Dollar Free Agents 2016 Week 9

By Matthew Cherrin
Matthew Cherrin
Austin Hooper- TE- Falcons
Rookie TE Austin Hooper might be a player fantasy owners should target in keeper and dynasty leagues this week. With Jacob Tamme out last week, Hooper recorded five receptions for 41 yards against the Packers. So far on the season, Hooper has 11 receptions for 195 yards and one score. While Hooper hasn’t seen a ton of targets, Matt Ryan has been able to find him 11/11 times. Even though the Falcons face Tampa Bay this week, whose defense has yet to allow a tight end to catch a touchdown this season, Hooper is a good bye-week fill-in player in week 9. Pick him up today for a buck.

Percy Harvin- WR- Bills
The former Florida Gator retired in April after a disappointing 2015 season to say the least. Not only did Harvin suffer from injuries last year, but also his effort and drive were questioned by most GM’s and fantasy owners. The Bills resigned Harvin to a one year, 1.5 million dollar contract Tuesday morning in hopes that Harvin can bring some-big-play ability with Sammy Watkins lost for the year. Harvin doesn’t have a ton of competition from other Bills’ receivers, so he might be a player fantasy owners should target if they have a depleting receiving core. You can probably get Harvin for a dollar this week.

Tim Hightower- RB- Saints
With Saints’ running back Mark Ingram struggling last week, Tim Hightower saw a major increase in workload on Sunday. Last week against Seattle, Hightower rushed 26 times for 102 yards. The Saints play the 49ers on Sunday, who have the worst rush defense in the league. The 49ers have given up the most rushing yards all season and have given up the most fantasy points to running backs in 2016. Even if Ingram gets the majority of the carries, Hightower should still see a good workload. Pick up Hightower and start him if you have a running back on a bye week.

Damien Williams- RB- Dolphins
Arian Foster retired last week officially, which should help Dolphins’ running back Damien Williams stay in the number two spot on the depth chart behind Jay Ajayi. Williams has produced decent fantasy numbers since Foster’s been out. So far on the season, Williams has recorded 68 rushes for 245 yards and two scores on the ground, while catching nine receptions for 117 yards and a score through the air. Miami plays the Jets at home this Sunday, and Williams should see some opportunities. If you’re a fantasy owner with Jay Ajayi, you might want to handcuff your running back depth by picking up Williams for a buck this week.

Kapri Bibbs- RB- Broncos
C.J. Anderson is out for the season, and Broncos running back Kapri Bibbs moves up the depth chart behind rookie Devonte Booker. Last week against the Chargers, Bibbs momentarily saw some action when Booker left the game with a shoulder injury. He’s not likely to get a ton of action if Booker is playing, but he might be player fantasy owners should pick up just to make sure you have a player to fill in if Booker does go down. You can him for a buck this week.

Tyreek Hill- WR- Chiefs
I wrote about Tyreek Hill for the Kansas City Chiefs a couple weeks ago, and I’m glad to report everyone that I was right. Last week against the Colts, Hill recorded five receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. So far on the season, he has 19 receptions for 223 yards and four scores. The Chiefs play the Jaguars this week, whose defense has given up the 7th most fantasy points to wide outs this season. Hill has unbelievable speed and could break a big play at any time. Pick him up for a buck this week if you are in a keeper or dynasty league.

Antone Smith- RB- Buccaneers
Now that Doug Martin and Jazquizz Rodgers is likely out for Thursday’s game against the Falcons, Antone Smith looks to get the nod. Smith has seen some success in the past. He didn’t play last year much, but in 2014 he averaged 6.3 yards per carry and had two scores on the ground; he also 13 receptions for 222 yards and three more touchdowns through the air. If you have Doug Martin or Rodgers and you are in desperate need of a running back, pick up Smith this week for a buck.