FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: Jake Ciely’s Top Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets For Week 9 (Ep. 1800)
Date: October 27, 2025
Host: Joey P. (Joe P. Zapia)
Guest: Jake Ciely (The Athletic)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Joey P. and Jake Ciely break down the top waiver wire pickups for the pivotal Week 9 in fantasy football. With the NFL trade deadline looming and fantasy playoffs in sight, they analyze player evolutions, injury impacts, depth chart changes, and clarify which emerging talents are must-adds. The discussion features a mix of in-depth player analysis, strategic advice, and the hosts’ signature playful banter (including Batman voices, Halo helmets, and Mario hats in honor of Halloween).

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gadsden’s Breakout & Role Evolution (00:53–03:50)

• Gadsden delivered another excellent week and is confirmed as a top-10 fantasy TE—his skillset is highlighted as "more wide receiver than traditional tight end."
  • Joey P.: “Gadsden looking like he is a guy that's going to continue to work in this offense. He's got a little more wide receiver in him than tight end. You know, he's more in that Antonio Gates-y kind of vibe right now.” (01:49)
• Jake Ciely likens him to a hybrid: “I actually compared him to a smash up between Mark Andrews and Kellen Winslow… called him Mark Winslow.” (02:45)
  • Both agree: even if he has a down game, don’t overreact—remain patient and keep starting him. (03:03)

Quote:

"Gadsden is a top tight end, but also be prepared for potentially... he's going to have some disappointing games." – Jake Ciely (03:40)

2. Top Priority: Tyrone Tracy (04:08–05:20)

• With a clear path to lead back duties, Tracy is the no-doubt #1 waiver add, meriting the full FAAB budget or waiver priority.
  • Joey P.: “Tyrone Tracy is an automatic, you know, number one add of the week just based on volume.”
  • Jake Ciely: “This is 100% of your fab. This is number one waiver priority if he's somehow out there.” (04:34)
    • Cautioned he may not blow up every week but the opportunity is critical.

3. Tajie Spears’ Emergence in Titans’ Offense (05:28–06:23)

• Spears now offers flex/RB3 value, especially as the Titans trail in most games; notable for his passing work.
  • Jake Ciely: “If you're talking about a 50/50 split with the pass game upside ... Tajie Spears, he's an RB3.” (05:37)

Quote:

“We saw him get a lot more work when trailing. Don’t we expect the Titans to basically be trailing every game at this point?” – Jake Ciely (05:37)

4. Deep WR Adds: Troy Franklin & Volume Context (06:48–08:24)

• Troy Franklin had a big game vs. Dallas (6/89/2 TDs), but the weak opposing defense is noted.
  • Joey P.: “The question is, how aggressive are we going after this? Because we do have to put in context that it was against the 32nd ranked defense...” (07:18)
• Both hosts see Franklin as a viable WR4 with big-play/touchdown upside: worth an add if in need.

5. Devin Neal’s Sneaky Value Amid Saints Uncertainty (08:24–09:56)

• Devin Neal emerges as a must-watch if Kamara’s injury lingers or he’s moved at the trade deadline.
  • Jake Ciely: “Even if not traded for Kamara, you got to figure that the Saints are probably going to start evaluating Devin Neal.”
  • Sees RB3/FLEX value, especially in deeper leagues with the possibility of an increased role.

6. Mason Taylor: Jets’ TE Trending Up (11:26–13:32)

• Taylor is the clear #2 target (sometimes #1 with injuries) for the Jets and offers fringe TE1 value.
  • Jake: “Mason Taylor, we've been talking about this entire year as potentially the number two. And it's taken time… now he is the number two—yesterday he was essentially the number one.”
  • Caution over inconsistency from Justin Fields, but upside is notable for the rest of season.

7. Chimray DK Rising as Titans WRs Falter (13:32–15:01)

• With Ridley out and Lockett gone, DK stands to benefit in the short-to-intermediate game.
  • “He’s not sneaking onto rosters, but the volume is going to be there…” (Joey P.)
  • Both highlight DK as a solid add, especially if Ridley’s season is a lost cause or if he’s traded.

8. Bonus Stashes: Bigsby, Isaiah Davis, Dylan Sampson (15:01–17:51)

• Tank Bigsby: Now the clear handcuff for Barkley; an injury to Barkley makes him an instant add.
• Isaiah Davis: Worth a stash amid Jets running back uncertainty and potential trades.
• Dylan Sampson: Good upside, especially for passing work if the current starter remains out.
  • Jake: “If you're holding onto a fifth or sixth wide receiver, you don't need a second tight end at this point. These running backs need to be rostered everywhere.” (17:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jake’s Halloween Bit, Commitment to Bit:

  • “I did an entire episode with the Batman voice and couldn’t talk the next day because that was a really bad decision…” (16:06)
  • Joey: “I’m a trained actor and I commit to the role. That’s the answer. Jake’s not trained, which is why he gave up after 13 minutes.” (16:24)

• Roster Construction Tips:

  • “If you’re holding onto a fifth or sixth wide receiver, you don’t need a second tight end or QB at this point. These running backs need to be rostered everywhere.” – Jake Ciely (17:46)

Quick Reference: Top Waiver Wire Priorities

| Player | Position | Reason to Add | Level of Priority | |-----------------|----------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------| | Tyrone Tracy | RB | Lead back, workload spike | Top priority, max FAAB| | Tajie Spears | RB | 50/50 split, pass game/volume upside | High | | Gadsden | TE | Emerging as top-10 TE, “WR-like” traits | High (esp. TE-needy) | | Troy Franklin | WR | Big-play upside, more viable w/ injuries | Medium (WR depth) | | Devin Neal | RB | Possible timeshare, more work w/ Kamara dinged | Medium (stashes) | | Mason Taylor | TE | Now top-two option for Jets, fringe TE1 | Medium-High | | Chimray DK | WR | Volume play as others exit | Medium (WR depth) | | Tank Bigsby | RB | Handcuff w/ Barkley injured | Watch-list/add | | Isaiah Davis | RB | Handcuff/possible role w/ Jets turmoil | Watch-list/add | | Dylan Sampson | RB | RB split but passing upside if starter out| Watch-list/add |

Key Strategic Advice

• “Don’t overreact to a one-week dip from a breakout candidate—hold steady.”
• “Handcuff RBs are more valuable than extra depth at other positions this late in the season.”
• “Max FAAB or #1 waiver on a clear starter like Tracy; don’t hesitate at this point in the year.”

Summary Table: Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|:--------------:| | Gadsden’s evolution and comp discussion | 00:53–03:50 | | Tyrone Tracy as this week’s top add | 04:08–05:20 | | Tajie Spears’ RB3/flex appeal | 05:28–06:23 | | Troy Franklin’s boom week, but with context | 06:48–08:24 | | Devin Neal value if Saints’ depth chart shifts| 08:24–09:56 | | Mason Taylor’s role in Jets’ passing game | 11:26–13:32 | | Chimray DK’s WR opportunity | 13:32–15:01 | | Bonus RB handcuffs and roster tips | 15:01–17:51 |

Final Thoughts

The playoff push means key backups—especially running backs—are now among the most valuable waiver targets. Prioritize opportunity-driven adds (Tracy, Spears), don’t overthink breakout player dips (Gadsden), and clear out unnecessary roster clutter (extra QBs/TEs) for true league-winners down the stretch. And, as always, keep it fun—even if your league isn’t.