Stake Your Claim: Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Week 9
Oct 30, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scrambles against Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (91) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

For a second straight week, six teams are on a BYE, meaning Fantasy Football replacements can be had. You just need to know where to look.

BYE Weeks: Arizona, Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, New England, Washington.

We’re in the thick of things now in the Fantasy Football season.

Week 9 is where the serious contenders for the fantasy playoffs start to make their move. One of those moves can be a waiver wire pick up late in the season that leads a team to fantasy glory. The following are a few more who might be a major part of your roster come December.

Worthy Of Your First Waiver Claim:

Mike Gillislee

Gillislee had 15 touches for just under 100 yards and a touchdown on Sunday against the Patriots. This is a Buffalo Bills team that loves to run the ball. If LeSean McCoy misses any more time for Buffalo, this is the running back to own. McCoy could be back as early as next week against Seattle, but hamstrings are always tricky with NFL players, just ask Doug Martin owners. All McCoy owners should have Gillislee stashed on the bench just in case.

Mohamed Sanu

Sanu is clearly the number two option in the Atlanta Falcons passing game, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing on a high powered offense. He was able to haul in 9 catches on 10 targets for 84 yards and the game-winning score on Sunday. Julio Jones is the man in Atlanta, but if teams game plan around taking him out with double coverage, Sanu is more than capable of reaping the benefits in the passing game. Up next for the Falcons is a suspect Tampa Bay Bucs secondary which Sanu torched for 5 catches, 80 yards, and a TD back in Week 1.

Worthy Of Your Second Waiver Claim:

Rishard Matthews

Certainly worth a look if one of your top receiving options has a bye this week, Rishard Matthews has been pretty consistent throughout the whole season. He has recorded at least 4 receptions in half of his games this year and at least 30 yards in all but one game this season. He just hasn’t gone over 4 receptions or 82 yards yet this season. Hey – I said consistent, not spectacular. What is encouraging for Matthews is that he has a touchdown in 3 out of the last 4 games and faces off against San Diego, Green Bay, Indianapolis, and Chicago over the next four weeks before the Titans bye in Week 13.  Three of those four defenses rank in the bottom half of the league in fantasy points surrendered to wide receivers this season.

Tim Hightower

Hightower stepped in for Mark Ingram after he lost a fumble for the second straight week, this one resulting in a return for a touchdown. Hightower took advantage to the tune of 102 yards on 26 carries. It will be interesting to see how the Saints backfield situation progresses throughout the week and if Hightower can reclaim the role he had at the end of last season. The Saints draw a vulnerable San Francisco 49ers run defense in Week 9.

Bye Week Fill-In QB:

Dak Prescott

Dak-Attack was the 14th ranked QB heading into Sunday night against the impressive Philadelphia Eagles defense. All he did on Sunday was throw for 287 yards and 2 TD, while adding 38 yards and a TD on the ground. Prescott now has at least 17 standard fantasy points in 6 out of 7 games this season. Now he’ll draw a Cleveland Browns defense that has allowed at least 2 passing touchdowns in every game except one.

Getting Defensive:

Falcons D/ST

The Falcons defense has improved greatly under Dan Quinn this season, registering 18 sacks and 8 turnovers this season. They were able to stymie the Packers defense enough to register 2 fantasy points in standard scoring. They give up a lot of points, but they are opportunistic enough to give fantasy players a decent output.  Against an average Tampa Bay offense in Week 9, expect enough points for streaming potential.

Fantasy football and NFL writer. Hopefully I don't have to wait 108 years for another Jets Super Bowl win.