Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
Check out where your roster options fit into our Week 9 start/bench tiers.
Player analysis and projections can be found in our Start/Bench Tool customized to your myHuddle league scoring and rosters. All player listings by groups are in no particular order.
Key: Upgrade / Downgrade
Forecasting where all of the notable players net out over the remainder of the season.
These fantasy football rankings track a player’s value for the remainder of the season and are intended to be used as a tool, not necessarily a definitive guide to player valuation.
The scoring system is performance PPR. There is no exact science behind season-long rankings, considering all of the variables and situational uncertainties at work.
Rankings key:
UP/DN is trending up or down from week’s ranking.
NR means the player wasn’t ranked last week.
UP/DN numbering shows where the player was ranked the prior week.
The most notable risers and fallers heading into Week 9.
As we approach the midway point of the season, there are some anomalies that are hard to wrap your head around.
Who would have guessed that the 10 passing yardage leaders would include Matt Ryan (who was permanently benched before last week), Geno Smith and Jared Goff (in seven games)?
Who would have imagined that Geno Smith would have accounted for more touchdowns than Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers?
Who would have projected that Khalil Herbert would be tied for seventh in rushing yards?
Who could have forecast that Tyreek Hill and Justin Jefferson would combine for 121 receptions for 1,713 yards but scored just four touchdowns?
Who would have bet that the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be a combined 9-14 record, the teams of the NFC East would be a combined 23-8, and their fantasy players would be as if not more valued than the established top dogs of the conference?
Believe it. That’s what the first half of 2022 has brought us so far.
Here is the Week 9 Fantasy Football Market Report.
Here is the Week 9 waiver-wire free-agent forecast for fantasy football.
The fantasy football season has essentially passed that halfway mark, and managers will find themselves in another rough week of byes and injuries to work through in Week 9.
Teams on a bye in Week 9 include the Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers.
We’ll be taking a look at the top available players rostered in ESPN leagues, using the 75% rostered mark as the threshold. If you have any questions about prioritizing a certain player over another, don’t be afraid to hit me up on Twitter (@KevinHickey11). Your questions, comments, and roasts are always welcome!
We also will be taking a look at some deeper players to stash and the top streaming options for the upcoming week.
Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated.
Check back for any updates throughout Monday and Tuesday as more injury news becomes available.
Keeping up with all of the notable injuries, each game’s weather forecast, and the last-minute scratches leading up to kickoff of Week 9.
Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.
Early games: WR Calvin Ridley
Afternoon games: RB Josh Jacobs
Sunday night: WR Michael Thomas, WR Chris Godwin
Monday night: RB Damien Harris, WR Jamison Crowder
Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium
Inactives:
Lineup notes: RB Phillip Lindsay (foot) and WR Tim Patrick (hamstring) are listed as questionable, but the team has already said they’ll play this week.
Inactives:
Lineup notes: WR Calvin Ridley (foot) didn’t practice all week and is questionable. He is shaping up to be a game-time decision. WR Russell Gage (shoulder, knee) was limited early but made it back for a full practice Friday and is good to go.
Kickoff Weather: 65 degrees, clear
Inactives:
Lineup notes: RB Carlos Hyde (hamstring) and RB Chris Carson (foot) have both been ruled out. RB DeeJay Dallas is expected to see most of the work.
Inactives:
Lineup notes: QB Josh Allen (shoulder) and WR John Brown (knee) practiced fully Thursday and Friday and are not on the injury report.
Kickoff Weather: 74 degrees, clear
Inactives:
Lineup notes: TE Jimmy Graham (knee, hamstring) practiced fully Thursday and Friday and is set to play.
Inactives:
Lineup notes: WR A.J. Brown (knee) practiced Friday and is not on the injury report. WR Adam Humphries (concussion) is out.
Kickoff Weather: 71 degrees, clear (retractable-roof dome)
Inactives:
Lineup notes: RB Mark Ingram (ankle) didn’t practice all week and is doubtful for Week 9.
Inactives:
Lineup notes: WR T.Y. Hilton (groin) was out of practice all week and is doubtful to play. TE Mo Alie-Cox (knee) was limited all week and is questionable.
Kickoff Weather: 69 degrees, partly cloudy
Inactives:
Lineup notes: RB Christian McCaffrey (ankle) was activated Saturday, and he’s expected to make his highly anticipated return. QB Teddy Bridgewater (neck) practiced all week and is fine.
Inactives:
Lineup notes: WR Sammy Watkins (hamstring) was limited all week and draws a questionable tag.
Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium
Inactives:
Lineup notes: WR Kenny Golladay (hip) has been ruled out. QB Matthew Stafford has been removed from the COVID-19 list. TE T.J. Hockenson (toe) practiced fully and is good to go.
Inactives:
Lineup notes: WR Adam Thielen (shoulder) was a full-go all week and is off the report.
Kickoff Weather: 66 degrees, clear
Inactives:
Lineup notes: RB Devonta Freeman (ankle) is out once again. WR Sterling Shepard (shoulder, toe) was limited all week, but he’s not on the injury report. WR Golden Tate reportedly will be benched but could still have a limited role in the game plan.
Inactives:
Lineup notes: TE Logan Thomas (ankle) practiced Friday and is good to go. WR Dontrelle Inman (hamstring) didn’t practice all week, and he’s doubtful.
Kickoff Weather: 74 degrees, overcast
Inactives:
Lineup notes: TE Jordan Akins (ankle, concussion) and WR Randall Cobb (illness) practiced fully and are good to go.
Inactives:
Lineup notes: QB Gardner Minshew (thumb) was ruled out. WR Keelan Cole (back) was limited all week, but he’s off the report. TE Tyler Eifert (neck) was a full-go all week, and he’s off the report.
Kickoff Weather: 58 degrees, clear (open-air dome)
Inactives:
Lineup notes: WR Bryan Edwards (foot, ankle) practiced fully Thursday and Friday, and he’s off the report. RB Josh Jacobs (knee, illness) was limited all week, and he’s questionable.
Inactives:
Lineup notes: RB Justin Jackson (knee) and QB Justin Herbert (shoulder) practiced all week and are good to go.
Kickoff Weather: 78 degrees, clear (retractable-roof dome)
Inactives:
Lineup notes: No injuries of fantasy note.
Inactives:
Lineup notes: QB Andy Dalton (concussion) was hoping to return from a concussion, but he was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and is out. QB Garrett Gilbert is expected to start. RB Ezekiel Elliott (hamstring) was limited in practice all week and is questionable.
Kickoff Weather: 64 degrees, partly cloudy (retractable-roof dome)
Inactives:
Lineup notes: RB Myles Gaskin (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list, and he’ll miss at least three games. RB Matt Breida (hamstring) has been ruled out as well. RB Jordan Howard should see a large workload.
Inactives:
Lineup notes: RB Kenyan Drake (ankle) was ruled out for Week 9. RB Chase Edmonds will get the starting nod.
Kickoff Weather: 76 degrees, overcast
Inactives:
Lineup notes: WR Michael Thomas (ankle, hamstring) was limited all week, and he’s questionable for Week 9. QB Drew Brees (shoulder) was limited until he got a full practice Friday. He doesn’t carry an injury designation. WR Emmanuel Sanders is poised to return after missing two games on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. RB Alvin Kamara (foot) and WR Marquez Callaway (ankle) practiced Friday and are good to go.
Inactives:
Lineup notes: WR Chris Godwin (finger) graduated to a full practice Friday, but he is still questionable. WR Scott Miller (hip, groin) got a full practice Friday and is off the report.
Kickoff Weather: 58 degrees, clear
Lineup notes: WR N’Keal Harry (concussion) has been ruled out. RB Damien Harris (ankle) has been limited thus far and could draw another questionable tag.
Lineup notes: WR Breshad Perriman (concussion) cleared the protocol, and he will be returning. WR Jamison Crowder (groin) is questionable, and PK Sam Ficken (groin) is doubtful. RB Frank Gore (hand) didn’t practice Friday, but he returned Saturday and is not on the report. QB Sam Darnold (shoulder) is doubtful, so QB Joe Flacco should get another start.
Keep up with all of the notable fantasy football injuries heading into Week 9.
Team-by-team review of any key fantasy player and their prospects for playing based on this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s final official injury report will be addressed unless the situation warrants.
PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases their final official injury report late on Friday (after 5:00 p.m. ET). Teams on the West Coast often report their injuries late and are not included.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
RB Kenyan Drake (ankle) was ruled out for Week 9.
ATLANTA FALCONS
WR Calvin Ridley (foot) didn’t practice all week and is questionable. WR Russell Gage (shoulder, knee) was limited early but made it back for a full practice Friday and is good to go.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
RB Mark Ingram (ankle) didn’t practice all week and is doubtful for Week 9.
BUFFALO BILLS
QB Josh Allen (shoulder) and WR John Brown (knee) practiced fully Thursday and Friday and are not on the injury report.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
RB Christian McCaffrey (ankle) is not on the injury report, and he’s expected to make his highly anticipated return. QB Teddy Bridgewater (neck) practiced all week and is fine.
[lawrence-newsletter]
CHICAGO BEARS
TE Jimmy Graham (knee, hamstring) practiced fully Thursday and Friday and is set to play.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (bye week)
No injuries of fantasy note.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (bye week)
No injuries of fantasy note.
DALLAS COWBOYS
QB Andy Dalton (concussion) was hoping to return from a concussion, but he was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and is out. RB Ezekiel Elliott (hamstring) was limited in practice all week and is questionable.
DENVER BRONCOS
RB Phillip Lindsay (foot) and WR Tim Patrick (hamstring) are listed as questionable, but the team has already said they’ll play this week.
DETROIT LIONS
WR Kenny Golladay (hip) has been ruled out. QB Matthew Stafford is on the COVID-19 list, but he’s eligible to play if he continues to test negatively. TE T.J. Hockenson (toe) practiced fully and is good to go.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (Thursday night)
RB Aaron Jones (calf) made a somewhat surprising return Thursday and finished with 20 touches on the night. RB Jamaal Williams and RB AJ Dillon missed the game due to COVID-19 protocol.
HOUSTON TEXANS
TE Jordan Akins (ankle, concussion) and WR Randall Cobb (illness) practiced fully and are good to go.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
WR T.Y. Hilton (groin) was out of practice all week and is doubtful to play. TE Mo Alie-Cox (knee) was limited all week and is questionable.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
QB Gardner Minshew (thumb) was ruled out. WR Keelan Cole (back) was limited all week, but he’s off the report. TE Tyler Eifert (neck) was a full-go all week, and he’s off the report.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
WR Sammy Watkins (hamstring) was limited all week and draws a questionable tag.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
WR Bryan Edwards (foot, ankle) practiced fully Thursday and Friday, and he’s off the report. RB Josh Jacobs (knee, illness) was limited all week, and he’s questionable.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
RB Justin Jackson (knee) and QB Justin Herbert (shoulder) practiced all week and are good to go.
LOS ANGELES RAMS (bye week)
No injuries of fantasy note.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
RB Myles Gaskin (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list, and he’ll miss at least three games. RB Matt Breida (hamstring) has been ruled out as well.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
WR Adam Thielen (shoulder) was a full-go all week and is off the report.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (Monday night)
WR N’Keal Harry (concussion) hasn’t practiced yet this week. Look and see if he practices Saturday; otherwise, he’ll likely be out. RB Damien Harris (ankle) has been limited thus far and could draw another questionable tag.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
WR Michael Thomas (ankle, hamstring) was limited all week, and he’s questionable for Week 9. QB Drew Brees (shoulder) was limited until he got a full practice Friday. He doesn’t carry an injury designation. WR Emmanuel Sanders is poised to return after missing two games on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. RB Alvin Kamara (foot) and WR Marquez Callaway (ankle) practiced Friday and are good to go.
NEW YORK GIANTS
RB Devonta Freeman (ankle) is out once again. WR Sterling Shepard (shoulder, toe) was limited all week, but he’s not on the injury report.
NEW YORK JETS (Monday night)
WR Breshad Perriman (concussion) graduated to a full practice Friday, and he appears on the cusp of returning. WR Jamison Crowder (groin) and PK Sam Ficken (groin) were limited Friday. Keep tabs on their status Saturday. RB Frank Gore (hand) didn’t practice Friday, but it’s believed to be a veteran’s day off.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (bye week)
No injuries of fantasy note.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
No injuries of fantasy note.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (Thursday night)
QB Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) and TE George Kittle (foot) were placed on Injured Reserve and will miss at least three games. WR Brandon Aiyuk, WR Kendrick Bourne and WR Deebo Samuel missed the game due to COVID-19 protocol.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
RB Carlos Hyde (hamstring) and RB Chris Carson (foot) have both been ruled out.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
WR Chris Godwin (finger) graduated to a full practice Friday, but he is still questionable. WR Scott Miller (hip, groin) got a full practice Friday and is off the report.
TENNESSEE TITANS
WR A.J. Brown (knee) practiced Friday and is not on the injury report. WR Adam Humphries (concussion) is out.
WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM
TE Logan Thomas (ankle) practiced Friday and is good to go. WR Dontrelle Inman (hamstring) didn’t practice all week, and he’s doubtful.
A snapshot of Week 9 starters and bench candidates for fantasy football lineups.
Player analysis and projections can be found in our Start/Bench Tool customized to your myHuddle league scoring and rosters. All player listings by groups are in no particular order.
Key: Upgrade / Downgrade
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QUARTERBACKS
|
WIDE RECEIVERS
|
|||
| BEST BETS |
Opp
|
BEST BETS |
Opp
|
|
| Russell Wilson |
@BUF
|
Davante Adams |
@SF
|
|
| Deshaun Watson |
@JAC
|
Stefon Diggs |
SEA
|
|
| Josh Allen |
SEA
|
Tyler Lockett |
@BUF
|
|
| B. Roethlisberger |
@DAL
|
GREAT STARTS |
Opp
|
|
| GREAT STARTS |
Opp
|
Julio Jones |
DEN
|
|
| Kyler Murray |
MIA
|
Adam Thielen |
DET
|
|
| Justin Herbert |
LVR
|
Terry McLaurin |
NYG
|
|
| Tom Brady |
NO
|
A. Robinson II |
@TEN
|
|
| Patrick Mahomes |
CAR
|
Keenan Allen |
LVR
|
|
| SOLID STARTERS |
Opp
|
DeAndre Hopkins |
MIA
|
|
| Lamar Jackson |
@IND
|
Cole Beasley |
SEA
|
|
| Derek Carr |
@LAC
|
J. Smith-Schuster |
@DAL
|
|
| Drew Brees |
@TB
|
SOLID STARTERS |
Opp
|
|
| Aaron Rodgers |
@SF
|
DJ Chark Jr. |
HOU
|
|
| Drew Lock |
@ATL
|
Michael Thomas |
@TB
|
|
| Matt Ryan |
DEN
|
Diontae Johnson |
@DAL
|
|
| FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS |
Opp
|
Jerry Jeudy |
@ATL
|
|
| Ryan Tannehill |
CHI
|
Christian Kirk |
MIA
|
|
| Kirk Cousins |
DET
|
E. Sanders |
@TB
|
|
| Cam Newton |
@NYJ
|
Mike Evans |
NO
|
|
| Nick Foles |
@TEN
|
Corey Davis |
CHI
|
|
| T. Bridgewater |
@KC
|
Mike Williams |
LVR
|
|
| Kyle Allen |
NYG
|
Marvin Jones |
@MIN
|
|
| SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM |
Opp
|
John Brown |
SEA
|
|
| M. Stafford |
@MIN
|
Chris Godwin |
NO
|
|
| Daniel Jones |
@WAS
|
DK Metcalf |
@BUF
|
|
| Nick Mullens |
GB
|
Robby Anderson |
@KC
|
|
| Philip Rivers |
BAL
|
Tyreek Hill |
CAR
|
|
| Tua Tagovailoa |
@ARI
|
Brandin Cooks |
@JAC
|
|
| Jake Luton |
HOU
|
Nelson Agholor |
@LAC
|
|
| Sam Darnold |
NE
|
Anthony Miller |
@TEN
|
|
|
RUNNING BACKS
|
Will Fuller |
@JAC
|
||
| BEST BETS |
Opp
|
D.J. Moore |
@KC
|
|
| Dalvin Cook |
DET
|
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS |
Opp
|
|
| Chase Edmonds |
MIA
|
Mecole Hardman |
CAR
|
|
| GREAT STARTS |
Opp
|
Danny Amendola |
@MIN
|
|
| Alvin Kamara |
@TB
|
Amari Cooper |
PIT
|
|
| James Conner |
@DAL
|
Darius Slayton |
@WAS
|
|
| David Johnson |
@JAC
|
Henry Ruggs III |
@LAC
|
|
| SOLID STARTERS |
Opp
|
KJ Hamler |
@ATL
|
|
| C. McCaffrey |
@KC
|
Darnell Mooney |
@TEN
|
|
| Chris Carson |
@BUF
|
L. Shenault Jr. |
HOU
|
|
| James Robinson |
HOU
|
Hunter Renfrow |
@LAC
|
|
| Derrick Henry |
CHI
|
Scott Miller |
NO
|
|
| Josh Jacobs |
@LAC
|
A.J. Brown |
CHI
|
|
| C. Edwards-Helaire |
CAR
|
David Moore |
@BUF
|
|
| Jerick McKinnon |
GB
|
D. Hamilton |
@ATL
|
|
| D. Montgomery |
@TEN
|
Dontrelle Inman |
NYG
|
|
| Joshua Kelley |
LVR
|
Zach Pascal |
BAL
|
|
| Todd Gurley |
DEN
|
S. Shepard |
@WAS
|
|
| Ronald Jones |
NO
|
Curtis Samuel |
@KC
|
|
| Damien Harris |
@NYJ
|
R. Gage Jr. |
DEN
|
|
| Antonio Gibson |
NYG
|
Chase Claypool |
@DAL
|
|
| Justin Jackson |
LVR
|
Jakobi Meyers |
@NYJ
|
|
| JaMycal Hasty |
GB
|
DeVante Parker |
@ARI
|
|
| M. Gordon III |
@ATL
|
J. Jefferson |
DET
|
|
| Ezekiel Elliott |
PIT
|
Jalen Guyton |
LVR
|
|
| FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS |
Opp
|
Antonio Brown |
NO
|
|
| D. Singletary |
SEA
|
Marvin Hall |
@MIN
|
|
| Phillip Lindsay |
@ATL
|
Marquise Brown |
@IND
|
|
| Frank Gore |
NE
|
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM |
Opp
|
|
| James White |
@NYJ
|
CeeDee Lamb |
PIT
|
|
| Nyheim Hines |
BAL
|
M. Pittman Jr. |
BAL
|
|
| Matt Breida |
@ARI
|
Michael Gallup |
PIT
|
|
| J.K. Dobbins |
@IND
|
M. Valdes-Scantling |
@SF
|
|
| D’Andre Swift |
@MIN
|
P. Williams |
@ARI
|
|
| Jonathan Taylor |
BAL
|
Randall Cobb |
@JAC
|
|
| J.D. McKissic |
NYG
|
T.Y. Hilton |
BAL
|
|
| Le’Veon Bell |
CAR
|
B. Perriman |
NE
|
|
| La’Mical Perine |
NE
|
Jamison Crowder |
NE
|
|
| L. Fournette |
NO
|
Kendrick Bourne |
GB
|
|
| Tyler Ervin |
@SF
|
Calvin Ridley |
DEN
|
|
| SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM |
Opp
|
Deebo Samuel |
GB
|
|
| Adrian Peterson |
@MIN
|
Brandon Aiyuk |
GB
|
|
| Rex Burkhead |
@NYJ
|
Golden Tate |
@WAS
|
|
| Zack Moss |
SEA
|
Willie Snead |
@IND
|
|
| Gus Edwards |
@IND
|
Damiere Byrd |
@NYJ
|
|
| Jordan Howard |
@ARI
|
D. Robinson |
CAR
|
|
| Devonta Freeman |
@WAS
|
Kalif Raymond |
CHI
|
|
| Troymaine Pope |
LVR
|
Keelan Cole |
HOU
|
|
| Wayne Gallman |
@WAS
|
Denzel Mims |
NE
|
|
| Jordan Wilkins |
BAL
|
L. Fitzgerald |
MIA
|
|
| A. Mattison |
DET
|
DEFENSIVE TEAMS
|
||
| Latavius Murray |
@TB
|
BEST BETS |
Opp
|
|
| Mark Ingram |
@IND
|
Steelers |
@DAL
|
|
| Aaron Jones |
@SF
|
GREAT STARTS |
Opp
|
|
|
TIGHT ENDS
|
Patriots |
@NYJ
|
||
| BEST BETS |
Opp
|
Packers |
@SF
|
|
| Darren Waller |
@LAC
|
SOLID STARTERS |
Opp
|
|
| T.J. Hockenson |
@MIN
|
Texans |
@JAC
|
|
| Travis Kelce |
CAR
|
Colts |
BAL
|
|
| GREAT STARTS |
Opp
|
Football Team |
NYG
|
|
| Noah Fant |
@ATL
|
Ravens |
@IND
|
|
| Rob Gronkowski |
NO
|
Buccaneers |
NO
|
|
| SOLID STARTERS |
Opp
|
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS |
Opp
|
|
| Jared Cook |
@TB
|
Chiefs |
CAR
|
|
| Hayden Hurst |
DEN
|
Jets |
NE
|
|
| Greg Olsen |
@BUF
|
Falcons |
DEN
|
|
| Jimmy Graham |
@TEN
|
Vikings |
DET
|
|
| Logan Thomas |
NYG
|
Bears |
@TEN
|
|
| FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS |
Opp
|
Dolphins |
@ARI
|
|
| Jordan Reed |
GB
|
Cardinals |
MIA
|
|
| Eric Ebron |
@DAL
|
Titans |
CHI
|
|
| Robert Tonyan |
@SF
|
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM |
Opp
|
|
| Hunter Henry |
LVR
|
49ers |
GB
|
|
| Jonnu Smith |
CHI
|
Lions |
@MIN
|
|
| Trey Burton |
BAL
|
Broncos |
@ATL
|
|
| Mark Andrews |
@IND
|
Bills |
SEA
|
|
| Jordan Akins |
@JAC
|
Panthers |
@KC
|
|
| SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM |
Opp
|
Saints |
@TB
|
|
| Mike Gesicki |
@ARI
|
Cowboys |
PIT
|
|
| Irv Smith |
DET
|
Raiders |
@LAC
|
|
| Dalton Schultz |
PIT
|
Jaguars |
HOU
|
|
| Seahawks |
@BUF
|
|||
| Chargers |
LVR
|
|||
| Giants |
@WAS
|
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