Week 9 is finally here, and man, we’re talking about who’s back on the field. Malik Nabers, Chris Olave, and Nico Collins are all rolling in from their bye weeks, which is a relief, but the real buzz is around Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, who just might be joining them. We might even catch a glimpse of Jordyn Tyson for the first time all season, though don’t get wild and start him just yet. If Tyson is a full go, it definitely cools our jets on Devaughn Vele as a number three receiver. The truth is, we desperately need Evans and Samuel back because no one else has stepped up in their absence.
The Mike Evans Rollercoaster Continues
Let’s be real, Mike Evans is probably the easier call if he actually suits up. When this dude is on the field, he’s been an absolute force this year. He’s rocking an insane 10.8 yards per target and a 7.6% touchdown rate. Plus, his target-per-route run rate sits at a wild 31.7%. When he’s out there, he’s just inevitable, a flat-out playmaking machine. The gut-wrenching problem? Staying on the damn field. Week 1 is the *only* week this season Evans has played more than 65% of the offensive snaps. It feels like he’s always bouncing back from one injury only to pick up another. If you promised me 100% health, I’d throw him straight into my top-12 receivers without a second thought, but with all these lingering health concerns, he’s barely cracking the WR20 for Week 9. Talk about frustrating!
Deebo’s Role and Other Week 9 Insights
Now, Deebo Samuel is a different story, more of a number three receiver type. He’s put up 12 or more PPR points in three of his five games this season, which is solid, but we all remember that Week 3 fluky hook-and-ladder play that gifted him 80 receiving yards on exactly zero catches. If he’s a full participant in practice this week and good to go, you can expect him to get somewhere between five and seven touches. That makes him either a low-end WR3 or a high-upside flex play.
Looking around the league, there are a bunch of other storylines bubbling up for Week 9. Zay Flowers scored a big fat zero fantasy points in his first game with Joe Fagnano, leaving everyone scratching their heads on whether to start or sit him this week. Keenan Allen, meanwhile, continues to be a target magnet with a 27% target-per-route run rate this season. It’s truly incredible how he just demands the ball. Michael Wilson leads all receivers with 327 routes run, and if he can play through his rib injury, he’s a definite WR2. Omar Cooper Jr. is still averaging 3.18 yards per route run, even after his goose-egg performance in Week 8, so don’t drop him yet. Rashee Rice showed up with a 29.6% target-per-route run rate in his first game back, instantly putting him back into WR2 territory. Keep an eye on Denzel Boston, who’s tied for second among all receivers with 11 end zone targets. On the flip side, Tetairoa McMillan’s 23.5% slot share is the lowest among Panthers receivers, which probably means he’ll be seeing more of Patrick Surtain. And if you love YAC, Khalil Shakir leads all receivers with an impressive nine yards after the catch per reception. For those looking for waiver wire gold, Makai Lemon, wide receiver #9 for Philadelphia, is one to watch.
This Week 9 is going to be wild, especially with so many key wideouts potentially returning. Keep those fingers crossed, because the health of these guys will dictate everything!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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