Fantasy Football (NFL) 2008: Week 9 Sleepers and Keepers Wide Receivers (WRs)

Last week saw some familiar faces and some surprises as well. Roddy White and Andre Johnson continue to tear it up while Ted Ginn Jr. appears to have woken up. Santana Moss was spectacular for large yardage and a pair of touchdowns.

As we approach week 9 it's do or die for a lot people. What you do now will determine if you make the playoffs or not. Don't be afraid to look ahead of the schedule and pull the trigger on a deal that could put you over the top.

With further delay your 2008 week 9 Wide Receiver picks:

1) Ted Ginn Jr. - TGJ got drafted early but was considered a bust. Perhaps his last game is a new indicator of where his game is heading. TGJ doubled his yearly output in one game against a so-so defense. Miami plays Denver whose pass rush is better than only four other teams, in other words TGJ could have people scrambling for the free agent pool. I see big yardage in a shootout with TGJ getting in the end zone.

2) Kevin Curtis - A pretty lackluster performance last week should be forgotten and perhaps you can find Curtis laying around the FA pool. Philly faces the poor Seattle secondary in what should be a blowout assuming McNabb is on his game. I expect Curtis to blowup and get some serious fantasy points. Check your free agents pool and see if Curtis is available because he won't be for long.

3) Steve Breaston - Fitzgerald and Boldin will be getting all the attention while Breaston slowly racks up a nice game and a decent year for a WR3. The St. Louis and Arizona game has the potential to be an aerial assault that should see both sides putting up decent numbers. Both secondaries rank in the ten worst for the league. On the flip side of the ball look for...

4) Donnie Avery - Torry Holt has officially become an afterthought for Marc Bulger. Avery has great breakaway speed and has a penchant for making big plays. St. Louis is on a tear; they should have won the New England game. Avery should light up a weak Arizona secondary.

5) Chad Ocho Cinco - This is it, Chad's breakout game. It might be the only one of the year but the Jax secondary is lacking and should be focusing on TJ. This should leave Fitzpatrick no option but to throw to the original playmaker. Chad will eclipse the 100-yard barrier and haul in at least one TD. After this game you should sell high.

6) Devin Hester - Rumor has it that the Bears will be adopting the Wildcat offense used by the Dolphins and Hester will be in the Ronnie Brown role. The Bears obviously love Hester and are trying to get him involved in a ton of offensive opportunities. Oh yeah and the Bears are playing the Lions. Look for big numbers from Hester.

7) Calvin Johnson - I know he's an obvious starter but I just need to stress that he is pretty much the only option on a Detroit team that will throw the ball as much as they run it. Dan Orlovsky isn't that bad. He will get Megatron the ball and Johnson will make plays. A good guy to trade for since you might be able to get him for a song.

8) Bernard Berian - The best threat for Minnesota in the air. Houston's secondary is so-so at best and good 'ol Gus will have to throw the ball and I there will be several looks Berian's way and he has a knack for catching the long ball when it's thrown in his direction.

9) Eddie Royal - Miami's pass defense isn't so hot. Jay Cutler and company will be shooting the ball all over the field. Brandon Marshall will get his, no questions there. Eddie Royal should be free to do some serious damage. I think Royal is a good WR2 play this week. Royal exploded early in the season for some great games but then Marshall came back and everyone forgot about him. Look for a good week from the Broncos and Royal.

10) Roddy White - On fire as of late, White should be traded for if possible. Matt Ryan is legit and will continue to provide the deep ball for White. With an excellent option for running in Turner the Atlanta offense is a little underrated if you ask me.