Chris Olave or DeVonta Smith or Diontae Johnson Week 9 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Fantasy Football Projections for WRs

Chris Olave, DeVonta Smith and Diontae Johnson have fantasy managers in a bind this week. With so many options to suddenly choose from following Johnson's trade to the Baltimore Ravens, it can be overwhelming. Not to fear, as a look at all three players and a recommendation should make things clearer.

Is Chris Olave a good pick in Week 9?

Chris Olave at Carolina Panthers v New Orleans Saints - Source: Getty

Derek Carr's status is uncertain going into Week 9 and with the team taking turns with backup quarterbacks, Olave's ceiling could fluctuate wildly. However, as the team's No. 1 receiver and with Alvin Kamara dealing with an injury, per ESPN, the quarterback will have no choice but to go to Olave.

Sportskeeda's Start/Sit Optimizer projects Olave to earn 14.5 points this week. If he follows through on that, he is worthy of a WR2 spot this week and should be strongly considered.

Is DeVonta Smith a good pick in Week 9?

DeVonta Smith at OCT 13 Browns at Eagles - Source: Getty

While Olave gets the benefit of being the top receiver on his team, Smith is stuck behind A.J. Brown. However, that isn't a bad thing across the board. With Brown soaking up attention and resources, Smith gets some freedom to roam wild.

It is likely to be a first-half-heavy performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but Smith is worthy of strong consideration. Sportskeeda's Start/Sit Optimizer predicts Smith to rack up 15.0 points this week.

Is Diontae Johnson a good pick in Week 9?

Diontae Johnson at Carolina Panthers v Las Vegas Raiders - Source: Getty

Diontae Johnson hasn't had time to do much more than breathe in Baltimore, but he has expectations to play this week. As such, managers are wondering if they should give him a week to work into the offense before going all-in.

Amari Cooper proved that it doesn't take much time to work into an offense as a usable fantasy weapon. Sportskeeda's Start/Sit Optimizer likely is drawing on that example with Johnson expected to earn 11.8 points this week.

Whom should I start between Chris Olave, DeVonta Smith and Diontae Johnson in Week 9?

Diontae Johnson doesn't get the nod for Week 9

While all three receivers are set to have satisfactory days, maximizing production in one position helps make up for other positions coming up short in fantasy football.

Keeping this in mind, starting DeVonta Smith works to be the most optimal choice of all three receivers. He beats out Olave by just half of a point, but the matchup against the Jaguars is too attractive to pass up.

However, starting him as a WR2 would be about as high as is recommended.