In fantasy football, there are oftentimes players that go overlooked heading into a week of games. Sleepers are left on benches every single week, but sometimes that “big game from out of nowhere” could have been easily predicted and utilized in starting lineups. In this piece, I’ll be tiering and listing some of the sleepers I’ve identified ahead of Week 9 of the 2023 fantasy football season. If they’re on your bench, feel comfortable playing them over a starter with a worse outlook for Week 9. There’s also a chance they could be on the waiver wire, so snatch them up if you’re in need of their services.

I’ll be looking at players rostered in at least 50% of ESPN leagues and tier them in descending order of their percentage started on fantasy teams. In other words: the further down the list, the deeper the sleeper for Week 9’s matchups. If you’re looking for this week’s top waiver wire adds, check out this essential piece from Shane by clicking the link below!

Related Article: Week 9 Waiver Wire Adds

Tier One: Started in 20-50% of fantasy leagues

TE Dalton Kincaid – Buffalo Bills (78% rostered / 47% started)

Dalton Kincaid had a breakout game in Week 8 vs. the Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football, where he amassed five catches on seven targets for 65 yards and a touchdown. With Dawson Knox (wrist) on injured reserve, Kincaid should continue to serve as a top target in this Bills offense. In Week 9, Kincaid and Buffalo draw a great matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, in what should be a high-scoring rematch from the 2022 AFC Divisional Round. The Bengals also allow the single most fantasy points to opposing tight ends on the season, so Kincaid should find himself atop the tight end rankings once again after Week 9.

WR Nico Collins – Houston Texans (88% rostered / 44% started)

Nico Collins and the Houston Texans’ offense as a whole have already exceeded most expectations this season. Collins is a few games removed from his last boom game, but could be in a good spot to make noise again vs. the Bucs and their porous pass defense. Regardless, Collins is the top option of the passing game and has had a consistent floor in PPR scoring. The Bucs are a bottom-10 defense when it comes to fantasy points allowed to opposing WRs on the season. Collins has a real chance at producing an elite WR performance in Week 9 as the Texans’ offense looks to bounce back.

RB Zack Moss – Indianapolis Colts (85% rostered / 37% started)

Zack Moss had a relatively quiet first half in Week 8 as Jonathan Taylor appeared to have re-claimed the leading back role and emerge from the time-share that has ramped up Taylor’s workload and opportunities over the last few weeks. However, Taylor came up limping on his first carry in the second half, and it was virtually all Moss from there. Taylor still graced the field but saw little-to-no touches after coming up hobbled. Moss finished the day with another solid outing 14.4 PPR fantasy points on the day. Moss could see another sizeable day of opportunities against the Panthers’ second-worst fantasy defense to opposing RBs on the season.

Tier Two: Started in 10-20% of fantasy leagues

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