Fantasy Football Week 9 is here and some of the best pickups, free agents and sleeper options include Pierre Thomas, Kendall Gaskins, Stevie Johnson, Malcom Floyd, Michael Crabtree, Benjamin Watson, Antonio Andrews, Ladarius Green and Jeremy Langford for team owners into the weekend. There were some major injuries in Week 8 and now some other players will have the chance to step up.
The NFL injury report from last week had some notable names, as Reggie Bush, Le'Veon Bell, Keenan Allen, Steve Smith and Khiry Robinson are all out for the season. Matt Forte was also injured and he will miss time, but is expected to come back at some point this year. The 49ers have been hit hard by injuries at running back with Bush, Carlos Hyde and Mike Davis banged up and the team signed Pierre Thomas as a free agent to help out.
The Chargers just lost Keenan Allen to a kidney injury and that gives Johnson and Floyd the chance to step up for fantasy owners. Allen was putting up some great numbers this season and now his targets will be going elsewhere and both Johnson and Floyd could benefit. Last week Johnson had two catches and he could be a low risk, high upside starter as a WR3 or flex player. Floyd has 21 catches in eight games this season and he comes in after scoring two touchdowns against the Ravens in Week 8.
Allen owners could look north for options as well, as Michael Crabtree is coming in after a strong game and he has put up some solid numbers this season. Crabtree has 40 catches on the season and he had seven catches for 102 yards and a touchdown against the Jets in Week 8. Derek Carr and the Raiders offense have been moving the ball well and Crabtree could be a good fit to replace Allen for fantasy owners. Brandon LaFell has been slow to get things going for the Patriots but he could be a high upside pick for this week against the Redskins.
Thomas is a solid option to check out for fantasy owners dealing with injuries, as the 49ers have struggled overall and with Colin Kaepernick getting benched, the running game will be more important than ever. The team has been hit hard by injuries and now Thomas and Kendall Gaskins could get the chance to get something going this weekend. The Falcons rush defense has not been consistent this season and that could give Thomas the chance to put up some solid numbers.
Antonio Andrews has been playing well for the Titans and even with David Cobb returning, he is worth picking up. Andrews led the team in rushing in Week 7 and he had a solid game with over 80 total yards against the Texans in Week 8. Andrews has 202 rushing yards in five games this season and he has been a more consistent option over Bishop Sankey. Ladarius Green is an option if Antonio Gates can't return, while Ben Watson had a strong day for the Saints last week and is worth picking up.
Check here for more on fantasy football for Week 9, sleeper options and injury updates heading into the matchup schedule.
