Fantasy Football WR Sleepers for Week 9: Five Wide Receivers to Consider

Finding the right fantasy football WR sleepers can make a difference in Week 9, especially for managers dealing with injuries, bye weeks, difficult matchups or tough start-sit decisions. Aside from the obvious weekly starters, several wide receivers could be positioned for increased opportunities this week.

Each week, we highlight five wide receivers who have a path to outperform expectations because of their role, matchup, recent usage or opportunities in their offense. These picks can help season-long fantasy football managers looking for a sleeper or FLEX option, while DraftKings salaries are included for players who are also in good spots to provide DFS value.

Best Fantasy Football WR Sleepers for Week 9

Here are five fantasy football WR sleepers to consider for Week 9. Analysis for each wide receiver is below.

1. Caleb Douglas, Miami Dolphins ($4,200)
2. Antonio Williams, Washington Commanders ($4,100)
3. Malachi Fields, New York Giants ($3,700)
4. Efton Chism III, New England Patriots ($3,600)
5. Jordan Watkins, San Francisco 49ers ($3,300)

Caleb Douglas, Miami Dolphins ($4,200)

Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: Douglas led the Dolphins in routes in Week 8 in just his second game back from an ankle injury. He also tied for the team lead with six targets, catching four passes for 43 yards and 8.3 FPTS. He was even better with 21 FPTS in Week 7 against the Jets thanks to a pair of touchdown catches. Douglas gets a great matchup against the Lions, who have allowed the fourth-most FPTS to WRs this season, and he brings a high ceiling with his big-play potential.

Antonio Williams, Washington Commanders ($4,100)

Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: The Commanders will be without Terry McLaurin (knee) for the rest of the year, leaving third-round pick Antonio Williams with a big opportunity. He caught five of seven targets for 54 yards on Sunday Night Football against the Eagles and led the team in catches and targets. The team should continue to increase his workload the rest of the way, giving him a high upside even in a tougher matchup like this week’s against the Rams.

Malachi Fields, New York Giants ($3,700)

Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: Fields has been more involved as the Giants’ second receiver since J.J. McCarthy ($4,800) took over. He drew eight targets in the game that McCarthy came off the bench against the Saints but only had two grabs for 19 yards against the Saints. In Week 7 with McCarthy in the lineup, he had a personal-best 83 receiving yards by hauling in four catches on five targets against the Texans. The Eagles have allowed the third-most FPTS to WR, so Fields could be set for a big game with McCarthy on Sunday.

Efton Chism III, New England Patriots ($3,600)

Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: A.J. Brown (ankle/knee) is out for another week, allowing Chism to step into a larger role as well. Chism led the team in targets and receptions in Week 8, catching five passes on five targets for 37 yards. He has stepped up when called upon for New England this season, and even with Mack Hollins (calf) questionable to return from IR, there should be targets available, especially with Hunter Henry (foot) questionable as well.

Jordan Watkins, San Francisco 49ers ($3,300)

Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: The 49ers wide receiver room has been wiped out by injury, with Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel (hamstring) out and Christian Kirk (knee) landing on IR. Demarcus Robinson (ankle) was activated from IR but remains questionable, which leaves Watkins plenty of potential work. In his last game before the bye week, Watkins caught three of six targets for 56 yards and almost made an incredible touchdown catch that was ruled incomplete. He gets a favorable matchup against the Raiders, and if he gets that much attention again, he could be in position for a breakout as a bargain play this week.

Last Week’s Fantasy Football WR Sleeper Results

Here’s how our five fantasy football WR sleeper picks performed last week:

• Ja’Kobi Lane, Baltimore Ravens: 2.3 FPTS
• Efton Chism III, New England Patriots: 6.7 FPTS
• Marvin Mims Jr., Denver Broncos: 4.9 FPTS
• Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars: 0.5 FPTS
• Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans: 6.4 FPTS

Fantasy Football WR Sleepers FAQ

Who are the best fantasy football WR sleepers for Week 9?

Caleb Douglas, Antonio Williams, Malachi Fields, Efton Chism III and Jordan Watkins are five wide receivers to consider as fantasy football sleepers for Week 9.

What is a fantasy football WR sleeper?

A fantasy football WR sleeper is a wide receiver outside the most obvious weekly starters who has an opportunity to outperform expectations because of factors such as an expanded role, increased targets, injuries, recent usage or a favorable matchup.

Can these WR sleepers also be used in DraftKings DFS lineups?

Some fantasy football WR sleepers can also provide DFS value when their DraftKings salary does not fully reflect their projected role or upside. DraftKings salaries are included above to help identify players who may be useful in both season-long fantasy football and DFS contests.