With COVID-19 cases beginning to ramp up across the NFL, Week 9 is upon us. Multiple positive tests earlier on in the week have caused teams to shut down their facilities. However, a full slate of games remains heading into Sunday. Owners are expecting multiple big-name players to be out this week. Thus, causing significant fantasy implications as the second half of the season begins. Back with our weekly fantasy sleepers article, here are five players to help you navigate all the uncertainty surrounding who is in and who is out leading into the weekend.
Drew Lock, Denver Broncos
Having now thrown for over 248 yards in each of his last two games, start Lock this week as a high-end QB2 in a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Struggling on defense all season long, Atlanta’s group has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to their opponents, trailing only Seattle. Raheem Morris’ team is also allowing opposing signal-callers to complete 70 percent of their throws. Tying them for the highest mark in the league with over eight yards per attempt averaged per game. With seven of eight quarterbacks finishing inside the top-15 against them this year, Lock should have a floor of QB20 in his easiest matchup of the season.
DeeJay Dallas, Seattle Seahawks
With the Seahawks expecting starting running back Chris Carson to be a game time decision with a foot injury, stream Dallas this week as a solid RB2 if Carson is unable to go. Filling in as the lead back in a win over the 49ers on Sunday, Dallas was on the field for 54 of the teams 68 offensive plays. Finishing as RB4 in fantasy for the week, the former Miami Hurricane rushed for two scores in the Seahawks victory. Heading into a road matchup with the Buffalo Bills, expect Seattle’s ground game to once again have success. Allowing the 17th most fantasy points to opposing rushers, Buffalo has allowed seven different backs to finish inside the top-24. Currently projected as RB36 heading into the week, if he is the lead guy in the Seahawks backfield, start the rookie if you are in need of help at the position.
John Brown, Buffalo Bills
Back healthy last week after battling a nagging knee injury over the past few weeks, look for Brown to get back on track on Sunday. Cruising against the Seahawks all season long, opposing wide receivers have averaged the most fantasy points per game against Seattle’s group. Thus, leading to big-play opportunities for the Bills on Sunday. Along with this, pass catchers are also averaging over 35 targets per game against Pete Carroll’s team. Therefore, it should lead to a high volume day for Buffalo’s wide receiving core. Having not amassed over 42 yards since Week 2, expect Brown to have his best performance of the year on Sunday. Thus, putting him firmly in the WR3 conversation.
Matt Breida, Miami Dolphins
Expected to be the lead guy for the Dolphins ground attack with Myles Gaskin out with a knee injury, start Breida as a high-end RB3/low-end RB4 this week. Matched up with an Arizona Cardinals defense that has struggled against the run in spurts this season, expect Miami to have success running the football on Sunday. Currently allowing over four yards per carry and over six yards per target, Arizona’s defense has allowed five opposing running backs to finish inside the top-24. Looking to play keep-away from Kyler Murray and the high-powered Cardinals offense, and with rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa under center once again in just his second start in the league, the volume for Breida should be steady in this game.
Antonio Brown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Appearing in his first game with the Buccaneers this season after serving an eight-game suspension, Brown should see a high volume of snaps in a pivotal NFC South contest. Regressing in coverage after a strong 2019 campaign, the Saints cornerback duo of Marshon Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins has struggled in coverage this season, allowing 43 completions for 572 yards and five scores. In addition to this, the Saints defense has allowed 11 opposing receivers to finish inside the top-36 through eight weeks. Finally, with Chris Godwin remaining out for Tampa Bay with a finger injury, roll with Brown this week as a boom or bust WR3.
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