Early sleepers for Week 9

Check back with us for more Week 9 sleepers in our Weekly Playbook section.

Alex D. Smith, quarterback, San Francisco 49ers: Even after a respectable showing in Week 8, the Tennessee Titans‘ defense against quarterbacks ranks 31st in the past month. Smith is considerably improved from a few years ago, and he has viable targets to work with. With six teams on the bye, start him as a fill-in.

Jamaal Charles, running back, Kansas City Chiefs: The Jacksonville Jaguars‘ D was shredded last week by Titans tailback Chris Johnson despite being sound coming into the week. Play Charles, a pass-catching back who should start in place of the suspended Larry Johnson, in your flex spot, chiefly in point-per-reception formats.

Mike Thomas, wide receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars: The Kansas City Chiefs‘ pass defense has permitted enemy wideouts to record the seventh most yards per game in the past month (173.3) on the fifth fewest catches (8.33), good for the most yards per reception allowed (20.8) in this time. Thomas isn’t a burner, but he has been targeted 17 times in his last two games. Welcome him into your Week 8 flex spot.

Charles gets his chance in '09

Justin Gage, wide receiver, Tennessee Titans: With a new starting quarterback comes a new favorite target. Gage led the team with five looks last week and has history with Vince Young. Temper your expectations of Gage, but he’s a quality No. 3 this weekend.

Martellus Bennett, tight end, Dallas Cowboys: The Iggles have hemorrhaged fantasy points to the tight end position, allowing an absurd 17.5 per game (standard non-PPR scoring) in the past month. The league average is 6.15 in this time. With the defense focused on Miles Austin and Jason Witten, Bennett could be a sneaky play for desperate owners.