I’m not going to lie to you. Pickings are slim this week. Between six teams being on a bye next week, a multitude of injuries, and several deterring matchups, your week-nine lineup could be filled with unfamiliar faces. Don’t let stranger danger stress you out. I’m here to introduce you to a few friends of mine.
If this is your first time reading this article, here is the lowdown. Trying to pick up a player right after they’ve broken out is the worst possible time to do so. You run the risk of being out-claimed on the waiver wire. Savvy fantasy owners stash away potential stars on their bench before they become a hot commodity.
This week’s group includes a few players who have favorable matchups next week, along with a couple prospects who have a bright future in general. Virtually every year we see those mid-to-late season breakout stars propel someone’s fantasy team to a championship. Last season Jay Ajayi was a prime example of such. Consider adding the following players before it’s too late.
Availability percentages are based on ESPN.com. This article excludes players who are available in less than 40% of leagues. Notable is defined as players who are owned in at least 50% of leagues.
Notable Week 9 Byes
Quarterback:
- Tom Brady
- Philip Rivers
- Ben Roethlisberger
Running Back:
- Le’Veon Bell
- Melvin Gordon
- Jordan Howard
- Tarik Cohen
- Jerick McKinnon
- Latavius Murray
- Duke Johnson
- Isaiah Crowell
- James White
- Mike Gillislee
Wide Receiver:
- Antonio Brown
- Martavis Bryant
- Brandin Cooks
- Chris Hogan
- Keenan Allen
- Tyrell Williams
- Stefon Diggs
- Adam Thielen
Tight End:
- Rob Gronkowski
- Kyle Rudolph
- Hunter Henry
Defense:
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Minnesota Vikings
Kicker:
- Stephen Gostkowski
Stashes
Ted Ginn Jr. – WR – Saints
Availability – 42.7% of Leagues
Ginn Jr’s ownership has jumped over 15% this past week. I recommend you get a piece of his stock while you still can. In New Orleans’ two games since their bye week, Ginn Jr. has posted eleven catches for 207 yards and a touchdown. The speedster’s increasing chemistry with Drew Brees seems to be paying big dividends on the field. Filling the role left by departed star, Brandin Cooks, Ginn Jr.’s speed makes him a tremendous deep threat. Next week he’s at home to face a Buccaneers defense that has given up the second-most fantasy points to opposing receivers in standard leagues and the most fantasy points in PPR.
Jared Goff – QB – Rams
Availability – 72.8% of Leagues
What a difference a year makes. After being written off as a bust his rookie season, Goff now has many thinking he possesses the goods to be a franchise quarterback. The 23 year-old has four games with over 250 passing yards this year and three games with multiple touchdowns. Next week he faces a leaky Giants defense. Over their past four games New York has surrendered an average of 329.5 yards and 2.5 touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks. Coming off a bye, Goff presents an attractive streaming option in a continuously shrinking quarterback pool.
O.J. Howard – TE – Buccaneers
Availability –80.6% of Leagues
Over the next ten days Rob Gronkowski, Zach Ertz, Travis Kelce, Kyle Rudolph, Hunter Henry and Jared Cook will have sat through a bye week. Chances are you’re in the market for a tight end. Howard was drafted 19th overall out of Alabama, and is a generational talent at the position. His emergence has been stalled by Cameron Brate’s presence, who will continue to contribute to this Tampa Bay offense. However, Howard’s immense talent will take precedence at some point, and that time may be soon. The rookie is coming off a six-catch game in which he registered 98 yards and two touchdowns on 51 snaps. All of those represent career highs to this point.
D’Onta Foreman – RB – Texans
Availability – 85.4% of Leagues
Another rookie, Foreman is a powerful runner with an impressive breakaway burst. The former Longhorn has worked himself into a significant role with the Texans. Over their past five contests Foreman is seeing an average of 10.4 touches a game. The 21 year-old’s yards-per-carry average (4.1) is higher than lead back Lamar Miller’s (3.8), suggesting the youngster’s usage could increase with time. Additionally, franchise left tackle, Duane Brown, has returned to the team after a lengthy holdout and is in contention to play this Sunday. What’s better is Houston will host the Colts next week. Indianapolis’ defense has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing backfields.
Interesting Defenses
Arizona Cardinals – 33.1% of Leagues
Considering the 49ers made the Cowboys defense look like world beaters last week, you have to like this matchup for the Cardinals. Third-round quarterback, C.J. Beathard, has been underwhelming in his two starts thus far. The rookie has little to work with in the passing game beyond Pierre Garcon, who is expected to be shadowed by lockdown cornerback, Patrick Peterson. Arizona is giving up the sixth-fewest rushing yards on a per-carry basis (3.7), and appear well equipped to contain Carlos Hyde.
