Fantasy Football: Top 10 sleepers for Week 9

Aug 22, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford (36) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts safety Clayton Geathers (42) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

When it comes to fantasy football heading into Week 9 action, plenty of lineups have been shaken due to the insane amount of injuries that have hit owners everywhere. Not to mention, a huge bye week for many teams.

This week’s six team bye creates a little bit of fantasy turmoil. In Week 9, we lose key fantasy players from the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks.

This week also offers added pressure as there are numerous essential injuries. Strong fantasy point per game players will be inactive this week, as well as all season. Some of these players include Le’Veon Bell, Matt Forte and Keenan Allen.

Whether you are looking to re-organize your squad, fill a bye week player, or replace an injured fantasy star, this week offers substantial Week 9 influencers.

Who are these Week 9 top 10 fantasy starters? Take a look at the top 10 fantasy football sleepers to consider starting this week.

Next: 10. This Dolphin won't sink this week

Oct 29, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a pass during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

10. Ryan Tannehill

Last week Ryan Tannehill quickly lost his perfect quarterback rating during the Miami Dolphins’ miserable loss against the New England Patriots.

Tannehill completed 28-of-44 passes and 2 interceptions. Tannehill even offered a safety when he carelessly missed a snap. However, he still earned at least 20 fantasy football points, if not more depending on your league.

Coming into Week 9, Tannehill prepares to take on the Buffalo Bills. Although he’s ranked as a QB2 for Week 9, the Bills’ defense has only achieved 2 sacks in their last two games, and 11 sacks for the season so far. With this lacking Bills’ defensive line, Tannehill is sure to earn a decent amount of fantasy points.

Next: 9. This Redskin is ready to soar

Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) grabs the face mask of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nolan Carroll (23) while running with the ball in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

9. Pierre Garcon

Although Pierre Garcon is coming off a bye, he caught 5-of-6 targets in Week 7’s win to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This week’s match-up against the undefeated New England Patriots is going to be a great fantasy week for Garcon.

Garcon averages 8 and above targets per game, which is just what the Washington Redskins need to succeed in this week’s game. Although the Patriots’ offense seems to excel greatly, their defense has allowed the 7^th most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.

Although DeSean Jackson’s return is expected for this week, his play time is unknown. Even with less targets, Garcon will still add value to your Week 9 lineup. This WR2 will continue to offer consistent fantasy points.

Next: 8. The undefeated will triumph

Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Owen Daniels (81) celebrates his touchdown with running back Ronnie Hillman (23) in the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Vikings 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

8. Ronnie Hillman

The Denver Broncos enter Week 9 being undefeated thanks to running back Ronnie Hillman. Hillman got 2 touchdowns and rushed a little under 20 times for 60 yards in Week 8’s triumph over the Green Bay Packers.

This weeks match-up against the Indianapolis Colts doesn’t seem to be a concern for Hillman. The Colts have allowed the 5^th most fantasy points per game to running backs.

Hillman remains a RB2 coming into Week 9. This week’s running back match-up seems promising against the Colts defense, whose allowed the 6th most fantasy points per game to running backs.

Next: 7. This Charger is ready to bolt

Nov 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) catches a pass from quarterback Philip Rivers (17) (not pictured) for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

7. Malcom Floyd

If you haven’t already drafted Malcom Floyd, you better get a move on it. Although the San Diego Chargers lost to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, he positively impacted the game after teammate Keenan Allen left in the second quarter of last week’s game.

Floyd caught 4-of-6 targets for a total of 92 yards against the Ravens. This wide receiver also secured 2 touchdowns, one which was 70 yards.

Although Floyd is ranked as a WR4, the bye week and injury list appear to be playing in his favor in fantasy this week. With Allen out, and a few other injuries on the Chargers, Floyd will bring in a little over 12 points depending on your league.

Next: 6. This Bill is back for more

Oct 11, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) passes against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

6. Tyrod Taylor

Tyrod Taylor is coming into Week 9 after an injury to his knee. This Buffalo Bills divisional match-up against the Miami Dolphins offers promising results for Taylor.

In Week 3, Taylor was no competition for the Dolphin’s defense. He threw for 277 yards and 3 touchdowns. Taylor continues to bring his dual-threat skill-set and puts the Bills in a good position to win football games.

With his rushing abilities and throwing efficiency, Taylor ranks as a QB1 for Week 9. The Dolphins non-existing defense should not be a factor in Taylor’s anticipated performance.

Next: 5. Watch out for the speed of this Bengal

Nov 1, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals half back Jeremy Hill (32) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Bengals won the game 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jeremy Hill

As Giovani Bernard of the Cincinnati Bengals comes into Week 9 with a hip injury, running back Jeremy Hill will have an opportunity to be the highlight of the Bengals match-up against the Cleveland Browns.

Hill comes into this week as a RB1/RB2 with at least 15 carriers in his last 2 games. This division rivalry game will be a great opportunity for Hill to earn major fantasy points per game.

The Browns’ defense allows over 130 yards to opposing running backs and is the league’s worst ranked defense. This match-up seems like a no brainer; definitely draft Hill and start him this week.

Next: 4. The Buccaneer will not walk the plank

Sep 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (87) scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

4. Austin Seferian-Jenkins

Austin Seferian-Jenkins is coming into Week 9 off a shoulder injury. However, with mid-way season injuries and the bye week, this Tampa Bay Buccaneer seems like the perfect match-up for the New York Giants.

Seferian-Jenkings brings speed, big play ability and a keen sense of getting open to the Buccaneers’ offense. Considering that the Giants’ defensive secondary won’t be able to contain him, speaks to the big production he could bring to fantasy teams this particular week.

The Giants currently allow the second most fantasy points per game to tight ends, which will be a huge benefit for Seferian-Jenkins. Also, with wide receiver Vincent Jackson out, this tight end should see much more action in the red zone.

Next: 3. Watch out for this Bear

Sep 3, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jeremy Langford (36) rushes the ball against Cleveland Browns defensive end Billy Winn (90) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jeremy Langford

Chicago Bears’ running back Jeremy Langford has some pretty big shoes to fill coming into Week 9. With Matt Forte out due to a knee injury, Langford has been named the Bears’ featured back.

After Forte’s injury, Langford rushed 12 times for 46 yards in last week’s game. With Langford expected to be the main workhorse on offense, he has the ability to see well over 20 touches in this San Diego Chargers match-up.

Being ranked a RB2, Langford has the ability to rack up a good amount of fantasy points in Week 9. He is definitely a sleeper option this week.

Next: 2. Keep an eye on this Saint

Nov 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson (82) comes down with a pass for a touchdown over New York Giants outside linebacker Devon Kennard (59) and free safety Landon Collins (21) in the third quarter of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New Orleans won 52-49. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

2. Benjamin Watson

Benjamin Watson emerged greatly in Week 8 against the New York Giants. Watson caught 9-of-10 targets for a total of 147 yards and a touchdown.

Just when we thought Watson hit his career-high in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons, Watson beat his record, and assisted in Drew Brees throwing over 500 yards for Week 8’s win.

Within the last 3 games, Watson has received at least 17 fantasy points per game. Last week’s career high leaves Watson an easy TE1, and a top sleeper in Week 9.

Next: 1. This Steeler is ready to deliver

Sep 27, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) takes the hand off from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. Steelers defeated the Rams 12-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

1. DeAngelo Williams

In the first 2 weeks of the season, DeAngelo Williams was the featured running back after Le’Veon Bell received a two-week suspension. Now, this running back takes back the spotlight in Week 9 after Bell was injured in Week 8.

Next: Top 5 ways the Jets can jolt Jacksonville

Williams was named the Pittsburgh Steelers No. 1 back coming into Week 9. Last week Williams rushed 9 times for 71 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals. Against the upcoming Oakland Raiders, expect to see the Steelers stick to their ground game in hopes of managing the game on their terms.

With Williams averaging 63 carries so far this season, this Steeler’s replacement seems promising. Look for Williams this week as a top sleeper to deliver nicely.