mike Gesicki has served as the Cincinnati Bengals' de facto third receiver behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this season. He was held without a catch in Week 2 but has topped seven fantasy points in every other outing this year.

Gesicki has also delivered four double-digit performances and is coming off a 17.6-point day against the Tennessee Titans. He has a serviceable matchup this week against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons have surrendered the 16th-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season.

While Gesicki may not have a massive ceiling in Spain on Sunday morning, his floor is solid. He's still only rostered in 20 percent of fantasy leagues.

Week 9 Projection: 4 receptions, 48 yards

*Fantasy scoring and roster information from FantasyPros.