It’s time for Week 9, and Andy, Mike, and Jason broke it down to help you win your matchup! Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
News
Cam Skattebo suffered an ankle dislocation and will be out for the year. Tyler Lockett signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. Ravens may face significant punishment because of how they handled the Lamar Jackson injury status in Week 8. Saquon Barkley left in the 3rd quarter, but the injury isn’t considered serious. Tank Bigsby established himself as the backup in Philly, going over 100 yards on only nine carries. Quinshon Judkins left with a shoulder problem. Marvin Mims is in concussion protocol along with Luther Burden.
Studs
QBs: Jordan Love (Andy called it!). Drake Maye, even with five sacks. Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert, and Joe Flacco.
RBs: Jonathan Taylor is simply unstoppable, 30+ points on only 12 carries. James Cook rumbled for 200+ yards. Three-TD Breece Hall. Saquon Barkley and Chase Brown.
WR: Hey, it’s Franklin. Troy Franklin. Michael Pittman keeps rolling. Jaylen Waddle, Ja’Marr Chase, and Khalil Shakir.
TEs: Tucker Kraft, Dallas Goedert, Oronde Gadsden, Harold Fannin Jr., and George Kittle.
Duds
QBs: Baker Mayfield and Dak Prescott.
RBs: Bijan Robinson, Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Jordan Mason, and Rico Dowdle.
WRs: Quentin Johnston, Emeka Egbuka, and Darnell Mooney.
TEs: Jake Ferguson (0 points), Dalton Kincaid, TJ Hockenson, Mark Andrews/Isaiah Likely.
News
Terry McLaurin is dealing with the same quad injury he’s dealt with for the last few weeks. Brock Purdy is questionable to play this week after Mac Jones struggled the previous week. J.J. McCarthy will start because Carson Wentz is having shoulder surgery and is out for the season. The Ravens are confident that Lamar will play on Thursday. Joe Flacco is day-to-day with a shoulder injury.
Tyler Shough is now the starting QB in New Orleans. Tutu Atwell is on IR, and Puka should be back for Week 9. Michael Penix is day-to-day, as is Quinshon Judkins. The Cardinals released Michael Carter, but he is expected to rejoin them. Weird. The Steelers signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Rico Dowdle is scheduled to be the starter in Carolina moving forward after his excellent play.
Waiver Wire
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
RBs: Tyrone Tracy is the top pickup due to Cam Skattebo going down for the year, and can serve as an effective RB2. Devin Singletary is the insurance back for the NYG. Zonovan “Bam” Knight is the starter for the Cardinals and gets a nice matchup against DAL this week (Trey Benson could be back around Week 11 – 12, so stash him if he’s available).
Kyle Monangai. Brashard Smith is a stash. Tank Bigsby is the insurance back for Barkley and Dylan Sampson (got multiple targets) for Judkins. Look at Ollie Gordon, and Isaiah Davis will be a nice play if Breece Hall gets traded. Tyjae Spears is coming on strong and is getting three or more targets each game, and Kareem Hunt is getting goal-line looks.
WRs: Kayshon Boutte and his profound deep pass-catching ability. Christian Watson, Darius Slayton, Troy Franklin, and Alec Pierce should be considered. Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel for the Texans might break out over the last half of the season. Finally, Chimere Dike is coming on as WR16 in back-to-back weeks since they’ve made the head coaching change.
TEs: Colston Loveland is the top pickup with a Bengal’s matchup that’s generous to fantasy TEs. Harold Fannin Jr. is on bye, but stash him in case Njoku gets traded. Juwan Johnson may get more opportunities if Shaheed gets traded. Evan Engram is an SOS if he continues receiving 6+ targets. To note: Brenton Strange returns in Week 11 and Darren Waller in Week 13.
DSTs: DET Lions, LAR Rams, JAX Jaguars, LAC Chargers
Full Stream Ahead
Andy: Aaron Rodgers. The Colts are 30th in adjusted fantasy points to QB.
Jason: Matthew Stafford gets an easy NO matchup with the highest implied team total of the week.
Mike: Joe Flacco could do what he did two years ago and continue elevating the entire Bengals skill players.
Backup Option
If the waiver wire didn’t go your way, here are some backup options. Joe Flacco may be there. Brashard Smith could get some opportunity with Pacheco being week-to-week (MCL). The Colts’ DST is a top-5 scoring defense. Cleveland is a stash too, since they are going into their bye. Nick Chubb is a nasty boy, but he is playable.
News
Joe Flacco is dealing with an AC joint sprain, leaving his status uncertain. Jayden Daniels will practice on Wednesday and is expected back. Michael Penix could be back if he handles the walk-through. Drake London is in the same boat. George Pickens and the Cowboys have not started any contract extension talk. Diontae Johnson is visiting the Giants.
TNF Preview
2-5 BAL at 2-6 MIA (BAL -7.5, O/U 51.5)
The Ravens are heavy favorites on the road with the return of Lamar Jackson. The Ravens have the top 10 easiest schedule for all skill positions (notably easiest for QB and TE). Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers are all viable starting options. Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely are possible plays, but this will be a valuable learning opportunity because we haven’t seen them both on the field together in the same game with Lamar.
Jaylen Waddle is an every-week starter. Ollie Gordon played well last week, but is only getting 30% of snaps. He is a good insurance option for Achane. Malik Washington is a meh play, but he is getting opportunities and is super fast (hopefully creating big plays).
Midseason Review
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Top QBs
- Patrick Mahomes
- Lamar Jackson
- Josh Allen
- Jalen Hurts
- Drake Maye
Daniel Jones holds the sixth spot and should continue to produce. Bo Nix is seventh, but he is a true hot-or-cold player due to his overconfidence when he ventures outside the pocket.
Top RBs
- Jonathan Taylor
- Christian McCaffrey
- Bijan Robinson
- James Cook
- Josh Jacobs
Jahmyr Gibbs, at 18.1, is just behind Josh Jacobs and is disappointing, considering the high draft capital he had. He still has nuclear upside, though, so he’s fine. Devon Achane‘s opportunities have enabled him to become an excellent player. Javonte Williams is number eight, and anyone who took that chance in draft season hit big. Bucky Irving will return and can re-enter the top 10 in weekly scoring. D’Andre Swift‘s 53 red zone opportunities will keep him here as long as Kyle Monangai doesn’t steal too much.
Top WRs
- Puka Nacua
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- Amon-Ra St. Brown
- Ja’Marr Chase
- George Pickens – hinder expectations moving forward with the return of CeeDee Lamb
Garrett Wilson at six is impressive, considering he plays for the Jets. Davante Adams‘ goal-line targets keep his PPG up. In 8th, it’s Jordan Addison (more points per game than Justin Jefferson), Emeka Egbuka, and Rome Odunze. DK Metcalf is a wild story, but he is a locked-in WR1. Hopefully, Justin Jefferson improves his WR14 position with J.J. McCarthy coming back. Players that may move into the top 10: Jaylen Waddle, Tet McMillan, and Rashee Rice.
Top TEs
- Tucker Kraft
- Trey McBride
- Dallas Goedert (TD dependent, 16 TD pace for this season)
- Jake Ferguson
- Tyler Warren
Oronde Gadsden is getting huge volume, but may have bad games because the Chargers have so many other mouths to feed. Brock Bowers is healthy and should move up as he continues to improve health-wise. Both Ravens TEs (Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely) have room for improvement now that Lamar is back.
Mailbag
- Trade Ja’Marr Chase for JSN? Yes. Take JSN.
- Trade Emeka Egbuka for Ashton Jeanty? It’s a fair value, but it depends on the depth for each team.
- Would you rather have Chase Brown or D’Andre Swift for the rest of the season? Very similar, Swift is less risky.
- IR Rules. Players in fantasy SHOULD NOT have to be on IR in real life. If that player is out, they should be eligible to stash them in IR in fantasy.
- Is it fair to accept a trade when a player in a trade gets hurt? NO, this is disgusting and a true rookie move. Don’t be that person. Public service announcement: don’t let trades hang out for too long to avoid this situation altogether.
News
Tyler Shough is the starting QB of the Saints for the remainder of the season. Terry McLaurin reinjured his quad, and his availability is in question. Nico Collins will be back this week. Joe Flacco practiced on Thursday.
Limited Practice
Did Not Practice
Starts of the Week
QB
RB
WR
TE
Fantasy Forecast
Byes: Browns, Buccaneers, Eagles, and Jets
4-3 CHI at 3-5 CIN (CHI – 3, O/U 51.5)
Joe Flacco‘s availability is uncertain, and if he is unable to play, Jake Browning will take his place. Adjust all skill player expectations for the Bengals in that scenario. With no Flacco, Ja’Marr Chase is the only safe start. D’Andre Swift and Colston Loveland get tasty matchups. Rome Odunze is a start.
3-4 MIN at 5-2 DET (DET -8.5, O/U 48.5)
J.J. McCarthy will start for the Vikings and should be fine game script-wise because the Lions will likely score. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are fragile due to the DET’s defense. Gibbs, Amon-Ra, start with confidence. Jameson Williams may get more involved after the bye, as coaches mention they’ll review some film to see why some players aren’t producing.
4-4 CAR at 5-1-1 GB (GB -13.5, O/U 44.5)
Play Jordan Love, Tucker Kraft, and Josh Jacobs are a start (but will be limited, so temper expectations). Christian Watson has the best upside at WR, Doubs has a safer floor, and Matthew Golden still doesn’t have a TD. Tucker Kraft is a set-it-and-forget-it start. Bryce Young returns in an uphill battle. Rico Dowdle may be the new starter in CAR, but he is in a tough spot, too. Hinder expectations for Tet McMillan against a tough defense.
5-3 LAC at 1-7 TEN (LAC -9.5, O/U 43.5)
The thrill is gone for Cam Ward, albeit, the whole Titans offense is in trouble outside of their rookie WRs Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor. Tyjae Spears has been better than Tony Pollard. Kimani Vidal is a smash start. Ladd McConkey was limited, but is an excellent play this week, as is TE Oronde Gadsden, who is on fire with 15+ fantasy points in three weeks. QJ goosed last week and is hard to rely on, as is Keenan Allen. Any Charger can go off and is hard to rely on from week to week.
3-4 ATL at 6 – 2 NE (NE -5.5, O/U 44.5)
Drake Maye is third in MVP voting and one of the best assets in fantasy. Kayshon Boutte is playable. Rhamondre Stevenson is dealing with a turf toe situation, so keep an eye on that. Bijan Robinson, of course. Drake London is a start if he plays. Darnell Mooney should be kept on fantasy benches until he proves he’s back. Kyle Pitts is a start of the week
5-3 SF at 2-6 NYG (SF -2.5, O/U 48.5)
Jaxson Dart has performed well, considering the limitations of his weapons. Darius Slayton is a solid pickup and can deliver big weeks with long TDs. Jauan Jennings may step into a WR1 role, but it will be with Mac Jones, as Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall are unlikely to play. Get ya George Kittle‘s in.
News
Travis Hunter is on IR with a non-contact knee injury. Ricky Pearsall is closer to a return and is expected for Week 10 – great second-half sleeper. Josh Downs, Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, Brock Bowers, Jakobi Meyers, and Jayden Daniels are back and will play. Jacoby Brissett may start for the Arizona Cardinals.
Thursday Limited Practice
Thursday DNP (did not practice)
Fantasy Forecast
7 – 1 IND at 4 – 3 PITT (IND -3, O/U 50.5)
Daniel Jones and Michael Pittman are starts of the week. JT, of course. Alec Pierce is a solid streamer, and Tyler Warren is a great play. Jaylen Warren will get targets and 10+ rush attempts. DK Metcalf is the only other safe Steelers option.
6-2 DEN at 3-4 HOU (HOU -1.5, O/U 39.5)
This is the defensive matchup of the week as both teams excel there. Bo Nix looks good, but the Texans average less than 10 points per game to QBs, so consider other options if you have them. Courtland Sutton is a hard play because upside is capped. RJ Harvey is coming off a huge week, but don’t chase it. Woody Marks popped up with a Q all the sudden so Nick Chubb may get more chances. Nico Collins and Christian Kirk are back. Be careful with Troy Franklin and any other DEN WR.
4-3 JAX at 2-5 LV (JAX -2.5, O/U 44.5)
Geno Smith has struggled, especially downfield, but gets Brock and Jakobi back. Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers are the best plays from LV. Travis Etienne is a start of the week, and Bhaysul Tuten’s chances have been limited. Parker Washington is a strong pickup after 10 targets last week. Brian Thomas Jr. is struggling with drops and targets. With no Travis Hunter, he is a start.
1-7 NO at 5-2 LAR (LAR -14, O/U 43.5)
The Saints project for less than 15 points as a team. Rams DST is a smash play in Tyler Shough‘s first career start. Alvin Kamara has been limited and is not getting his usual target volume (RB30 on the year). Chris Olave is the only safe start. Stash Devin Neal to see what happens in the new offense. Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Matthew Stafford are easy starts.
5-3 KC at 5-2 BUF (-1.5 KC, O/U 52.5)
Keon Coleman can’t separate, got lit up by Steve Smith in the media, and it’s hard to start him. Rashee Rice is a start ROS. Josh Allen, yes, and Dalton Kincaid is a fine play (especially as a stack). Patrick Mahomes, fire him up! Brashard Smith‘s usage fell off after more snaps the week before, but he is a good flier. Travis Kelce is TE6 and is in play.
5-2 SEA at 3-5 WAS (SEA -3, O/U 48.5)
Andy’s Almost Upset of the Week
Jayden Daniels is back and is playable with confidence. Jacory Croskey-Merritt has struggled and doesn’t have to be played. The Manders RB situation is rough, and against SEA, they may not have a startable RB. Jeremy McNichols is the pass-catching back for what it’s worth. Deebo Samuel is a solid play with no McLaurin. Kenneth Walker is struggling in the snap count department due to Zach Charbonnet, and both are middling options. Charbonnet is inefficient, but he is the goal-line back. Tory Horton is a good pick-up. Zach Ertz is a fine TE play.
2-5 ARI at 3-4-1 DAL (DAL -2.5, O/U 54.5)
The Cowboys are on pace to be the first team in NFL history to score 30, but also give up 30 points per game on the year. Bam Knight is a start of the week at RB. Jacoby Brissett is having success, but he or Kyler Murray is startable vs the Cowboys. Marvin Harrison needs more targets. Trey McBride is a top 3 TE play. All Cowboys are in play: Dak, CeeDee, Pickens, Javonte, and Ferguson.
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