Week 9 of the fantasy football season is upon us, and with injuries and bye weeks taking their toll, identifying potential sleepers is more crucial than ever. This week, the spotlight shines on TreVeyon Henderson, the Patriots running back who’s looking to establish himself as more than just a flash in the pan. With Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined, Henderson has a golden opportunity to prove his worth. But he’s not the only under-the-radar player who could make a difference for your fantasy team this week. We’ll also delve into other potential gems at the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end positions.
In this article, we’ll examine:
- The potential of TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Monangai as lead backs.
- Sleeper quarterbacks like Mac Jones and Sam Darnold in favorable matchups.
- Wide receiver options such as Parker Washington and Christian Watson who could exceed expectations.
- Tight end streamers like Theo Johnson.
TreVeyon Henderson: Seizing the Opportunity in New England
TreVeyon Henderson finds himself in an interesting position this week. With Rhamondre Stevenson out due to a toe injury, Henderson is in line to get a significant workload. The Patriots haven’t exactly trusted him this season, but they may have no other choice this week.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has praised Henderson’s speed and potential.
‘I don’t think it’s a secret that he’s fast, and he does some really good things with the ball,’ McDaniels said. ‘Excited to see him build on that and continue to grow.’
Terrell Jennings will likely share touches with Henderson, but Henderson has the higher upside. This week’s game against the Falcons, who rank 9th in fantasy points allowed to RBs, presents a favorable opportunity. Henderson is a risky play, but in deeper leagues or for desperate managers, he could be a worthwhile gamble. The key question remains: Can Henderson finally deliver on his potential?
Kyle Monangai: A Dream Matchup Awaits
With D’Andre Swift sidelined, rookie Kyle Monangai steps into a prime opportunity against the Bengals, who allow the most fantasy points to running backs. Twelve running backs have scored at least 11.5 PPR points against Cincinnati this season. RJ Harvey, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Josh Jacobs, Jaylen Warren, Breece Hall and Isaiah Davis all scored at least 14.1 PPR points. Monangai is a borderline RB1 this week.
Monangai had one game this season with double digits in touches in Week 7 against New Orleans, and he had 13 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown, and two catches for 13 yards on three targets for 17.4 PPR points. A repeat performance could be in the cards for Week 9.
Sleeper Quarterbacks for Week 9
If you’re streaming quarterbacks or need a bye-week fill-in, several options could provide value this week.
- Mac Jones (49ers): Jones will start with Brock Purdy out and faces a Giants defense that has struggled against quarterbacks recently.
- Sam Darnold (Seahawks): Darnold has a plus matchup against the Commanders, who rank among the worst in defending the quarterback position.
- Jaxson Dart (Giants): Dart has been a consistent fantasy performer, scoring at least 19.6 points in all five starts this season.
- Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars): Lawrence has been on a hot streak, scoring at least 19.6 fantasy points in three consecutive games.
Running Backs with Sleeper Potential
Beyond Henderson and Monangai, other running backs could provide unexpected value in Week 9:
- Jeremy McNichols (Commanders): Seattle has struggled against running backs catching passes. McNichols could be a PPR asset.
- Zach Charbonnet (Seahawks): Charbonnet has been consistently finding the end zone and could do so again against Washington.
- Kareem Hunt (Chiefs): With Isiah Pacheco out, Hunt will share touches against Buffalo.
- Blake Corum (Rams): If the Rams build a lead, Corum could see increased carries against the Saints.
- Emanuel Wilson (Packers): Wilson has been productive in tandem with Josh Jacobs and could be a flex option.
Wide Receivers to Consider
Several wide receivers are in positions to outperform expectations this week:
- Parker Washington (Jaguars): With Travis Hunter injured, Washington should see a boost in targets against the Raiders.
- Christian Watson (Packers): Watson had a strong debut and could be a valuable flex option against Carolina.
- Jauan Jennings (49ers): Jennings faces a Giants defense that has struggled against wide receivers.
- Wan’Dale Robinson (Giants): Robinson should bounce back against a vulnerable 49ers defense.
- DJ Moore (Bears): Moore will benefit with Luther Burden out against the Bengals.
- Khalil Shakir (Bills): Shakir has been consistent lately and faces a Chiefs defense he performed well against last season.
Tight End Sleepers for Week 9
Finding a reliable tight end can be challenging, but here are two options to consider:
- Theo Johnson (Giants): Johnson has been a consistent PPR performer and faces a 49ers defense that has struggled against tight ends.
- Colston Loveland (Bears): Kmet (back) is expected to play in Week 9 after sitting out in Week 8, but both Chicago tight ends should be considered sleepers in this matchup against the Bengals, who are No. 1 in most Fantasy points allowed to the position.
Defense/Special Teams and Kicker Sleepers
If you’re looking for a streaming defense or kicker, consider these options:
Defense/Special Teams
- Lions (vs. MIN)
- Jaguars (at LV)
- Seahawks (at WAS)
Kicker
- Ka’imi Fairbairn (vs. DEN)
- Andres Borregales (vs. ATL)
- Jake Bates (vs. MIN)
Conclusion: Navigating the Fantasy Landscape in Week 9
Week 9 presents both challenges and opportunities for fantasy football managers. With injuries and bye weeks impacting rosters, identifying reliable sleepers is critical. TreVeyon Henderson headlines this week’s list of potential breakouts, but other players at various positions could also make a significant impact. By carefully evaluating matchups and player situations, fantasy managers can gain an edge and make strategic decisions to improve their chances of success. Remember to stay informed about the latest news and adjust your lineups accordingly to maximize your team’s potential.
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