In order to succeed in fantasy football, managers need to be flexible—not only during the draft but also with their in-season management. With Week 9 of the NFL season upon us this weekend, it is highly prudent for team owners to make the appropriate roster decisions to maximize their chances of victory.
This week, four teams have a bye week: the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That means fantasy owners will be without key contributors such as AJ Brown, Devonta Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and Garrett Wilson—each of whom would typically be lineup locks.
Granted, Wilson is still recovering from a hyperextended knee but seems likely to return after the Jets’ bye in Week 10. Depending on your roster construction and injury situation, you may be looking to scoop up a free agent to plug in and play for Week 9. Here are some last-minute streaming options at the wide receiver position to consider.
### Alec Pierce | Indianapolis Colts WR
Starting off the list is Colts deep threat Alec Pierce. Pierce has been a classic boom-or-bust player in both the NFL and fantasy football. However, there are strong reasons to believe Week 9 could be a boom week.
The Colts travel to Pittsburgh this week to face a Steelers defense that looked hapless against the Green Bay Packers last week. Their struggles extend beyond just one game. Despite being the highest-paid defense in the NFL, Pittsburgh’s secondary has struggled throughout the season and currently allows the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.
Meanwhile, Pierce leads the NFL in yards per catch at 21.4, with 18 catches totaling 386 yards—the next closest player is more than three yards behind per reception. Expect the Steelers to focus on making Jonathan Taylor grind for yards on the ground, which should open opportunities for deep shots downfield—exactly where Pierce thrives.
### Tre Tucker | Las Vegas Raiders WR
Another wide receiver with solid streaming appeal in Week 9 is Tre Tucker of the Las Vegas Raiders, who come off their bye to host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
After a hot start, the Jaguars have cooled off in recent weeks. While they’ve done a decent job containing the run, their pass defense has faltered, allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to receivers.
Tucker is listed as the No. 2 wide receiver on the Raiders’ depth chart, but the situation behind that looks complicated. Jakobi Meyers has already requested a trade twice this season and has yet to develop chemistry with first-year Raiders quarterback Geno Smith. Meyers has just 29 catches for 329 yards, while Tucker has matched that reception total with 389 yards and added four touchdowns.
Tucker is also the team’s deep threat, making him an attractive candidate for fantasy owners seeking a wide receiver to stream in Week 9. He is available in 63% of Yahoo fantasy football leagues, so don’t overlook him.
### Chimere Dike | Tennessee Titans WR
The next player to consider is Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike. His appeal isn’t primarily due to matchup but rather recent production.
Dike has built chemistry with fellow rookie quarterback Cam Ward. Since the Titans fired head coach Brian Callahan, Ward has been airing the ball out more frequently, and Dike has been the chief beneficiary.
Over the last two weeks, he has caught 11 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. Some may argue that this surge coincided with Calvin Ridley’s absence from the lineup, and that’s a fair point. But Ridley was ruled out again on Friday.
In a game where the Titans will likely be underdogs and trailing to the Los Angeles Chargers, Ward is expected to throw a lot. Despite facing a tough Chargers secondary, Dike presents a compelling streaming option this week.
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By staying flexible and making smart streaming moves like these, fantasy managers can navigate the challenges of Week 9 and keep their championship hopes alive.
https://clutchpoints.com/fantasy-sports/fantasy-football-streaming-nfl-week-9-wide-receiver
