Kenyan Drake (RB, MIA) - Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 4% of Yahoo Leagues

ANALYSIS: Guess who just became the guy in Miami. With the Miami Dolphins' questionable decision to trade their Pro Bowl running back to the Philadelphia Eagles for a fourth round pick, former backup running back Kenyan Drake will now step into a very increased role. Yes, Miami possesses worst offense in football, and yes, they rank 26th in rushing attempts, and 31st in rushing YPG, and no they haven't scored rushing touchdown yet this year, but that shouldn't stop you from adding Dolphins' new#1 option. Drake has talent, and in his limited work last season as the change of pace back for Jay Ajayi, Drake averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per attempt.

The Dolphins have a lot of faith in Drake, because if they didn't, they wouldn't have traded off one of their best players still paying on his rookie contract. I wouldn't expect Drake to step in and transcend the Miami offense, or your fantasy team, but he can contribute as a plug and play running back when your studs are on a bye.

Drake's upcoming schedule isn't exactly promising, as they only play three games against bottom 11 rushing defenses down the stretch (Oakland and New England (twice)), but any running back that carries the load is one worth adding, especially one that can be a home run threat like Drake.

Although the Dolphins' running attack has been less than stellar to this point, and Ajayi failed to make any real impact, that shouldn't stop Drake from picking up right where Ajayi left off as the workhorse of that offense. As long as Jay Cutler remains the quarterback in Miami, they are going to need to rely on a running game that has no choice but to pick up if they want to make the postseason. Miami needs Drake to be the guy they think he can be, and that guy can really help fantasy owners. Pick up Drake and hold him as a potential flex option and a plug and play running back.