Fantasy Football Week 9: Rock Me Amendola?

When the St. Louis Rams come out of their Week 9 bye they should have one of the league's top slot receivers back at their disposal.

What is the outlook for Amendola and the Rams' receivers?

From the outside, it looks like it will be all systems go for Amendola next week as the Rams lock horns with the 49ers. Considering he's in the Top 50 in targets, despite missing the past three-and-a-half games, he is virtually a must-start in PPR leagues.

He has played in a little over four games and has been targeted 49 times.

In non-PPR leagues, I wouldn't blame you for holding off on plugging him back in your lineup, but keep in mind he's averaging 79.0 yards and 0.4 touchdowns per game.

He's easily Sam Bradford's favorite target, and I expect him to pick up where he left off.

It may be a little tough initially with the Niners twice, the Jets and the Cardinals, but things loosen up in the fantasy playoffs. With games against Buffalo, Minnesota and Tampa Bay, Amendola should be locked and loaded at the most important time of the year.

Chris Givens, who has had a catch of 50 or more yards the past five games, shouldn't see his role change too dramatically.

He'll continue to see three to five targets a game.

Due to his reliance on the deep ball, Givens will be a risk for fantasy purposes, but you should already have considered him a risky option.

The player that will be hurt the most is Brandon Gibson.

He had a solid run of averaging 65.7 yards per game while Amendola was out, including 91 against the Dolphins. His yardage and targets declined both games since then, so you were already likely looking elsewhere.

I'd suggest cutting your ties with Gibson and look to make a roster upgrade. If, for some reason, Amendola is floating out there, you should snatch him up pronto.

Also check out:

• 2012 Week 9 Fantasy QB Rankings
• 2012 Week 9 Fantasy RB Rankings
• 2012 Week 9 Fantasy WR Rankings
• 2012 Week 9 Fantasy TE Rankings
• 2012 Week 9 Fantasy K Rankings