From Drew Lock to Irv Smith Jr, six week 9 fantasy stars who were mostly unowned

Entering the fourth quarter of Week 8, Lock amassed just one passing score on the season. He went to throw three in the fourth quarter last week along with another two on Sunday while also having his most productive rushing outing easily.

Spending the previous week on the practice squad, Ballage was promoted before Sunday’s game due to Troymaine Pope being in concussion protocol. Justin Jackson left with a knee injury, and Ballage received 15 carries in his Chargers debut including a 5-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter.

Burkhead’s 12 rushing attempts on Monday night were his most since December 23, 2018. The 56 yards he gained on the ground were his most since September 9, 2018.

With the 49ers decimated with injuries at wide receiver, James’ number was called upon frequently on Thursday night. Entering Week 9, he had yet to even be targeted on the year, but he received 13 targets on Thursday. He was the second-highest rated player on offense for San Francisco by Pro Football Focus according to 49ers Webzone at 76.6.

Since Julian Edelman was placed on injured reserve after Week 7, Meyers has become the go-to receiver over the following two games. The second-year receiver has now been targeted 24 times since Week 8 and will likely be one of the more-added players this week.

A second round pick in 2019, Smith Jr. hasn’t yet taken Kyle Rudolph’s place as Minnesota’s primary tight end. He was Kirk Cousins favorite red zone target on Sunday though as his two catches were nine and one-yard touchdowns.