Fantasy: 5 last-minute additions poised for big games in Week 9
Each week, we take a look at five last-minute additions for your fantasy team heading into NFL Sunday.
Kapri Bibbs, RB, Redskins
vs. Falcons
Bibbs is expected to slot into Chris Thompson's role as the Redskins' third-down and pass-catching back in a very intriguing matchup against the Falcons. The fifth-year rusher enjoyed a solid game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7, rushing for 13 yards and adding four receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown as the change of pace to workhorse Adrian Peterson.
Only three teams allow more average fantasy points to running backs in half-point-per-reception formats than the Falcons. Atlanta also ranks 23rd by Football Outsiders' DVOA metric against running backs in the passing game, allowing averages of 10.4 targets and 70.2 receiving yards, both league worsts.
Brandon Powell, WR, Lions
at Vikings
Powell has been booked by the Detroit Free Press as the likely candidate to replace the traded Golden Tate in the Lions' three-receiver sets alongside Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay.
The rookie led the Lions in both receptions and receiving yards in the preseason, though he's appeared in just one regular-season game as a punt returner.
Jones and Golladay are likely to pick up the majority of Tate's vacated 10 targets per game, but Powell becomes a sneaky option with the two more experienced players commanding the defense's attention.
Devontae Booker, RB, Broncos
vs. Texans
Booker had his best game of the season in Week 8 while filling in for Royce Freeman as the complement to Phillip Lindsay. The former fourth-round pick rushed nine times for 78 yards and caught all four of his targets for another 23 yards in the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Freeman's in jeopardy of missing a second consecutive game due to an ankle injury, and Booker's strong performance last week should eliminate any motivation to push the rookie back into game action.
Rookie receiver Courtland Sutton is expected to replace the production lost by the trade of Demaryius Thomas at Tuesday's deadline, but the Broncos could attempt to balance out an offensive attack passing on 60.7 percent of plays while getting Sutton adjusted to his role as a No. 2 receiver.
Chris Herndon, TE, Jets
at Dolphins
Herndon has scored a touchdown in three consecutive weeks, operating as Sam Darnold's top red-zone target with receivers Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson hobbled by injuries. He's caught all four of his targets inside the opponents' 20-yard line this season, collecting three scores.
With Enunwa and Anderson both at risk of missing yet another contest, Herndon could be a top option at the thin tight end position for at least another week.
He'll face a Dolphins team allowing 7.2 targets per game to tight ends. Two of the top four tight ends in fantasy in Zach Ertz and Eric Ebron are on bye this week, and George Kittle played on Thursday night. Herndon enters Week 9 ranked 19th in fantasy points at the position, but he's poised for another big jump.
Tim Patrick, WR, Broncos
vs. Texans
As Sutton moves into the Broncos' No. 2 receiver role, Patrick will get the chance to act as the No. 3 with rookie DaeSean Hamilton ruled out with a knee injury.
Patrick, a second-year undrafted free agent in 2017, caught the first touchdown of his career against the Chiefs last week. Sutton received no fewer than three targets in every game this season as quarterback Case Keenum's third option. There'll be enough work for a modest fantasy contribution from Patrick with few other options in the passing game.
The Texans' defense has been slightly worse against the pass than the run through eight weeks. Though Booker would have an easier path to touches, Patrick could provide some late-game value if the Texans can build an early lead.