Fantasy Football Week 9 Sleepers: Top 5 Emergency WRs to Start
Without Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Victor Cruz, and the Broncos cadre of receivers, this week is going to push some fantasy owners to the deepest spots on their roster. If you’re still sifting through options, here are five receivers who are in good matchups and should find some Sunday success in week 9 of the NFL.
1. Golden Tate-Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks probably won’t have to throw the ball much against Tampa at home, but Tate has emerged as their best pass-catching option and will be targeted even more often now that Sidney Rice is out for the season. For at least one week until Percy Harvin returns, Tate is the clear #1 option for Russell Wilson which could lead to a nice game as the ‘Hawks host he Bucs. Tampa has allowed 149 yards or more to opposing WR in each of their last three games while giving up four receiving TDs to opposing wide-outs. Tate should be in for a good game this week making him a very nice WR2 option even though he’s not a weekly locked-in starter.
2. Kendall Wright-Tennessee Titans
Wright has failed to live up to the preseason expectations of some of his owners, but with Jake Locker back and starting, I think Wright will have a solid rest of the season. He has been targeted at least eight times in each of the Titans last four games finishing with a season-high in catches (9) and yards (98) against San Francisco before his bye week. This week, the Titans face the Rams who allow the 11th most points per game to opopsing WR and have allowed a receiving TD to opposing WR in all but one of their eight games this season.
3. Kenny Stills-New Orleans Saints
If you want a boom-or-bust option who could go off, check out Stills who has emerged as a deep threat for the Saints. His upside was apparent last week as he caught three passes and went 129 yards with two touchdowns. He has found the end zone in each of the Saints last two games and is getting plenty of looks from QB Drew Brees in the New Orleans offense which spreads the ball around nicely. The Jets have struggled to contain any passing game this year and got shredded by Marving Jones last week. Stills coudl turn in a big week too and makes a nice option if you need to fill in bye weeks.
4. Jeremy Kerley-New York Jets
On the other side of the field from Stills, the Jets best receiver has been slot-man Jeremy Kerley. He’s gotten plenty of targets all season, and he’s in a decent matchup against the Saints. New Orleans D has been good, but they have allowed opposing WR to get fantasy points pretty regularly including allowing four receiving TDs to WR in their last three games. Kerley is worth a look in deep leagues and has one week fill-in potential.
5. Dexter McCluster-Kansas City Chiefs
If you’re in a PPR league, McCluster’s a nice play since he’s led the Chiefs in receiving in each of the last two weeks totaling 11 catches on 15 targets for 137 yards and a touchdown. KC plays a conservative offense, but it does lead to receptions and play-making opportunities which McCluster took advantage of the last two weeks. The Chiefs face the Bills in week 9who have been beaten badly by opposing WR allowing more points per game to opposing WR than any team in the league.
If you have any questions about who I’d start/sit for week 9, you can find me on twitter @ZT_Sports or drop the question in the comments at the bottom of the page. For information on other positions, starter rankings, waiver wire pickups, and plenty of fantasy football insight, check out our Fansided fantasy football page.