The waiver wire scramble is a weekly ritual for fantasy managers, and Week 9 presents a golden opportunity in the New York Giants backfield. With injuries creating chaos, veteran Devin Singletary is suddenly in the spotlight. Is he the real deal?
An Opportunity Knocks in New York
The primary
reason Devin Singletary has rocketed to the top of waiver wire lists is opportunity, the most valuable currency in fantasy football. The Giants' backfield has been thrown into flux, as starting running back Cam Skattebo is dealing with a hamstring injury that makes him unlikely to play in Week 9. The situation is compounded by a thinning depth chart, with Tyrone Tracy Jr. landing on Injured Reserve and Najee Harris being released from the roster. This sequence of events clears a direct path for Singletary to step into the lead role. No longer just a change-of-pace option, he is now projected to operate as the Giants' primary running back. For fantasy managers, this kind of sudden volume is exactly what can turn a quiet week into a league-winning one. Singletary is no longer just a handcuff; for Week 9, he is the main event in the Giants' ground game.
The Case for a Priority Claim
Beyond pure opportunity, Singletary's profile makes him a compelling add. He is a proven veteran in the league, boasting a career 4.4 yards-per-carry average and consistent value as a pass-catcher. While his usage has been limited this season, playing behind Skattebo, a look at the data shows just how valuable he can be when given the lead role. In games where Skattebo has been sidelined, Singletary's fantasy production has seen a massive spike, averaging nearly eight more points per contest. This isn't a rookie getting his first shot; it's a capable back who has handled significant workloads before. He possesses the skillset to be a three-down player, giving him a safe weekly floor thanks to his involvement in the passing game. In a landscape where true workhorse running backs are a rarity, a player with a clear path to 15-plus touches is a must-add, and Singletary fits that description perfectly for Week 9.
A Favorable Week 9 Matchup
A large workload is great, but the context of the matchup can make it even better. In Week 9, the Giants face the Philadelphia Eagles, a team whose offense is in disarray. Since starting quarterback Jalen Hurts was lost for the season, the Eagles have struggled mightily under backup Tanner McKee, averaging just 15 points per game in his three starts. McKee has also been prone to sacks and turnovers, taking 10 sacks in that span. This is significant for Singletary's fantasy outlook because it points to a favorable game script. The Giants are not expected to be playing from a large deficit, which means they should be able to stick to their game plan and lean on the run. A close, competitive game is the ideal environment for a lead running back to rack up carries and control the clock. The struggling Eagles offense makes the Giants' own defense a popular streaming target, reinforcing the notion that this game should remain well within reach for New York.
The Verdict and Waiver Strategy
So, is Devin Singletary a priority waiver target? The answer is an emphatic yes. The combination of injury-driven opportunity, a proven skillset, and a favorable game script makes him arguably the top running back addition for Week 9. He projects as a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside based on volume alone. This isn't a speculative stash; it's an immediate plug-and-play starter for your fantasy lineup. When it comes to your Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB), you should be prepared to be aggressive. A bid in the 20–25% range is a reasonable price for a potential starting running back at this stage of the season. While Skattebo's injury may only be a short–term issue, the potential for a one–week rental with top–tier production is more than worth the investment. In shallower leagues, he might even be available for less, but don't get cute—ensure you get your guy.
