Week 9 is underway, and plenty of wide receivers are expected to miss this week’s action, creating opportunities for some intriguing fantasy sleepers.
With DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks out once again, Makai Lemon returns as a solid floor-based FLEX option. Darius Cooper is the more interesting dart throw, especially with Joe Milton starting at quarterback. Milton has the arm strength to push the ball downfield, which could create opportunities for Cooper to make some explosive plays.
Garrett Wilson is expected to miss Week 9, opening the door for Omar Cooper Jr. and Adonai Mitchell to see increased opportunities in the passing game. Both could be viable FLEX plays, but I lean toward Cooper as the better option. The matchup against the Chiefs isn’t ideal, as Kansas City has allowed very few fantasy points to outside receivers this season. That makes Mitchell a riskier play, while Cooper could offer a safer fantasy floor.
A.J. Brown is also out once again, putting DeMario Douglas back into the conversation as a strong FLEX play. Efton Chism and potentially a returning Mack Hollins could also be intriguing options against a Packers defense that has allowed production to outside receivers.
The 49ers are dealing with a depleted receiving corps, as Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and Christian Kirk are all out for Week 9. That opens the door for Jordan Watkins to emerge as a potential sleeper against a Raiders defense that has struggled this season. Keep an eye on Demarcus Robinson, who could also return from IR this week and provide another option in the passing game.
Finally, with Treylon Burks and Rashid Shaheed sidelined, Tory Horton and Antonio Williams could see expanded roles in their respective offenses. Both are intriguing deep-league options who could benefit from additional targets and opportunities in Week 9. –Steve Pintado