👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Buy Lows & Sell Highs: Mike Evans, Julius Thomas, Amari Cooper & More

Welcome to our Week 9 buy low / sell high, where we look to provide fantasy football trade advice.

With Week 8 in the books and the NFL season officially more than half way done, the injuries are beginning to pile up. Only a few weeks after seeing Jamaal Charles and Arian Foster go down, Week 8 saw several more top players get hurt with either long term or season ending ailments. That list includes Le'Veon Bell, Reggie Bush, Steve Smith Sr. and Matt Forte - three of which were in the top-15 at their position.

While it's never fun to see star players hurt like that, those injuries have a way of exposing a lack of depth on any fantasy team, and that opens the door for those that happen to have that depth. If you are one of those teams, now is the time to make a move.

Editor's Note: Identify fantasy football draft busts, overvalued ADPs, and key players to avoid so you can draft with confidence this season.

With that said, here are a few players to buy and a few to sell heading into Week 9.

 

Week 9 Fantasy Football Buys

Mike Evans (WR, TB)

Evans has been wildly inconsistent thus far in 2015, and last Sunday was no different. After dropping more than 20 fantasy points on Washington a couple weeks back, the Tampa Bay star put up only 48 yards in Atlanta.

That lackluster performance was made especially sour by the fact that both Vincent Jackson and Austin Seferian-Jenkins were held out, leaving Evans as the only real pass-catcher on the team. His performance is especially disappointing when you consider that the game went into overtime.

There are few things in fantasy more frustrating than an inconsistent player, but a rookie quarterback under center and an early season hamstring pull are a pretty good excuse for it. Easily the top pass-catching option on a growing team with a suspect defense, Evans is worth a buy while his stock is relatively low.

Julius Thomas (TE, JAX)

On a bye last week, owners of Thomas are likely still grumbling about the one catch and four yards that the TE put up in London a couple weekends ago.

That discontent is for good reason too, as Thomas showed a great deal of promise in his first real game of the season in Week 6, only to follow it up with an absolute dud overseas in Week 7. However, if you happen to have a hole at TE - and let's face it, over half of us do - don't let that dud in London scare you. It may be wise to focus more on the former of Thomas' two full games rather than the latter.

Among the top options on an improving Jaguars passing attack, Thomas is a skilled TE with a knack for the end-zone who could quickly climb to TE1 status once he gets fully acclimated into the offense. If the price is right, buy.

Davante Adams (WR, GB)

On a night where Aaron Rodgers threw for less than 80 passing yards and James Jones caught only a couple of them, a healthy Adams was a bit of a silver lining against the Broncos.

That term is used loosely, of course, as the young receiver caught just one pass for eight yards. Adams did look healthy though, and operated predominantly as the Packers' number two receiver. WithRodgers under center and the Broncos not on the schedule again, that fact could be a very, very good thing for the pre-season sleeper.

Jones will likely eat into Adams' targets, and so could Ty Montgomery once he returns, but Adams appear to have a role in this usually lucrative passing attack, and that could lead to solid WR3 or even WR2 production as the season progresses. Now is the time to buy.

 

Week 9 Fantasy Football Sells

Darren McFadden (RB, DAL)

Starting for the first time this season, McFadden pounded the rock 20 times against the Seahawks on Sunday but only managed 64 yards. He did contribute in the passing game though and managed to eclipse double-digit fantasy points for the second straight week.

That's not the reason to sell though. The reason to sell is the fact that when you run a player practically made of glass 20 times a game, an injury is all but imminent. If history means anything, McFadden will get hurt if he keeps running like this, and he'll get hurt soon. When that happens, those who scooped him off the waiver wire last week will have nothing to show for it as his stock will all but dry up.

That's not to say he isn't a solid RB2 with RB1 ceiling right now, because he most certainly is, but if there was ever a sell-high candidate mid-way through the season it's him. Before you end up cutting him due to a significant injury, trade him.

Amari Cooper (WR, OAK)

Cooper found himself stranded on Revis Island on Sunday, finishing with only 48 yards on five catches. It was Cooper's third game of the season with fewer than 50 yards, and the second in his last three games.

While shadow coverage from Darrelle Revis is largely to blame, Cooper's Week 8 output only reiterates an increasingly alarming fact. Yes, the rookie wide-out is tops in the league in terms of yards after the catch, but that may not be a a good thing. Simply put, yards after the catch doesn't help much when you're not catching the ball.

Cooper hasn't eclipsed the five-catch mark since Week 3, a trend that could continue as long as Michael Crabtree keeps producing. He's still a top-20 receiver in fantasy with WR2 appeal, but that appeal could taper off for Cooper as the season continues. Now may be the time to trade.

Ronnie Hillman (RB, DEN)

On the buy portion of this list not very long ago, Hillman's 19 carries for 60 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday night have taken his stock to its peak.

That peak may be a little too high, unfortunately. While Hillman led the backfield in touches on Sunday, C.J. Anderson wasn't far behind and was far more efficient as well. With Anderson now healthy and appearing close to his 2014 form - at least on Sunday - Hillman's hold on the lion's share of the carries in Denver could be a lot weaker than once thought. Couple that with the fact that backs of Hillman's size aren't known for their durability, and a step back could be in the speedster's future.

Until then, Hillman remains a strong RB2, but he likely isn't the RB1 some might see him to be. If you can get RB1 value for him - and you probably can, given all of the injuries to running backs - go for it.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Pascal Siakam

Likely to Remain Out Tuesday
Patrick Cantlay

Playing Well Heading to Valspar Championship
Keegan Bradley

Needs Improvement From Approach Play at Valspar Championship
Kevin Porter Jr.

Available Against Cavaliers
Jalen Brunson

Questionable for Tuesday's Game
Dylan Sampson

Set to be Pass-Catching Backup RB in Cleveland
Joel Embiid

to Remain Out Tuesday
Jaylin Noel

Dynasty Value on the Rise, Could be WR3 in 2026
Jarrett Allen

to Sit Out At Least Three More Games
Keenan Allen

Fantasy Stock Continues to Fall as he Nears the End of his Career
Trae Young

Exits Early Monday Due to Quadriceps Contusion
Drake London

to be a Volatile WR2 With QB Uncertainty?
John Collins

Starting Against Spurs
Craig Porter Jr.

Out 1-3 Weeks With Groin Strain
Russell Westbrook

Off Injury Report for Tuesday
Clint Capela

Alperen Sengun Sidelined, Clint Capela Starting Against Lakers
Bam Adebayo

Iffy for Tuesday Night
Walter Clayton Jr.

Javon Small Out Monday, Walter Clayton Jr. Returns to Starting Lineup
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Listed as Questionable for Tuesday
Rayan Rupert

GG Jackson II Out, Rayan Rupert to Start Against Bulls
Anthony Edwards

Ruled Out for Tuesday
Nick Richards

Cleared to Play Monday
Dejounte Murray

Sidelined by Illness Monday
Ty Jerome

Ruled Out Monday
Daniel Gafford

Won't Play Against Pelicans
George Holani

Signs Tender Offer on Monday
Vít Krejčí

Vit Krejci Unavailable Monday
Robert Williams III

Won't Play Monday
Johan Rojas

Suspended 80 Games for PED Violation
José Ramírez

No Plans for Jose Ramirez to Undergo Imaging on Injured Shoulder
Darius Slay

Retires From the NFL
Seiya Suzuki

Undergoing MRI Exam on Monday
Joe Musgrove

Expected to Open the Year on the Injured List
Christian Kirk

49ers Sign Christian Kirk to One-Year Deal
Matt McCarty

Could Thrive at the Valspar Championship
Michael Kim

Seeks to Dust Off Tough Week at TPC Sawgrass
Max Homa

Enjoying a Solid 2026 Heading into Valspar Championship
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Slugging Through Rough 2026 Season
Zach Neto

Expected to Return to Game Action on Tuesday
Kyren Williams

Will Kyren Williams Remain the Undisputed RB1 in Los Angeles Going Forward?
Mason Taylor

Does Mason Taylor Have Breakout Potential in 2026?
Puka Nacua

Appears Poised to Dominate for Years to Come
Andrew Novak

Wants to Rebound After The Players Championship
Austin Smotherman

on Baby Watch as Valspar Championship Approaches
Ben Sinnott

Does Not Appear to Be in Washington's Long-Term Plans
Luke Clanton

Might Have Issues at the Valspar Championship
Sam Darnold

Profiles as a Safe QB2 in Dynasty Formats Heading into 2026
Jerry Jeudy

Can Jerry Jeudy Bounce Back from Underwhelming 2025 Campaign?
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Must be Accurate at the Valspar Championship
Josh Emmett

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Kevin Vallejos

Scores First-Round TKO
Amanda Lemos

Drops Back-To-Back Fights
Gillian Robertson

Extends Her Win Streak
Zach Neto

to Take Batting Practice on Monday
Andre Fili

Drops Decision on Saturday
Cam Skattebo

Thinks he'll be 100 Percent Healthy in a Little Over a Month
Denny Hamlin

Dominates and Gets His Third Career Las Vegas Win
Chase Elliott

Earns Runner-Up Finish at Las Vegas
William Byron

Wins A Stage and Finishes Third at Las Vegas
Jeremy McNichols

Re-Signs With Commanders
Christopher Bell

Finishes Fourth at Las Vegas After Strong Run
Kyle Larson

Fades to Seventh Despite Leading Laps Early at Las Vegas
Justin Fields

Chiefs Acquiring Justin Fields From Jets
Andre Fili

Jose Delgado Edges Andre Fili in Split-Decision Win
Oumar Sy

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Ion Cutelaba

Returns To The Win Column
CFB

CJ Carr Enters Sophomore Season as Heisman Favorite
CFB

Aaron Philo Not a Lock to be Florida's Starting QB?
CFB

George MacIntyre the Favorite to Win Tennessee Quarterback Battle?
CFB

Keelon Russell, Austin Mack Battling for Alabama QB1 Duties
Connor McDavid

Records Three Assists Sunday
Bo Groulx

Makes Big Impact Sunday
Drake Batherson

Pots Two Goals in Sunday's Win
Bobby McMann

Continues Dream Start in Seattle
Kirby Dach

Injured on High Hit
Alexander Wennberg

Without Timeline for Return
Leon Draisaitl

Exits Early with Injury Sunday
Harold Fannin Jr.

Officially Steps Into the Top Role
Troy Franklin

Ready to Take on an Even Larger Role?
Brenton Strange

Trending Up Despite Anticipated Competition?
A.J. Brown

Eagles to Revisit A.J. Brown Trade Situation in June
Kayshon Boutte

Steps Into a Larger Role for Now
Troy Terry

Adds Three Points in Return to Lineup
Leo Carlsson

Picks Up Trio of Points on Sunday
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez is Day-to-Day with Shoulder Inflammation
Brendan Gallagher

Rejoins Canadiens Lineup Sunday
Daniil Tarasov

Starting Against Kraken
Ty Emberson

Remains Out Sunday
Bobby Brink

Questionable Sunday
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Unavailable Against Wild
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

a Game-Time Call Sunday
Corbin Carroll

to Resume Playing Defense This Week
John Carlson

Set for Ducks Debut
Francisco Lindor

Non-Committal About Status for Opening Day
Nathan Eovaldi

Named Rangers' Opening Day Starter
Hayden Birdsong

Diagnosed with Grade 2 Forearm Strain and UCL Sprain
Marcelo Mayer

Scratched With Left-Knee Soreness
Zach Neto

Tests Come Back Negative, Dealing With Sprained Hand
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption, Wins Pole at Las Vegas
Denny Hamlin

Should Contend for Another Vegas Win
Chase Briscoe

Qualifies 18th Despite Toyota Dominating at Las Vegas
Chase Elliott

May Fly Under the Radar at Las Vegas
NASCAR

Ross Chastian Has Been As Solid As They Come at Las Vegas
Ty Gibbs

Could Ty Gibbs Finally Break Through With a Win at Las Vegas?
Brad Keselowski

a Solid DFS Pick at Las Vegas
Francisco Lindor

is Making Spring Debut on Sunday
Carter Verhaeghe

Anton Lundell Expected to Return Sunday
Kyle Larson

Should Kyle Larson be Considered A Favorite for Las Vegas?
Sam Bennett

Considered Day-to-Day
William Byron

Could Compete for a Top-Five Finish at Las Vegas
Sam Reinhart

Not Traveling on Four-Game Road Trip
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering in Tournament DFS Lineups for Las Vegas?
Michael Rasmussen

Ruled Out for One Week
Tyler Reddick

Could Continue his Top-10 Streak at Las Vegas
Declan Carlile

to Miss 4-5 Weeks
Joey Logano

Should DFS Managers Underestimate Joey Logano for Las Vegas?
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher Worth Rostering For Las Vegas DFS Lineups?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Risky DFS Option Who Could Pay Off at Las Vegas
Josh Berry

Has Plenty of Upside for Las Vegas DFS Lineups
Ryan Preece

Scores his First Las Vegas Top-10 Starting Spot in Qualifying
Seiya Suzuki

Leaves WBC Game on Saturday With Right-Knee Discomfort
Zach Neto

is Removed After Suffering Hand Injury
Joe Ryan

Won't Pitch in the World Baseball Classic
Zack Wheeler

Throws First Live BP Session on Saturday
Merrill Kelly

Expected to Open Season on the Injured List
Kevin Gausman

Named Toronto's Opening Day Starter
Kyle Stowers

Back in Grapefruit League Lineup
Kevin Vallejos

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Josh Emmett

In Dire Need Of Victory
Gillian Robertson

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 114
Amanda Lemos

Set For Co-Main Event
Oumar Sy

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Ion Cutelaba

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Hideki Matsuyama

Brings Strong Course History to TPC Sawgrass
Adam Scott

in Strong Form Ahead of The Players
Rickie Fowler

on Quite the Run Heading to TPC Sawgrass
Sepp Straka

Needs to Forget What Happened Sunday at Bay Hill
Jordan Spieth

an Enigma Heading to The Players Championship
Justin Rose

Trying to Pick Up the Pieces in Florida
Maverick McNealy

Bounces Back at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Brooks Koepka

Continues His Florida Swing With Some Momentum
Nicolai Hojgaard

in Strong Form Ahead of The Players
Robert MacIntyre

a Volatile Option at The Players
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looks to Return to Top Form at The Players
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF