10 RB sleepers to target for fantasy football Week 9
By Dustin Baker
8. Damien Harris (NE)
Game: New England Patriots at New York Jets (Monday, 11/9, 8:15 pm EST)
The Patriots are in dire need of an offensive identity. Tom Brady’s exodus from Beantown has so far been dreadful for Bill Belichick’s bunch. Slowly, Harris is materializing into an RB1 for the Patriots. If he’s up for the task, the Jets should be a team in which he lays down the hammer. Yes, New England has a crowded running back room, but we believe Harris will get most of the touches. Go with Harris.
9. Le’Veon Bell (KC)
Game: Carolina Panthers at Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday, 11/8, 1:00 pm EST)
We refuse to accept that Bell was brought to Kansas City to be an ornament. We theorized last week that he’d thrash his former team, the Jets, but that was incorrect. Bell is a supremely talented football player. He will begin making plays with Patrick Mahomes as the honcho in due time. And, the Panthers 21 PPR points per game to halfbacks — the fourth-worst in the business.
10. La’Micael Perine (NYJ)
Game: New England Patriots at New York Jets (Monday, 11/9, 8:15 pm EST)
Full disclosure: We do not love Perine in this spot as a sleeper for Week 9. Consider this one low on the ladder of our enthusiasm. The Jets continue to give the ageless Frank Gore his carries. Perine gets his attention in spots. The difference is that Perine is a more apt pass-catcher than Gore. New England allows opposing running backs to gallop for about 20 fantasy points per game. That is not something to be proud of. We pick Perine to stand out in a game that might be an ugly, small-ball affair.