10 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Targets Heading Into Week 9

James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Yahoo Ownership Percentage: 4%

In his four previous NFL seasons, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell has played in all 16 games just once (2014). Injuries and suspension have limited him significantly in the past, and it's time to consider adding his backup as we move down the stretch of the season.

While rookie James Conner offers no standalone value behind a healthy Bell, he has the talent and the versatility to provide production should the Steelers' star go down with another injury. And with Bell averaging more than 25 touches per game, it's sensible to be skeptical regarding his ability to stay on the field.

Conner has only 17 carries on the season, but the 2017 third-round pick is averaging over 5.0 yards per carry and has the size -- 6'1" and 233 pounds -- to carry the load if needed. He certainly doesn't have the upside of a healthy Bell, but Conner was a dominant runner and receiver in college as the centerpiece of the Pittsburgh Panthers.

He is worth adding for the Bell owner in the next several weeks as we pass through the bye weeks, and all teams should consider rostering him down the stretch.