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I’m curious to see how the Titans plan to replace Derrick Henry (foot), who is out for 6-10 weeks. It doesn’t appear like offensive coordinator Todd Downing wants to change things in Tennessee, even with Henry not on the field.
On Thursday, Downing said, “I’d be doing the offense a disservice if I jerked the wheel on our identity at this point of the season with Derrick Henry out.”
It sounds like Downing still wants to lean on the ground game, which bodes well for either Adrian Peterson or Jeremy McNichols. For now, give me McNichols heading into Week 9 at the Rams — and maybe the rest of the year.
McNichols will be the one playing on passing downs. And despite what Downing said, I expect the Titans to be forced to throw the ball more with Henry sidelined. That will likely happen Sunday night against the Rams if the Titans are chasing points as expected.
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McNichols already has at least three catches in four games this season. He should get the chance to carry the ball more as well, and he’s a nice sleeper for Week 9.
We’ll see what happens with Peterson, who is 36 and last played for the Lions in 2020. He could be the best running back for the Titans, and maybe he keeps Tennessee’s run game afloat.
But I’m skeptical to trust Peterson, which is why I’d lean toward McNichols, who has been Henry’s backup all season. I’m hoping McNichols steps up and takes over for Henry in Week 9 and beyond.
McNichols is one of my favorite sleepers in Week 9. Let’s see some other sleepers that I like, as well as some DFS lineups on DraftKings and FanDuel you can use. This is a good week to win some money, so let’s get started.
Editor’s Note: Projections are provided by CBS Sports and not Jamey Eisenberg. Projected points are for PPR leagues.
Week 9 Sleepers
Week 9 Preview
DFS LINEUPS
DraftKings
Prescott is back after being out in Week 8, and I expect him to light up the Broncos, who are playing their first game without Von Miller. Hopefully, we see Prescott lean on Cooper, especially with CeeDee Lamb (ankle) a little banged up.
My other receivers here are Cooks and Brown, and I love both. Brown should have a big game against the Vikings coming off his bye week, and Cooks should benefit in a big way with Tyrod Taylor back. I also love Gesicki at tight end with his matchup against the Texans, as well as DeVante Parker (hamstring) being out.
My trio of running backs here have plenty of upside with Booker taking on the Raiders in a revenge game, Gaskin against the Texans and Moss against the Jaguars. The matchups are favorable, and these three running backs have huge upside.
FanDuel
QB: Tyrod Taylor (at MIA) $6,900
RB: Ezekiel Elliott (vs. DEN) $8,200
RB: Josh Jacobs (at NYG) $7,200
WR: Brandin Cooks (at MIA) $6,800
WR: Jaylen Waddle (vs. HOU) $6,100
WR: Jarvis Landry (at CIN) $5,900
TE: Darren Waller (at NYG) $6,800
FLEX: Aaron Jones (at KC) $8,500
DEF: 49ers (vs. ARI) $3,500
I’ll stack the Texans here with Taylor and Cooks, and they should have plenty of success against the Dolphins. I’ll play Waddle on the other side, and I love his outlook with Parker out.
My other receiver is Landry, who excels every time Odell Beckham is out, and now Beckham is no longer with the Browns. Waller should also have a huge game at tight end against the Giants, and he’s worth spending the money on this week.
At running back, I’ll trust Elliott against the Broncos, and I love the upside of Jacobs against the Giants. I also expect Aaron Jones to be heavily used against the Chiefs with Aaron Rodgers (illness) on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
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