The fantasy football schedule is headed into Week 9 and some players to start or sit include Pierre Thomas, Jeremy Langford, Kendall Gaskins, Dion Lewis, Willie Snead, Malcom Floyd, Stevie Johnson, Dontrelle Inman, Robert Woods, Allen Hurns and Brandon LaFell for fantasy team owners.
There were a number of notable injuries last week and that will push other players into the starting lineup, as names like Matt Forte, Steve Smith, Carlos Hyde, Reggie Bush and Le'Veon Bell are out. Jeremy Langford, Kamar Aiken, Kendall Gaskins, Pierre Thomas and DeAngelo Willliams all should get the chance to put up numbers this week stepping in for injured players. Keenan Allen is out for the season with a kidney injury and that gives Malcom Floyd and Stevie Johnson a chance to get more targets.
The Chicago Bears will be without Matt Forte this week, as John Fox said that the running back has been ruled out for the game against the Chargers with a knee injury. Forte was injured last week and Jeremy Langford came in to replace him and he will be the feature back on Monday night for Chicago. Langford has just 80 yards this season but he will get the chance to start and the Bears will hope he can replace some of the production for Forte. This season Forte was having another strong year with over 700 total yards from scrimmage and he is expected to miss at least two games.
With Allen out Dontrelle Inman is a deep league pickup option behind Malcom Floyd and Steve Johnson. Inman has nine catches for 142 yards and one TD this season in seven games and he could be an option to step up with Keenan Allen out. Antonio Gates was limited in practice on Friday and is probable for Monday night. Eddie Royal is out for the game, while players like Jay Cutler, Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead are options for the Chargers and Bears.
Dion Lewis is coming into the week as probable with an abdomen injury and fantasy owners should be confident in starting him. Lewis was able to play last week and he has been the most productive back overall for the Patriots this season with over 500 total yards. Lewis is valuable in PPR leagues and he comes into this week with 32 catches for 349 yards out of the backfield.
The 49ers have a number of injuries at running back with Carlos Hyde and Mike Davis along with Bush, who is out for the season with a knee injury. The Niners signed Pierre Thomas and Kendall Gaskins also could get some carries against the Falcons, who have been inconsistent on run defense this season. Thomas and Shaun Draughn will get some carries and Gaskins comes in after getting some touches in Week 8. Gaskins may have the chance to start with Thomas just coming in this week and he is worth a look in deeper leagues.
Willie Snead is expected to start against the Titans for the Saints after coming into the weekend with a knee injury. Snead missed some practice but that was only the Saints being cautious.
Check here for more on fantasy options for Week 9 and players to start or sit.