Fantasy football Week 9: Start, sit and sleepers

Here’s a look back at Week 8’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 8 RECAP

Chargers 37, Vikings 10: Aaron Jones managed only 30 total yards on seven touches in his return from a hamstring injury. With Jones back, Jordan Mason was a non-factor with only six yards on five touches in the blowout loss. It’ll be hard to trust either running back going forward, at least until we see how they’re used in a more favorable game environment.

Dolphins 34, Falcons 10: Ollie Gordon II finally got some work in a surprising blowout at Atlanta, finishing with 66 total yards, including a 20-yard TD reception in the fourth quarter. Gordon would have more weekly flex appeal if Miami played with the lead more often, but I digress. He’s still De’Von Achane’s handcuff if you have space on your bench.

Jets 39, Bengals 38: Isaiah Davis would be New York’s obvious lead running back if Breece Hall were either injured or traded, and trade rumors have been swirling with Hall in the final year of his contract. Davis’ 109 yards on 12 touches, including five receptions, at Cincinnati are indicative of what he could do with the role.

Patriots 32, Browns 13: Kayshon Boutte is the overall WR13 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) through eight weeks, and has been on a heater with four TD receptions in the last three games. I know we’ve been burned before with Boutte, but he’ll find more consistency as Drake Maye continues his ascension up the quarterback rankings.

Eagles 38, Giants 20: Cam Skattebo is done for the season after suffering a gruesome ankle injury. Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. will likely inherit most of his touches, and as long as Jaxson Dart is under center, the Giants will have juice on offense. The dynamic Tracy finished as the overall RB16 across most fantasy formats after Week 5 last season. Devin Singletary will also likely see an increase in usage.

Bills 40, Panthers 9: James Cook erupted for 216 yards and two TDs on 19 carries at Carolina. Cook is the overall RB7 in PPR through eight weeks with only Jonathan Taylor averaging more fantasy points in standard formats. He’s had at least 102 total yards and a TD in five of seven games this season.

Ravens 30, Bears 16: Derrick Henry had 71 yards and two TDs on 21 carries in Baltimore’s first win since Week 2. Henry has been the overall RB14 in standard formats (RB17 in PPR) in three games without Lamar Jackson under center. Jackson is expected to return Thursday night against the Dolphins.

Texans 26, 49ers 15: Christian McCaffrey failed to top 100 total yards for the first time this season, finishing with 68 on only 11 touches and no scores. It was the first time since Week 3 McCaffrey didn’t reach paydirt. Don’t worry though, CMC’s next opponent, the Giants, are allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs this season.

Buccaneers 23, Saints 3: Emeka Egbuka had just three receptions on nine targets for 35 yards in Tampa Bay’s win. He’s been limited by a hamstring injury. Through the first five weeks of the season, Egbuka was the overall WR2 in standard formats (WR3 in PPR). Since suffering the injury, the talented rookie has been the overall WR60 in standard and WR53 in PPR with only nine receptions for 117 yards in the last three games despite being targeted 25 times.

Broncos 44, Cowboys 24: Jake Ferguson snapped his seven-game streak of at least five receptions or a TD with no catches on a single target in a blowout loss at Denver. Ferguson should bounce back this week against the Cardinals on Monday night. Arizona has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.

Colts 38, Titans 14: This is a reminder that Indianapolis is currently the best offense in the NFL, which means all of its principal weapons need to be rostered. Two players who are available in more leagues than they should be are wide receivers Josh Downs and Alec Pierce. Downs has at least six receptions or a TD in four of his last six games. Pierce has at least 67 receiving yards in four of his last five games, and kills single-high coverage. The Colts next two opponents, the Steelers and Falcons, utilize single high the most in the NFL.

Packers 35, Steelers 25: Green Bay’s wide receiver situation is about as convoluted as it gets, but Christian Watson looked solid in his return from last year’s ACL injury with 85 yards on four receptions. I anticipate Watson returning to his previous role as Jordan Love’s primary deep threat, which will make him a boom-or-bust candidate most weeks (like all the other Packers’ wideouts).

Chiefs 28, Commanders 7: Since returning in Week 7 from a suspension, Rashee Rice is the overall WR1 in standard formats (WR2 in PPR) with 16 receptions on 19 targets for 135 yards and three TDs in two games.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here are my best bets for Week 9:

BALTIMORE AT MIAMI

Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL), De’Von Achane (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA).

Who to start: Mark Andrews (BAL) deserves streaming consideration with Jackson back under center. Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 14 TD passes in seven games.

Who to sit: Rashod Bateman (BAL) and DeAndre Hopkins (BAL) are TD-dependent against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Justice Hill (BAL) remains viable in only the deepest PPR formats. Isaiah Likely (BAL) remains TD-dependent with only five targets in four games this season. Ollie Gordon II (MIA) remains TD-dependent with double-digit touches in only one game this year.

Sleeper: Malik Washington (MIA) has at least four receptions in four straight games, and faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 10 TD receptions in seven games.

CHICAGO AT CINCINNATI

Obvious starters: D’Andre Swift (CHI), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN).

Who to start: Rome Odunze (CHI) is an obvious starter if he’s active (heel). Caleb Williams (CHI) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 17 TD passes in the eight games. Kyle Monangai (CHI) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs. The Bears D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, especially if Jake Browning is at QB. Tee Higgins (CIN) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 10 TD receptions in seven games to wide receivers. Chase Brown (CIN) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB21 in standard formats (RB18 in PPR) through eight weeks. Joe Flacco (CIN) is once again a premium streaming option if he’s active (shoulder) — Flacco is currently 50-50 to play on Sunday. Noah Fant (CIN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed at least 91 receiving yards or a TD to tight ends in three straight games.

Who to sit: Luther Burden III (CHI) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Samaje Perine (CIN) remains TD-dependent with double-digit touches in only one game this year. Things must be real bad or you’re in the deepest of leagues if you’d consider playing Jake Browning (CIN) this week if Flacco is out.

Sleeper: Colston Loveland (CHI) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed eight TD receptions to tight ends in the last four games — I doubt he plays, but Cole Kmet (CHI) would also be a sneaky streaming option if he’s active (back).

MINNESOTA AT DETROIT

Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET).

Who to start: Jordan Addison (MIN) is the overall WR17 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) since Week 4 with at least 114 receiving yards or a TD in four straight games. David Montgomery (DET) maintains flex appeal with at least 12 touches in five of seven games this season. Jared Goff (DET) deserves streaming consideration at home against a defense that has allowed eight TD passes to quarterbacks in the last three games. Jameson Williams (DET) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 25 receptions for 444 yards and five TDs to wide receivers the last two games. The Lions D/ST faces an offense allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: T.J. Hockenson (MIN) remains TD-dependent as the overall TE25 in standard formats (TE22 in PPR) through eight weeks. I’m fading Aaron Jones (MIN) and Jordan Mason (MIN) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Sleeper: J.J. McCarthy (MIN) faces a defense that has allowed 14 TD passes to quarterbacks in seven games.

CAROLINA AT GREEN BAY

Obvious starters: Josh Jacobs (GB), Tucker Kraft (GB).

Who to start: Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR22 in standard formats (WR18 in PPR) through eight weeks and at least eight targets in six of eight games. The Packers D/ST faces an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: I’m fading both Rico Dowdle (CAR) and Chuba Hubbard (CAR) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Xavier Legette (CAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in five of his six games this season. Jalen Coker (CAR) is a boom-or-bust candidate with only six targets in his two games this season. Jordan Love (GB) faces a defense that has allowed one-or-fewer TD passes to quarterbacks in five of eight games this season. I’m fading Romeo Doubs (GB), Matthew Golden (GB) and Christian Watson (GB) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Sleeper: Bryce Young (CAR) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (ankle) against a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in four straight games.

L.A. CHARGERS AT TENNESSEE

Obvious starters: Justin Herbert (LAC), Ladd McConkey (LAC), Chargers D/ST.

Who to start: Keenan Allen (LAC) maintains WR3/flex upside with at least five receptions or a TD in six of eight games. Kimani Vidal (LAC) is the overall RB10 in standard formats (RB8 in PPR) since Week 6 and faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs, including 12 TDs in eight games this season. Oronde Gadsden II (LAC) has at least five receptions or a TD in four of his six games this season. Tony Pollard (TEN) maintains flex appeal as the overall RB28 in standard formats (RB23 in PPR) since Week 5 if he’s active (neck).

Who to sit: Quentin Johnston (LAC) has reverted back to TD-dependent after a hot start this season with only 10 targets in the last three games. It’s very likely an injured hamstring keeps Calvin Ridley (TEN) out a third straight week (or it could be the Titans are about to trade him). Elic Ayomanor (TEN), Chimere Dike (TEN) and Van Jefferson (TEN) face a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Chig Okonkwo (TEN) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Sleeper: Tyjae Spears (TEN) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed seven rushing TDs to running backs in the last four games.

ATLANTA AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake Maye (NE).

Who to start: Drake London (ATL) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hip). Kyle Pitts (ATL) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends if he’s active (ankle). Stefon Diggs (NE) maintains WR3/flex upside with at least six receptions or a TD in four of the last five games. Kayshon Boutte (NE) is tied with Ja’Marr Chase as the overall WR1 in standard formats (WR7 in PPR) since Week 6. Both TreVeyon Henderson (NE) and Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) have flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 304 yards and two rushing TDs to running backs the last two games — monitor Stevenson’s toe injury. The Patriots D/ST have scored more fantasy points than any other defense through eight weeks, and have hit double-digits in three of the last five games.

Who to sit: Darnell Mooney (ATL) remains a boom-or-bust candidate if he’s active (hamstring) with three-or-fewer receptions in four of his five games this season. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) is TD-dependent against a defense that hasn’t allowed a rushing TD since Week 3. Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) faces a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks if he’s active (knee). I’m fading Hunter Henry (NE) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends, including two-or-fewer receptions in six out of seven games. Mack Hollins (NE) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Sleeper: I had a hunch about Hollins in this space last week, and he finished with seven receptions for 89 yards, so this week my gut is telling me DeMario Douglas (NE) comes through with a flex-worthy performance.

SAN FRANCISCO AT N.Y. GIANTS

Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF).

Who to start: Either Brock Purdy (SF) or Mac Jones (SF) would be a premium streaming option against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including six TD passes in the last two games. Jauan Jennings (SF) has WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. So would Ricky Pearsall (SF) if he suits up (knee). In five starts, Jaxson Dart (NYG) is the overall QB6 with at least 55 rushing yards or a rushing TD in all five games. Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) has RB2/flex upside against a defense missing All-Pros Fred Warner and Nick Bosa and the potential for double-digit touches with Cam Skattebo out. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) maintains WR3/flex appeal as the overall WR24 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) through eight weeks. Theo Johnson (NYG) is the overall TE8 across most fantasy formats since Dart took over at QB in Week 4.

Who to sit: Kendrick Bourne (SF) only has flex appeal if Pearsall remains out.

Sleeper: Darius Slayton (NYG)faces a defense that has allowed 38 receptions for 535 yards and four TDs to wide receivers in the last three games.

INDIANAPOLIS AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Tyler Warren (IND), Daniel Jones (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), D.K. Metcalf (PIT).

Who to start: Both Josh Downs (IND) and Alec Pierce (IND) have flex appeal against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers — monitor Downs’ hip injury. Jaylen Warren (PIT) is the overall RB19 in standard formats (RB17 in PPR) since returning from a knee injury in Week 6 with at least 13 touches in every game he’s played this season. Aaron Rodgers (PIT) has been the overall QB9 in three games since Pittsburgh’s bye. Both Jonnu Smith (PIT) and Pat Freiermuth (PIT) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 23 receptions for 346 yards and three TDs to tight ends in the last three games — monitor Freiermuth’s quadriceps injury.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Colts D/ST on the road against an offense that has only allowed three sacks in the last three games. Adonai Mitchell (IND) only has value if either Downs or Pierce are out. I’m fading the Steelers D/ST against an offense allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Roman Wilson (PIT) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only eight targets in the last three games.

Sleeper: Calvin Austin III (PIT) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

DENVER AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: Courtland Sutton (DEN), Broncos D/ST.

Who to start: J.K. Dobbins (DEN) maintains RB2/flex upside despite the difficult matchup with at least 81 rushing yards or a TD in seven of eight games this season. Nico Collins (HOU) remains an obvious starter despite the difficult matchup if he clears the NFL’s concussion protocol after sitting out last week. The Texans D/ST is the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 4. Both Woody Marks (HOU) and Nick Chubb (HOU) have flex appeal against a defense that has allowed three rushing TDs to running backs in the last two games — Marks in deeper PPR formats and Chubb in deeper standard leagues considering the matchup.

Who to sit: I’m fading Bo Nix (DEN) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks despite the eight total TDs he’s scored in the last five quarters. R.J. Harvey (DEN) hasn’t had double-digit touches in a game since Week 4. Troy Franklin (DEN) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Evan Engram (DEN) is TD-dependent against a defense allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. I’m fading C.J. Stroud (HOU) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jayden Higgins (HOU), Christian Kirk (HOU) and Jaylin Noel (HOU) are all boom-or-bust candidates against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Sleeper: Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense that has allowed three TD receptions to tight ends in the last four games.

JACKSONVILLE AT LAS VEGAS

Obvious starters: Ashton Jeanty (LV), Brock Bowers (LV).

Who to start: Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC) is an obvious starter if he’s active (shoulder). Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC) maintains RB2/flex upside with at least 15 touches in six of the seven games this season. Travis Hunter (JAC) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed six TD passes to quarterbacks in the last three games. The Jaguars D/ST faces an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, while only averaging 14.7 points per game. Jakobi Meyers (LV) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Tre Tucker (LV) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed six TD receptions to wide receivers in the last two games.

Who to sit: Hunter Long (JAC) remains TD-dependent against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Michael Mayer (LV) is TD-dependent with Bowers back.

Sleeper(s): Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed eight rushing TDs to running backs in the last five games. Geno Smith (LV) has been awful lately, but he’s a sneaky streaming option if you’re desperate against a defense that has allowed 10 TD passes to quarterbacks in the last four games.

NEW ORLEANS AT L.A. RAMS

Obvious starters: Chris Olave (NO), Davante Adams (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR).

Who to start: Rashid Shaheed (NO) maintains flex appeal as the overall WR33 in standard formats (WR29 in PPR) through eight weeks with no fewer than four receptions in every game this season. Puka Nacua (LAR) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (ankle). Matthew Stafford (LAR) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes to quarterbacks in six of eight games this season. The Rams D/ST faces an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: I’m fading Alvin Kamara (NO) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Blake Corum (LAR) remains TD-dependent as long as Williams stays healthy. Tyler Higbee (LAR) hasn’t topped 40 yards this season and only has one TD.

Sleeper: Juwan Johnson (NO) deserves streaming consideration with rookie QB Tyler Shough making his first start and at least seven targets in five of eight games this season.

KANSAS CITY AT BUFFALO

Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Rashee Rice (KC), Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF).

Who to start: Kareem Hunt (KC) will likely see double-digit touches (with Isiah Pacheco out) against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs. Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains WR3/flex upside with at least six receptions or a TD in five of seven games this season.

Who to sit: I’m fading Travis Kelce (KC) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends — no TE has topped four receptions or 46 yards and the Bills haven’t allowed a TD to the position since Week 2. Xavier Worthy (KC) only has eight receptions on 11 targets for 88 yards in two games since Rice returned from suspension. Pacheco (KC) is considered week-to-week with an MCL sprain. Marquise Brown (KC), JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) and Tyquan Thornton (KC) all are TD-dependent against a defense allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. I’m fading both the Chiefs D/ST and Bills D/ST against these two QBs. I’m fading Dalton Kincaid (BUF) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Keon Coleman (BUF) is a boom-or-bust candidate against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Sleeper: Brashard Smith (KC) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed nine rushing TDs to running backs in seven games.

SEATTLE AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), Jayden Daniels (WAS), Deebo Samuel (WAS).

Who to start: Sam Darnold (SEA) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) has been the overall RB15 in standard formats (RB16 in PPR) in his last four games. Before the Seahawks’ bye last week, Kenneth Walker (SEA) was the overall RB20 in standard formats (RB24 in PPR). The Seahawks D/ST faces a banged-up offense that has allowed nine sacks and committed seven turnovers in the last three games. Zach Ertz (WAS) has at least four receptions or a TD in three straight games and faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

Who to sit: Cooper Kupp (SEA) has two-or-fewer receptions in four of seven games this season. Tory Horton (SEA) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in every game this season. Terry McLaurin (WAS) has been ruled out with a quadriceps injury. I’m fading Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) against a tough Seahawks’ defense allowing the 10th-fewest fantasy points to running backs.

Sleeper: A.J. Barner (SEA) faces a defense that has allowed 15 receptions for 151 yards and three TDs to tight ends in the last two games.

ARIZONA AT DALLAS

Obvious starters: Trey McBride (ARI), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Javonte Williams (DAL), Jake Ferguson (DAL).

Who to start: Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers. Kyler Murray (ARI) is a premium streaming option against a defense that has allowed 20 TD passes to quarterbacks in the last seven games. George Pickens (DAL) has at least 78 receiving yards or a TD in seven straight games. Dak Prescott (DAL) is the overall QB3 since Week 4 with 14 total TDs against only two interceptions.

Who to sit: Jaydon Blue (DAL) remains TD-dependent with mild usage in four games. KaVontae Turpin (DAL) remains boom-or-bust with three-or-fewer receptions in five of his six games. Jalen Tolbert (DAL) remains TD-dependent with two-or-fewer targets in four straight games.

Sleeper(s): Bam Knight (ARI) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs. Michael Wilson (ARI) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 15 TD receptions to wide receivers in the last seven games.