With the injury to Kirk Cousins, fantasy football managers are left with a void on their roster. Let’s check out the extent of the injury and players you can target on your waiver wire this week. And check out all of our fantasy football waiver wire advice for Week 9.

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Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Injury Replacement Pickups

Injury Outlook

Kirk Cousins Achilles tear confirmed Monday
Vikings QB Kirk Cousins is believed to have tore his Achilles, per Adam Schefter.

Fantasy Impact

Cousins will undergo an MRI to confirm the injury, but the team believes that Cousins did indeed tear his Achilles. If the MRI confirms the initial diagnosis, Cousins will miss the remainder of the season.

Jesse Garcia

Waiver Wire Replacements to Target

Sam Howell (WAS): 45% rostered

• Next Opponents: @NE, @ SEA, NYG
• True value: $8
• Desperate need: $13
• Budget-minded: $5

Analysis: With a smirk on my face, I told you so! Howell was stellar again in Week 8 against the Eagles. It was his fifth top-13 performance in eight games, so there is absolutely no reason why he should continue to grace this article. Howell is this season’s Geno Smith, and his gigantic performance should completely quell the asinine rhetoric about him losing his starting job to Jacoby Brissett. Howell is my starter in a handful of 1QB leagues, as I consider him to have transcended streaming status.

Derek Carr (NO): 36% rostered

• Next Opponents: CHI, @MIN, BYE
• True value: $5
• Desperate need: $8
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: Yet another sparkling QB matchup was met by an adequate performance by Carr. Not a decimal point more. The Saints have two more of these blessings before their bye week for those of you who are risk-averse. Lock Carr in for a floor (and ceiling) of 18 points. Spend accordingly.

Daniel Jones (NYG): 36% rostered

• Next Opponents: @LV, @DAL, @WAS
• True value: $5
• Desperate need: $8
• Budget-minded: $2

Analysis: The Giants simply cannot roll Tommy DeVito out there to start in Week 9. Jones was not cleared in time for Sunday with his neck injury, but Tyrod Taylor‘s serious rib injury will likely press the franchise to clear Jones more hastily. Big Blue has been terrible all around this season. They need their “franchise QB” back in a big way. Jones has top-12 upside every week, but with incredible volatility. He is the anti-Carr.

Bryce Young (CAR): 12% rostered

• Next Opponents: IND, @CHI, DAL
• True value: $3
• Desperate need: $5
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: I paid close attention to the Houston-Carolina game on Sunday. I felt that Young would perform better than CJ Stroud. Even in a defensive struggle, the top overall pick was polished on his way to a turnover-free 235 yards and a touchdown. He is a sneaky streaming option the next two games against the Colts and Bears. The Heisman winner has improved every single week and will continue to do so.

Will Levis (TEN): 4% rostered

• Next Opponents: @PIT, @TB, @JAX
• True value: $2
• Desperate need: $4
• Budget-minded: $1

Analysis: I didn’t want anything to do with Will Levis. His prospect profile was littered with red flags and alarm bells, which led to him falling to the second round. After his first NFL start, I can certainly say I was wrong about a lot of things when it comes to the University of Kentucky standout. He was poised and showed good instincts at the line of scrimmage – two things I considered glaring weaknesses in his college tape. He also fed his best player, DeAndre Hopkins, for three of Levis’ four touchdowns on the day. Levis stretched the field while also taking easy looks. The Titans roll into a three-game road stretch, so his mettle will be tested. I wouldn’t mind streaming Levis on the cheap; he has plenty of athleticism and upside to boot.