Fantasy Football Week 9 Running Back Sleepers to Secure Your Victory

Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season presents major lineup challenges for fantasy managers. Key teams are on a bye, thinning the pool of reliable starters. This forces a deeper look at backup running backs poised for breakout performances due to increased opportunity.

According to analysis from FantasyPros, several backfields have seen significant shifts due to injury. These changes create immediate value for players stepping into larger roles. Targeting these sleepers could be the key to a fantasy win this weekend.

Key Backfields Offering Immediate Value

In Chicago, rookie Kyle Monangai is set for a full workload. Starter D’Andre Swift has been ruled out with a groin injury. Monangai faces a Cincinnati defense that ranks last in defensive EPA per play.

The Bengals have allowed a league-worst 1,215 rushing yards. They have also given up 10 rushing touchdowns. This matchup sets up perfectly for a high-volume, efficient day.

In New England, TreVeyon Henderson takes over as the lead back. Rhamondre Stevenson has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s game. Henderson faces an Atlanta defense that allows 4.6 yards per carry.

His role is expected to expand to 18-22 touches. This volume in a positive game script gives him RB1 upside for the week.

Additional Opportunities in Shifting Backfields

The New York Giants backfield has consolidated around Tyrone Tracy. With Trey Skattebo out, Tracy saw a 63.5% snap share in Week 8. He is now in line for 15-20 touches against a 49ers defense that can be run on.

In Kansas City, Kareem Hunt becomes a must-start. Isiah Pacheco is inactive, pushing Hunt into a primary role. He faces a Buffalo defense that has allowed a staggering 5.5 yards per carry and 10 rushing touchdowns.

Arizona’s Bam Knight has emerged as a volume-based starter. He has handled a 64% rush share since Benson’s injury. He faces a Dallas defense that is last in EPA per play and has allowed the second-most receiving yards to running backs.

These Week 9 running back sleepers offer league-winning potential. Their increased roles in favorable matchups provide a crucial edge. Securing one could be the difference in your fantasy football matchup.

Info at your fingertips

Is Kyle Monangai a good fantasy start this week?

Yes, with D’Andre Swift out, Monangai projects for a full workload. He faces a Cincinnati defense that is the worst in the league against the run, making him a strong RB2 with upside.

Why is TreVeyon Henderson a top sleeper pick?

Henderson is the clear starter with Stevenson out. He showed his explosiveness last week and faces a Falcons defense that has been leaky against the run, setting him up for a major day.

What is Kareem Hunt’s outlook with Pacheco out?

Hunt steps into a lead role in a high-powered offense. He has a history of high usage without Pacheco and faces a Bills defense that has allowed 10 rushing touchdowns this season.

Can Tyrone Tracy be trusted as a flex play?

Yes, Tracy’s role has solidified with Skattebo injured. His snap share jumped to over 63% last week, and he is in line for 15-20 touches, giving him a solid floor.

How does the matchup help Bam Knight?

Knight faces a Dallas defense that is last in EPA per play. The game has the highest total on the slate, promising plenty of scoring opportunities and touches for the Arizona back.