Tag: fantasy-football-week-9

We finally get to face the first bye-pocalypse of the season. Six teams on bye this week equals a much smaller pool of players to choose from. This does not bring me joy when eight of the top TEs are out of the main pool, and the WR room is full of players at their value, at best. Oh well, happy dumpster diving again.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

TENNESSEE @ KANSAS CITY

Tennessee’s ball control offense has often proved pesky to Kansas City. Unfortunately for them, they used to have reliable pass-catchers and a serviceable QB. Now they either have an injured and mostly washed Ryan Tannehill (ankle – QB4) or an untested rookie in Malik Willis (QB6). Willis won his first start by repeatedly turning around and handing the ball off to his RBs. This does nothing to suggest that he should be an NFL starter. It doesn’t help that his receiving corps is reminiscent of a pee-wee team. Neither should be anywhere near your lineup this week.

Patrick Mahomes (QB1) is the top option on this slate, and it isn’t really close. Stack him with a WR of your choice and Travis Kelce.

Derrick Henry (RB1) was truly in beast mode last week versus Houston. KC’s run defense is bad, but they are nowhere near as bad as the Texans. At least this week, the Titans will be forced to use Henry more in the passing game again. Dontrell Hilliard (RB7) had a big Week 8 as well. Playing from behind here, he won’t come anywhere near that volume. He can be ignored.

The Chiefs have decided to minimize the value of all of their RBs by using a three-headed backfield. Isiah Pacheco (RB4) drew the start and led the team in touches. Still, both Jerick McKinnon (RB8) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB5) ended with more fantasy points. I’d consider either CEH or Pacheco as an RB2, but leave McKinnon for Showdown.

Since Week 3, Tennessee has only one WR with double-digit targets. Plus, Robert Woods (WR5) has not topped four catches in any of those games. The team will have to throw here, so he might be able to return a WR3 value. Treylon Burks (toe) is eligible to return. The de facto other starter is Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR15). He has seven catches in seven games, he can be ignored. As can anyone else in this WR room.

This slate is weak at the WR position. JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR1) is the top option, but that isn’t saying much. As the top option, he needs to be considered as WR1. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR3) is in consideration at WR2 as are newcomer Kadarius Toney (hamstring – WR8) and speedster Mecole Hardman (WR4). If Toney doesn’t suit up, consider Justin Watson (WR13) in Showdown.

As bad as Tennessee’s WRs have been, their TEs are even worse. Austin Hooper (TE7) and Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE8) are both laughably worthless.

Travis Kelce (TE1) needs to be in your lineup this week. His backup Noah Gray (TE9) can be left as a Showdown dart throw.

Monday Night

BALTIMORE @ NEW ORLEANS

Lamar Jackson (QB2) gets 10 days off between starts. This will help him get some of his weapons healthy once again. He needs the boost, because while his legs have kept him usable, his overall lines haven’t been great. If Mark Andrews (shoulder) is active, boost Jackson’s output considerably.

I almost listed Andy Dalton (QB3) above Jackson. Dalton has a higher floor and more weapons and neither team have much of a pass defense. Stack Dalton with Chris Olave. DK still lists Taysom Hill (QB5/TE3) as only a QB. I won’t play him as a QB, but I’d certainly consider him at TE on FD.

Gus Edwards (hamstring – RB3) managed to avoid a major injury last week. His status is still very much up in the air for Monday night. If he plays, roll him out as an RB2. The best thing from a fantasy perspective, though, would be Edwards missing this game. Then we could clearly start Kenyan Drake (RB6) as a strong RB2. If they both play, consider neither more than a flex play. Justice Hill (RB10) could be viable in Showdown if Edwards is out.

Alvin Kamara (RB2) paired with Derrick Henry would be the optimum lineup decision as an RB1 and RB2. Mark Ingram (knee – RB9) will likely miss this game due to his knee injury. Assuming Ingram is out, Dwayne Washington (RB11) becomes Kamara’s handcuff. He could be used in Showdown.

Rashod Bateman (foot, IR) started last week, was targeted once, and then returned to the bench for the rest of the game. His absence makes this slate even weaker. Devin Duvernay (WR7) is an easy WR2/WR3 option. Both Demarcus Robinson (WR12) and James Proche (WR14) will also have some WR3 value as someone has to catch the ball.

New Orleans had planned on having a WR corps of Michael Thomas (foot, IR), Jarvis Landry (ankle – WR6), and Chris Olave (WR2) this season. Right now, we appear ready to head into a fifth straight week without Thomas and Landry. Olave being the second-best receiver on this slate tells you how rotten the board is on the upper end. Still, you have to consider him as a WR2. If Landry suits up, I’d also consider him at WR2. Meanwhile,  Tre’Quan Smith (WR9), Marquez Callaway (WR10), and Rashid Shaheed (WR11) all could garner WR3 consideration if Landry remains out.

As I mention above, Taysom Hill (QB5/TE3) only qualifies at TE on FD. I love him in a double-TE lineup with Kelce. Juwan Johnson (TE5) is very TD-dependent. This is a so-so matchup for him, so you should be able to skip him. His value will dip even more if Adam Trautman (ankle – TE6) returns from injury.

Mark Andrews (shoulder – TE2) left Week 8’s game with a shoulder injury, but early reports are that it is not overly serious. If he plays, both he and Kelce need to be in your lineup together. If Andrews is out, Isaiah Likely (TE4) would be a great fill-in. Heck, even Josh Oliver (TE11) could have value in that spot.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Justin Herbert ($7.2k), RB Austin Ekeler ($8.8k), RB Aaron Jones ($7.4k), WR Marvin Jones ($4.2k), WR Josh Palmer ($5.1k), WR Terrace Marshall ($3.9k), TE Zach Ertz ($5.1k), FLEX Deon Jackson ($5.2k), DST Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($3k)

FD Lineup: QB Trevor Lawrence ($6.8k), RB Austin Ekeler ($9.4k), RB Aaron Jones ($7.8k), WR DJ Moore ($7k), WR Tyler Boyd ($6.9k), WR Christian Kirk ($6.3k), TE Evan Engram ($5.2k), FLEX Deon Jackson ($5k), DST Buffalo Bills ($5k)

FB Lineup: QB Justin Herbert ($6.7k), RB Austin Ekeler ($7.5k), RB Travis Etienne ($5.9k), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster ($5.4k), WR Christian Kirk ($5k), WR Josh Palmer ($4.6k), TE Zach Ertz ($4.5k), FLEX Tyler Allgeier ($5.1k), FLEX Eno Benjamin ($5.3k)

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Justin Herbert, Tua Tagovailoa, and Kirk Cousins are the top high-dollar plays this week taking nothing away from Josh Allen and Kyler Murray who are solid plays, just overpriced. Aaron Rodgers and Geno Smith are both usable on DK. Taylor Heinicke could be a cheap punt option. Still, Trevor Lawrence is the best play of the week at his price.

Fantasy Four-pack

Josh Allen, Bills @ NYJ
($8,500 DK, $9,300 FD) The Jets defense is improved over previous seasons, but Allen should still have little trouble posting his usual gaudy numbers. The Jets have only faced three QBs this year anywhere near Allen’s skill set. I just wish his price was less. If you use him the stack with Stefon Diggs costs a ton, so use Gabe Davis instead.

Justin Herbert, Chargers @ ATL
($7,200 DK, $7,800 FD) Yes, I am advocating starting a West Coast QB traveling east with all of his WRs dealing with some level of injuries. In fact, he is my second-favorite QB play of the week. Keenan Allen (hamstring) suffered a setback this week and remains questionable heading into the weekend, but Josh Palmer should be back this week. Plus, Herbert still has Austin Ekeler to dump the ball off to 78 or so times each week. Use this play as a testimony to how rotten the Falcons are against the pass.

Kyler Murray, Cardinals vs. SEA ($7,400 DK, $8,200 FD) Speaking of rotten pass defenses, Seattle is right down there with Atlanta in the rankings. Strangely enough, Murray failed to throw a passing TD against them back in Week 6. He did, however, run for 100 yards. This week, the rushing yards will be less, but the passing TDs will be in effect.

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins @ CHI ($6,700 DK, $8,000 FD) When you have Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to throw to your own talent level doesn’t have to be exemplary. Tua will never be mistaken for Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes, but he has enough moxie to get it done. Facing a defense that just traded two stars and that was skewered last week by Dallas will only make it easier.

DFS Sleepers

Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars vs. LV
($5,200 DK, $6,800 FD) Vegas has allowed multiple TDs to every QB they have faced this season. Lawrence has enough weapons to choose from to secure his own pair of scores through the air and maybe a rushing score, too. I particularly like pairing him with one of Christian Kirk or Marvin Jones along with Evan Engram this week.

Taylor Heinicke, Commanders vs. MIN
($5,400 DK, $7,200 FD) Heinicke gets to face the team that signed him as an undrafted free agent but never gave him a real chance to ascend to a starting role. Minnesota has a fierce pass rush, but their secondary remains suspect. On a weak slate, you could do a lot worse for a lot more money.

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Choosing between Austin Ekeler and Aaron Jones for the top spot this week will be tough. Plus, that Jonathan Taylor (ankle) FD price is just begging us to play him. If he can go, it would be hard to avoid using him there at that cost. Of course, if Taylor is out Deon Jackson becomes a must-start. Travis Etienne has a great matchup, and if you don’t use Trevor Lawrence at QB, please use him here. Eno Benjamin and Jamaal Williams both could be used as pivots if their lead backs remain out or limited. I don’t care for most of the cheap options this week. Brian Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are the only two I’d use.

Fantasy Four-pack

Austin Ekeler,  Chargers @ ATL
($8,800 DK, $9,400 FD) We have a battle of two of the crappiest run defenses in the league in this contest. We could see these two teams combine for 400 rushing yards this week. Throw Ekeler’s pile of receptions on top of that and you will see why he is close to a must-start despite the high price.

Aaron Jones, Packers @ DET
($7,400 DK, $7,800 FD) Jones channeled his inner Juggernaut last week against Buffalo. Now, he gets to face a run defense that has already allowed ten different RBs to reach double-digit PPR points. The specter of AJ Dillon is still here, but he just isn’t as much a part of this offense as he was in previous seasons. 

Josh Jacobs, Raiders @ JAX ($7,300 DK, $8,800 FD) Jacobs continues to get force-fed like a duck at a foie gras factory. Vegas doesn’t care if they run him into the ground, because they aren’t planning on keeping him around. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are giving up massive points to the position. In their last five games, Jacksonville has allowed an average of 153 combo yards, 6.4 receptions, and 1.4 total TDs to opposing RBs.

Dalvin Cook, Vikings @ WAS
($7,800 DK, $8,500 FD)  Washington is better against the run than the pass but Cook can beat the opposition both ways. Plus, Cook has scored in four of his last five games. That will happen again as Washington has allowed six total RB scores over their last four contests. 

DFS Sleepers

Eno Benjamin, Cardinals vs. SEA
($5,900 DK, $6,600 FD) Benjamin didn’t do much against this defense a couple of weeks back. In fact, he is the only lead back since Week 4 to not go ham against the Seahawks. Still, as long as James Conner (ribs) remains out, Benjamin deserves sleeper consideration (especially on a weak slate).

Tyler Allgeier, Falcons vs. LAC ($5,400 DK, $6,400 FD) Only one team is giving up more points to opposing RBs than the Chargers. Meanwhile, Allgeier is splitting the workload with Caleb Huntley, but Huntley has been more effective from a YPC basis. Still, Allgeier has been the back that has scored in back-to-back contests. Either could be used here for money savings of Cordarrelle Patterson (knee) isn’t active. 

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – This is a weird week. All of the high-priced options have decent matchups, but none scream 3x value. Any of them could be used at WR1 with Justin Jefferson my favorite. This parity may be the reason this week to pay down at WR1 with a Tyler Boyd or Amon-Ra St. Brown. At WR2, use one of Christian Kirk or Allen Lazard. You could also take a shot on Curtis Samuel or Rondale Moore. Joshua Palmer (concussion) should be your WR3 if he suits up. If you pivot from him consider Terrace Marshall, Marvin Jones, or K.J. Osborn.

Fantasy Four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ WAS
($8,600 DK, $9,000 FD) Eleven different WRs have reached double-digit PPR points against the Commanders. This includes every WR1 to face them except Robert Woods. Jefferson has been held out of the end zone for far too long. The reverse TD regression will blow up in the face of Washington this week. 3x value isn’t guaranteed here, but it has the best chance among the high-priced options on the board.

Cooper Kupp, Rams @ TB
($8,900 DK, $9,000 FD) It took an ankle sprain to push Kupp’s salary down into the usable range. He is a tough SOB, so I don’t think there is any chance that he misses this game. Tampa won’t have an answer for Kupp, who has averaged 9.5-136-1 against them in four career games.

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins @ CHI
($8,500 DK, $8,700 FD) Hill has alternated good games and absurdly good games. This one trends as just a good game. Still, he has seven or more catches in all but one of those “good” games. Chicago’s pass defense numbers look better than they are as they haven’t faced many elite WRs. The ones that they have faced have gone off. 

Stefon Diggs, Bills @ NYJ
($8,400 DK, $8,900 FD) Every WR1 to face New York has reached double-digit PPR points. In fact, they have given up 48 receptions to opposing WR1s over the last seven games. Diggs should approach his standard 8-100-1. 

DFS Sleepers

Allen Lazard, Packers @ DET
($6,000 DK, $6,500 FD)  Lazard started his season putting up Davante Adams-esque numbers as the Packers’ WR1. Then he hurt his shoulder and missed the last game. All signs have him returning this week against the cream-puff Lions. Considering their recent performance arc, if both play this week, Lazard will outscore Adams. 

Joshua Palmer, Chargers @ ATL
($5,100 DK, $6,200 FD) With Mike Williams out and Keenan Allen (hamstring) suffering an in-week setback, Palmer should operate as the Chargers’ WR2 (behind RB Austin Ekeler). Only one team is worse against the pass than Atlanta, so lock Palmer into your WR3 slot. Heck, stack Palmer, Ekeler, and Justin Herbert.

Tight End

Weekly strategy – If you thought Week 8 was tough at the TE position, welcome to Week 9. Zach Ertz has a great matchup and the top price. Make your life easy and just use him. Gerald Everett, Kyle Pitts, and Robert Tonyan are the only pivots to consider. Otherwise, just punt to Evan Engram, Tyler Conklin, or one of the Seahawks.

Fantasy Four-pack

Zach Ertz, Cardinals vs. SEA
($5,100 DK, $6,600 FD) Since Week 3, the worst that an opposing TE1 has posted against Seattle is 3-58. This includes a 7-70 game from Ertz in Week 6. Expect a similar line here with a TD added.

Kyle Pitts, Falcons vs. LAC
($4,500 DK, $6,300 FD) Don’t look now but Pitts has scored in two of his last three games. He also continues to be one of the primary targets of the few passes that Marcus Mariota attempts. The Chargers have allowed 21-293-1 to the position over the last four games, so if Pitts gets the chance, he should show out again.

Gerald Everett, Chargers @ ATL
($4,800 DK, $5,800 FD) Everett did not see the expected drop in his targets when Keenan Allen returned. With Allen questionable for this week and no Mike Williams, Everett should post a solid line once again. Atlanta has been torched by every legit TE they have faced this season, I see no reason why Everett won’t continue that smackdown.

T.J. Hockenson, Lions vs. MIA
($5,000 DK, $6,200 FD) Normally, I would not recommend someone five days after being traded. That said, tight end plays a key role for the Vikings and Johnny Mundt is the only other healthy option for them. He may be asked to block more and not run a ton of routes, but Hockenson will catch a short TD in his first game with Minnesota.

DFS Sleepers

Evan Engram, Jaguars vs. LV
($3,300 DK, $5,200 FD) Engram has emerged as a top-10 TE in every significant receiving stat except TDs. Meanwhile, four different TEs have reached double-digit PPR points against this defense. A 10-spot is guaranteed here and don’t be surprised if he gets his second score, too.

Tyler Conklin, Jets vs. BUF ($3,200 DK, $5,200 FD) It has become clear that TE is the best position to attack Buffalo with. They have allowed 26 TE receptions over their last three games. Meanwhile, Conklin scored twice last week. Those were his first scores since Week 1. Still, he has posted five or more targets in six of eight games, so the volume will be there.