Week 9 of the fantasy football season hinges on the return of several key wide receivers. Malik Nabers, Chris Olave, and Nico Collins are back from bye weeks, while managers hope to see Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel rejoin lineups. Rookie Jordyn Tyson could also make his season debut for the New Orleans Saints, potentially reducing Devaughn Vele's role.
Mike Evans: High Upside, Health Concerns
Evans has been elite when on the field, averaging 10.8 yards per target with a 7.6% touchdown rate and a 31.7% target-per-route-run rate. However, Week 1 is the only game he has played more than 65% of offensive snaps. Persistent injuries keep him ranked around WR20 despite WR12 upside if fully healthy.
Deebo Samuel: Flex Appeal
Samuel has scored 12+ PPR points in three of five games, though one surge came from a fluky hook-and-ladder play in Week 3. If he practices fully, expect 5-7 touches, making him a low-end WR3 or high-upside flex option.
Notable Week 9 Numbers
Zay Flowers scored zero fantasy points in his first game with Joe Fagnano. Keenan Allen maintains a 27% target-per-route-run rate. Michael Wilson leads all receivers with 327 routes run and is a WR2 if he plays through a rib injury. Omar Cooper Jr. averages 3.18 yards per route run despite a zero-point Week 8. Rashee Rice posted a 29.6% TPRR in his return. Denzel Boston has 11 end zone targets, tied for second among receivers. Tetairoa McMillan's 23.5% slot share ranks last among Panthers receivers. Khalil Shakir leads all receivers with 9.0 yards after catch per reception.
Waiver Wire Targets
Makai Lemon (Eagles) has 17 targets over his last two games, scoring at least 11.7 PPR points in each, and is a strong WR3 in full PPR leagues until DeVonta Smith returns. Antonio Williams (Commanders) led the team in snaps, routes, and targets in the first game without Terry McLaurin, making him an upside WR3 who should be rostered everywhere, though a matchup against the Rams limits him to flex status this week.
Stash Candidate
Jordyn Tyson (Saints) could return after the bye. The first-round pick is expected to eventually command the targets currently going to Devaughn Vele.
DFS Plays
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks) is the top DFS play against the Cardinals, projected for 26.7 points. He caught nine passes for 155 yards and three touchdowns against Arizona earlier this season. Jalen Coker (Panthers) is a contrarian option versus the Broncos; he sees more slot snaps than McMillan and could benefit from a negative game script in the second half.
Full Week 9 fantasy projections for every position are available via Sportsline, with updates throughout the week.
