Week 9 Byes:  Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and New York Giants

Here are some players to consider picking up this week, if available, to get ahead of the other managers in your league. These players include potential bye-week fill-ins, players who are returning from injury, and defenses to look at in advance. 

Beat the Waiver Wire: No-Brainers

In most leagues, these guys aren't available. But if you're fortunate enough to see them on the waiver wire, grab them.

WR Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans (84% rostered on Sleeper)

The Titans have the best schedule for wide receivers from this week through the fantasy playoffs, and Ridley has finally demonstrated why the Titans traded for him. Since the departure of DeAndre Hopkins, Ridley is averaging 10.6 targets per game. You might still be able to snag him since managers who dropped him probably moved on to other options. 

QB Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (88% rostered on Sleeper)

I realize the chance he is available in your league is slim, but Mayfield may be dropped in a few leagues after two rough outings and a bye week in Week 11, but brighter days are ahead. He will get back Mike Evans, his number one target, allegedly in Week 12. After that, he has a delightful run of matchups, including two against Carolina, who have allowed the sixth most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Beat the Waiver Wire: Quarterbacks

Will Levis, Tennessee Titans (13% rostered on Sleeper)

In a loss to the Chargers last week, Levis put up over 19 fantasy points, which was good enough for a QB1 finish. At this point in the season, you probably have at least one solid starting quarterback on your roster and are looking for upside in another (or to keep that upside away from your league mates). After this week against Minnesota, the Titans have only one other matchup that has yet to give up points above expectation to the quarterback position. For those of you with C.J. Stroud, Jayden Daniels, or Lamar Jackson and have a bye in the critical Week 14, Levis takes on Jacksonville, the absolute best matchup for opposing quarterbacks.

Tyrod Taylor, New York Jets (0% rostered on Sleeper)

The Jets are on the brink of collapse, and if (or when) it happens, we might see Aaron Rodgers step away from the field for the rest of the season. Rodgers is not a spring chicken, and Taylor is a decent quarterback in his own right. He could support offensive options in Garrett Wilson, Davante Adams, and Breece Hall and was a decent starting quarterback for three seasons in Buffalo. In Week 15, the Jets play the Jags, who have given up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.

Drew Lock, New York Giants (0% rostered on Sleeper)

The Giants seem ready to move on from Daniel Jones, and once they admit that, they will want to sit him so he doesn't get injured and cost them money. Enter Drew Lock. This is a deeper league suggestion, but the matchups for Lock would be very palatable going into the fantasy playoff run.