Fantasy Football: Boston Scott leads early Week 9 waiver pickups
Boston Scott, RB, Philadelphia Eagles, (19 percent rostered)
Everyone thought Kenneth Gainwell would be the biggest fantasy beneficiary out of the Philadelphia backfield the moment Miles Sanders went down with injury. Gainwell had been used on the ground and through the air even with Sanders healthy, flashing some big moments at times. So it made sense to expect him to lead the rushing work in Week 8 against the Detroit Lions.
Of course, that's not at all what happened.
Kenneth Gainwell did earn 13 carries and led the backfield ... but he only mustered a measly 27 yards against a Lions defense that otherwise got torn apart on the ground. Boston Scott and the ghost of Jordan Howard each had 12 carries and scored twice. Scott delivered 60 rushing yards at a 5.0-yard-per-carry clip, while Howard had 57 yards on the ground.
Gainwell didn't get most of his work until the game was well in hand already, which tells you all you need to know about the backfield hierarchy in Philly.
Boston Scott should be added in all leagues with Sanders out.
Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens (30 percent rostered)
The Ravens will be returning from bye in Week 9 so now's the time to check if Rashod Bateman is still available in your league.
Bateman earned six targets in both games since returning from IR, and he's already shown a big-play ability; he produced 80 yards on just three catches in Week 7.
The Ravens will take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9, a game that could be high-scoring. With the bye behind him — and more time to get fully healthy and more practice reps — expect Bateman to have an even bigger role on Baltimore's offense in the second half of the season.
