Heading into Week 9, injuries are mounting around the NFL.
That can mean opportunity for savvy fantasy football owners — or doom for those who are slow to react. Whether you’re seeking a healthy replacement, a spot starter for a player on a bye week, or simply an upgrade at a key position, Touchdown Wire is here to help.
Here are nine fantasy football sleepers for Week 9 of the NFL season:
9. Chris Herndon, TE, New York Jets
Keep a close eye on Herndon’s status as the week goes on. He’s been hobbled by a hamstring injury and has yet to play this season. But Jets coach Adam Gase said Monday that Herndon is making progress and could play this week. Even if he does, it might seem to be a stretch to make him a fantasy starter right off the bat. But don’t worry about that. If Herndon plays, he’ll put up some numbers. The Jets are playing the Dolphins, after all.
8. Chris Conley, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
After Dede Westbrook left Sunday’s game against the Jets with a shoulder injury, Conley stepped into a bigger role and responded with four catches for 103 yards and a touchdown. DJ Chark is Jacksonville’s top receiver, but Conley could be worth a fantasy start if Westbrook isn’t ready to play against a Houston defensive backfield that has struggled.
7. Jonnu Smith, TE, Tennessee Titans
If you had the foresight to start Smith last week against the Buccaneers, you made a great move. With Delanie Walker out with an ankle injury, Smith produced six catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. Keep a close eye on Walker’s status as the week goes on. If Walker is out or limited, Smith is worthy of starting when the Titans play the Panthers.
6. Darius Slayton, WR, New York Giants
Although rookie quarterback Daniel Jones puts up decent passing numbers at times, Slayton only has 16 catches for 267 yards on the season. But he still has some fantasy value. He showed he can be a dangerous target in the red zone and caught two touchdown passes against Detroit on Sunday. If you have injuries or byes at receiver, Slayton could be an effective sleeper against Dallas. The Cowboys will be devoting most of their defensive attention to Saquon Barkley, and that could open the way for some production from Slayton.
5. Devin Singletary, RB, Buffalo Bills
Singletary has played sparingly the past two weeks after sitting out three games with an injury. Veteran Frank Gore remains Buffalo’s workhorse. But don’t be surprised if Singletary’s role starts to increase in an attempt to keep Gore fresh down the stretch. Plus, the Bills’ running game has a favorable matchup this week against a Washington defense that can’t stop anyone.
4. Kenyan Drake, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Drake was just traded from the Dolphins to the Cardinals, so he won’t have much time to get familiar with the playbook before Thursday night. Plus, he’ll be going against a strong San Francisco defense. But Drake still could be worth a fantasy start this week with David Johnson and Chase Edmonds banged up. Drake can also catch the ball out of the backfield, as shown by his 22 catches in Miami. He’s likely to get his share of touches.
3. Gardner Minshew, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Minshew is no longer the league’s best-kept secret at quarterback. Still, a lot of fantasy owners shy away from the rookie. They shouldn’t do that this week, though, because Minshew is playing Houston. The Texans recently have allowed 330 yards and three touchdowns to Matt Ryan, 273 yards and three touchdowns to Patrick Mahomes, 326 yards and four touchdowns to Jacoby Brissett and 285 yards and three touchdowns to Derek Carr. You’ll be sorry if you have Minshew and don’t play him this week.
2. Sam Darnold, QB, New York Jets
Darnold has thrown seven interceptions in his past two games. But that should not scare you off. Darnold is poised for a big fantasy day Sunday. That’s because the Jets are playing Miami … and everyone seems to put up big numbers against the Dolphins.
1. Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders
Contrary to popular belief, Raiders coach Jon Gruden doesn’t like to pass the ball all day. In fact, Carr hasn’t attempted more than 38 passes in a game this season. That’s why a lot of fantasy owners avoid Carr even though he’s thrown for at least two touchdowns in four of his past five games. But Carr could be worth a fantasy start this week. He’ll be playing against a Detroit defense that is allowing a league-worst 289.7 passing yards per game.
Pat Yasinskas has covered the NFL since 1993. He has worked for The Tampa Tribune, The Charlotte Observer and ESPN.com and writes for numerous national magazines and websites. He also has served as a voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
