Fantasy Football Week 9: Thomas, Woods and three other must-starts

SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 21: Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams huddles in the tunnel prior to their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Here’s the Week 9 edition of top five wide receivers to start in fantasy football.

Wide receivers are probably the toughest position to evaluate week in and week out. Take a look at last week’s edition of top five wide receivers to start in fantasy football for example.

The players named seemed to be no-brainers. However, only two players named on that list finished as top 10 scorers in ESPN PPR standard scoring leagues. Those players? Adam Thielen and Mike Evans.

Evans led all players on last week’s list with his 29.9 fantasy points. Thielen continued his incredible season with 22.8 points.

Odell Beckham Jr. finished one spot outside of the top 10 with his 21.6 against the Washington Redskins. A.J. Green came away with 18.6, as Davante Adams landed one spot behind Green with 18.3.

Let’s strive for more this week, so let’s jump into the list.

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 28: Wide receiver Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams catches the pass in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)

5. Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams

A bit of an unfamiliar name kicks off this week’s list. Not that Robert Woods isn’t a known player, he’s just not a household name like others on the list are.

Spanning from last season to now, Woods has been one of Jared Goff‘s favorite targets. However, he has had some quiet games recently.

Woods only racked up 12 points during the Los Angeles Rams win against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. His score was his second-lowest of the season.

But Woods has shown he is a top-tier fantasy receiver as he went four straight weeks with 19+ points from Week 3 to Week 6. This week, he will lineup against a New Orleans Saints defense that has allowed 12 receiving scores to opposing wideouts.

Next: 4. Michael Thomas

BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 21: Wide Receiver Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after catching a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

4. Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Keep an eye on Michael Thomas‘ injury situation as he approaches Week 9 a bit banged up. He is considered questionable for the New Orleans Saints game against the Rams.

Regardless, Thomas seems healthy enough to lace them up and play. If he is as healthy as he can be, then he is in for a big day.

The Rams secondary has been one of the team’s only weak spots, due to sub-par play by Marcus Peters and an Aqib Talib injury. They have allowed 11 receiving touchdowns to the opposition’s wide receivers.

Thomas is like a sleeping bear. Don’t poke him or he will erupt. This week may the week he awakens for a massive game.

Next: 3. DeAndre Hopkins

3. DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans

Like fellow wide out Michael Thomas, Houston Texans star receiver DeAndre Hopkins finds himself as questionable for Week 9. He is coming off a game where he caught six passes for 82 yards and two scores.

Hopkins went for 26.2 fantasy points, which is his second-highest score of the year. But the Texans are absolutely firing on all cylinders right now, and the Deshaun Watson to Hopkins connection just got a little bit of help.

The Texans landed former Denver Broncos stud Demaryius Thomas via trade. He will look to attract some of the attention that Hopkins usually gets, leading to more favorable match ups for both players.

Hopkins hasn’t had a 100+ receiving yard game in three weeks. This week, the Texans play a Denver Broncos team that is struggling to find their true identity. Meaning, Hopkins can exploit them.

Next: 2. Davante Adams

GREEN BAY, WI – OCTOBER 15: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Greg Mabin #26 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

2. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers

More from The Jet Press

It’s official. Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams has made himself into one of the top wide-outs in the NFL.

Meaning, Adams is also one of the best receivers in fantasy football. He and Aaron Rodgers have become one of the league’s most lethal duos.

Adams has gone for 130+ receiving yards in three straight games. While he only had 18.3 points last week against the Rams, he was a touchdown away from bulking that score up.

Rodgers, Adams and the Packers play the New England Patriots this week. Expect a big game from those two, especially after not getting the chance to march down the field and steal a win late in last week’s loss to the Rams.

Next: 1. Adam Thielen

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 28: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

1. Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings

Another week, another list with Adam Thielen towards the top. The Minnesota Vikings breakout star has become a must-start every week.

Thielen leads the NFL with 925 receiving yards, just a tad over 100 more than second place Julio Jones. He finds himself atop the league because he has yet to have a game where he doesn’t rack up 100+ receiving yards.

More importantly, Thielen has also reeled in a TD grab in five straight games. Yes, this guy is full of insane streaks.

The Vikes host the Detroit Lions in Week 9. The Lions have been stout against opposing receivers, but Thielen is on a dominant role.