In-game injuries are the scourge of DFS players. Last week, Jordan Mason (shoulder) and Jordan Love (groin) torpedoed several lineups with early exits. There isn’t a solution for when this happens; all you can do is ensure that your lineups have some variance. Also, with several key injuries in effect for Week 9, don’t assume that more volume will equal more points. Sometimes the exact opposite occurs.
Recommended DFS lineups
*Note: FanDuel and Fanball include the Sunday night game on their Main Slate. DraftKings doesn’t include them, so the pricing is listed as N/A.
DK Lineup: QB Bo Nix ($5.9k), RB Alvin Kamara ($7.8k), RB Bijan Robinson ($7.4k), WR Courtland Sutton ($5.4k), WR Romeo Doubs ($5.7k), WR Cedric Tillman ($4.3k), TE Taysom Hill ($3.8k), FLEX D’Andre Swift ($6.4k), DST Philadelphia Eagles ($3.1k)
FD Lineup: QB Kirk Cousins ($7.5k), RB Alvin Kamara ($8.8k), RB Chuba Hubbard ($6.9k), WR Josh Downs ($6.9k), WR Ladd McConkey ($6.4k), WR Courtland Sutton ($6.0k), TE Kyle Pitts ($6.0K), FLEX D’Andre Swift ($7.2k), DST Cincinnati Bengals ($4.0k)
FB Lineup: QB Jalen Hurts ($7.3k), RB Kyren Williams ($7.6k) RB Alvin Kamara ($7.4k), WR DeVonta Smith ($6.3k), WR Courtland Sutton ($5.0k), WR/TE Josh Downs ($4.6k), TE Kyle Pitts ($4.6k), FLEX D’Andre Swift ($6.4k), SUPERFLEX Joe Flacco ($5.6k)
*Note: Player salaries are color-coded based on expected output. Red = Less than 2.5x value, Black = 2.5x value, Green = Greater than 3x value.
| Quarterback | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | $8,000 | $8,900 |
| Jalen Hurts | $7,800 | $9,300 |
| Josh Allen | $7,700 | $9,000 |
| Jayden Daniels | $7,500 | $8,700 |
| Jordan Love | $7,000 | $8,400 |
| Joe Burrow | $6,900 | $7,900 |
| Kyler Murray | $6,600 | $7,700 |
| Jared Goff | $6,500 | $8,000 |
| Kirk Cousins | $6,400 | $7,500 |
| Sam Darnold | N/A | $7,500 |
| Dak Prescott | $6,300 | $8,100 |
| Tua Tagovailoa | $6,200 | $7,300 |
| Caleb Williams | $6,100 | $7,200 |
| Bo Nix | $5,900 | $7,200 |
| Geno Smith | $5,800 | $7,400 |
| Matthew Stafford | $5,700 | $7,600 |
| Derek Carr | $5,600 | $7,000 |
| Trevor Lawrence | $5,600 | $7,400 |
| Joe Flacco | N/A | $7,000 |
| Drake Maye | $5,500 | $6,900 |
| Malik Willis | $5,500 | $6,900 |
| Jameis Winston | $5,400 | $7,000 |
| Justin Herbert | $5,300 | $7,100 |
| Daniel Jones | $5,200 | $6,600 |
| Jake Haener | $5,100 | $6,800 |
| Spencer Rattler | $5,100 | $6,800 |
| Jacoby Brissett | $5,000 | $6,500 |
| Mason Rudolph | $4,600 | $6,700 |
| Will Levis | $4,600 | $6,700 |
| Gardner Minshew II | $4,500 | $6,600 |
| Bryce Young | $4,400 | $6,500 |
Quarterback
Weekly strategy – Jalen Hurts is the straightforward choice. Lamar Jackson (back/knee) has a tougher matchup, but his rushing ability keeps him in play. A healthy Jordan Love (groin) would best them both. To save money, pivot to Kirk Cousins, Caleb Williams, Dak Prescott, or Joe Flacco. The punt choices are Bo Nix, Justin Herbert, and Matthew Stafford.
Fantasy four-pack
Jalen Hurts, Eagles vs. JAX ($7,800 DK, $9,300 FD) Hurts leads all QBs in rushing TDs (including five in the last two weeks). Jacksonville is bottom-half against rushing QBs and bottom-two against passing QBs. Hurts should score both ways this week.
Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. DEN ($8,000 DK, $8,900 FD) Jackson (back/knee) ranks second among QBs in total TDs, but this will be a tough matchup against an elite coverage unit. Still, Denver hasn’t been tested by a rushing QB since Week 2. If his knee issue doesn’t limit him, 240-2 and 60-1 are in play.
Jordan Love, Packers vs. DET ($7,000 DK, $8,400 FD) Love (groin) is fighting an injury that forced him out of Week 8. Still, he expects to play this week. Detroit is much worse against the pass than the run, and this game is going to be a shootout. So build a QB stack with at least one Detroit WR/TE as well.
Kirk Cousins, Falcons vs. DAL ($6,400 DK, $7,500 FD) Dallas’ defense has allowed the second-most points per game to their opposition, including 94 total over their last three games. Meanwhile, Cousins has only six passing TDs in the six games against non-Tampa Bay opponents. Still, this feels like a keep-right game for him.
Sleepers
Bo Nix, Broncos @ BAL ($5,900 DK, $7,200 FD) Baltimore has allowed the most passing yards and the most passing TDs this season (including 13 over the last four games), plus their secondary has dealt with injuries to their top two corners. Since Week 5, Nix has looked solid, ranking fourth in QB points per game.
Matthew Stafford, Rams @ SEA ($5,700 DK, $7,600 FD) All Stafford needed was to get his two All-Pro WRs back. He threw for more TDs last week than he had the rest of the season combined. Seattle has allowed multiple TDs in four of their last five games. Even if Puka Nacua (knee) cannot go this weekend, more of the same is coming here.
| Running back | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Derrick Henry | $8,300 | $9,000 |
| Saquon Barkley | $8,200 | $9,400 |
| Kyren Williams | $8,000 | $8,900 |
| Alvin Kamara | $7,800 | $8,800 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | $7,600 | $8,600 |
| Bijan Robinson | $7,400 | $8,500 |
| Jonathan Taylor | N/A | $8,200 |
| Kenneth Walker III | $7,300 | $8,000 |
| James Cook | $7,200 | $7,900 |
| Aaron Jones | N/A | $7,500 |
| J.K. Dobbins | $7,000 | $7,100 |
| Josh Jacobs | $6,900 | $7,400 |
| Tony Pollard | $6,800 | $7,300 |
| De’Von Achane | $6,700 | $7,800 |
| James Conner | $6,600 | $7,700 |
| Chuba Hubbard | $6,500 | $6,900 |
| David Montgomery | $6,500 | $8,100 |
| D’Andre Swift | $6,400 | $7,200 |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | $6,300 | $7,600 |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | $6,300 | $6,800 |
| Javonte Williams | $6,200 | $6,000 |
| Tank Bigsby | $6,200 | $6,700 |
| Devin Singletary | $6,100 | $6,100 |
| Raheem Mostert | $6,000 | $6,400 |
| Rico Dowdle | $6,000 | $6,000 |
| Chase Brown | $5,900 | $6,300 |
| Travis Etienne Jr. | $5,900 | $7,000 |
| Nick Chubb | $5,800 | $6,500 |
| Alexander Mattison | $5,700 | $5,900 |
| Zack Moss | $5,600 | $5,800 |
| Tyrone Tracy Jr. | $5,500 | $6,200 |
| Ezekiel Elliott | $5,400 | $5,700 |
| Zach Charbonnet | $5,400 | $5,400 |
| Austin Ekeler | $5,300 | $5,500 |
| Justice Hill | $5,200 | $5,300 |
| Ray Davis | $5,200 | $5,500 |
| Antonio Gibson | $5,100 | $5,400 |
| Roschon Johnson | $4,900 | $5,300 |
| Tyler Allgeier | $4,900 | $5,600 |
| Dalvin Cook | $4,800 | $5,300 |
| Jerome Ford | $4,800 | $5,500 |
| D’Ernest Johnson | $4,700 | $5,000 |
| Ty Chandler | N/A | $5,000 |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | $4,700 | $5,200 |
| Tyjae Spears | $4,700 | $5,400 |
| Kendre Miller | $4,600 | $4,800 |
| Miles Sanders | $4,500 | $5,100 |
| Blake Corum | $4,400 | $4,700 |
| Zamir White | $4,400 | $4,900 |
| D’Onta Foreman | $4,300 | $5,100 |
| Emanuel Wilson | $4,300 | $4,800 |
Running back
Weekly strategy – Saquon Barkley, Alvin Kamara (hand/rib), and Kyren Williams all have juicy matchups. Unfortunately, their lofty prices make it hard to roster two of them. Derrick Henry is always an option, but the other three have better matchups. For a pivot, consider Bijan Robinson or James Cook. At RB2, choose between Tony Pollard (foot), Chuba Hubbard, De’Von Achane, and D’Andre Swift. Sleepers are few this week. Tyrone Tracy Jr. (concussion) would be an elite play if he can clear the concussion protocol. Chase Brown and Nick Chubb are the only other names to consider.
Fantasy four-pack
Alvin Kamara, Saints @ CAR ($7,800 DK, $8,800 FD) Carolina improved their season numbers by allowing only 140-1 to the Denver RB room. For the rest of the season, they have allowed an average of 161-2 to RBs. Kamara will do damage both on the ground and through the air. My biggest concern here is the looming Taysom Hill vulture.
Kyren Williams, Rams @ SEA ($8,200 DK, $8,900 FD) Over the last four games, Seattle has allowed an average of 194 combo yards to opposing RBs. Williams has topped the century mark in four of his last five starts, and he has scored at least once in every game this year. Anything short of 100-1 seems like a misprint.
Saquon Barkley, Eagles vs. JAX ($8,200 DK, $9,400 FD) Watching Jalen Hurts vulture all the TDs is hard on Barkley owners. Still, he has topped 100 combo yards in every game but one. Only two teams allow more points per game, so Barkley should get in on the scoring fun this week.
Bijan Robinson, Falcons vs. DAL ($7,400 DK, $8,500 FD) Robinson has topped 100 combo yards each of the last three weeks. Over their last three contests, Dallas has allowed 166.3 rushing yards per game (over five yards per carry).
Sleepers
D’Andre Swift, Bears @ ARI ($6,400 DK, $7,200 FD) Since Week 4, among RBs, only Derrick Henry has more total yards. This is impressive since this stretch includes the Bears’ bye week.
Chuba Hubbard, Panthers vs. NO ($6,500 DK, $6,900 FD) Jonathan Brooks (knee) may finally return this week. It won’t matter as over the last four weeks, New Orleans has allowed 709 combo yards and seven TDs to the position.
| Wide Receiver | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Jefferson | N/A | $9,200 |
| CeeDee Lamb | $8,800 | $9,100 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | $8,600 | $9,500 |
| A.J. Brown | $8,100 | $9,000 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | $7,900 | $8,600 |
| Cooper Kupp | $7,700 | $8,200 |
| Malik Nabers | $7,500 | $8,400 |
| Tyreek Hill | $7,300 | $8,500 |
| Puka Nacua | $7,200 | $8,100 |
| Terry McLaurin | $7,100 | $7,400 |
| Zay Flowers | $7,000 | $7,200 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | $6,900 | $7,000 |
| DeVonta Smith | $6,800 | $7,800 |
| Drake London | $6,700 | $7,900 |
| Brian Thomas Jr. | $6,600 | $7,000 |
| Josh Downs | N/A | $6,900 |
| DJ Moore | $6,500 | $6,600 |
| DK Metcalf | $6,500 | $8,000 |
| Jayden Reed | $6,400 | $7,300 |
| Tee Higgins | $6,400 | $7,500 |
| Diontae Johnson | $6,300 | $6,700 |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | $6,200 | $6,500 |
| Chris Olave | $6,100 | $7,100 |
| Darnell Mooney | $6,000 | $6,700 |
| Jordan Addison | N/A | $6,200 |
| Khalil Shakir | $5,900 | $6,100 |
| Amari Cooper | $5,800 | $6,800 |
| Wan’Dale Robinson | $5,800 | $5,800 |
| Calvin Ridley | $5,700 | $6,200 |
| Romeo Doubs | $5,700 | $6,300 |
| Ladd McConkey | $5,600 | $6,400 |
| Tyler Lockett | $5,600 | $6,200 |
| Jaylen Waddle | $5,500 | $6,200 |
| Keenan Allen | $5,500 | $6,000 |
| Courtland Sutton | $5,400 | $6,000 |
| Keon Coleman | $5,400 | $6,000 |
| Jakobi Meyers | $5,300 | $6,300 |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | N/A | $5,800 |
| Xavier Legette | $5,300 | $5,700 |
| Dontayvion Wicks | $5,200 | $5,300 |
| Jalen Tolbert | $5,100 | $5,900 |
| Jerry Jeudy | $5,100 | $6,000 |
| Brandin Cooks | $5,000 | $4,900 |
| Christian Watson | $5,000 | $5,600 |
| Gabe Davis | $5,000 | $5,700 |
| Michael Wilson | $4,900 | $5,600 |
| Rome Odunze | $4,900 | $5,500 |
| Darius Slayton | $4,800 | $5,600 |
| Adam Thielen | $4,700 | $4,900 |
| Tutu Atwell | $4,700 | $4,800 |
| Joshua Palmer | $4,600 | $5,700 |
| Alec Pierce | N/A | $5,200 |
| Jalen Nailor | N/A | $5,100 |
| DeMario Douglas | $4,400 | $5,000 |
| Quentin Johnston | $4,400 | $5,600 |
| Cedric Tillman | $4,300 | $6,100 |
| Tre Tucker | $4,300 | $5,500 |
| Elijah Moore | $4,200 | $5,500 |
| Rashod Bateman | $4,200 | $5,500 |
| Adonai Mitchell | N/A | $4,900 |
| Cedrick Wilson Jr. | $4,100 | $4,800 |
| Mason Tipton | $4,000 | $5,400 |
| Ray-Ray McCloud III | $4,300 | $5,400 |
| Jahan Dotson | $4,200 | $4,700 |
| Mike Williams | $4,200 | $4,800 |
| Mason Tipton | $4,100 | $5,600 |
| Nelson Agholor | $4,000 | $5,400 |
| Noah Brown | $4,000 | $4,800 |
| Troy Franklin | $4,000 | $4,800 |
| Andrei Iosivas | $3,900 | $5,300 |
| DJ Turner | $3,900 | $5,200 |
| Jahan Dotson | $3,900 | $4,700 |
| Kalif Raymond | $3,900 | $4,900 |
| Curtis Samuel | $3,800 | $4,800 |
| Ray-Ray McCloud III | $3,800 | $4,700 |
| KaVontae Turpin | $3,700 | $5,400 |
| Kayshon Boutte | $3,700 | $4,800 |
| Tyler Boyd | $3,700 | $4,800 |
| Devaughn Vele | $3,600 | $4,800 |
| Jalen Coker | $3,600 | $4,800 |
| Parker Washington | $3,600 | $5,400 |
| Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | $3,500 | $5,200 |
| Odell Beckham Jr. | $3,500 | $4,600 |
| Tim Patrick | $3,500 | $4,700 |
| Ja’Lynn Polk | $3,400 | $4,600 |
| Olamide Zaccheaus | $3,400 | $4,800 |
| Kendrick Bourne | $3,300 | $4,800 |
| Jonathan Mingo | $3,200 | $4,900 |
| K.J. Osborn | $3,200 | $4,800 |
| Lil’Jordan Humphrey | $3,200 | $4,700 |
| Jermaine Burton | $3,100 | $4,900 |
| Mack Hollins | $3,100 | $4,800 |
| Marquez Valdes-Scantling | $3,100 | $4,000 |
| Marvin Mims Jr. | $3,100 | $4,300 |
Wide receiver
Weekly strategy – This week feels like the week to spend more elsewhere and save here. If you must spend up at WR1, use Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, or CeeDee Lamb. I’d rather use Cooper Kupp, DeVonta Smith, or Drake London. Josh Downs (toe) and Michael Pittman (back) make great WR2 options on FD & FB. Otherwise, use Jayden Reed, Chris Olave (if Derek Carr (oblique) plays), Romeo Doubs, or Darnell Mooney. Courtland Sutton must be on your roster at WR3 or Flex. If you want to fade the obvious chalk, take a shot on Xavier Legette or Ladd McConkey instead. The Browns matchup is nowhere near as exceptional as last week, but Cedric Tillman and Elijah Moore are cheap enough that they make great punt options. Kalif Raymond, Parker Washington, and Jalen Coker fit the bill as well.
Fantasy four-pack
A.J. Brown, Eagles vs. JAX ($8,100 DK, $9,000 FD) Jacksonville ranks bottom-five in WR receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TDs. On the year, Brown has scored in three of four games and is averaging over 100 receiving yards per game. 5-100-1 feels like his floor here.
CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys @ ATL ($8,800, $9,100 FD) Disregarding last week against the makeshift Tampa Bay WR corps, Atlanta has allowed an average of 20.3 PPR points to opposing WR1s this season. Meanwhile, Lamb is coming off his best game of the season (13-146-2) and has 31 targets over his last two games.
Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. IND (N/A, $9,200 FD) Jefferson ranks second among WRs in receiving yards, but he has scored only once in his last three games. The return of T.J. Hockenson may ding his target share this week, but in an assumed shootout, he will get back in the end zone.
Cooper Kupp, Rams @ SEA ($7,700 DK, $8,200 FD) It didn’t take long for Matthew Stafford to rekindle his affections for Kupp and Puka Nacua (knee). They combined for 12-157-1 on 17 targets. Now, Nacua aggravated his knee injury, so this may all go to Kupp this weekend. Seattle has faced only four “stud” WRs this year, but three of the four have scored. The one exception was Tyreek Hill with Skylar Thompson and Tim Boyle at QB.
Sleepers
Courtland Sutton, Broncos @ BAL ($5,400 DK, $6,000 FD) Sutton ranks 18th overall in targets this season. Unfortunately, with Bo Nix learning on the job, he has only 29 receptions to show for it. That said, the learning curve is reaching its apex as Sutton has topped 15 PPR points in three of his last four starts. Baltimore ranks dead last in yardage and TDs allowed to the position, so the combo should continue to eat here.
Romeo Doubs, Packers vs. DET ($5,700 DK, $6,300 FD) Assuming that Jordan Love (groin) plays, this game will be a shootout. Since their bye, Doubs has led the Packers in every receiving category. He is a must-start here as Detroit has allowed at least 16 PPR points to each WR1 they have faced over their last five games.
| Tight End | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Brock Bowers | $6,000 | $7,700 |
| Trey McBride | $5,800 | $6,800 |
| David Njoku | $5,500 | $7,000 |
| Evan Engram | $5,300 | $6,400 |
| Jake Ferguson | $5,100 | $6,500 |
| Dalton Kincaid | $5,000 | $6,200 |
| Kyle Pitts | $4,900 | $6,000 |
| Sam LaPorta | $4,800 | $6,300 |
| Tucker Kraft | $4,600 | $6,100 |
| Dallas Goedert | $4,500 | $6,000 |
| T.J. Hockenson | N/A | $5,600 |
| Cole Kmet | $4,400 | $5,200 |
| Zach Ertz | $4,300 | $5,300 |
| Mark Andrews | $4,200 | $5,800 |
| Isaiah Likely | $4,100 | $5,700 |
| Hunter Henry | $3,900 | $5,500 |
| Taysom Hill | $3,800 | $5,900 |
| Colby Parkinson | $3,700 | $5,000 |
| Noah Fant | $3,600 | $5,100 |
| Jonnu Smith | $3,500 | $5,400 |
| Grant Calcaterra | $3,400 | $5,200 |
| Juwan Johnson | $3,200 | $5,300 |
| Mike Gesicki | $3,100 | $5,400 |
| Will Dissly | $3,100 | $4,800 |
| Adam Trautman | $3,000 | $4,400 |
| Chig Okonkwo | $3,000 | $4,800 |
| Dawson Knox | $3,000 | $4,000 |
| Ja’Tavion Sanders | $2,900 | $5,000 |
| Foster Moreau | $2,800 | $4,600 |
| Lucas Krull | $2,700 | $4,700 |
| Theo Johnson | $2,700 | $4,900 |
Tight end
Weekly strategy – David Njoku and Kyle Pitts are the top options this week. Brock Bowers and Trey McBride are both more expensive and face stiffer competition. Evan Engram could see a volume boost because of injuries. Mark Andrews, Taysom Hill, Noah Fant, Mike Gesicki, and Hunter Henry have favorable matchups for less money. For a deep punt, use Ja’Tavion Sanders or Theo Johnson.
Fantasy four-pack
David Njoku, Browns vs. LAC ($5,500 DK, $7,000 FD) Over the last two games (coinciding with the elevation of Jameis Winston) Njoku has posted 15-137-2 on 21 targets. Los Angeles has faced only three elite TEs this year, and all have reached double-digit PPR points.
Kyle Pitts, Falcons vs. DAL ($4,900 DK, $6,000 FD) Over his last four games, Pitts is averaging 5.2-79-0.5. Meanwhile, Dallas has allowed four TE scores over the last three weeks.
Brock Bowers, Raiders @ CIN ($6,000 DK, $7,700 FD) Bowers leads the entire NFL universe in receptions. It helps that he has hauled in 80% of his 65 targets. This sets up nicely as Cincy ranks bottom-seven in every TE receiving category.
Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. CHI ($5,800 DK, $6,800 FD) McBride still hasn’t scored, but he is coming off his best game of the year. He also ranks second in TE receptions and targets, as well as third in TE receiving yards. Over the last two weeks, Chicago has allowed 19-210 to the position.
Sleepers
Taysom Hill, Saints @ CAR ($3,800 DK, $5,900 FD) Carolina has allowed the most passing TDs to opposing QBs, the most rushing TDs to opposing RBs, and the most receiving TDs to opposing TEs. Hill may very well score all three ways this weekend.
Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. DEN ($4,200 DK, $5,800 FD) Andrews has four TDs in the last three games. Denver has been truly tested by the position only once this year. They failed that test (8-97-1) versus Brock Bowers.