Overspend for these Week 9 Fantasy Football FAAB Players: Matthew Stafford, Jaylen Warren, Cedric Tillman and Taysom Hill

Last week, I started a new FAAB series where I identified four players to overspend on. We’re back with another story on week 9 FAAB players to possibly overspend on. 

I’ll keep the same guidelines as last week: having my QB, WR and TE be rostered in 50% of leagues or less, while grabbing a RB rostered in under 70% of leagues.

Also be sure to check out Daniel Hepner’s FAAB stories from this week - one gives advice for week 9 waiver options while the other is a FAAB check-in story.

Explore the best in-season fantasy football tool to manage your team and get league rankings with the Fantasy Assistant. Use our  trade analyzer and trade value charts to break down trade scenarios with Fair Trade ratings. Need a fantasy expert on call for waivers specific to your league? Our AI Fantasy Expert can break down any player for you inside the Fantasy Assistant.

Overspend on Matthew Stafford

Stafford is rostered in just 30% of leagues right now, but should get a good boost after a nice showing in week 8.

He threw for 279 yards, four touchdowns and one interceptions, which was easily his best fantasy showing of the season. 

Stafford has struggled to put up even average fantasy marks this season, but a lot of that had to do with not having Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua to throw to. Both wide receivers returned in week 8, and Stafford responded with a monster showing.

In the only other game in which Stafford had both receivers around (week 1), he posted his second-highest fantasy showing. This isn’t a coincidence - Stafford is an above-average fantasy option when he’s got his top wideouts at his disposal.

Even though Stafford has a bit of an average remaining strength of schedule, with Nacua, Kupp and Kyren Williams on his offense, Stafford has the chance to put up big fantasy numbers every week.

Don’t be afraid to empty that FAAB wallet a bit if you are in need of better fantasy QB play. Stafford can be trusted to deliver regardless of the defensive matchup, and if he continues to ball out, you no longer have a fantasy QB problem.

Overspend on Jaylen Warren

It’s difficult to find running backs rostered in less than 70% of leagues, and I may have to drop that number moving forward. Warren checks in at 68% rostered.

Warren is clearly the No. 2 back to Najee Harris this season, but he’s still getting plenty of work when on the field. Since returning from an injury, Warren has nine, 14 and 11 touches across three games.

The first game was a little rough, gaining just 18 total yards on his touches, but he’s rushed for 44 and 46 yards the past two weeks, and added 15 and 13 receiving yards to tally 59 total yards in each contest.

There’s room in the Steelers’ offense for two running backs to get an ample amount of touches, and I’d expect that to be the offensive plan the rest of the season. The only thing I really worry about with Warren is a very difficult schedule ahead.

I still like the idea of adding Warren, and would definitely make that move if I rostered Harris and Warren was available. If Harris ever were to get banged up, Warren would be the unquestioned No. 1 back in Pittsburgh, but he’s not just a handcuff option after seeing how many touches he’s getting every week.

Don’t wait for Harris to go down or for a big Warren fantasy showing to add the Steelers’ No. 2 back. Spend a little extra FAAB on Warren and lock him up now.

Overspend on Cedric Tillman

Tillman broke on to the scene after a nice showing in week 7, and he followed it up with an even better outing in week 8.

Tillman went for 99 yards and two touchdowns on seven receptions and nine targets in week 8. He had 81 yards on eight catches and 12 targets in week 7. If you were worried that Tillman might not be able to replicate his week 7 showing with Jameis Winston, those worries have been alleviated.

Tillman is enjoying his NFL breakout after the team traded away Amari Cooper. As the Browns start looking toward the future, young players like Tillman will get a long look.

Tillman also has a tough schedule ahead, but given the team’s current makeup, and the likelihood that its playing from behind often, Tillman should be able to overcome the tougher matchups with volume receiving numbers.

Don’t be afraid to spend a few extra bucks on Tillman to try to land him for the stretch run. There isn’t likely going to be many more wide receiver waiver options with this much fantasy upside the rest of the season. 

Overspend on Taysom Hill

There weren’t a ton of great options outside some weekly streaming options, so I’m turning to the versatile Hill at tight end.

In week 8, Hill completed a three-yard pass, gained 20 yards on four carries and caught two of his four targets for 21 yards.

Those aren’t crazy numbers, but with him being able to rack up fantasy points in different fashions, that’s what should appeal to fantasy owners. I’d take a chance on Hill’s upside over adding a streaming option, like Tyler Conklin or Mike Gesicki.

If you are desperate for some help at tight end, why not spend some extra FAAB on Hill?