One of the things I hate in fantasy football is when a terrible player does great against me especially in garbage time. I won’t mention any names… Blake Bortles cough cough. Bortles in the first half of the Thursday night game was awful & was doing absolutely nothing. The Titans were up 27-0 in the first half & then Bortles was able to finish the game with 337 yards & 3 touchdowns in garbage time & ended up being the 4th leading scorer this week with 29 points. It also is worse when I have Allen Robinson & he didn’t benefit from Bortles big week only getting 13 fantasy points & was unable to get into the endzone for the 3rd straight week. Let me stop ranting so I can let you know who I would start/sit this week. All my decisions are based on PPR scoring.
Top 3 Performers in Week 8:
Derek Carr (QB, Raiders): 35 points
Aaron Rodgers (QB, Packers): 33 points
Tom Brady (QB, Patriots): 29 points
QBs to start in Week 9:
Jameis Winston (vs. Falcons): Winston has had a solid first half of the season with 1,776 yards, 14 touchdowns, & 9 interceptions. Winston has seen a lot of his offensive weapons get injured like the likes of Vincent Jackson, Doug Martin, & Jacquizz Rodgers. The good thing for Winston is that he still has one of the best WRs in the NFL to throw to: Mike Evans. Winston is a very talented QB & could have a big week against a Falcons defense that has allowed the 2nd most points to QBs & have allowed 19 touchdown passes which is tied most in the NFL.
Dak Prescott (vs. Browns): Dak Prescott has been nothing short of impressive this season as a 4th round rookie. In the first 3 quarters of the game on Sunday night against the Eagles Prescott looked like he was struggling a bit. In the 4th quarter & overtime Prescott stepped up & pulled a win out over the division rival Eagles. In 4 of the 7 games Prescott has started in he has ran a touchdown. This week he plays the Browns who have allowed the 3rd most points to opposing QBs & to be honest they’re the Browns & I like everyone against the Browns.
Philip Rivers (vs. Titans): Rivers right now is the 9th best fantasy QB this season. The last 3 weeks Rivers has averaged only 15 points each week but he has a favorable matchup this week against the Titans. The only thing that hurts Rivers is his constant turnovers. In the last 2 weeks Rivers has turned the ball over 5 times & has only had 2 weeks this season where he didn’t have a turnover. I envision Rivers having a nice week against a Titans defense that has allowed the 9th most points to opposing QBs.
My Star QB of the Week: Aaron Rodgers (vs. Colts): Early in the season people were asking: Is Rodgers declining? All I have to say to that is N-O. The Packers have seemed to change their offense a bit using their WRs as RBs & have used their short yardage passing game as their running game. In the last 2 weeks Rodgers has been great throwing 572 yards & 7 touchdowns in the 2 games combined. This week he gets a very favorable matchup against a Colts team that just allowed 31 total points to the Chiefs QBs (Alex Smith, Nick Foles) & have allowed the 5th most points to opposing QBs.
Under the Radar QB: Sam Bradford (vs. Lions): Yes, I know Bradford & the Vikings offense has looked awful the last 2 weeks but hear me out. There are 6 teams on bye this week & there’s probably 4 QBs on bye that have fantasy implications (Brady, Dalton, Palmer, Cousins). The Vikings also face the Lions defense that’s allowed the most points to opposing QBs & have allowed 19 touchdown passes this season which is the most in the NFL. I’m not saying you should go out of your way to start Bradford but if you need a streaming option this week he might not be a bad option this week.
QBs to sit in Week 9:
Tyrod Taylor (vs. Seahawks): Tyrod Taylor has been a solid fantasy QB this season since Week 2 averaging 20.6 points in Weeks 2-8. The most impressive part of his success is that he’s had a multitude of injuries to his weapons (Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, LeSean McCoy, etc.). This week Taylor goes up against the Seattle Seahawks defense & the Seahawks may be getting Kam Chancellor back after he has missed their last 2 games. If possible I’m finding another QB to start this week.
Eli Manning (vs. Eagles): Manning has struggled mightily this year. Manning has one of the best WR trios in the NFL with Beckham Jr., Cruz & Shepard but only has 1,984 yards, 8 touchdowns & 6 interceptions so far this season. Manning also has 3 games this season where he did not throw a touchdown. I’m avoiding Manning this week as he goes against an Eagles defense that has allowed 2nd least amount of points to opposing QBs.
RBs to start in Week 9:
Mark Ingram (vs. 49ers): Yeah, I know Ingram was benched last week against the Seahawks after fumbling early but his replacement Tim Hightower failed to get into the endzone while receiving 5 goal line carries. Ingram is easily the best RB in this offense & has a great chance to earn his job back as the sole starter this week as he goes against the 49ers. The 49ers have allowed the most rushing yards & have allowed the 2nd most points to opposing QBs. Please let this be the week Ingram gets his job back! I may or may not own Ingram.
Carlos Hyde (vs. Saints): On the opposite team as Mark Ingram in this game is Carlos Hyde. This decision is only valid if Hyde does indeed play on Sunday. Hyde was held out in Week 7 with a shoulder injury & in Week 8 they had a bye so I believe all signs point to him playing. If he plays he will be going against a Saints defense that has allowed the most rushing touchdowns to RBs (11) & have allowed the 3rd most points to opposing RBs.
Devontae Booker (vs. Raiders): Booker is coming off his 1st start in Week 8 against the Chargers. Booker had 19 carries for 54 yards & a touchdown while also adding 5 catches for 30 yards. The only negative thing in this game was he had a fumble in this game. The good thing about this is that the Broncos don’t really have a RB on the roster to take away many touches especially with C.J Anderson on IR. Booker gets another favorable matchup this week against a Raiders team that offensively is very talented but defensively they’ve allowed the 10th most points to opposing RBs.
My Star RB of the Week: Ezekiel Elliott (vs. Browns): Wow what a surprise huh? Elliott has just been an absolute beast this season. Elliott is leading the NFL in rushing yards with 799 yards & also has 5 touchdowns. Elliott has also been used in the passing game as he has 15 receptions for 150 yards. This week Zeke faces a Browns team that yes is barely a NFL team & who is also allowing the most points to opposing RBs.
Under the Radar RB: Terrance West (vs. Steelers): West is clearly the starting RB for the Ravens going forward. All season we’ve talked about how Kenneth Dixon was a good stash because he could end up as the starter but that looks less & less likely while West impresses. West just 2 weeks ago had 27 fantasy points against the Giants & will have a favorable matchup against a weak Steelers defense. The Steelers have allowed the 6th most points to opposing RBs.
RBs to sit in Week 9:
Isaiah Crowell (vs. Cowboys): I feel like the Cowboys defense has been overlooked all season. Yes, their offense does a good job controlling the clock & everything but their defense has stepped up & played great. I’m avoiding all Browns players this week & Crowell isn’t an exception. The Cowboys have only allowed 3 touchdowns to RBs this season & have allowed the 3rd least points to opposing RBs. I’m not starting Crowell if I have better options.
Todd Gurley (vs. Panthers): As a Rams fan it’s sad putting him here but it’s for a good reason. Gurley has been unable to eclipse 100 yards this season & only has 3 touchdowns as well. Gurley also has the worst yards per carry average in the NFL with an abysmal 3.0 average. I don’t see Gurley being an automatic start while Case Keenum is struggling as his QB & they face the Panthers defense who has had it’s struggles but are still good against the run. Panthers have allowed the 5th least amount of points to RBs this year.
WRs to start in Week 9:
Jarvis Landry (vs. Jets): There isn’t many bright spots on the Dolphins but I believe Landry is the best player on their offense & maybe even their best player overall. Landry has only gotten into the end zone once all year but is still 11th in receiving yards & is the most targeted WR in the Dolphins passing game. The matchup goes in Landry’s favor this week as the Dolphins play the Jets who have allowed the most points to opposing WRs. Revis Island seems to be a vacation resort now for WRs this season.
Demaryius Thomas (vs. Raiders): Thomas has been better this season than I believe people are giving him credit for. The Broncos aren’t a team that’s going to air it out but this week they may need to against the high powered Raiders. Thomas has gotten 5+ catches in 7 of 8 games & has gotten a touchdown in 4 of 8 games this season. It seems like his floor is pretty high & this week against the Raiders he plays a team that has given up the 4th most points to WRs this year.
Tyrell Williams (vs. Titans): Tyrell Williams has easily been the best receiving threat in a Chargers offense that’s had a couple injuries & likes to throw the ball a lot with Philip Rivers. Williams is a big target for Philip Rivers to throw to as he’s 6’4″. With Travis Benjamin hurt that may give Williams more targets & it could benefit him especially against a Titans defense that’s allowed the 7th most points to opposing WRs this year.
My Star WR of the Week: Mike Evans (vs. Falcons): Evans might end up with 250 targets at the end of the season with the lack of help he has in the Buccaneers offense right now. Evans has the 2nd most targets in the NFL with 86 & he’s only behind the receiving yards leader A.J Green who has 88 targets. Evans also is tied for the most touchdowns for WRs with 6 & is currently the 7th best fantasy WR this season. This week Evans plays the Falcons this week who have given up the 5th most points to WRs. I see a huge week for Evans.
Under the Radar WR: Mohamed Sanu (vs. Buccaneers): Sanu hasn’t had consistent fantasy relevance this season but last week Sanu had his best week finishing with 23 points. This year Sanu has been hit or miss all season where we’ve seen him have 3 weeks where he’s scored 15+ points & every other week he’s gotten 6 or less points. This week Sanu goes up against the Buccaneers who aren’t great against the pass & Julio Jones is playing hurt so Jones might be more of a decoy than a weapon this week. I like Sanu to step up again this week to have a nice performance.
WRs to sit in Week 9:
Marvin Jones (vs. Vikings): Jones has been a big addition to the Lions this season. Jones is currently 5th in receiving yards this season & is sitting at #9 in fantasy WRs this year. The only reasons I have him on here this week is because of a poor matchup, inconsistent offense, & Golden Tate. As of late Golden Tate seems to have gotten more & more targets, the Lions offense has also been a little inconsistent & they play the tough Vikings secondary this week. The Vikings have allowed the 2nd least amount of points to WRs.
Sterling Shepard (vs. Eagles): If you’re forced to start Shepard in any of your leagues your team must be in pretty bad shape. Talk about doing a complete 180, Shepard had 50 points in the first 3 weeks & 2 touchdowns & in the last 4 games he’s had 24 total points & has not been able to get into the end zone. I don’t think his struggles end this week against a tough Eagles defense that has allowed the 6th least amount of points to WRs.
Jordan Matthews (vs. Giants): I only have Matthews here not because of a bad matchup but because I don’t think he is that talented of a WR. Matthews might’ve put up 23 points in Week 8 but he;s only had 23+ twice & has only 2 other games with touchdowns. He might be the best WR on the Eagles to some people but that’s not saying much for them (I actually believe Dorial Green-Beckham is the best WR on the Eagles). Giants also aren’t terrible against the pass allowing the 13th least amount of points to opposing WRs. I’m avoiding Matthews as he’s been inconsistent or I would sell high on him (check out my buy low/sell high article).
TEs to start in Week 9:
Cameron Brate (vs. Falcons): The Bucs offensive weapons are dropping like flies as they’re on their 4th different RB & they also lost Vincent Jackson. I believe Brate is the 2nd best receiving threat in this offense behind Mike Evans. This game I believe the Bucs will need to throw the ball 50+ times to keep up with the Falcons & Brate will benefit from that. TEs are thin season & with guys like Gronk & Eifert on bye weeks Brate could be a nice fill in TE.
Jason Witten (vs. Browns): TEs are hard to find. Witten is one of the best TEs ever. He plays the Browns. That’s about it.
My Star TE of the Week: Kyle Rudolph (vs. Lions): Rudolph is one of the best TEs in the NFL. Rudolph is probably the 2nd best receiving threat for the Vikings behind Stefon Diggs. I know the Vikings have struggled the last 2 weeks to get anything going but I believe they bounce back this week against the Lions who have allowed the most points to opposing TEs. In weeks 2-4 Rudolph caught a touchdown & in every other week he hasn’t but I believe he gets back in this Sunday.
Under the Radar TE: Austin Hooper (vs. Buccaneers): This might come as a surprise to some people but let me explain myself. Jacob Tamme will be out with injury this week & Hooper will be replacing him. The Falcons have the #1 passing offense & Matt Ryan likes to look for his TEs especially in the red zone. If you’re looking for a fill in TE for a TE on a bye or one that has a bad matchup Hooper might be a guy worth taking a chance on.
TEs to sit in Week 9:
Julius Thomas (vs. Chiefs): Thomas has had touchdowns in back to back games now but he’s only had 6 catches for 48 yards in those games combined. I guess that isn’t awful considering most TEs are touchdown dependent with the position being so thin in fantasy. I also don’t like the fact that the Jaguars offense looks terrible & they just fired their offensive coordinator Greg Olson. They also play the Chiefs who have given up the 4th least amount of points to opposing TEs.
Zach Ertz (vs. Giants): Ertz has been very disappointing this season as he was drafted as one of the top 5 TEs this season in most drafts. Ertz has yet to reach the end zone this year & to put things into perspective he has the same amount of receptions & receiving yards as Ezekiel Elliott this season (15 catches, 150 receiving yards). As a TE in an offense that doesn’t have many good receiving threats in it. The Giants are also pretty good against TEs allowing the 8th least points to TEs.
DEF/STs to start in Week 9:
Dallas Cowboys (vs. Browns): I understand the Cowboys defense will be without Morris Claiborne & Barry Church but they’re playing the Browns. The Browns offense looks a lot better with Josh McCown as QB but that doesn’t worry me enough to say to not play the Cowboys defense this week. There are 6 teams on bye this week so you might need a fill in defense & this is the first defense I’d look for.
Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Jaguars): Have I mentioned yet how bad the Jaguars offense looks & particularly Blake Bortles? Well let me explain how bad they’ve been. Blake Bortles & the Jaguars offense has been a joke & is a disgrace to the NFL. When you have that many weapons how can you be that bad? The Chiefs defense will probably have a field day against Blake Bortles who has the 3rd most interceptions thrown with 9.
DEF/STs to sit in Week 9:
Tennessee Titans (vs. Chargers): The Titans defense this season has been good stopping the run but has had troubles stopping the pass. That might be unfortunate especially going against the Chargers who are a pass heavy offense with Philip Rivers. I believe there will be a lot of points scored in this game so I don’t like the Titans this week.
Green Bay Packers (vs. Colts): This game against the Colts is most likely going to be a shootout between Aaron Rodgers & Andrew Luck. Then you add in the fact the Packers have a decimated secondary with injuries & Clay Matthews has been battling injuries this year as well. All of that doesn’t sound like a recipe for success so I’m avoiding the Packers defense if I can.
