Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 9

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 9 DFS fantasy football

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)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,500 $9,300
Kyler Murray $7,400 $8,200
Justin Herbert $7,200 $7,800
Tua Tagovailoa $6,700 $8,000
Joe Burrow $6,600 $8,500
Kirk Cousins $6,200 $7,900
Tom Brady $6,000 $6,900
Aaron Rodgers $5,900 $7,000
Geno Smith $5,800 $7,500
Matthew Stafford $5,600 $6,700
Jared Goff $5,500 $7,100
Derek Carr $5,400 $6,800
Taylor Heinicke $5,400 $7,200
Justin Fields $5,300 $7,400
Marcus Mariota $5,300 $7,100
P.J. Walker $5,200 $6,500
Trevor Lawrence $5,200 $6,800
Mac Jones $5,100 $6,400
Zach Wilson $5,100 $6,600
Baker Mayfield $5,000 $6,200
Sam Ehlinger $5,000 $6,300

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Justin HerbertTua 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 FDWhen 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 Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Austin Ekeler $8,800 $9,400
Dalvin Cook $7,800 $8,500
Jonathan Taylor $7,700 $6,800
Aaron Jones $7,400 $7,800
Josh Jacobs
$7,300 $8,800
Leonard Fournette $6,600 $7,100
Joe Mixon $6,500 $8,100
D’Andre Swift $6,400 $7,500
Travis Etienne $6,300 $7,600
Kenneth Walker $6,200 $8,300
Rhamondre Stevenson $6,200 $8,000
Raheem Mostert $6,100 $6,500
David Montgomery $6,000 $7,000
D’Onta Foreman $6,000 $7,300
Eno Benjamin $5,900 $6,600
Jamaal Williams $5,900 $7,500
James Conner $5,800 $6,600
Khalil Herbert $5,800 $7,000
AJ Dillon $5,700 $6,100
Devin Singletary $5,700 $6,000
Damien Harris $5,600 $6,200
Antonio Gibson $5,500 $6,100
Michael Carter $5,500 $6,000
Nyheim Hines $5,500 $5,900
Brian Robinson $5,400 $5,900
James Robinson $5,400 $6,000
Tyler Allgeier $5,400 $6,400
Chuba Hubbard $5,300 $6,100
Samaje Perine $5,300 $6,000
Deon Jackson $5,200 $5,000
Darrell Henderson $5,100 $5,700
Cam Akers $5,000 $5,500
Caleb Huntley $4,900 $6,000
Ronnie Rivers $4,800 $5,300
J.D. McKissic $4,500 $4,800
Malcolm Brown $4,100 $5,200
Kyren Williams $4,000 $4,500

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 FDJacobs 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 receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Cooper Kupp $8,900 $9,000
Justin Jefferson $8,600 $9,000
Tyreek Hill $8,500 $8,700
Stefon Diggs $8,400 $8,900
Davante Adams $8,100 $8,100
DeAndre Hopkins $7,900 $8,600
Jaylen Waddle $7,400 $8,200
Tee Higgins $7,300 $8,000
Mike Evans $7,200 $7,700
Gabe Davis $6,900 $6,600
Michael Pittman $6,800 $6,400
Amon-Ra St. Brown $6,600 $7,100
Keenan Allen $6,500 $7,500
DK Metcalf $6,400 $7,400
Tyler Boyd $6,300 $6,900
Chris Godwin $6,200 $6,700
Tyler Lockett $6,100 $7,600
Allen Lazard $6,000 $6,500
Terry McLaurin $5,900 $7,200
DJ Moore $5,800 $7,000
Adam Thielen $5,600 $6,200
Christian Kirk $5,500 $6,300
Jakobi Meyers $5,400 $6,800
Romeo Doubs $5,300 $6,100
Curtis Samuel $5,200 $5,600
Rondale Moore $5,200 $5,900
Joshua Palmer $5,100 $6,200
Allen Robinson $5,000 $7,000
Julio Jones $5,000 $5,300
Drake London $4,900 $5,600
Isaiah McKenzie $4,900 $5,500
Garrett Wilson $4,800 $5,800
Darnell Mooney $4,700 $6,100
Josh Reynolds $4,600 $5,700
Hunter Renfrow $4,500 $5,400
Mack Hollins $4,500 $5,700
Alec Pierce $4,400 $5,500
DJ Chark $4,400 $5,000
Corey Davis $4,600 $5,000
DeAndre Carter $4,300 $5,500
Elijah Moore $4,300 $5,000
K.J. Osborn $4,200 $5,300
Marvin Jones $4,200 $5,300
Parris Campbell $4,200 $5,400
Russell Gage $4,100 $5,200
Zay Jones $4,100 $5,500
DeVante Parker $4,000 $5,500
Kalif Raymond $4,000 $5,400
Marquise Goodwin $3,900 $5,300
Terrace Marshall $3,900 $5,400
Robbie Anderson $3,800 $5,100
Olamide Zaccheaus $3,600 $5,200
Sammy Watkins $3,600 $5,400
Christian Watson $3,500 $5,500
Damiere Byrd $3,500 $5,400
Dante Pettis $3,500 $5,300
Khalil Shakir $3,500 $5,200
Van Jefferson $3,500 $5,800
Braxton Berrios $3,400 $4,900
Ben Skowronek $3,300 $5,400
Dyami Brown $3,300 $4,800
Laviska Shenault $3,300 $5,100
Trent Sherfield $3,300 $5,100
Tyquan Thornton $3,300 $5,600
Nelson Agholor $3,200 $5,200
Cedrick Wilson $3,100 $4,900
Samori Toure $3,000 $4,600

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 MarshallMarvin 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 ends DraftKings FanDuel
Zach Ertz $5,100 $6,600
T.J. Hockenson $5,000 $6,200
Darren Waller $4,900 $6,000
Gerald Everett $4,800 $5,800
Kyle Pitts $4,500 $6,300
Mike Gesicki $4,000 $5,500
Robert Tonyan $3,800 $5,000
Tyler Higbee $3,700 $6,100
Hayden Hurst $3,600 $5,300
Dawson Knox $3,500 $5,100
Evan Engram $3,300 $5,200
Foster Moreau $3,200 $5,400
Tyler Conklin $3,200 $5,200
Cade Otton $3,100 $4,800
Cameron Brate $3,100 $4,500
Cole Kmet $3,000 $4,700
Hunter Henry $3,000 $4,700
Will Dissly $3,000 $4,900
Jonnu Smith $2,900 $4,400
Logan Thomas $2,900 $5,000
Noah Fant $2,900 $4,800
Johnny Mundt $2,800 $4,500
Mo Alie-Cox $2,800 $4,600
Donald Parham $2,600 $4,300
Brock Wright $2,500 $4,400
Brycen Hopkins $2,500 $4,100
Colby Parkinson $2,500 $4,400
Kendall Blanton $2,500 $4,200

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 EverettKyle 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.

Fantasy football start/bench list: Week 9

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

QUARTERBACKS WIDE RECEIVERS
BEST BETS Opp BEST BETS Opp
Patrick Mahomes TEN DeAndre Hopkins SEA
Josh Allen @NYJ Stefon Diggs @NYJ
GREAT STARTS Opp J. Jefferson @WAS
Aaron Rodgers @DET GREAT STARTS Opp
Jalen Hurts @HOU A.J. Brown @HOU
Tua Tagovailoa @CHI Tyreek Hill @CHI
SOLID STARTERS Opp Davante Adams @JAC
Kirk Cousins @WAS Cooper Kupp @TB
Lamar Jackson @NO SOLID STARTERS Opp
Kyler Murray SEA Drake London LAC
Joe Burrow CAR Josh Palmer @ATL
Justin Herbert @ATL DeVonta Smith @HOU
Trevor Lawrence LVR Christian Kirk LVR
Justin Fields MIA Tyler Boyd CAR
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Alec Pierce @NE
Ryan Tannehill @KC Curtis Samuel MIN
Derek Carr @JAC DK Metcalf @ARI
Geno Smith @ARI Rondale Moore SEA
Tom Brady LAR A. St. Brown GB
Marcus Mariota LAC Mike Evans LAR
Taylor Heinicke MIN D.J. Moore @CIN
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp T. Marshall Jr. @CIN
Zach Wilson BUF Chris Olave BAL
Jared Goff GB Romeo Doubs @DET
Andy Dalton BAL Adam Thielen @WAS
M. Stafford @TB Jaylen Waddle @CHI
Sam Ehlinger @NE Gabe Davis @NYJ
Mac Jones IND Mecole Hardman TEN
P.J. Walker @CIN Terry McLaurin MIN
Davis Mills PHI Chris Godwin LAR
RUNNING BACKS Keenan Allen @ATL
BEST BETS Opp Jakobi Meyers IND
Austin Ekeler @ATL Tee Higgins CAR
Alvin Kamara BAL J. Smith-Schuster TEN
Travis Etienne LVR FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
GREAT STARTS Opp Allen Robinson @TB
Aaron Jones @DET O. Zaccheaus LAC
Miles Sanders @HOU Josh Reynolds GB
Dalvin Cook @WAS Marvin Jones LVR
SOLID STARTERS Opp Robert Woods @KC
R. Stevenson IND Brandin Cooks PHI
Josh Jacobs @JAC Tyler Lockett @ARI
Dameon Pierce PHI Zay Jones LVR
L. Fournette LAR Mack Hollins @JAC
Joe Mixon CAR Devin Duvernay @NO
Derrick Henry @KC M. Pittman Jr. @NE
AJ Dillon @DET M. Valdes-Scantling TEN
Khalil Herbert MIA Darnell Mooney MIA
Jamaal Williams GB Garrett Wilson BUF
Raheem Mostert @CHI Isaiah McKenzie @NYJ
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Damien Harris IND Elijah Moore BUF
Jonathan Taylor @NE Kadarius Toney TEN
B. Robinson Jr. MIN Chase Claypool MIA
C. Edwards-Helaire TEN Jarvis Landry BAL
Kenyan Drake @NO Michael Thomas BAL
Antonio Gibson MIN Allen Lazard @DET
Tyler Allgeier LAC Nico Collins PHI
Michael Carter BUF Treylon Burks @KC
K. Walker III @ARI Ben Skowronek @TB
D. Montgomery MIA Rashid Shaheed BAL
D. Singletary @NYJ Julio Jones LAR
D’Onta Foreman @CIN Sammy Watkins @DET
Caleb Huntley LAC Hunter Renfrow @JAC
D’Andre Swift GB Parris Campbell @NE
Eno Benjamin SEA Kalif Raymond GB
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp M. Goodwin @ARI
Nyheim Hines @NYJ DEFENSIVE TEAMS
Justice Hill @NO BEST BETS Opp
Jerick McKinnon TEN Patriots IND
James Robinson BUF Eagles @HOU
Jeff Wilson Jr. @CHI GREAT STARTS Opp
Isiah Pacheco TEN Chiefs TEN
C. Patterson LAC Bills @NYJ
D. Henderson @TB SOLID STARTERS Opp
Ronnie Rivers @TB Dolphins @CHI
James Conner SEA Bengals CAR
Gus Edwards @NO Packers @DET
Chuba Hubbard @CIN Ravens @NO
TIGHT ENDS Vikings @WAS
BEST BETS Opp FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
Travis Kelce TEN Jaguars LVR
GREAT STARTS Opp Rams @TB
Mark Andrews @NO Buccaneers LAR
Robert Tonyan @DET Colts @NE
SOLID STARTERS Opp Cardinals SEA
Zach Ertz SEA Seahawks @ARI
Hayden Hurst CAR Panthers @CIN
Evan Engram LVR Chargers @ATL
Gerald Everett @ATL SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Kyle Pitts LAC Titans @KC
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Raiders @JAC
Noah Fant @ARI Texans PHI
Dawson Knox @NYJ Falcons LAC
Mo Alie-Cox @NE Lions GB
Mike Gesicki @CHI Bears MIA
Logan Thomas MIN Commanders MIN
Dallas Goedert @HOU Jets BUF
Taysom Hill BAL Saints BAL
Tyler Conklin BUF
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Cole Kmet MIA
Cade Otton LAR
T.J. Hockenson @WAS
Hunter Henry IND
Darren Waller @JAC
Austin Hooper @KC

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 9

Jordan Love has fantasy profit written all over him.

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start or bench. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as the fantasy football gamble of the week.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 9

Tracking my predictions: 2-6-0
Win: Player produces ≥ 75% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >75% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected or leaves with an injury

Here I sit, 2-6 with four bad beats and consecutive whiffs leading up to Week 9. This must be how the New York Giants or Washington Football Team feel … there’s a creeping sense of hopelessness and despair. That is, until I remember back to what I personally would say was my finest fantasy football season yet.

Picture it … San Diego, 2012 … my fantasy team sported a thoroughly embarrassing 2-5 record, residing in last place. I decided it was time to completely rebuild around two key pieces, so four trades later, I had acquired Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson.

In Week 8, I squeaked out a victory by fewer than three points to get to 3-5. Week 9 saw me blow out my opponent by 43 and inch closer to 0.500. The next week, Stafford and Megatron combined for 65.45 points, and I scored 185, rattling off my third straight win to get back to even in the W-L department. I knew the team was something special at that point. I’ll spare you the week-to-week recap from there, but suffice it to say, that team never lost another game.

Goonies never say die.

Each week, when narrowing my player choice for this spot, one thing always becomes a factor … do I play is safe and recommend a player with an easier chance of meeting the expectations, or do I swing for the fences. In other words, there’s always a measure of risk one has to weigh on the proverbial scale of difficulty.

This week, maybe I’m on tilt, but something about this situation has me feeling it a little more than the others I assessed.

QB Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs

The controversial news surrounding Aaron Rodgers being placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list makes for endless TV banter, but what intrigues me the most is finally getting to see Love start a meaningful game. Not just a regular-season contest but one that has huge implications for both franchises.

Nerves will be a factor, and mistakes will be made, but as 2019 Jameis Winston taught us, if at first you throw 30 interceptions, try, try and try again, because eventually you’ll toss 33 touchdowns … or something like that. The point is, even through a ridiculous number of errors, Winston still finished as the QB2 overall that year. It wasn’t pretty, but he still did it. The same kind of situation happened back in 2006 with Jon Kitna … in fact, he threw more picks that scores and still finished QB3.

[lawrence-related id=461828]

Why do I bring up those players? Well, Love’s situation could play out in a similar way, albeit just in a single-game microcosm. The Packers will need to throw to keep pace with KC, and this one is at Arrowhead, so we all know how that can go for an inexperience passer. Playing him in fantasy requires the acceptance of mistakes.

Love is in an interesting situation … if he’s awful, no big deal. Rodgers put him in this situation, right? If he’s awesome, the conversations begin about whether the Packers should expedite the heir-apparent situation. Sounds crazy? Maybe. We can revisit if he wins and plays well. And, don’t discount the idea there could be some kind of sanction against No. 12 that winds up costing him games.

The Packers get Davante Adams and Allen Lazard back from the COVID-19 list, a week after losing tight end Robert Tonyan to a torn ACL. There’s some merit to the idea Lazard could be utilized in that Tonyan role as a quasi-tight end/WR hybrid out of the slot. They’re the same height, close enough in weight that it’s irrelevant, and Lazard is a capable blocker. All of that only holds true of Marquez Valdes-Scantling (hamstring) is activated for the game. If not, Lazard stays at wide receiver and the offense chugs along. We cannot forget Randall Cobb coming off a two-score game in Adams’ absence, showing the vet still can run a quality route and work a less savvy defensive back.

The Chiefs, for their part in this situation, have allowed every quarterback but Baker Mayfield (Week 1) and Taylor Heinicke (Week 7) to score 20-plus fantasy points in 2021. We’ve seen Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen and Ryan Tannehill all go for north of 24 points, with all but the Tennessee quarterback fitting into the 30- to 39-point range.

What do they have in common with Love? Mobility. He’s not going to get confused with Lamar in the open field, but the two most common traits to appear on any of his college scouting reports were arm strength and mobility. The Rodgers variety — move around in the pocket, buy extra time as the play breaks down, and wait for a receiver to get open. Kind of like what we see from Herbert and Daniel Jones, who managed 222-2-1 last week with a few Pop Warner wide receivers at his disposal.

Now, Matt LaFleur could derail my entire logic train right off the tracks by forcing Love into being a game manager and handing off the ball 40 times in effort to keep Patrick Mahomes on the sideline and prevent his own QB from making mistakes. That is entirely possible. Precisely, this is the top area of concern for me. It’s not that Love hasn’t started a regular-season game before or that it’s on the road in a hostile environment. It’s that knowing exactly how a coach will chose to operate is more art than science, unless we’re talking about Jeff Fisher. That dude was as predictable as the sun rising.

So, if you’re in a tough spot with Tom Brady on a bye, Rodgers watching from quarantine, Russell Wilson still hurt and on a bye, or any number of the other reasons why your QB situation has induced a stream of expletives flowing freely, all you need is a little Love in Week 9.

My projectionv: 272 passing yards, 30 rushing yards, 2 TD passes, 1 INT (23.6 fantasy points)

Fantasy football start/bench list: Week 9

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

QUARTERBACKS WIDE RECEIVERS
BEST BETS Opp BEST BETS Opp
Josh Allen @JAC Cooper Kupp TEN
M. Stafford TEN Stefon Diggs @JAC
GREAT STARTS Opp GREAT STARTS Opp
Lamar Jackson MIN Brandin Cooks @MIA
Tua Tagovailoa HOU Marquise Brown MIN
SOLID STARTERS Opp Tyreek Hill GB
Carson Wentz NYJ Robert Woods TEN
Patrick Mahomes GB Cole Beasley @JAC
Derek Carr @NYG Diontae Johnson CHI
Kyler Murray @SF SOLID STARTERS Opp
Kirk Cousins @BAL DeVante Parker HOU
Joe Burrow CLE C. Sutton @DAL
Dak Prescott DEN E. Sanders @JAC
Justin Herbert @PHI Adam Thielen @BAL
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Deebo Samuel ARI
Davis Mills @MIA Hunter Renfrow @NYG
Mac Jones @CAR DeAndre Hopkins @SF
Ryan Tannehill @LAR Jamison Crowder @IND
B. Roethlisberger CHI Ja’Marr Chase CLE
Jordan Love @KC Mike Williams @PHI
Jalen Hurts LAC Chase Claypool CHI
Mike White @IND Davante Adams @KC
Taysom Hill ATL CeeDee Lamb DEN
Daniel Jones LVR M. Pittman Jr. NYJ
Justin Fields @PIT Amari Cooper DEN
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp D.J. Moore NE
Jimmy Garoppolo ARI A.J. Brown @LAR
P.J. Walker NE Mecole Hardman GB
Baker Mayfield @CIN Jaylen Waddle HOU
Tyrod Taylor @MIA Jerry Jeudy @DAL
Sam Darnold NE J. Jefferson @BAL
Matt Ryan @NO Keenan Allen @PHI
T. Bridgewater @DAL Jarvis Landry @CIN
Trevor Lawrence BUF Tee Higgins CLE
RUNNING BACKS FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
BEST BETS Opp Van Jefferson TEN
Jonathan Taylor NYJ D. Peoples-Jones @CIN
Austin Ekeler @PHI Rondale Moore @SF
GREAT STARTS Opp Tim Patrick @DAL
Najee Harris CHI Tajae Sharpe @NO
Ezekiel Elliott DEN A.J. Green @SF
Devontae Booker LVR Randall Cobb @KC
D. Henderson TEN T.Y. Hilton NYJ
SOLID STARTERS Opp Tre’Quan Smith ATL
James Conner @SF Zach Pascal NYJ
Boston Scott LAC Christian Kirk @SF
Aaron Jones @KC Allen Lazard @KC
C. Patterson @NO Brandon Aiyuk ARI
Joe Mixon CLE Bryan Edwards @NYG
Michael Carter @IND DeVonta Smith LAC
Khalil Herbert @PIT L. Shenault Jr. BUF
Alvin Kamara ATL Darnell Mooney @PIT
Myles Gaskin HOU Rashod Bateman MIN
M. Gordon III @DAL Jamal Agnew BUF
Dalvin Cook @BAL Elijah Moore @IND
Josh Jacobs @NYG Marvin Jones BUF
Damien Harris @CAR Tyler Boyd CLE
Elijah Mitchell ARI Jakobi Meyers @CAR
Darrel Williams GB Kadarius Toney LVR
Nick Chubb @CIN K.J. Osborn @BAL
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Rex Burkhead @MIA Cedrick Wilson DEN
Adrian Peterson @LAR Deonte Harris ATL
Mike Davis @NO M. Callaway ATL
Kenyan Drake @NYG Julio Jones @LAR
D. Singletary @JAC Sammy Watkins MIN
Derrick Gore GB S. Shepard LVR
Tony Pollard DEN Corey Davis @IND
Zack Moss @JAC M. Valdes-Scantling @KC
J. Williams @DAL Jalen Reagor LAC
Chase Edmonds @SF R. Gage Jr. @NO
Ty Johnson @IND Devin Duvernay MIN
David Johnson @MIA Nelson Agholor @CAR
D’Ernest Johnson @CIN Byron Pringle GB
Latavius Murray MIN Quez Watkins LAC
Carlos Hyde BUF N. Westbrook-Ikhine @LAR
Mark Ingram ATL A. Robinson II @PIT
AJ Dillon @KC John Ross LVR
Chuba Hubbard NE Nico Collins @MIA
J. McNichols @LAR Robby Anderson NE
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp DEFENSIVE TEAMS
R. Stevenson @CAR BEST BETS Opp
Jordan Howard LAC Steelers CHI
Ameer Abdullah NE GREAT STARTS Opp
Sony Michel TEN Bills @JAC
Royce Freeman NE SOLID STARTERS Opp
Salvon Ahmed HOU Saints ATL
Devonta Freeman MIN Rams TEN
Kyle Juszczyk ARI Colts NYJ
C. McCaffrey NE Dolphins HOU
Saquon Barkley LVR Patriots @CAR
D. Montgomery @PIT Cowboys DEN
C. Edwards-Helaire GB Cardinals @SF
James Robinson BUF FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
TIGHT ENDS Browns @CIN
BEST BETS Opp Chiefs GB
Dallas Goedert LAC Bengals CLE
Travis Kelce GB Ravens MIN
GREAT STARTS Opp Packers @KC
Mike Gesicki HOU Raiders @NYG
Mark Andrews MIN Falcons @NO
SOLID STARTERS Opp Chargers @PHI
Darren Waller @NYG Texans @MIA
Dalton Schultz DEN Giants LVR
Jared Cook @PHI SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Zach Ertz @SF Jaguars BUF
Hunter Henry @CAR Jets @IND
Tyler Higbee TEN 49ers ARI
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Bears @PIT
Evan Engram LVR Eagles LAC
Tyler Conklin @BAL Broncos @DAL
C.J. Uzomah CLE Titans @LAR
Mo Alie-Cox NYJ Panthers NE
Kyle Pitts @NO Vikings @BAL
Pat Freiermuth CHI
Noah Fant @DAL
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
David Njoku @CIN
Cole Kmet @PIT
Anthony Firkser @LAR
Brevin Jordan @MIA
Adam Trautman ATL
Marcedes Lewis @KC
Jack Doyle NYJ
Tyler Kroft @IND
Tommy Sweeney @JAC
Dawson Knox @JAC