Here are a few recommendations for deep waiver-wire adds in larger fantasy leagues heading into Week 9 of the regular season.
The idea here is to give your roster a bit more depth while checking on how these players perform over the short term. If you are able to find a diamond in the rough, it will only add to your ability to compete moving forward this year.
These are not necessarily recommendations for adds in 12-team leagues. Instead, it's all about those larger leagues that leave you pretty darn thin deep on the bench.
Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Cleveland Browns
This must be prefaced by indicating that Manziel is only a deep sleeper in leagues larger than the standard 12-team variety. In reality, the idea here is simple. Let's say you are a part of a 16-team league. That's 32 quarterbacks that have to be rostered. With the likes of Bryce Petty, Blaine Gabbert, Matt Cassel and Zach Mettenberger potentially slated to start this week (and in some cases moving forward), is Manziel really THAT bad of an option?
With current starter Josh McCown suffering through yet another injury, and the Browns preparing for Thursday's game on a short week, there's a decent chance Manziel will get the start. In fact, Browns head coach Mike Pettine refused to commit to McCown for the upcoming game:
The idea here would be to pick up Manziel and stash him. Even if he starts this week, Manziel is nowhere near a decent play against Cincinnati, even as a value option in DFS contests. But with three of Cleveland's next four games against bad pass defenses (Pittsburgh, Baltimore and San Francisco), Manziel could end up being a coup should he earn the starting gig long term. And with the Browns already out of realistic playoff contention, that might very well be the case soon here.
Remember, when deciding whether to take a shot on Manziel in 12-team leagues or the larger varieties, you aren't necessarily going to be high up on the waiver wire — an indication you can play loose with the rules by attempting to hit lightning in a bottle.
Jeremy Langford, Running Back, Chicago Bears
With Matt Forte set to miss at least the next two weeks after suffering a knee injury on Sunday, this rookie is going to be given a shot in a Bears offense that relies a great deal on the running back position. Injuries to the likes of Le'Veon Bell, among others, makes it a necessity for some to hit the waiver wire in a strong fashion this week.
And outside of the likes of DeAngelo Williams, you are unlikely to find someone with as high of an upside as Langford. He's almost literally the only running back on the Bears roster capable of putting up 20-plus touches per game in Forte's stead.
Nate Washington, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans
Washington has seen a dramatic increase in snaps and production over the past two weeks. He followed up a nine-catch, 127-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Miami Dolphins in Week 7 with a 74-yard, one touchdown outing against the Tennessee Titans this past week. Washington has also seen 133 snaps over the past two games after playing in less than 250 snaps in the Texans first six outings.
Dontrelle Inman, Wide Receiver, San Diego Chargers
All the focus in San Diego is going to be on Malcom Floyd after the injury Keenan Allen suffered on Sunday. And while Floyd is most definitely a solid option, Inman might represent some solid value a bit further down on the waiver wire. The second-year receiver has seen an average of 34 snaps per game this season, and 50 over the past three games.
The production (nine receptions, 142 yards) hasn't necessarily been there this season, but Philip Rivers is going to have to find another player to target in a pass-happy offense. That's only magnified by injury concerns to tight ends Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green. In this, Inman becomes a deep sleeper in larger leagues.
Check out our regular waiver-wire article that was published early Monday morning for recommendations in standard leagues.