CLEVELAND, OH – Week 9 is here, which means a lot of you could be in must-win matchups. The Falcons, Bengals, Rams and Saints are on a bye this week. Stars like Julio Jones, Cooper Kupp and Alvin Kamara have to stay on the bench. There are plenty of quality sleepers that can take their place.
Here are the players you should start in Week 9:
Start 'Em
Le’Veon Bell – Bell was involved in trade rumors earlier in the week, but that won’t keep him from having a big game against Miami. The Dolphins have allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Bell only has one rushing touchdown and hasn’t topped the 100-yard mark on the ground this year. That should change against Miami, despite his recent struggles. Bell is a RB1 in Week 9.
Melvin Gordon – Gordon will break out of his slump at some point and it could be this week against Green Bay. The Packers have given up the 8th most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Green Bay has allowed a running back to score or gain at least 100 total yards in seven games in a row. Start Gordon with confidence this week.
Dak Prescott – Prescott’s production has dropped off in recent weeks after his hot start to the season. He should get back on track and post high-end QB1 numbers against the Giants. He threw four touchdowns against them earlier this season. New York has allowed 8.5 yards per attempt to quarterbacks this year. Prescott is a QB1 with plenty of upside and is worth a look in daily leagues.
Tyrell Williams – Williams has a touchdown in each of the five games he’s played in this season. He’s coming off of a 91-yard performance last week. His success should continue against a Lions’ defense that has been torched in recent weeks. Williams is a high-end WR3 with upside.
Derek Carr – Carr threw for three touchdowns last week with Tyrell Williams back in the lineup. He should continue to thrive in Week 9 against the Lions. Detroit has allowed eight touchdown passes in the past two weeks to Kirk Cousins and Daniel Jones. Carr is a high-end QB2 and a great streaming option this week.
George Kittle – Kittle should deliver for fantasy owners this week after an underwhelming start to the season. The Cardinals have allowed 54 receptions and the most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Kittle is the top play at the tight end position in Week 9.
Gardner Minshew II – ‘Minshew Mania’ should continue this week in London. Houston has given up at least 24 fantasy points to an opposing quarterback in each of their last four matchups. Minshew has scored at least 20 fantasy points in five of his last six games. Minshew is a low-end QB1 this week.
Sit 'Em
Lamar Jackson – Odds are you can’t sit Jackson, who is third among quarterbacks in fantasy points this season, but temper your expectations this week. The Patriots’ defense hasn’t allowed more than 13 points to an opposing quarterback. Jackson will likely break that barrier, but don’t expect him to put up QB1 numbers if he’s in your lineup and avoid him in daily leagues.
Larry Fitzgerald – Fitzgerald has three receptions in his last two games. He had gotten off to a promising start this season. Unfortunately, his struggles in recent weeks, combined with a tough matchup against San Francisco make him a tough start in Week 9. The 49ers have allowed 16.5 fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, which is the fifth best in the NFL.
Tom Brady – The Patriots’ offense has been inconsistent and it likely won’t improve this week in Baltimore. Brady has the 7th most fantasy points among quarterbacks so far this year, but the Ravens’ defense has held opposing signal-callers to the 11th fewest fantasy points. Brady was also limited in Wednesday’s practice with a shoulder issue. Brady is still a QB1, but should be avoided in daily leagues and is worth leaving on the bench if you have another top option.
Baker Mayfield – Make Mayfield earn his way back into your fantasy lineup. The Browns’ offense has plenty of talent, but it hasn’t resulted in fantasy success. Mayfield is a QB2 in Week 9 against a Denver defense that has held opposing quarterbacks to one touchdown pass or less in seven of their eight games.
Larry Fitzgerald – Fitzgerald has three receptions in his last two games. He was off to a promising start, but his struggles in recent weeks, combined with a tough matchup against San Francisco make him hard to trust in Week 9. The 49ers have allowed 16.5 fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, which is the fifth best in the NFL.
Sleepers
Jimmy Garoppolo – Garoppolo hasn’t been great this season, but the addition of Emmanuel Sanders should help his numbers during the second half of the season. He has a great matchup this week against one of the NFL’s worst defenses. Arizona has allowed the most points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Garoppolo is a great streaming option and is worth a look in daily leagues.
Jaylen Samuels – Samuels could end up starting in James Conner’s place in Week 9 after Conner suffered a shoulder injury against Miami. Samuels would be a must-start fantasy option if that’s the case. He’s worth adding in all leagues, especially if you have Conner on your roster.
Jonnu Smith – Smith had six receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown in Week 8. If Delanie Walker misses another game due to his ankle injury Smith becomes a TE1, even against a tough Carolina defense.
Darren Fells – Fells caught all six of his targets last week, finishing with 58 yards and two touchdowns. He’s earned Deshaun Watson’s trust, which means he’s a perfect streaming option at tight end this week.
Danny Amendola – Amendola has 16 receptions in his last two games for 200 yards. He’s built a nice rapport with Matthew Stafford and is a worthwhile start this week against Oakland. Amendola is a WR4 with upside in PPR leagues.