Welcome to the 2023 season. We all begin the season with optimism for our players and a (mostly) healthy roster. But to win, you have to make moves that keep you ahead of the game. That’s what this weekly post is all about. Here, I’ll be looking at lightly rostered players who could benefit you this season. Here are some players to look for in Week 9. All roster percentages are courtesy of the NFL.
Quarterbacks
Jaren Hall, Minnesota Vikings
Roster Percentage: 0
About: This is a huge week for quarterbacks, as we had a number of injuries. The biggest was to Kirk Cousins, who tore his Achilles. Hall replaced him Sunday and could be in line for a start. There are some other options possible, but Hall should have the inside track. He should be rostered.
Will Levis, Tennessee Titans
Roster Percentage: .3
About: Levis had quite a debut, throwing for four touchdowns in leading the Titans to the win. He’s likely rostered just about everywhere in dynasty, but if he’s been cut free, you might want to grab him. He’s likely to earn more playing time after Sunday’s performance.
Mitch Trubisky, Pittsburgh Steelers
Roster Percentage: .1
About: Trubisky replaced Kenny Pickett on Sunday when he left with an injury. Trubisky wasn’t great Sunday, and he wasn’t great for the Steelers last season. But with Pittsburgh playing on Thursday night, there is a great chance that Pickett isn’t available. Trubisky should be rostered.
Brett Rypien, Los Angeles Rams
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Rypien also got into the game on Sunday when Matthew Stafford left with a wrist injury. Rypien has some experience starting with the Broncos, and he could be called upon again for the Rams. He has a solid supporting cast that should give him some fantasy upside.
Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta Falcons
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Heinicke is another veteran backup who got into the game on Sunday. I told you, it wasn’t a great week for QBs. Heinicke has plenty of starts under his belt. Desmond Ridder left with an injury but was cleared. And yet, Heinicke played the second half. Ridder’s performance has left something to be desired this season, so it’s quite possible we see more of Heinicke. He also is on a team with some great weapons.
Tommy Devito, New York Giants
Roster Percentage: 0
About: Devito is another backup quarterback that made it into the game on Sunday. Daniel Jones is still recovering, with his timeline listed as Week 10 for a likely return. We’re heading into Week 9. Tyrod Taylor left with a rib injury and stayed overnight in the hospital. Devito might not be an appealing option, but he’s another possible starter in Week 9.
Wide Receivers
Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills
Roster Percentage: .1
About: We’ve waited for a receiver to emerge in Buffalo, and Shakir had a big game in Week 8. He caught six passes for 92 yards. Could he be in line for a bigger role going forward? It’s no lock, but he’s a talented pass catcher who should be rostered.
Tight Ends
Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals
Roster Percentage: 1.4
About: McBride was one of the most talented tight ends in the 2022 NFL Draft, but he landed in a tough spot. He was buried behind Zach Ertz on a low-volume offense. Ertz is on IR, and McBride soared on Sunday. He caught ten passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. I like his potential, and if he’s been set free in your league, he’s worth picking up.
Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints
Roster Percentage: 11.2
About: Hill is one of the more highly rostered players on the list. He also scored two touchdowns on Sunday. We thought Hill was a Sean Payton guy, but he’s been consistently involved this season, too. He’s been effective as well. He’s worth rostering since he can play at tight end.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
