10 Fantasy Football Sleepers for Week 9

Melvin Gordon, RB, San Diego Chargers

It's always tough to trust players who have continually let us down over the course of a season, but Melvin Gordon -- along with his league worst Rushing NEP (-17.95) -- is in a good spot this week.

Gordon finds himself in a matchup against the Chicago Bears, which on paper may be enough to deter owners away from using the disappointing Gordon at first glance. The Bears have allowed the ninth fewest fantasy points to running backs this season but actually rank a dreadful 30th in our Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP per play metric. 

Running backs have struggled to post big fantasy days due to Chicago allowing only 2 rushing touchdowns all year, while surrendering 16 passing touchdowns. As Chicago ranks 23rd in the league in rushing yards allowed this season, the touchdown ratio would appear to be unsustainable.

The loss of Keenan Allen and a banged up Antonio Gates could lead the Chargers to look to lean more on the run in this game. If they do, Gordon is the likely candidate to see an increase in his carries. Last week against the Baltimore Ravens, the coaching staff showed a renewed trust in Gordon -- the rookie tallied 18 carries compared to Danny Woodhead's 3.

While there is always concern that Woodhead could steal red-zone work, Gordon should see 18 to 20 touches in a game with the second highest point total of the week.