NFL Fantasy Football: Tim Tebow and 5 Fantasy Sleepers for Week 9

Week 9 of the NFL is finally here. With the end of fantasy football season getting closer, it's about time fantasy teams start making their final playoff push.

This week, big time fantasy point scorers Cam Newton, Matthew Stafford, and Adrian Peterson are all on bye weeks. Not to mention, there are recent reports of injuries occurring to a number of viable fantasy options.

Combining all of that equals a great time to look for some fill-in players for the upcoming weekend.

In that case, here are your Week 9 sleepers in the NFL.

Quarterback: Tim Tebow at Raiders

Tim Tebow and the Broncos had a game to forget in Week 8 against the Lions. In the 45-10 loss, Tebow didn't play like a starting quarterback in the NFL should play. From a fantasy standpoint however, he didn't play all that bad.

In his last three games, Tebow has thrown for only 412 yards, four touchdowns and just one interception. Pretty human-like numbers if you ask me. What makes Tebow a decent fantasy play though, is his ability to run the football. In those last three games, Tebow has rushed for 160 yards and a touchdown, which bolsters his fantasy numbers quite a bit.

While many deem Tebow a failure already, it should be recognized that he played the Detroit Lions, a team that quarterbacks have struggled against most of the season. This week, Tebow plays a defense that has given up the 11th most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, the Oakland Raiders.

While Tebow isn't a fantasy stud, he still has a lot of upside as a bye week replacement due to his ability to gain both passing and rushing yards.  

Running Back: Michael Bush vs. Broncos

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter,  Oakland Raiders starting running back Darren McFadden did not practice on Thursday, and was wearing a walking boot. If McFadden can't go against the Broncos on Sunday, backup running back Michael Bush should get the nod.

Throughout his career, Bush has been a solid runner every time he touches the ball. In McFadden's absence against the Chiefs in Week 7, Bush ran the ball 17 times for 99 yards.  If he does indeed start this Sunday against the Broncos, expect him to post decent fantasy points.

Wide Receiver: Jon Baldwin vs. Dolphins

Against the Chargers on Monday night, Kansas City wide receiver Jon Baldwin showed why the Chiefs found him so valuable in this year's draft. After missing the first five games of the season to a wrist injury, Baldwin played in his second consecutive game in which he caught five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown.

Although it's not clear if this game was a fluke, Baldwin has some large upside as a receiver in the Chiefs offense. Luckily for Baldwin and the Chiefs this week, they play the NFL's 27th-ranked pass defense in the Miami Dolphins.

Last week against the Giants, Miami let up the most fantasy points to receivers in the NFL, something that's trending for this dreadful pass defense.

Baldwin has a great matchup coming off a great game last week. He has a lot of potential to make an impact this week, as most receivers have when playing the Dolphins.  

Tight End: Brent Celek vs. Bears

In his last two games, Eagles tight end Brent Celek has caught two touchdowns. This includes his last game in which he blew up against the Cowboys, catching seven passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.

Although Celek has been a fantasy nonfactor this season, he has played well enough to be considered a sleeper for this week's game against the Bears.

Chicago has allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends this season. This makes Celek even more of a viable option as it's doubtful the Bears will be able to contain Celek, considering they have to try to shut down the other weapons the Eagles possess.  

Defense: Cardinals D vs. Rams

Arizona's defense has been playing far from good this season. After blowing a 24-3 lead against the Ravens in Week 8, it's difficult to say they will have success any week. Then again, they do play the St. Louis Rams in Week 9.

St. Louis, who just upset the Saints last week, boasts one of the NFL's worst offenses. Although they beat the Saints, the Rams are still a team you want your defense to play. Plus, defenses playing the Rams have scored the second most fantasy points this season.

Anyone with a bad matchup defensively might want to consider starting the Cardinals in Week 9.