Fantasy Football: Courtland Sutton and other top sleepers in Week 9

Welcome to Week 9 of fantasy football! Here are the top five sleepers that are must-starts in your lineup.

With only a few weeks left before the fantasy football playoffs begin, it is crucial that you win these next few games. This is also the time where your team needs some adjusting.

We have six teams on a bye week. We have the Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants.

Let’s also not forget all of the injuries. My rule of thumb is if they’re listed as doubtful put them on your bench and if they’re questionable give it until about two hours before game time and then switch out your players.

Luckily for you, I have done all the hard work for you. Based on this week’s matchups, byes, injuries, and previous performances, I have identified this week’s top five sleepers.

5. Alex Smith,  QB Washington Redskins

Alex Smith isn’t my favorite quarterback, especially this season. However, he does have an ideal matchup, and this is fantasy football!

This week he is taking on the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons defense just let Eli Manning throw for a little under 400 yards.

In five of their last seven games, the Falcons have allowed at least three touchdowns through the air. They are also giving up the second most points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season.

If there was ever a time to go all in on Smith, it’s Week 9. Smith enters this week a QB2 or bye week filler.

Next: 4. A Bronco worth starting

4. Courtland Sutton, WR Denver Broncos

I always say one man’s injury is another man’s opportunity. The same can go for traded players.

Demaryius Thomas has been traded to the Houston Texans. Courtland Sutton has now been named the TE2 which will naturally increase his targets.

Last week, Sutton had a career-high of 72 yards. He completed three of only four targets but is expected to see more in Week 9.

He has also had a touchdown or at least 58 yards in his last four matchups.

He is also taking on the Texans, who rank 24th in catches allowed to opposing wideouts. He is a must-start in all leagues.

Next: 3. This old running back still has it

3. Frank Gore, RB Miami Dolphins

Frank Gore has been an iffy week-to-week starter this starter. Having barely earned double-digit points twice this season, Gore could have his best season performance this week against the New York Jets.

Gore is evenly splitting time with Kenyan Drake, but there have been some weeks he out snapped him. This increases his fantasy football this week, as well as his weekly matchup.

The Jets surrendered a touchdown to Drake in Week 2. They have also allowed three rushing touchdowns in their last two matchups.

This could be the week we see Gore score his first touchdown of the season. On paper, he will have a great week and should be considered in all leagues.

Next: 2. A rookie tight end on the rise

2. Chris Herndon, TE New York Jets

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency
• NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target

If you’ve been keeping up with fantasy football stats, Chris Herndon isn’t a stranger to you. Herndon has scored a touchdown in his last three games.

Unfortunately, he is playing under snaps per game, which make him a risky fantasy football starter. However, if the Jets find him in the red-zone, owners will benefit.

The Jets are taking on a division rival this week in the Miami Dolphins. After losing to the Dolphins in Week 2, the Jets look for a bounce back game in Week 9.

Let’s also not forget the Dolphins have surrendered five tight end touchdowns in their last three games. Herndon is worth a bye week filler in all leagues.

Next: 1. Fitzmagic continues

1. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Some may say it’s a coincidence this quarterback is starting the week of Halloween. As for me, I say it’s magic, Fitzmagic.

Ryan Fitzpatrick was thrown into last week’s after Jameis Winston threw four interceptions. Although Fitzpatrick didn’t save the day, he was able to minimize the 18 point difference.

So far this season, he’s had almost 11 yards per pass attempt. Fitzpatrick also remains in the top 10 fantasy football points per dropback and deep pass completions.

This week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come face-to-face with the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have given up over one and a half touchdowns per game, over 260 passing yards per game, and a little over 7 yards per attempt to opposing quarterbacks.

If you’ve been waiting to start Fitzpatrick again, the wait is over. He enters Week 9 a QB1 option in all leagues.