DFS: Mystery Men - Week 9's Top Sleepers
Our first order of business: Blaine Gabbert is not a sleeper.
If he returns value of any kind it will be a miracle. Do not, under any circumstances, think he's worth a flier in Week 9. No quarterback has a worse Total QBR over the last 10 seasons. He's bad and the 49ers' passing attack was already a train wreck.
Here are the top three (genuine) sleeper picks of the week:
QB Jameis Winston, Buccaneers (vs. Giants)
Winston may not have a better opportunity to reach for the stars than against the team that just got picked apart by Drew Brees. Will he throw seven touchdowns? No, he'll likely cap out at three, which would still be a career high. Teams have racked up a lot of yards against the Giants' secondary - its 2,523 yards against is highest in the NFL by a fair margin.
While Winston may represent a reprieve for the Giants' damaged D, the rookie is actually coming into his own. Since a four-interception performance against the Panthers in Week 4, Winston has not thrown a pick. Take away that game and the season opener against Tennessee, and Winston has been decent.
He's among the cheapest options at QB - of those likely to get playing time - and could have a big week. He has a high ceiling and a fairly low floor.
RB Christine Michael, Cowboys (vs. Eagles)
Even with Joseph Randle out for Week 8, Michael didn't figure into the Cowboys' game plan. With Randle now off the team, however, Michael's future prospects are much brighter than they were.
While he represents great risk, Michael is the next in line if Darren McFadden goes down; McFadden has had his share of injuries in his career, and briefly left Week 8's contest to be treated for dehydration. It may be in Dallas's best interests to use a committee, which would reduce McFadden's value while raising Michael's. He's only viable in GPPs.
WR Kenbrell Thompkins, Jets (vs. Jaguars)
Thompkins was just promoted from the Jets' practice squad and still figures to be far behind the likes of Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. But injuries have ravaged the receiving corps, which led to Thompkins' promotion.
Thompkins had six receptions for 41 yards in his season debut in Week 8. For his price, this is quite productive. If he can add a score to that line, it'll be even better. There is a definite chance that he doesn't even get targeted in Week 9, so he's a pretty far reach. Use him in a FLEX spot to spare your overall budget and pray for him to see as many snaps as possible.
TE Owen Daniels, Broncos (at Colts)
The Broncos just acquired Vernon Davis, which should limit Daniels' already-sparse value. Daniels was used as an end zone threat early in the season but hasn't returned that value in the weeks since. He's a high-risk player, but is capable of a good week every time out, even with the addition of Davis. His value has diminished steadily, so he comes cheap with some upside.