As the midway point of the season officially gets here, fantasy football managers are doing their best to stay in the playoff hunt with just a few weeks remaining.
Part of that preparation includes having to navigate through the bye weeks. It also includes having to deal with injuries—both short and long term. Finding replacements on the waiver wire is never easy, but it is necessary for success during these hard times.
Four teams are on a bye this week: The Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints and Cincinnati Bengals.
Here are the top quarterback, tight end and defense streamers in fantasy football for Week 9:
Quarterback
Gardner Minshew at Houston Texans
The rookie has taken the league by storm and is coming off of his best game yet. Now, he gets to go on the road against a Texans defense that just lost J.J Watt for the rest of the season. The Texans defense has allowed a QB1 performance (top 12) in each of the last four weeks. Minshew is a great start in Week 9.
Derek Carr vs. Detroit Lions
Though the ceiling is capped, Carr has shown he can be a viable streaming candidate. Taking on the Lions in Week 9 is one of the best matchups to use him in. The Lions have allowed a QB1 week in each of their last five games. Carr should have plenty of opportunities to gash the Lions defense at home.
Sam Darnold at Miami Dolphins
Even though Darnold is dealing with a sprained left thumb and his recent performances have been shaky, the Dolphins matchup is perfect for a bounce back. Only twice have they not allowed a QB1 performance while allowing opposing quarterbacks to throw for multiple touchdown passes in every game this season.
Tight End
Eric Ebron at Pittsburgh Steelers
Though there is massive volatility with Ebron, he finds himself in a solid matchup against a Steelers defense that has allowed 44.2 fantasy points to the tight end position in the last three games. There is risk, but Ebron has touchdown upside every week.
Dallas Goedert vs. Chicago Bears
The matchup on paper doesn’t seem great for Goedert, but the Bears haven’t been elite against tight ends. They’ve allowed 207 receiving yards to the position in the last three games, and Goedert has been carving out a role every single week.
Darren Fells at Jacksonville Jaguars
The floor for Fells is worrisome because he could easily give a goose as easily as scoring two touchdowns—a feat he’s already accomplished twice this season. The Jaguars defense has allowed two TE1 weeks in their last three games, which means there’s at least a chance Fells finds the end zone.
Chris Herndon at Miami Dolphins
This is only if Herndon actually returns this week from a hamstring injury. Darnold hasn’t been afraid to use Ryan Griffin recently, and Herndon is a far more talented option. He’s worth the risk if there aren’t any questions about his health.
Defense/Special Teams
Dallas D/ST vs. New York Giants
The Giants seem to have at least some explosiveness with Daniel Jones under center, but the turnovers come in bunches every single week. The Cowboys are a solid play at home in this division matchup.
Indianapolis D/ST at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers offense isn’t elite anymore, and the Colts defense is getting better each week. Mason Rudolph is liable to commit a turnover or two, and the Colts pass rush has been solid over the last three games.
Denver D/ST vs. Cleveland Browns
The Browns don’t seem to have figured it out on the offensive side, and Denver’s defense is shaping up to be a strong unit. At home against a troublesome Browns offense, Denver could come away with plenty of sacks and turnovers.
Seattle D/ST vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There is an inherent risk because Jameis Winston is liable to blow up for 350 yards and four touchdowns. There is also an equal risk he throws three interceptions and fumbles once. If you’re desperate, this isn’t a terrible play.
