It’s always great to have 16 games in a week but Week 9 brings a return to bye week craziness and, of course, more injuries. The Broncos, Lions, Jaguars and 49ers have plenty of fantasy-relevant players to replace, so let’s get into some of the best streamers and stashes available this week.
To keep things simple, we’ll define a streamer as any player you wouldn’t usually start who is a viable option for this week. We’ll define a stash as any player you can probably find on waivers that you should stash for the future, either because they have a favorable match-up coming up or because they could become a future starter.
I’ll also be reporting my streamer record from the season to date above each section to give you an idea of what to expect. Strong finishes mean the top third of starters at the position, moderate means the top half of starters, and bust is everyone else.
Please also check out my rankings at ffdfantasyfootball.com, and I answer all start-sit questions on Instagram @thefantasyfirstdown and Twitter @FantasyFirstDwn.
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QB Streamer (Week 1: 9 strong, 4 moderate, 7 bust):
Derek Carr (NO): The Saints veteran has passed for over 300 yards in each of his last three games and now faces the generous Bears defense. The only thing stopping him from being a strong start is Taysom Hill stealing a lot of goal-line opportunities. This has led Carr to only eight total touchdowns through eight weeks. He is, nevertheless, a solid bye-week replacement.
Honorable Mention: Bryce Young (CAR)
QB Stash:
Kyler Murray (ARI): There’s a good chance K1 is already stashed on somebody’s IR, but if he is available, Murray is worth stashing on your bench as, when healthy, he’s consistently been a QB1. That health issue is still a major concern, but if you’ve been struggling for a good passer, you can do worse than hold Murray for his upside.
Honorable Mention: Will Levis (TEN)
RB Streamers (Week 2: 19 strong, 6 moderate, 7 bust):
Zack Moss (IND): The Panthers have consistently been the best running back matchup, and the Colts are keeping Moss involved even though Jonathan Taylor seems to be healthy. That makes Moss a viable start if you’re struggling for a running back in Week 9
Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman (LAR):
The Packers have conceded the third most fantasy points to running backs and now face a Rams team intent on establishing the run. Henderson is the better play, given he’s the superior receiving back, but Freeman is still a solid option.
Honorable mentions: Jerome Ford (CLE) and Chuba Hubbard (CAR)
RB Stashes:
Roschon Johnson (CHI): After a poor first week back, Johnson may find himself on waivers in your league. I’d recommend picking him up as he should ultimately take the lead role from D’Onta Foreman, who was a healthy inactive at times earlier in the season.
Running backs get injured more than any other player in fantasy, with the average Top 36 running back missing two games per season in fantasy. For that reason, your best bet in fantasy is to roster running backs who are an injury away from an every-down role. While I can’t predict who will get injured, I can say who’ll be most effective when given the opportunity. Each week, I’ll be listing my favorite RB backups, only including players you won’t be starting most weeks.
Handcuffs: Zach Charbonnet (SEA), Tyler Allgeier (ATL), AJ Dillon (GB), Joshua Kelley (LAC), Tyjae Spears (TEN), Cam Akers (MIN), Rico Dowdle (DAL), Ezekiel Elliott (NE), Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) Latavius Murray (BUF) and Tank Bigsby (JAC).
Honorable Mention: Leonard Fournette (BUF)
WR Streamers (13 strong, 13 moderate, 9 bust):
DeAndre Hopkins (TEN): With Will Levis proving a surprising quarterback upgrade and the weak Steelers secondary on tap for Week 9, Hopkins goes from a scary flex to a solid starter. He’s still risky, but if you’re going to start him, now is the week.
Demario Douglas (NE): With Kendrick Bourne out for the season and the Patriots facing a Commanders team that can be attacked through the air, Douglas is a solid option you can find on waivers in most leagues. I wouldn’t start him over your established receivers, but he can be used if you’re a little desperate.
Honorable Mentions: Diontae Johnson (PIT) and Rashee Rice (KC)
WR Stash:
Michael Wilson (ARI): The Cardinals rookie hasn’t been startable with Joshua Dobbs under center, but he’s been very good when targeted. With Kyler Murray hopefully back soon, Wilson could be a solid fantasy starter sometime soon.
Honorable mentions: Odell Beckham Jr (BAL), Quentin Johnston (LAC), Jahan Dotson (WAS), Jonathan Mingo (CAR) and Khalil Shakir (BUF)
TE Streamer (8 strong, 2 moderate, 7 bust):
Donald Parham (LAC): If Gerald Everett misses another game (and only if he does), Parham is a viable streamer against the league’s best tight end matchup. He has great TD upside and could get a few bonus catches as well.
Honorable mention: Luke Musgrave (GB)
TE Stash:
Michael Mayer (LV): The Raiders have finally made Mayer the every-down starter, but we’re yet to see enough usage to warrant starting him. Hold him and wait for now.
Honorable mention: David Njoku (CLE)
K/DST Streamers (13 strong, 8 moderate, 9 bust):
Dustin Hopkins (CLE), Eddy Pineiro (CAR), New Orleans Saints DST and Washington Commanders DST.
Please note I won’t be listing any kicker or DST stashes, as you should never roster more than one of either of these positions.
