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The injury bug bit hard in Week 8, preventing three of my five deep sleepers from proving the naysayers wrong. Of the two that actually played four quarters of football last Sunday, TE Crockett Gillmore found the end zone and RB Charles Sims produced RB3 fantasy numbers in PPR formats.
Heading into Week 9 there are six teams on a bye and plenty of backups stepping in for their banged-up counterparts. It’s time to dig deeper than ever and keep the faith as we roll through the second half of the season.
To review… all of the below players are owned in less than fifty percent of Yahoo leagues (one of them is only owned in six percent owned). They’re not the obvious picks, and they’re not without their risks, but that’s why they’re so cheap! I’d never advocate taking all of these guys, but rather utilizing them if a manager were in a pinch at a position or aiming to build a “stars and scrubs” sort of DFS lineup. Have at it!
[Yahoo Daily Fantasy Football: First place wins $100K in our $500K contest for Week 9]
Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans ($35)
Mariota has been the picture of resilience, throwing just five picks despite being sacked 22 times. But that sack total – and the related play of his offensive line – is obviously an issue. Plus, he’s a rookie coming off of an MCL injury with sub-par weapons at his disposal. So why use him in Week 9? Well, if you have better options then please don’t… but in a week in which Carson Palmer and Russell Wilson are on a bye and both Aaron Rodgers and Andrew Luck have brutal matchups, he’s not the craziest of plays.
The former Oregon Duck will be traveling to New Orleans to take on the Saints’ twenty-ninth ranked pass defense. Giving up the most fantasy points to opposing signal callers, the Saints have allowed over 300 passing yards to QBs in five out of their last eight outings. Last week Eli Manning dropped 350 yards and 6 TDs on the boys repping the Big Easy. Heck in Week 5, even Sam Bradford put up top ten fantasy numbers against them.
Mariota’s mobility certainly adds to his appeal. Under Ken Whisenhunt the rookie only rushed nine times. I expect that will change with Mike Mularkey taking over the head coaching duties. It’s worth noting that New Orleans has allowed 115 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. If Mariota is encouraged to use his wheels, then the yards he racks up on the ground should pad his fantasy stats, making him a less than obvious choice this Sunday.
Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears ($33)
Saying anything positive about Jay Cutler has become almost as taboo as not vaccinating your kids, but like it or not he’s been playing better under Adam Gase this year. Putting up low-end QB1 fantasy numbers since returning from a hamstring injury, the turnover prone signal caller only has 4 INTs on the season. In his past two outings he’s completed over 65 percent of his passes, and managed to keep the Bears competitive.
With Matt Forte out this week, he’ll likely have to put the ball in the air and throw more. Given the deficiencies in the Chargers secondary, this should bode well for Smokin’ Jay’s stats. As we saw in the Giants @ Saints game in Week 8, two bad defenses can create a scoring bonanza. Philip Rivers is throwing the ball like crazy, passing for the most yards in the league. His old adversary will have to answer, and is likely to pass for another 280 yards and 2 TDs.
[Week 9 rankings:*Quarterback |*Running Back |*Receiver | Flex |*Tight End | All Positions]
Marquess Wilson, Chicago Bears ($13)
Did someone say stack? For the combined price of $46, daily enthusiasts can roster both Cutler and Wilson, saving beaucoup bucks on a QB and No. 3 WR. While Cutty may be harder to roll out in cash games, there’s no denying Wilson’s sneaky value.
With Eddie Royal likely to sit on Monday night, the Washington State product should see an increased role in the passing game. The last time Royal was out, Wilson showed good chemistry with his quarterback and produced a 6-85-1 stat line. The loss of Matt Forte additionally increases Wilson’s value, as back-up RB Jeremy Langford had a bad drop in Week 8 and is assumedly less trustworthy in passing situations.
Finally, the matchup is plus for Wilson. He’s expected to see a lot of Brandon Flowers, who has struggled mightily this season and is one of the most thrown-at CBs in the league. At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Wilson has a notable size advantage over the more diminutive Flowers. With Alshon Jeffery drawing tougher coverage from Jason Verrett, Wilson should pay dividends on his rock-bottom price.
Dwayne Harris, WR, New York Giants ($13)
Harris has been hovering near sleeper status since finding the end zone in Week 4 at Buffalo. Last Sunday he announced his arrival, scoring on two of three catches against the Saints. A slot receiver with toughness and pluck to boot, Harris was signed by the Giants to fill the void left by Victor Cruz. Despite a few drops earlier in the year, the former Cowboy has stepped up when called upon, producing in the stead of Cruz and while Rueben Randle works through a hamstring injury.
Heading into Week 9, Harris should again see an elevated role in the offense. Randle still isn’t 100 percent, and TE Larry Donnell is out with a neck injury. That gives Harris a chance to dominate underneath against a Tampa Bay squad that’s giving up the third most fantasy points to opposing receivers. Available in over 85 percent of Yahoo leagues, Harris is a flex play for owners desperate for depth.
Heath Miller, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers ($14)
Heading into Week 8 the Steelers coaching staff talked about getting Miller more involved and, indeed, they did just that. Last Sunday against Cincy the veteran TE led the team in targets, converting 10 of 13 looks for 105 yards.
As QB Ben Roethlisberger continues to shake off rust from a four-week absence, I expect he’ll also continue to check-down to the stalwart Miller. Plus, the loss of Le’Veon Bell is huge not just on the ground, but also through the air. In fact, when Bell was out in Weeks 1 and 2, Miller caught 10 of 13 balls for 99 yards and a score. Immediately after his return, Miller’s opportunities plummeted.
Also working in Miller’s favor is the matchup versus Oakland. The Raiders have looked better as of late, but they’re still struggling against the middle. Giving up the most fantasy points to opposing TEs, Oakland let the Jets’ Kellen Davis score on his lone target in Week 8. Understanding that Miller’s role should be much larger, the veteran tight end is in line for a big day.
[Yahoo Daily Fantasy Football: First place wins $100K in our $500K contest for Week 9]
BONUS:
Pierre Thomas, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Too soon? Probably. But Thomas deserves a mention considering that he’s the most senior and versatile of the backs currently healthy in San Francisco. Both Kendall Gaskins and Shaun Draughn are short yardage power guys. Thomas excels in the passing game, and, with Vernon Davis now in Denver, Blaine Gabbert is going to need a reliable check-down option. While I don’t normally advocate relying on a guy who hasn’t started a game in nearly a calendar year, it’s also worth noting that he’s got a great matchup against an old division rival.
Antonio Andrews, RB, Tennessee Titans ($16)
Andrews is expected to carry the ball upwards of twenty times with new HC Mike Mularkey naming him the team’s workhorse, and adding that he plans to focus on the run. Additionally, Mariota’s legs should open up a few more lanes for the second-year back. Averaging just 3.7 YPC, Andrews is far from a speedster, but the volume might be enough to make him fantasy relevant given the scarcity at the position.
Jacob Tamme, TE, Atlanta Falcons ($14)
Last week I highlighted Nick Williams, explaining how the slot receiver might step up in the stead of Leonard Hankerson. Unfortunately, Williams tweaked his hamstring and was held out of the Falcon’s Week 8 contest. Instead, it was Tamme who owned the short to intermediate passing game, working in as a security blanket for QB Matt Ryan.
Hankerson hasn’t practiced all week and probably won’t play this Sunday. While rookie WR Justin Hardy has more long-term appeal, he’s going to need some time to build a rapport with Ryan. In the meantime, Tamme should continue to get fed. And his matchup against the 49ers’ twenty-eighth ranked pass defense ain’t bad either.
Follow Liz on Twitter @LizLoza_FF
Heading into Week 9 there are six teams on a bye and plenty of backups stepping in for their banged-up counterparts. It’s time to dig deeper than ever and keep the faith as we roll through the second half of the season.
To review… all of the below players are owned in less than fifty percent of Yahoo leagues (one of them is only owned in six percent owned). They’re not the obvious picks, and they’re not without their risks, but that’s why they’re so cheap! I’d never advocate taking all of these guys, but rather utilizing them if a manager were in a pinch at a position or aiming to build a “stars and scrubs” sort of DFS lineup. Have at it!
[Yahoo Daily Fantasy Football: First place wins $100K in our $500K contest for Week 9]
Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans ($35)
Mariota has been the picture of resilience, throwing just five picks despite being sacked 22 times. But that sack total – and the related play of his offensive line – is obviously an issue. Plus, he’s a rookie coming off of an MCL injury with sub-par weapons at his disposal. So why use him in Week 9? Well, if you have better options then please don’t… but in a week in which Carson Palmer and Russell Wilson are on a bye and both Aaron Rodgers and Andrew Luck have brutal matchups, he’s not the craziest of plays.
The former Oregon Duck will be traveling to New Orleans to take on the Saints’ twenty-ninth ranked pass defense. Giving up the most fantasy points to opposing signal callers, the Saints have allowed over 300 passing yards to QBs in five out of their last eight outings. Last week Eli Manning dropped 350 yards and 6 TDs on the boys repping the Big Easy. Heck in Week 5, even Sam Bradford put up top ten fantasy numbers against them.
Mariota’s mobility certainly adds to his appeal. Under Ken Whisenhunt the rookie only rushed nine times. I expect that will change with Mike Mularkey taking over the head coaching duties. It’s worth noting that New Orleans has allowed 115 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. If Mariota is encouraged to use his wheels, then the yards he racks up on the ground should pad his fantasy stats, making him a less than obvious choice this Sunday.
Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears ($33)
Saying anything positive about Jay Cutler has become almost as taboo as not vaccinating your kids, but like it or not he’s been playing better under Adam Gase this year. Putting up low-end QB1 fantasy numbers since returning from a hamstring injury, the turnover prone signal caller only has 4 INTs on the season. In his past two outings he’s completed over 65 percent of his passes, and managed to keep the Bears competitive.
With Matt Forte out this week, he’ll likely have to put the ball in the air and throw more. Given the deficiencies in the Chargers secondary, this should bode well for Smokin’ Jay’s stats. As we saw in the Giants @ Saints game in Week 8, two bad defenses can create a scoring bonanza. Philip Rivers is throwing the ball like crazy, passing for the most yards in the league. His old adversary will have to answer, and is likely to pass for another 280 yards and 2 TDs.
[Week 9 rankings:*Quarterback |*Running Back |*Receiver | Flex |*Tight End | All Positions]
Marquess Wilson, Chicago Bears ($13)
Did someone say stack? For the combined price of $46, daily enthusiasts can roster both Cutler and Wilson, saving beaucoup bucks on a QB and No. 3 WR. While Cutty may be harder to roll out in cash games, there’s no denying Wilson’s sneaky value.
With Eddie Royal likely to sit on Monday night, the Washington State product should see an increased role in the passing game. The last time Royal was out, Wilson showed good chemistry with his quarterback and produced a 6-85-1 stat line. The loss of Matt Forte additionally increases Wilson’s value, as back-up RB Jeremy Langford had a bad drop in Week 8 and is assumedly less trustworthy in passing situations.
Finally, the matchup is plus for Wilson. He’s expected to see a lot of Brandon Flowers, who has struggled mightily this season and is one of the most thrown-at CBs in the league. At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Wilson has a notable size advantage over the more diminutive Flowers. With Alshon Jeffery drawing tougher coverage from Jason Verrett, Wilson should pay dividends on his rock-bottom price.
Dwayne Harris, WR, New York Giants ($13)
Harris has been hovering near sleeper status since finding the end zone in Week 4 at Buffalo. Last Sunday he announced his arrival, scoring on two of three catches against the Saints. A slot receiver with toughness and pluck to boot, Harris was signed by the Giants to fill the void left by Victor Cruz. Despite a few drops earlier in the year, the former Cowboy has stepped up when called upon, producing in the stead of Cruz and while Rueben Randle works through a hamstring injury.
Heading into Week 9, Harris should again see an elevated role in the offense. Randle still isn’t 100 percent, and TE Larry Donnell is out with a neck injury. That gives Harris a chance to dominate underneath against a Tampa Bay squad that’s giving up the third most fantasy points to opposing receivers. Available in over 85 percent of Yahoo leagues, Harris is a flex play for owners desperate for depth.
Heath Miller, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers ($14)
Heading into Week 8 the Steelers coaching staff talked about getting Miller more involved and, indeed, they did just that. Last Sunday against Cincy the veteran TE led the team in targets, converting 10 of 13 looks for 105 yards.
As QB Ben Roethlisberger continues to shake off rust from a four-week absence, I expect he’ll also continue to check-down to the stalwart Miller. Plus, the loss of Le’Veon Bell is huge not just on the ground, but also through the air. In fact, when Bell was out in Weeks 1 and 2, Miller caught 10 of 13 balls for 99 yards and a score. Immediately after his return, Miller’s opportunities plummeted.
Also working in Miller’s favor is the matchup versus Oakland. The Raiders have looked better as of late, but they’re still struggling against the middle. Giving up the most fantasy points to opposing TEs, Oakland let the Jets’ Kellen Davis score on his lone target in Week 8. Understanding that Miller’s role should be much larger, the veteran tight end is in line for a big day.
[Yahoo Daily Fantasy Football: First place wins $100K in our $500K contest for Week 9]
BONUS:
Pierre Thomas, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Too soon? Probably. But Thomas deserves a mention considering that he’s the most senior and versatile of the backs currently healthy in San Francisco. Both Kendall Gaskins and Shaun Draughn are short yardage power guys. Thomas excels in the passing game, and, with Vernon Davis now in Denver, Blaine Gabbert is going to need a reliable check-down option. While I don’t normally advocate relying on a guy who hasn’t started a game in nearly a calendar year, it’s also worth noting that he’s got a great matchup against an old division rival.
Antonio Andrews, RB, Tennessee Titans ($16)
Andrews is expected to carry the ball upwards of twenty times with new HC Mike Mularkey naming him the team’s workhorse, and adding that he plans to focus on the run. Additionally, Mariota’s legs should open up a few more lanes for the second-year back. Averaging just 3.7 YPC, Andrews is far from a speedster, but the volume might be enough to make him fantasy relevant given the scarcity at the position.
Jacob Tamme, TE, Atlanta Falcons ($14)
Last week I highlighted Nick Williams, explaining how the slot receiver might step up in the stead of Leonard Hankerson. Unfortunately, Williams tweaked his hamstring and was held out of the Falcon’s Week 8 contest. Instead, it was Tamme who owned the short to intermediate passing game, working in as a security blanket for QB Matt Ryan.
Hankerson hasn’t practiced all week and probably won’t play this Sunday. While rookie WR Justin Hardy has more long-term appeal, he’s going to need some time to build a rapport with Ryan. In the meantime, Tamme should continue to get fed. And his matchup against the 49ers’ twenty-eighth ranked pass defense ain’t bad either.
Follow Liz on Twitter @LizLoza_FF