With waiver candidates finding their new homes this morning, I’m back in my weekly spot, checking in with my top fantasy football streamers options for Week 9. This week, my streaming deep dive will include favorites (my locks) and honorable mentions (more risk, or reliant on an injury update). For certain positions, I’ll even list some possible streamer options that I recommend avoiding.
Disclaimer: As always, I will try and look past the most obvious waiver candidates, targeting Week 9 Streamers that are available in less than 40 percent of all ESPN leagues. My selections will be based on their matchups, recent play, and upside potential in deeper PPR formats.
Your Week 9 Byes:
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Los Angeles Rams
- Philadelphia Eagles
Week 9 Fantasy Streamers: QB
I always like to be upfront about how I fared last week, and the quarterback position was not great. I actually hit on most of my WR/RB picks in Week 9 (more on that later), but the QB’s let me down, and unexpected weather was a major factor. Derek Carr and Baker Mayfield were my top plays of Week 8, but as the game got closer, a forecast for harsh winds hit Cleveland. Neither player was able to overcome it, which leads me to this note; always check weather forecasts for any and all streamer pickups. Not only that, Jimmy G got injured and Cousins barely threw, making for one of my worst QB weeks of the season. Let’s try and do a bit better in Week 9, shall we?
Drew Lock (DEN) – 6.2% (@ATL)
The Falcons pass defense has improved as the year has gone on, with rookie corner A.J. Terrell leading that charge, but I’m still not convinced. Lock is coming off a huge comeback win over the Chargers, which could just be a momentum swinger for the Broncos season. In that comeback, Lock threw three touchdowns and looked to gain some confidence back. I’m not crazy about Lock as a fantasy performer, but he’s the only streamer available in less than 40 percent of leagues that I really like this week. The weather is good in Atlanta (haha), so I’m trusting Drew as my number one QB stream this week.
Honorable Mentions
Kirk Cousins (MIN) – 19.1% (v DET)
The problem with Cousins last week wasn’t due to the play of the Vikings’ quarterback, it was due to the success of Dalvin Cook. The Minnesota RB was unstoppable against Green Bay, so Cousins never had to throw the ball. I fear the same issue could arise in Week 9, being that this Lions run defense is terrible too, but so long as Kirk gets a touchdown pass or two this time around his fantasy total should be playable.
(DEEP DIVE) Jake Luton (JAX) – 0.5% (v HOU)
This stream is not for the faint of heart, but with Minshew out indefinitely, rookie Jake Luton is the starter in Jacksonville. Luton was a sixth round pick out of Oregon State this April, but his college tape was pretty solid. I only recommend this extremely risky start if you’re really desperate this week, but the Texans porous defense is the type of unit that could allow a beginner’s luck type outing to a rookie.
QB Streams to Avoid
Philip Rivers (IND v BAL) – The veteran is coming off his two best performances of the season, but don’t let that fool you ahead of a matchup with the big bad Ravens defense that blitzes a ton.
Nick Foles (CHI @ TEN) – This Titans defense hasn’t been great, but neither has the Bears offense since Foles has taken over, and Tennessee just traded for Desmond King. The blitz will be on in Tennessee, and I don’t see Foles or this Bears offensive line holding up.
Kyle Allen and Daniel Jones (NYG @ WSH) – More QB’s to avoid than pick up this week, but both of these NFC East “contenders” are stronger on defense than offense. It will be tough to predict which quarterback, if either, can pull off the better fantasy performance, but with the Giants secondary and Washington pass rush both shining of late, I would avoid both.
Week 9 Fantasy Streamers: RB
Running back went much better than QB in Week 8, as I hit on Jamaal Williams and Gio Bernard (carry-overs from Week 7), Nyheim Hines (two TD’s), and DeeJay Dallas (two TD’s). Even Malcolm Brown was serviceable. Here are your Week 9 candidates, keeping in mind our waiver favorites, courtesy of Rich King.
Matt Breida (MIA) – 20.0% (@ARI)
In a recent development, the Dolphins starting running back Myles Gaskin has gone down with injury. Word is he could be out three weeks. Matt Breida is the likeliest back to fill his all-purpose role, with Jordan Howard helping out on short yardage situations. If available, SIGN BREIDA NOW, he may become the starting RB in Miami for the forseeable future.
Troymaine Pope (LAC) – 0.0% (v LV)
Pope basically stole Joshua Kelley’s role in this Chargers offense in Week 8, and Anthony Lynn loves to play the hot hand with his RB’s. Joshua Jackson is still the starter for now, but Pope is worth a stream in this run-heavy offense facing a 27th ranked Raiders defense against RB’s.
Honorable Mentions
Wayne Gallman (NYG) – 24.5% (@WSH)
Only valuable if Devonta Freeman misses another game. Gallman has been playing well in his absence though, with 78 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.
(DEEP DIVE) Dexter Williams/Tyler Ervin (GB) – 0.0/0.2% (@SF)
The Niners still have the number one ranked run defense, but the Packers are a top rushing unit as well. If Aaron Jones doesn’t play, Dexter Williams and Tyler Ervin are now the next men up with Jamaal Williams and A.J. Dillon hitting the COVID list, and starting RB’s always have value.
Week 9 Fantasy Streamers: WR
My top Week 8 WR streamer Scotty Miller didn’t put together a great showing on Monday night, but Curtis Samuel, Corey Davis, Hunter Renfrow and Mecole Hardman all made me look good. I’ll try my best to do that well here again for you all in Week 9 with a whole bunch of players I like.
Danny Amendola (DET) – 5.1% (@MIN)
For my top WR streamer this week, I will take Danny Amendola. The experienced wide receiver may be in high demand in Week 9 with Kenny Golladay doubtful, and the Vikings haven’t been able to guard the slot all season (right where Amendola has made a career lining up). The journeyman has developed a good rapport with Stafford the last couple seasons, and has 50-plus receiving yards in three out of his last four games.
Randall Cobb (HOU) – 18.8% (@JAX)
Whoever the Jaguars are starting at nickel corner nowadays (probably Tre Herndon this week), they aren’t any good. This is a prime matchup for a savvy veteran like Cobb. The only concern is that Jacksonville can’t cover Fuller or Cooks either, which would leave less targets for the former Packers star.
Darnell Mooney (CHI) – 6.2% (@TEN)
I’m not crazy about the Bears offense this week, but I do like Mooney as a sleeper candidate. The rookie has been a pleasant surprise in Chicago, immediately winning Ted Ginn’s job to start the season, and this may be another bright matchup for him. The Titans are thin at corner after releasing Jonathan Joseph, even if deadline acquisition Desmond King plays. Robinson and Miller will demand top coverage, leaving Mooney with the more favorable matchups as a deep threat.
David Moore (SEA) – 1.9% (@BUF)
More of a boom or bust talent, but for some reason this matchup is calling to me. David Moore has been quietly successful behind Metcalf and Lockett this season, with three touchdowns and a tendency for the big play. The Bills will put Tre’Davious White on Metcalf or Lockett and Levi Wallace will probably focus on whichever is left over, leaving someone like Josh Norman or Taron Johnson for Moore. Both have been gaping holes in Buffalo’s secondary, making Moore a high risk high reward play in Week 9.
Honorable Mentions
Damiere Byrd/Jakobi Meyers (NE) – 1.9/0.9% (@NYJ)
If N’Keal Harry misses another game due to his concussion, these two bump up past the honorable mention plateau against the Jets secondary. Even if Harry plays though, there might be some value here. Meyers in particular had six catches on 10 targets last week, while Byrd has had monster games with Cam Newton earlier in the year.
(DEEP DIVE) Quintez Cephus (DET) – 0.2% (@MIN)
Kenny Golladay’s likely replacement and deep ball threat on the outside. Cephus played this role very successfully to start the season, but me personally? I play it safe and go with Amendola. If you would rather the home run threat though, maybe Cephus and roulette are more your speed.
Week 9 Fantasy Streamers: TE
I wasn’t crazy about the Week 8 tight end options, but it turns out that Trey Burton, Jack Doyle, Taysom Hill and my guy Albert Okwuegbunam (from my last article) all put in touchdown performances. If not for the TD’s however, none of those TE’s would have had notable games. Dalton Schultz was the only tight end available in less than 40 percent of leagues that played well without a score, but I’m not in love with his matchup in Week 9.
Jordan Akins (HOU) – 1.9% (@JAX)
I really like Jordan Akins returning from a concussion that’s kept him sidelined since Week 4. Houston is facing a Jaguars defense that is ranked 27th against the tight end, and Deshaun Watson likes to get his TE’s involved. If Akins doesn’t suit up for some reason, Darren Fells is always a trusty backup option for the Texans and fantasy.
Jordan Reed (SF) – 2.6% (v GB)
Reed is attempting a return from the IR as news has come out that George Kittle could miss the remainder of the season. If the former Washington star is unable to go on Thursday night, you may want to pickup Ross Dwelley instead. San Francisco utilizes the tight end either way, but it’s also important to remember that the starting quarterback is now Nick Mullens.
Honorable Mentions
(DEEP DIVE) Albert Okwuegbunam (DEN) – 0.8% (@ATL)
I’m going to DOUBLE DOWN here on my tight end deep dive from last week. To repeat, Okwuegbunam played with Lock in college and that bond has clearly carried over to the pros. Still, Noah Fant deservedly out-snaps the rookie by a large percentage. Definite big play or touchdown streamer option in recent weeks, plus a great TE matchup against the worst ranked Falcons defense, but still a risk with the amount of playing time he gets.
Week 9 Fantasy Streamers: D/ST
Tennessee Titans – 38.8% (v CHI)
I touched on it with Nick Foles above, but I see this as a home game that Tennessee will be fired up to win. They’ve lost two straight and although the Bears are on a similar slide, the Titans defense matches up well here. One, Foles is a pocket passer that Tennessee can blitz. Two, their shallow secondary only really has to worry about Allen Robinson (unless of course Mooney does as well as I think he could).
New York Giants – 16.6% (@WSH)
Washington Football Team may also be a streamer candidate, but the Giants D has history on its side outplaying W.F.T. in their first meeting. The Big Blue defense has been increasingly impressive as the season has gone on, including Monday against Brady’s Bucs. Kyle Allen and company should be no challenge compared to that, assuming Daniel Jones can keep from turning the ball over.
D/ST Streams to Avoid
Green Bay Packers – 19.1% (@SF)
I’ve taken the Packers two straight weeks, and they did not come through for me. I’ll finally learn my lesson this time around as Green Bay has what looks to be a juicy matchup against Nick Mullens. It’s not though, the Packers cannot stop the run and despite the fact that the Niners are on their fourth string running back, their offensive line could pound the ground game with me taking the hand-offs. I cannot trust Green Bay’s D/ST this week, and you shouldn’t either.
Houston Texans – 2.8% (@JAX)
I actually don’t see too much of a difference in the way Jay Gruden’s offense runs with Minshew compared to Luton. The Jags may even get a boost from the rookie, as Minshew had become predictable and unreliable as the season had gone on. Either way, this once-great defensive unit has become pathetic, and although the Texans should win, it won’t be because of their D.
Week 9 Fantasy Streamers: K
Ryan Succop (TB) – 29.3% (v NO)
TRIPLING DOWN. I’ve taken Succop in two straight weeks so why not three? It’s incredible that the Bucs kicker is still available in so many leagues with the way that Brady and this offense have been moving the ball. Succop also has not missed a kick since Week 4.
Tyler Bass (BUF) – 7.5% (v SEA)
This Buffalo offense has a matchup that should yield a lot of points, but Josh Allen and company have been coming up short in the red zone of late. That’s led to a huge rise in rookie Tyler Bass’ stock. He is a little inaccurate, which worries me long-term, but I do like him in this spot at home.
Thanks for reading! Check in next week for more streaming options or tweet @the_mizzardFF with questions, or for fantasy football advice.
That’s it for our fantasy streamers for Week 9 come back next week for more! Remember, you can always reach out to us on social media with any questions we are on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. And don’t forget to check out our weekly rankings!
Image Credits: Ron Chenoy – USA TODAY Sports
