Week 9 Fantasy Sleepers -

If you are here, then it looks like you are trying to outsmart your league-mates. One of the most important aspects of fantasy football is the waiver wire. If you can find that one breakout star, your team will be in a much better place than it was just one week ago. Perhaps some of the key players are actually on your bench and you have been waiting for the perfect time to start them. Either way, here are the under the radar players you need to know about. It’s Week 9 Fantasy Sleepers.

Quarterback

1. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh @ Dallas

This is possibly not the biggest sleeper of the week considering the matchup against Dallas. With that being said, Ben Roethlisberger has not come off the bench in a league where I roster him. That will change this week. Roethlisberger is a must-start against the Cowboys defense that has been horrendous as of late, giving up nearly 22 fantasy points a week to opposing quarterbacks.

2. Derek Carr, Las Vegas @ Los Angeles Chargers

It may not be the most common pick considering Derek Carr is coming off his worst performance of 2020 during a good matchup against Cleveland. However, it is difficult to ignore his consistency throughout the season. Las Vegas also travels to Los Angeles to take on Justin Herbert, who has a tendency to sling the ball. That could potentially take away the Raiders’ ability to rely on the run game. Carr looks as if he has a low floor and should be a safe play in Week 9.

Running Back

1. J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore @ Indianapolis

For a second straight week, J.K. Dobbins makes the list. I am a little more hesitant to start Dobbins against the Colts than I was last week. This is especially true after seeing Gus Edwards’ high usage. However, Dobbins’ efficiency is tough to ignore. If we go another week without Mark Ingram, slide Dobbins off your bench once and again and give him the nod.

2. Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers vs Las Vegas

When Austin Ekeler went down with an injury, I was quick to pick up Justin Jackson in as many leagues as possible. Unfortunately, Jackson never held the lead role in Los Angeles. At least until Week 8 when he rushed 17 times for 89 yards and caught 3 passes for 53 yards. Jackson is not the safest start against the Raiders, but certainty could end up being a top ten play at the running back position.

Wide Receiver

1. Brandin Cooks – Houston @ Jacksonville

Starting a Texans receiver scares me just slightly heading into their matchup against Jacksonville. Consider the fact Jake Luton will be starting for the Jaguars in Week 9. There is a scenario where the Texans are finally able to employ a run-heavy approach with a big lead. Helping Brandin Cook‘s case is the fact that a lot of people believed Will Fuller would be moved at the trade deadline on Tuesday. That never happened. With all likelihood, Cooks was penciled in as the primary receiver heading into this week’s matchup and is the pass catcher on the Texans I trust the most against the Jaguars.

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2. Antonio Brown – Tampa Bay vs New Orleans

Hear me out. I think Antonio Brown could end up being Tampa Bay’s leading pass catcher in Week 9. With that being said, Head Coach Bruce Arians said he could play ten snaps or sixty snaps. There is perhaps no riskier play this week than Brown. However, when it was announced that Brown would sign with Tampa Bay, a lot of people added him to their bench hoping for an opportunity – this is that opportunity. His relationship with Tom Brady helps his case. Just know that you are at risk of scoring zero points by starting Brown – but could also score you over twenty.

Tight End

1. Jared Cook – New Orleans @ Tampa Bay

Very quietly, Jared Cook has caught a touchdown in three straight games. He also plays Tampa Bay in Week 9, a defense that gave up 80 receiving yards to Cook in their week one matchup. In some leagues, he has been an automatic start at the tight end position, but I have seen him sitting on the bench in others. I believe Cook could once again find his way into the end zone during Week 9 and could prove to a top option at the position.

2. Jonnu Smith – Tennessee vs Chicago

Coming off three straight disappointing games, Jonnu Smith is due. After starting the season with 221 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in the first four games, Smith has since only been targeted eight times, picking up only 51 receiving yards and no touchdowns. He enters a favorable matchup against the Bears defense that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2020. If Smith has ended up on your bench due to his recent play, this week may be the week to start him.

Thank you for reading Week 9 Fantasy Sleepers. Be sure to check out all of the great NFL content available on Full Press Coverage.

– Gavin Frick is a writer for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @thespurfrick Follow @FPC_NFL and Facebook.

– Kyle Senra is the managing editor for the Full Press Fantasy Sports. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @SenraSays Follow @FPC_FF and Facebook.