Finding fantasy football sleepers can be a great way to give your team an edge in a matchup, especially if you’re projected to be a heavy underdog. Often, we’re forced to start unlikely players, usually due to injuries, bye weeks, or simply being in a deep league.
Determining if a spot is good for a sleeper involves considering the matchup and situation. How is this player being used within the offense? Have they shown flashes of brilliance on the field? Factors like these can set certain sleepers apart. With that in mind, here are our top fantasy sleepers for Week 9, all of whom are available in most leagues.
All sleepers are rostered in fewer than 25% of Yahoo leagues.
Blake Corum, RB, Los Angeles Rams (vs NO)
Blake Corum got 12 carries for 37 yards in the Rams’ last game, which was a blowout win against the Jaguars.
It’s becoming clear that Los Angeles wants to get Corum involved when the game is in control.
And guess what? The Rams could be in another comfortable win scenario, as they face the struggling Saints at home — a great setup for Corum’s usage.
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Los Angeles is a heavy favorite in this game, which means it’s likely to play with a lead — perhaps by double digits — allowing Corum to get more involved in the game plan, especially in the second half.
If you’re in a deeper league and dealing with byes or injuries, it’s not the worst idea to take a shot on Corum as a desperation FLEX play.
Chimere Dike, WR, Tennessee Titans (vs LAC)
The Titans have a rookie wideout who is starting to find his groove at the professional level. While most — myself included — would have thought it would be Elic Ayomanor, it’s Chimere Dike who has emerged as a viable fantasy asset.
In the last two games, Dike has hauled in 11 of 12 targets for 163 yards and a touchdown.
The former Florida Gators standout and early fourth-round pick is becoming Cam Ward’s favorite target.
With the Titans continuing to play from behind, Ward has had to air it out, allowing Dike to be peppered with targets.
Expect more of the same against the Chargers this week. It’s not a bad idea to take a shot on Dike as an upside WR4 in this spot.
Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers (vs CAR)
Christian Watson returned to the Packers’ lineup last week, making an immediate impact by catching all four of his targets for 85 yards.
With first-round rookie wideout Matthew Golden failing to meet expectations, Watson can become the primary deep threat for Jordan Love.
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This is a player with high upside. Think back to his rookie year, when he hauled in seven touchdowns.
Consider Watson as a boom-or-bust option with a nice ceiling, but remember there’s going to be volatility in production here, since the Packers take a committee approach at wide receiver.
That said, I’m willing to pick up Watson as a stash, firing him up if I’m in a desperation situation. It’s an exploitable matchup against the Panthers.
Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears (at CIN)
Colston Loveland, the Bears’ first-round rookie tight end, underwhelmed in Cole Kmet’s absence, catching just three of five targets for 38 yards.
However, this week’s matchup against the Bengals offers a perfect bounce-back opportunity. Cincinnati’s defense has been shredded by tight ends, allowing the most receiving yards to the position this season.
Even if Kmet returns, he may see limited snaps, which boosts Loveland’s value.
If you’re dealing with poor production at tight end — perhaps since you drafted T.J. Hockenson — it makes sense to roll the dice on Loveland.
AJ Barner, TE, Seattle Seahawks (at WAS)
AJ Barner is coming off a quiet game against the Texans, limited to only seven yards. However, this is a tight end who has shown some fantasy value this season.
We’ve seen Barner rack up 50-plus yards in two of his last three games, including 71 yards against the Jaguars.
The Seahawks have a terrific matchup against the Commanders up next. This is a defense that has been absolutely tormented this season, most recently by Travis Kelce, who put up six catches for 99 yards and a touchdown against them.
We also saw Tucker Kraft do something similar vs. the Commanders, when he went off for 124 yards and a touchdown.
With that in mind, if you’re desperate at tight end, take a shot on Barner.
