Let's look at ESPN's Week 9 projections to see which players are severely underrated and overrated. Some of the underrated ones might be available in your league(s), making them potentially high-reward pickups (especially with 6 teams on bye this week).
(1) WR Stedman Bailey (ESPN Week 9 Projection: 2 fantasy points) -- With Brian Quick shelved for the year, the second-year receiver steps into a starting role opposite Kenny Britt. While the Rams rank only 23rd in passing yards and passing TDs, he's a decent bet for 7+ targets and 50+ yards versus the 49ers, with more upside heading into the fantasy playoffs.
(2) RB Marion Grice (ESPN Week 9 Projection: 0 fantasy points) -- Who? Arizona's #2 back, Stepfan Taylor, is sidelined for 2-4 weeks. Grice is now Andre Ellington's backup--the same Ellington who has a weak 3.6 YPC and who keeps getting banged up. Don't forget: Taylor scored two TDs a couple weeks ago. Versus a Cowboys D that couldn't even stop Colt McCoy, Grice is a very, VERY deep RB play, with just as much potential for 0 points as he has for 8+.
(3) RB Branden Oliver (ESPN Week 9 Projection: 5 fantasy points) -- If Ryan Mathews doesn't return, Oliver should rebound nicely versus a Dolphins run D giving up the 16th most rushing yards per game. 5 points is the bare minimum one should expect. 10+ is more likely.
(4) WR Donte Moncrief (ESPN Week 9 Projection: 5 fantasy points) -- Moncrief's in a similar situation: if Reggie Wayne returns, Moncrief is probably not worth starting. But if Wayne sits out again, look for Moncrief to be the Colts' #2 receiving target, with the potential for 12+ fantasy points.
(5) WR Martavis Bryant (ESPN Week 9 Projection: 4 fantasy points) -- The most ludicrous projection in ESPN's Week 9 arsenal, Bryant is arguably the #2 receiver in an increasingly high-powered offense. No, he won't maintain this torrid two-game pace. But he's a legit WR3 with WR2 upside, making him a must start in every league. Predicting 13+ points this weekend.
(6) QB Teddy Bridgewater (ESPN Week 9 Projection: 9 fantasy points) -- Washington's dismantling of Dallas on Monday (yes, it was close, but really, Washington owned Dallas for most of the game) supposedly is a sign that the team is better than its 3-5 record. I'm not buying it. Bridgewater might be raw, and his receiving weapons might be largely underperforming, but 18+ fantasy points is very doable.
(1) WR Stedman Bailey (ESPN Week 9 Projection: 2 fantasy points) -- With Brian Quick shelved for the year, the second-year receiver steps into a starting role opposite Kenny Britt. While the Rams rank only 23rd in passing yards and passing TDs, he's a decent bet for 7+ targets and 50+ yards versus the 49ers, with more upside heading into the fantasy playoffs.
(2) RB Marion Grice (ESPN Week 9 Projection: 0 fantasy points) -- Who? Arizona's #2 back, Stepfan Taylor, is sidelined for 2-4 weeks. Grice is now Andre Ellington's backup--the same Ellington who has a weak 3.6 YPC and who keeps getting banged up. Don't forget: Taylor scored two TDs a couple weeks ago. Versus a Cowboys D that couldn't even stop Colt McCoy, Grice is a very, VERY deep RB play, with just as much potential for 0 points as he has for 8+.
(3) RB Branden Oliver (ESPN Week 9 Projection: 5 fantasy points) -- If Ryan Mathews doesn't return, Oliver should rebound nicely versus a Dolphins run D giving up the 16th most rushing yards per game. 5 points is the bare minimum one should expect. 10+ is more likely.
(4) WR Donte Moncrief (ESPN Week 9 Projection: 5 fantasy points) -- Moncrief's in a similar situation: if Reggie Wayne returns, Moncrief is probably not worth starting. But if Wayne sits out again, look for Moncrief to be the Colts' #2 receiving target, with the potential for 12+ fantasy points.
(5) WR Martavis Bryant (ESPN Week 9 Projection: 4 fantasy points) -- The most ludicrous projection in ESPN's Week 9 arsenal, Bryant is arguably the #2 receiver in an increasingly high-powered offense. No, he won't maintain this torrid two-game pace. But he's a legit WR3 with WR2 upside, making him a must start in every league. Predicting 13+ points this weekend.
(6) QB Teddy Bridgewater (ESPN Week 9 Projection: 9 fantasy points) -- Washington's dismantling of Dallas on Monday (yes, it was close, but really, Washington owned Dallas for most of the game) supposedly is a sign that the team is better than its 3-5 record. I'm not buying it. Bridgewater might be raw, and his receiving weapons might be largely underperforming, but 18+ fantasy points is very doable.