Week 9 of the 2022 fantasy football kicks off in the coming days, meaning it’s time to hit the waiver wire to address any roster needs you may have. One of the potential considerations for fantasy managers is Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley. We’re breaking down whether you should add the playmaker against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9.
Should You Add Caleb Huntley From the Waiver Wire for Week 9?
Despite being available in all but about five percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues, Huntley is a potential stud at running back for fantasy managers. The rookie is coming off his best career game against the Carolina Panthers, totaling 91 rushing yards on 16 carries.
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On the year, Huntley has 57 carries for 265 yards and just one score. He’s yet to receive a target in the passing game, which is really more of an issue born out of the unit’s unwillingness to throw the ball in general than any indication of Huntley’s talent. Unfortunately for managers, it becomes a Huntley issue because he has no receiving upside with their current play-calling.
MORE: Caleb Huntley Among Fantasy Sleepers for Week 9
The key to Huntley’s ascent within the NFL’s fifth-best rushing attack on a surprising 4-4 Falcons team has been the injury bug. Veteran Cordarrelle Patterson could be activated after missing the last four games with a knee injury, though, which would cast a large shadow on Huntley’s value. While Patterson has been out, fellow rookie Tyler Allgeier has led the backfield in carries but hasn’t been as productive as his peers.
We expect to know more about Patterson’s availability on Wednesday. If he’s activated, then Huntley is not someone I would roster. Patterson’s upside is far too impactful, and he owned this backfield until his injury.
But if Patterson will be limited, Huntley does have some low-end RB2 or Flex value with six teams on a bye this week. There’s a path for Huntley to have fantasy value for your roster, but let’s dive into his projection as a starter in lineups for Week 9 against Los Angeles.
Is Caleb Huntley a Good Play Against Los Angeles?
The Chargers’ run defense is putrid, ranking second-worst in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to running backs. They’ve allowed 213 rushing yards in two of their last three weeks, and Denver’s anemic offense is the only one in the last five weeks to not reach 131 rushing yards or more against them. Atlanta will dominate with their stubborn but effective running game.
Huntley is certainly a viable play if Patterson is going to be limited. Even if he’s in tandem with Allgeier, Huntley has earned 14 red-zone carries for a whopping 64 yards. This staff must play the bruising 5’10”, 229-pounder more as he continues to outproduce Allgeier.
Unfortunately, without the benefit of time travel to see what Patterson’s status will be for Week 9, we have to make the call now for Huntley’s waiver wire value. I would add him if you’re weak at the RB position. He may only hold value for this week until Patterson is ready to assume his full role in Week 10, but you can squeeze a big game out of the rookie and then take it week-by-week with his roster spot.