The grind of the NFL season is in full swing. While world-class athletes put their bodies on the line every Sunday, fantasy managers have plenty to play for as well. This is the time of year when contenders separate themselves from pretenders, so every move matters.
Whether you’re thinking long-term or hoping to pick up a much-needed win, Week 9 means we’re entering the home stretch of the fantasy football season. Here are some sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS matchup, a season-long matchup, or even a championship.
Top Fantasy Football Sleepers
MIA RB Raheem Mostert ($6,000)
Don’t look now, but the Dolphins are back…sort of. Starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa ($6,200) has returned, which means the days of watching Snoop Huntley and Skylar Thompson behind center are thankfully over. Even though a healthy Miami offense still isn’t moving the ball at the same rate it did last season, a talented group of offensive weapons has returned to relevance with Tua back.
While De’Von Achane ($6,700) has established himself as the top dog in the backfield, his backup is still a player worth holding on to. Head coach Mike McDaniel has always had an affinity for Raheem Mostert, as the two worked together with the 49ers. That’s why last Sunday’s two-touchdown performance for the running back shouldn’t come as a surprise. Although the veteran isn’t gaining a ton of yards, he’s still the preferred goal line back, trailing Achane by just one red zone carry despite playing three fewer games. If the Dolphins can come somewhat close to last season’s offensive juggernaut, Mostert could be a crucial addition to your roster.
CAR WR Jalen Coker ($3,600)
Diontae Johnson ($6,300) has been traded to the Ravens, which means there should be far more snaps for the rest of Carolina’s receivers going forward. The only issue is that the Panthers are starting Bryce Young ($4,400), who has yet to show any ability as an NFL passer over two seasons in the league. That’s kept the roster rates low for names like Xavier Legette ($5,300), Adam Thielen ($4,700), and Jalen Coker.
Coker, an undrafted free agent out of Holy Cross, has been one of the few feel-good stories for the Panthers this season. The rookie has been one of the only pass-catchers to display any kind of chemistry with Young, as shown by his 78-yard, touchdown-scoring game last week in Denver. Although there’s no reason to expect Carolina’s offense to suddenly become above-average, even bad teams can support good wideouts in fantasy. For those in deeper leagues, Coker is a fun flier that could pay huge dividends sooner than expected.
JAX WR Parker Washington ($3,600)
Christian Kirk’s season-ending collarbone injury has created more uncertainty for a two-win Jaguars team struggling to find any kind of consistency. Although rookie Brian Thomas Jr. ($6,600) has impressed, the rest of Jacksonville’s remaining receiving corps is incredibly shallow. That could lead to an expanded role for Parker Washington, who impressed with a three-catch, 46-yard performance against the Packers on Sunday.
The second-year wideout hasn’t made much of an impact over the course of his brief NFL career, but he’s set up well for immediate fantasy production. Not only is Kirk gone, but Thomas Jr. and fellow wide receiver Gabe Davis ($5,000) are both dealing with injuries that could keep them on the sideline against the Eagles this week. Should one or both miss time, Washington would essentially become a starter for Jacksonville by default. That doesn’t mean you have to start the 5’10 slot specialist in Week 9, but he’s worth a roster spot while we see how this banged-up offense looks in Philadelphia.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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