Fantasy Football Week 9: Sneaky Starts

This week in fantasy football, we have some intriguing matchups and there could be some players out there that could give your team the boost it needs in Week Nine. If you’re searching for a bye week filler, some of the following could be of interest.  This week bridging the gap of points that will be missing from your lineup will be key as several roster staples have the week off.  Here is this week’s fantasy football “Sneaky Starts.”

QB Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars

I think that the Jaguars will try and run the ball this weekend, but Bortles should get plenty of chances to run himself.  The Bengals’ defense let Cam Newton run for over 100 yards and without LB Vontaze Burfict in the lineup, the defense lacks a sideline to sideline defender at the second level.

RB Bobby Rainey, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Rainey was a fantasy stud for two weeks earlier in the season and then the Bucs went to an ineffective Doug Martin.  Last week, Martin left and what do you know, Rainey produced.  Rainey will get the start this week as Martin has been tagged “doubtful” for the week.  Rainey is a good start in PPR leagues, so scoop him up now as many owners have already realized he is going to start; his “ownership” has jumped 17% in one day.

More from Bengals Fantasy Football

• Cincinnati Bengals: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em for Week 8 vs. Jets
• Cincinnati Bengals: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em for Week 6 vs. Lions
• Cincinnati Bengals: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em for Week 4 vs. Jaguars
• Cincinnati Bengals: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em for Week 3 vs. Steelers
• Cincinnati Bengals: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em for Week 2 vs. Bears

WR Markus Wheaton, Pittsburg Steelers

Wheaton had a productive game last week catching all five of his targets for 56 yards and a touchdown. The Steelers are facing a Ravens team that is stout against the run, but has given up the sixth most points to opposing receivers. They are also without their best corner Jimmy Smith, so throwing the ball will likely be the emphasis of the Steelers’ offense today.  Wheaton is owned in only 37% of Yahoo leagues.

TE – Tim Wright, New England Patriots

The Patriots are firing on all cylinders right now and they should be in for a high scoring affair against the Denver Broncos.  The Broncos have been good on defense, but have struggled against athletic tight ends. Wright could be in line for a big game as the Patriots will likely be working both tight ends for much of the day.  But beware, Wright has been somewhat of a “roll of the dice” from week-to-week, so invest with caution.

Check in every week with Stripe Hype for fantasy football “Sneaky Starts” amongst other fantasy advice and discussions.