Fantasy Football Sleepers: Seahawks passing game offers value off the waiver wire in Week 9

We’re all looking for that hidden gem to give our fantasy football team an edge, so we can kick back and relax on Sundays while gleefully watching our squad march to victory. Let Scott Pianowski help you rest easy this season with his top sleepers.

The sleeper page was good to us again in Week 8, with Troy Franklin and Joe Flacco smashing and Alec Pierce beating his projection. Devin Neal didn’t pop for New Orleans, but he did play a season-high 33 snaps. Let’s see what’s available for Week 9.

RB Bam Knight at Cowboys (45%)

He’s an ordinary talent but he’s in line for a heavy workload, after seeing 29 touches the past two games. The Cowboys defense can’t stop much of anything these days, and it’s allowed the third-most points to opposing running backs.

WR Chimere Dike vs. Chargers (17%)

I’m surprised his strong showing the last two weeks (11-163-1) hasn’t drawn a higher roster tag. Remember Dike was drafted before fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor, and Dike will see regular work in the slot, which presents easy throws for fellow rookie Cam Ward. The Chargers present a challenging matchup, but Dike appears here to stay.

WR Christian Watson vs. Panthers (28%)

I recognize the Packers love to rotate multiple receivers, and that caps the upside of everyone. But Watson posted a useful 4-85-0 line in his first game back, and we can’t leave that on the waiver wire. Jordan Love is also playing at a high level, with an 8.4 YPA and a snappy 112.8 passer rating. Check Watson’s injury status (ankle) before you push play here.

TE Juwan Johnson at Rams (34%)

The Saints will probably have to chase the game against the Rams, which makes a high pass volume likely. Kellen Moore also has his team playing at a fast pace, which adds some volume. Johnson hit a lull in the middle weeks, but he’s caught 10 passes in the last two games, reestablishing his relevance.

QB Sam Darnold at Commanders (44%)

Darnold’s transition to Seattle has been mostly smooth, in part because he targets Jaxon Smith-Njigba about 38% of the time. Darnold has multiple touchdown passes in four of his past six games, and Washington is allowing a league-worst 8.4 YPA (along with a 104.9 rating).

RB Emanuel Wilson vs. Panthers (7%)

Wilson should be compulsory insurance for any Josh Jacobs manager; backing up a star running back makes more sense in late October than it does in August. Wilson picked up 14 touches in Pittsburgh and looked good, and it’s possible he could be the closer again this week if the Packers take care of business as 13.5-point favorites against Carolina.

AJ Barner at Commanders (9%)

Barner has not been a target hog, as the Seattle passing game is obviously routed through Jaxon Smith-Njigba most of the time. But sleeper tight ends are often about touchdown equity, and we can’t ignore that Barner has scored on four of his 18 receptions. All of Barner’s secondary and success metrics suggest he’s worthy of an expanded role.

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