With Week 9 of the NFL season just around the corner, fantasy football managers are in full evaluation mode with their rosters. They’re looking for last-minute pickups. Injuries are forcing 10 or more key players this round. Kareem Hunt, Bam Knight and Chimere Dike have all been discussed as potential sleepers to help improve your roster. It’s an ever-changing landscape, but knowing these roster percentages can make a huge difference on how you approach things as we get closer to the weekend.
Kareem Hunt, who is only 44.8 percent rostered in ESPN leagues, should be a great option even when the injury-riddled landscape returns. Names like Brashard Smith and Chimere Dike are creating a buzz on the field and league. Their current roster percentages are 11.8 and 9.4, respectively. The fantasy landscape is moving very fast. In a dynamic twist, managers must constantly monitor player performances and injury news to make informed, strategic decisions when selecting their picks.
Injury Impact on Key Players
Isiah Pacheco has a knee injury and will not play on Sunday against Buffalo. This injury may be the second biggest development going into Week 9. While this is obviously a disappointing day for Pacheco, his absence does create an immediate opportunity for other running backs on the Kansas City Chiefs roster. Fantasy managers need to keep this in mind as they weigh their options with Kansas City, particularly as Pacheco has emerged as a consistent value.
Beyond Pacheco’s injury, there are plenty of other players causing a stir. Example: Juwan Johnson is only 33.3% rostered in ESPN leagues. If he is able to add more to his game in the passing game, though, usage will certainly increase. Elic Ayomanor has a 21.8% roster percentage. He’s building optimism with his possible return in the coming weeks.
As injuries unfold, players like Bam Knight (41.3% rostered) and Kayshon Boutte (39.9% rostered) are garnering interest among fantasy managers. Given their breakout performances at the end of 2023, they should offer strong production as they enter more prominent roles on their teams.
Emerging Talent Worth Considering
With many teams struggling with injuries or inconsistent performances, several emerging players have caught the attention of fantasy football enthusiasts. Chimere Dike has made surprising progress and has a bright future. Rostered in just 9.4% of leagues, he might be the jewel you seek for that last-minute surprise play.
The other player to monitor with these two is Troy Franklin, on ESPN rosters in just 50.4% of leagues. His recent performances have shown that he could have a huge impact as they approach monumental games against LSU and Michigan. Theo Johnson • 25% Johnson has been a very dependable tight end. Those who’ve been willing to roll the dice have been enjoying some nice dividends.
Quarterback Changes and Opportunities
The quarterback landscape is in a state of flux heading into Week 9. Tyler Shough prepares for his first professional start—with the New Orleans Saints this time around. This gives him a huge opportunity, both for him and for fantasy managers looking to jump on any possible breakout performances. His roster percentage has had a long way to climb at this point. If he has a great first game against opposition defenses, everything could be different.
Universally considered a top prospect, North Carolina QB Drake Maye has been making people take notice with his recent play for the New England Patriots. Consider his roster percentage in contrast to even the top established quarterbacks. His standout performance might just create a bigger buzz as he continues to evolve in this pivotal role.
Finally, Joe Flacco has made a bit of noise himself, with a 35.3% roster rate, as he is once again filled in for an injured starter. His experience might just give some stability to fantasy teams in search of a steady QB in this crazy season.
Leave a Reply