Fantasy Football RB Sleepers for Week 9: Five Running Backs to Consider

Finding the right fantasy football RB sleepers can make a huge impact 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 running back sleepers could be positioned for increased opportunities this week.

Each week, we highlight five running backs 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 RB Sleepers for Week 9

Here are five fantasy football RB sleepers to consider for Week 9. Quick analysis for each running back is below.

1. Devin Singletary, New York Giants ($4,600)
2. Elijah Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles ($4,500)
3. Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders ($4,400)
4. D.J. Giddens, Indianapolis Colts ($4,400)
5. Corey Kiner, New England Patriots ($4,100)

Devin Singletary, New York Giants ($4,600)

Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: Singletary was the odd man out of the Giants’ running back rotation earlier this season but is now the last man standing with Najee Harris released, Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hamstring) on IR, and Cam Skattebo ($5,600; hamstring) doubtful. Singletary led the team in snaps in Week 6 and then had a walk-off touchdown against the Texans in Week 7 with 14.5 FPTS before his Week 8 bye.

Elijah Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles ($4,500)

Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: Mitchell has been very involved in his two games with the Eagles and has been elevated from the practice squad for the final time this season. He will don the Kelly Green as the Eagles host the Giants after posting 6.4 and 7.7 FPTS in the last two weeks. Mitchell will back up Saquon Barkley ($6,200) but could continue to mix in as an involved change-of-pace and receiving option. He has at least three catches in each of his two games this season and will be working with a new QB, Joe Milton III ($4,100), this week.

Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders ($4,400)

Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: Ekeler and Rachaad White ($5,100) are the Commanders’ two healthy running backs with Jeremy McNichols and Jacory Croskey-Merritt on IR. They also added Robert Henry Jr. ($4,000) on waivers mid-week. Last week, coming off their Week 7 bye, Ekeler played a season-high 20 snaps (33%) and had eight carries for 36 yards and tacked on a two-point conversion for 5.6 FPTS.

D.J. Giddens, Indianapolis Colts ($4,400)

Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: While Seth McGowan ($5,000) is the Colts’ first option when Jonathan Taylor ($7,500) is off the field, Giddens also mixed in last week, as the team continues to listen to trade offers for Taylor. Giddens got his first action last week, taking six carries for 43 rushing yards to lead the team. The Cowboys have allowed the fifth-most FPTS to RBs, and Giddens may have earned more opportunities moving forward and still comes at a very affordable salary.

Corey Kiner, New England Patriots ($4,100)

Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: With TreVeyon Henderson (illness) ruled out again this week, Corey Kiner could be used more often in a timeshare with Rhamondre Stevenson ($6,100). Last week, Kiner had seven carries for 38 yards against the Dolphins with Henderson out, and he had two games with over 5.5 FPTS in Weeks 5 and 6. The Packers have been a favorable matchup for RBs, allowing the eighth-most FPTS to the position this season, so Kiner could be a great value as New England’s second running back.

Last Week’s Fantasy Football RB Sleeper Results

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

• Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals: 2.9 FPTS
• Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers: 5.0 FPTS
• Jonah Coleman, Denver Broncos: 20.4 FPTS
• Seth McGowan, Indianapolis Colts: 2.9 FPTS
• Corey Kiner, New England Patriots: 3.8 FPTS

Fantasy Football RB Sleepers FAQ

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

Devin Singletary, Elijah Mitchell, Austin Ekeler, D.J. Giddens and Corey Kiner are five running backs to consider as fantasy football sleepers for Week 9.

What is a fantasy football RB sleeper?

A fantasy football RB sleeper is a running back 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 RB sleepers also be used in DraftKings DFS lineups?

Some fantasy football RB 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.