We are now halfway through the 2021 NFL season and I’m sure your roster is in disarray to a certain extent. If that’s the case, here are some good streaming options for Week 9.
Week 8 was yet again another week that probably ravished your IDP rosters due to injuries. Week after week we are seeing some IDP staples drop, whether it be for an extended period of time or just a few games. We just passed the trade deadline as well, and though there were not any huge moves, there were a couple that will change the landscape of the NFL a bit.
Both veteran edge rushers Von Miller and Melvin Ingram have found news homes that should keep, or make in Ingram’s case, the two fantasy relevant. What it did do is truly hurt the value of edge rushers like Michael Danna and Terrell Lewis.
If you picked these guys up off of waivers for a 2021 run, I am sorry but you will need to wait at least one more season. Let's take a look at who some solid Week 9 IDP Sleepers are that you can start with confidence.
Week 9 IDP Sleepers
Defensive Line
Demarcus Walker, Houston Texans
Demarcus Walker was a somewhat popular waiver add last season when Von Miller missed the entire season. Though Malik Reed received the bulk of Miller's snap-share, Walker stepped right into a rotational role and filled in admirably for the Broncos. Over 13 games (four starts), Walker compiled 18 tackles, three for a loss, four and a half sacks, a forced fumble, and five QB hits.
Though Walker performed well, the Broncos were incredibly deep at the edge position, and Von Miller was set to return, so they let Walker leave in free agency. The former second-round pick from 2017 signed with the Texans and has played well in 2021.
Though he has not started a game, Walker has played in every single one and has been on the field for just about 41% of the team's defensive snaps.
The Texans just recently traded Charles Omenihu to the 49ers, opening up on average 36 snaps per game across the defensive line. The Texans play the Dolphins in Week 9 who have given up 19 sacks on the season, good enough for 12th worst. Walker has already tied a career-high in QB hits this season with five. He could be in line for a decent week.
Linebacker
Mack Wilson, Cleveland Browns
Mack Wilson has had a bit of a fall from grace within the Browns defense. During his rookie season, he played in 16 games making 14 starts. He was quite productive as well accumulating 82 tackles, four for a loss, seven passes defended, one interception, one forced fumble, and two QB hits.
The following year Wilson regressed immensely and has since fallen out of favor with the coaching staff. For the start of 2021, Wilson was just depth in the Browns linebacker unit. He has made his way to the field after the team has suffered a plethora of injuries to the group.
Wilson has seen just over 26% of the team’s defensive snaps this season, though four times has played 34% or more. During those four games, he has at least 5 tackles.
The Browns linebacker group is a barren wasteland after injuries to both Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Jacob Phillips. Malcolm Smith and Mack Wilson have been splitting reps, with Smith seeing a bit more time.
Even if Wilson is limited to 40-50% of snaps, he has proven to be productive. At this point of the season, it is hard to find a linebacker “sleeper.” Wilson could be a decent one-week flyer.
Defensive Back
DeAndre Houston-Carson, Chicago Bears
DeAndre Houston-Carson was purely a special teams player over the first five seasons of his career. Over his first five seasons in the NFL Houston-Carson compiled 43 total tackles. So far in 2021, he has 27. What is even more eye-opening is that he has 17 over his past two games. During those two games, he has seen 98% of the team’s defensive snaps.
Houston-Carson already seemed to overtake Tashaun Gipson’s spot in the lineup, and now he has cemented his spot as potentially the top safety on the team with Eddie Jackson leaving in Week 8. It is not just his tackling that has impressed, he also has three passes defended over his past four games.
The Bears take on the Steelers during Week 9. The Steelers have given up the sixth-most points to opposing safeties so far in 2021 putting Houston-Carson in a great spot. His Week 9 production could vault him into top 20 DB territory.
Avonte Maddox, Philadelphia Eagles
Avonte Maddox is the starting slot corner for the Philadelphia Eagles. It does not seem like an exciting stat, though Maddox has shown up in a big way for the team in pass-heavy game scripts. In three games against the Falcons, Chiefs, and Buccaneers, Maddox totaled 24 tackles, three for a loss, and a pass defended.
Though Maddox is listed as the team's CB3, he has still seen a healthy snap share. He has been on the field for just under 65% of the team's snaps and has seen less than 60% just once all season. Maddox is on pace to crush his career-high in tackles (47) with 38 tackles already on the season. Through eight games, he has also already set a career-high for tackles for a loss with four.
Maddox will take on the Chargers for Week 9. The Chargers are in the top 10 in passing attempts so far for 2021 with 282 in seven games. That is good for 40 attempts per game. Maddox could see some solid volume for Week 9, making him a decent IDP sleeper.
Summary
The Texans traded some talent off of the defensive line. This puts Demarcus Walker is in a situation that could open up opportunities for him. He is a younger asset so the rebuilding Texans will likely try to see what they have in him.
Mack Wilson has not seen a role change, though he has been playing very efficiently. If he can stay on the field for over 40% of the team's snaps, he could be a good play.
As for defensive backs, DeAndre Houston-Carson and Avonte Maddox should produce, but for different reasons. Houston-Carson should be an every-down guy in a great matchup. Maddox has the potential to have a high target opportunity. Hopefully, these sleepers can help your Week 9 woes.
Thank you for checking out my Week 9 IDP Sleepers! Follow me on Twitter at @JoeyTheToothIDP, and check out all of my IDP, Devy, and Offensive work on my IDP Guys author page. Stay up to date with the latest breaking news in fantasy football with The IDPGuys!
