Without Matt Forte, Joique Bell, and Eddie Lacy this week, starters, as well as serviceable flex options, are somewhat hard to come by. Fortunately, Week 9 highlights a few fortuitous matchups to take advantage of. These names could be among the top of the crop at the end of the day.
Fantasy football sleepers, Week 9: Running Backs
Consistency, new faces, and new opportunities highlight our Week 9 running back matchups to take advantage of.
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Branden Oliver - Before facing off against the Denver Broncos and their third-best defense against the run last week, Oliver had finished as a top six running back in two of the three weeks prior. Even so, he tied for the most receptions among all receivers in Week 8 with seven. Considering the Miami Dolphins are allowing an average of 4 receptions and 33 yards to opposing running backs, Oliver could be lining up for another afternoon of production.
Denard Robinson - Since receiving his first starting nod of the season two weeks ago, Robinson has quietly averaged 5.8 yards per carry. The Cincinnati Bengals defense, on the other hand, are tied for the league lead in allowing just under 5 yards per carry. With the new opportunities now guaranteed, look for Robinson to finish as a top 10 running back in Week 9.
Charles Sims - You've never heard of him, but that's fine. Just know the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have seen enough of Doug Martin and Bobby Rainey and Charles Sims appears to be the answer to all of that. Sims has even been compared to the likes of Forte. Against the a Cleveland Browns defense ranked 30th against the run, Sims should start his career in a spectacular way.
