November is here, which means just over a month remains until the fantasy football playoffs. If there was ever a time to get the best out of your starting lineup, it’s in Week 9. Still, Sunday’s slate of NFL action presents plenty of potential pitfalls. Figuring out which lesser valued names to target, and which to avoid, could make or break your chances this weekedn.
Which under the radar players are worth targeting? Here are three sleepers that could help you win a DraftKings DFS or season-long fantasy matchup.
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Fantasy Football Week 9 Sleepers: Best Players to Start
WR DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots vs. GB ($4,800)
The Patriots are without A.J. Brown (knee) once again. That creates added uncertainty at wide receiver for New England, already dealing with a slew of injuries at the position. Mack Hollins (calf) is questionable, while Romeo Doubs (shoulder) remains on injured reserve.
If any other pass catcher on this roster can step up, it’s DeMario ‘Pop’ Douglas. The fourth-year pro isn’t a statistical monster by any means, but he’s a solid safety blanket for quarterback Drake Maye ($7,000). Over eight games this season, he’s snagged 26 catches for 332 yards and four touchdowns. That averages out to a respectable 10.3 fantasy points per game.
It helps that Sunday’s contest is an ideal spot for Maye and company to sling it. Green Bay is giving up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. The Packers are allowing the second-most receptions to wideouts, although they aren’t surrendering much in terms of downfield plays. A slot specialist such as Douglas should find a way to make some plays over the middle during Sunday’s marquee matchup.
WR Caleb Douglas, Miami Dolphins vs. DET ($4,200)
The Dolphins, one of football’s lowest-scoring units, aren’t the type of squad you’d typically seek out for fantasy purposes. With that being said, Sunday’s contest has all the makings of a high-scoring affair.
The Lions are a mess defensively, especially in the back seven. Detroit’s defensive backs have surrendered the third-most passing yards (2,091) and are tied for an NFL-worst 18 passing touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, this might be the league’s most potent offense. Factor in a pass-friendly matchup inside of domed Ford Field, and you have all the ingredients for a shootout.
This Fins passing game isn’t scaring anyone, but it has looked better as of late. Over its last two games, Miami has notched its second and third-highest passing yardage totals of the season. That’s due in part to rookie Caleb Douglas, who made his return from an ankle injury in Week 7. Since then, he’s racked up 113 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions. Given the game environment, Douglas is more than capable of recording double-digit fantasy points this afternoon. At just $4,200, he’s a name worth consideration in your fantasy football lineups.
RB Greg Desrosiers, New York Giants at PHI ($4,000)
Looking for a deep sleeper out of the backfield? A trip down the New Jersey Turnpike could offer up solid returns.
Cam Skattebo (hamstring) is listed as doubtful this weekend for the Giants. Fellow running back Tyrone Tracy (hamstring) has been placed on injured reserve. That leaves veteran Devin Singletary ($4,600) and not much else at the position for Big Blue.
With injures mounting up, New York signed Desrosiers off of the Chargers’ practice squad. The rookie has yet to suit up during a regular season NFL game. However, he was a standout over the summer. During three preseason contests, the undrafted free agent churned out 166 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 carries (7.2 YPC). That’s not a major indicator of future success, but it does display some potential.
The Eagles are struggling at just about every position right now. On the ground, this front seven is allowing 4.3 yards per rush attempt to opponents. That’s tied for 12th-most in the NFL this season. In a game they’re favored to win, the Giants might be content to simply run out the clock during the second half. Singletary is a capable backup, but he’s not what you’d call a bell cow. Don’t be shocked if Desrosiers gets an opportunity to put up numbers this weekend in Philadelphia.
