Fantasy Football Week 9: PPR Rankings and Top Sleepers

One of the most difficult fantasy football scoring systems to master is the point-per-reception format, but finding the right starters is even more critical during pivotal Week 9 matchups.

Not only are fantasy owners dealing with injuries to stars like A.J. Green and Doug Martin, but there are also six teams on a bye, so many of the biggest fantasy threats will be sidelined this week.

When in doubt, use the provided PPR rankings to decide who to start in Week 9. Check out the top sleepers for this Sunday and consider using them as your flex players in PPR if needed. 

Rank	Player
1	LeSean McCoy, PHI, RB
2	Demaryius Thomas, DEN, WR
3	Antonio Brown, PIT, WR
4	Dez Bryant, DAL, WR
5	Jamaal Charles, KC, RB
6	DeMarco Murray, DAL, RB
7	Arian Foster, HOU, RB
8	Rob Gronkowski, NE, TE
9	Jeremy Maclin, PHI, WR
10	T.Y. Hilton, IND, WR
11	Marshawn Lynch, SEA, RB
12	Brandon LaFell, NE, WR
13	Le'Veon Bell, PIT, RB
14	Ahmad Bradshaw, IND, RB
15	Keenan Allen, SD, WR
16	Julius Thomas, DEN, TE
17	Ronnie Hillman, DEN, RB
18	A.J. Green, CIN, WR
19	Andre Ellington, ARI, RB
20	Giovani Bernard, CIN, RB
21	Andre Johnson, HOU, WR
22	Jimmy Graham, NO, TE
23	Kelvin Benjamin, CAR, WR
24	Julian Edelman, NE, WR
25	Branden Oliver, SD, RB
27	Shane Vereen, NE, RB
28	Mike Wallace, MIA, WR
29	Vincent Jackson, TB, WR
30	Steve Smith, BAL, WR
31	Cordarrelle Patterson, MIN, WR
32	Odell Beckham, NYG, WR
33	Denard Robinson, JAX, RB
34	Justin Forsett, BAL, RB
35	Brandin Cooks, NO, WR
36	Antonio Gates, SD, TE
37	DeAndre Hopkins, HOU, WR
38	DeSean Jackson, WSH, WR
39	Emmanuel Sanders, DEN, WR
40	Larry Fitzgerald, ARI, WR
41	Doug Baldwin, SEA, WR
42	Martavis Bryant, PIT, WR
43	Michael Floyd, ARI, WR
44	Pierre Garcon, WAS, WR
45	Ben Tate, CLE, RB
46	Reggie Wayne, IND, WR
47	Mohamed Sanu, CIN, WR
48	Emmanuel Sanders, DEN, WR
49	Lamar Miller, MIA, RB
50	Alfred Morris, WAS, RB

Week 9’s Top PPR Sleepers

There are several players who could be bye-week fill-ins to help you earn a victory, but none fit the mold better than running back Denard Robinson of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Since taking over the starting job in Week 7, Robinson has totaled 40 carries for 235 yards (back-to-back 100-plus-yard games) and one touchdown. While he only has one reception during that stretch, Jacksonville may be forced to air the ball out more against the Cincinnati Bengals' high-scoring offensive unit.

There will undoubtedly be opportunities for the Jaguars to find offensive success against Cincinnati’s struggling defense. The Bengals are ranked 29th against the run (140.7 yards per game) and 23rd against the pass (258.4 yards per game).

Robinson spoke to Mark Long of the Associated Press, via the Detroit Free Press, about how he has performed and how he will continue to get better:

"

Whenever I get the opportunity, I think I'm capable of getting 100 yards in a game. The offense is coming together and we're working more efficiently as a unit. If I can get around 20 carries a game, I feel I can be over 100 yards.

You can see how we've improved. I'm getting use to their blocking and they're getting use to my style. … It's a matter of having good communication with your guys up front. We'll continue to work together and know each other's tendencies.

"

Fantasy owners should love Robinson's confidence. With the starting job locked up and a favorable matchup against the Bengals, Robinson could easily amass 110 all-purpose yards, three receptions and one touchdown.

Another player to consider is Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant.

Most football fans didn’t know much about Bryant before the last two games, but the rookie has earned his way into the starting lineup and is taking advantage of every opportunity he gets.

As Pittsburgh’s Twitter showcased, he was a top candidate for Rookie of the Week:

In Bryant’s first start, he was targeted five time and had two catches for 40 yards and a touchdown. He followed that performance with five receptions on seven targets for 83 yards and two touchdowns against Indianapolis. As quarterback Ben Roethlisberger continues to build chemistry with the first-year player, his numbers should continue to increase.

The Steelers play Baltimore in Week 9. With the Ravens likely focusing their coverage on the ever-elusive Antonio Brown, Bryant will have ample opportunities to beat one-on-one coverage and have a big day.

Owners should expect seven receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown from Bryant.

*Stats via NFL.com.

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