Welcome to Week 9 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em.
This game-by-game article breaks down every player that is relevant for fantasy football. As always, please use our projections to make your start/sit decisions every week. The analysis in this piece provides color – and a lot of stats – behind the projections.
Unless stated otherwise, all of the data in this article is from Fantasy Points Data and specifically curated from the Data Suite. Our collection team has charted every play from every game over the last three seasons, and we will have fresh, weekly data imported into the tools on Monday after the games.
The Start’ Em, Sit ‘Em key
Must Start — Don’t take them out of your lineup, even if there is a fire.
Start ‘Em — The top-12 at QB and TE; top-20 plays at RB; top-25 at WR.
FLEX Plays — All of the best RB2/WR3 plays.
Stream ‘Em — The best one-week plays at QB and TE for streaming off of the waiver wire.
Sit ‘Em — Don’t play them in your lineups. This could be due to a poor role, matchup, or performance.
Stash ‘Em — Step 1: Hold them on your bench. Step 2: Profit.
Good luck this week!
Houston Texans at New York Jets (TNF)
Must Start
Joe Mixon – In the four games that he’s finished, Mixon has tallied RB2, RB2, RB4, and RB5 scoring weeks as the Texans bell cow. He’s racked up 178, 132, 124, and 134 scrimmage yards. Backup RB Dameon Pierce (groin) is out. Mixon’s 81% snap rate last week marked a season-high.
Start ‘Em
Breece Hall – Once again, we saw Hall (16/80 rushing) and Braelon Allen (12/32/1) split carries last week. Allen took the goal-line carry for the go-ahead 4th quarter TD before the Patriots game-winning drive. After it seemed like Hall reclaimed his bell-cow status in his two previous starts, the Jets added Allen back into the mix and ran the ball more often than they have all season. The key is that Hall (16 routes, 2 targets) remained way more involved on pass downs than Allen (4 routes, 0 targets), and Hall still maintained the lead in expected fantasy points (17.0 vs. 8.8 PPR XFP) as a result. Houston’s front seven is heating up opposing quarterbacks with pressure, but their run defense hasn’t been as strong (4.7 YPC allowed) over the last five weeks.
Garrett Wilson – Over the last two weeks, Wilson leads the Jets in targets (17) over Adams (12) and Hall (11) for a 10/174 receiving result (2.68 yards per route run). He’s earned 30% of the first-read targets while Adams has worked as more of the secondary receiver (22.5% FR share). Go right back to him as a borderline WR1.
Tank Dell – A seven-yard touchdown right before the half saved what was going to be another disappointing day for Dell (4/35/1 receiving, 4 targets). Nico Collins will be eligible to return off of I.R. next week, but for this game, Dell is the lone man left standing. Stefon Diggs (ACL) needs season-ending surgery. Over the last three weeks with Collins out, Diggs leads the Texans in first-read target share (34%), followed by Dell (28%) and Schultz (16%). Dell continues to disappoint based on his volume, though. He’s the only Texan WR who’s performed under expectation this season. Dell’s 15.7 XFP PPR points per game is a solid WR2 role, but he’s only managed to score 10.7 actual FPG over the last three weeks. This is a tough matchup, but the volume should be there.
FLEX Plays
Davante Adams – It’s been a slow start for the old Rodgers-to-Adams connection (7/84 receiving on 12 targets) through two games. By expected fantasy points, Adams (11.5 PPR XFP) is more of a WR3 based on volume, while Wilson (16.5 PPR XFP) is a borderline WR1. It’s a tiny sample, but Adams’ average separation score (-0.03) and win rate (8.6%) on his 35 routes aligned out wide pales in comparison to Wilson (0.11 A.S.S. | 16% win rate on 37 routes). Since he’s struggling to generate separation on the boundary, it’d make sense for the Jets to shift Adams inside more often.
Sit ‘Em
C.J. Stroud – Over the last three weeks without Nico Collins on the field, Stroud has finished as fantasy football’s QB14, QB29, and QB25 on a weekly basis. Stroud’s splits without Collins are already bad, and he just lost another piece in WR Stefon Diggs (ACL). Collins (hamstring) will be eligible to return off of I.R. next week. Stroud averaged 277 yards per game (7.8 YPA) in five games that Collins started but has managed just 187.7 pass YPG (6.3 YPA) without his top wideout. Stroud is also losing volume, with OC Bobby Slowik leaning more run-heavy now that Joe Mixon is healthy. Houston passed 65% of the time in Weeks 1-5, and that has dipped considerably to 55% over their last three games. The Jets are holding opposing QBs to the second-fewest passing FP per dropback (0.20). Only the Broncos (0.19 FP/DB allowed) are stingier.
Aaron Rodgers – SuperFlex only. Rodgers’ best weekly finish this season is QB11 – back in Week 3.
Dalton Schultz – Has not finished better than TE19 in a single game this season.
Tyler Conklin – He has a TD in back-to-back games, but his volume (3 > 4 > 4 targets – last three games) has fallen by the wayside recently.
Allen Lazard – Out (chest).
Xavier Hutchinson and John Metchie – Over the last three weeks, Hutchinson has run more routes (53) than Metchie (28), but Metchie has earned more targets (4 to 2). We have these two projected nearly identically for 30 yards apiece.
Robert Woods – Ran fewer routes than Hutchinson (62% route share) and Metchie (23%) last week. Woods’ route share was 15%.
Mike Williams
Stash ‘Em
Braelon Allen
Washington Commanders at New York Giants
Must Start
Jayden Daniels
Terry McLaurin – Over the last six weeks, McLaurin is WR8 in FPG (18.2) just behind Drake London (18.4), with a strong 32/540/4 receiving (on 45 targets). The Giants allow 2.30 yards per route run to opposing outside wide receivers, which is tied with the Jaguars for fifth-worst. CB Deonte Banks was benched in the middle of the game last week.
Start ‘Em
Malik Nabers – I can’t wait to see him with a good QB – hopefully as soon as next year. Nabers is on pace to earn 180 targets, even with the two missed games baked in. Daniel Jones is averaging an anemic 6.1 yards per pass attempt with a 2.2% TD this season despite having a highly underrated 3-WR set beyond Nabers. Slayton and Robinson are also playing well. Jones has regressed from his mid-career rates of 6.6 YPA and a 3.3% TD spanning 2019-2023. To make matters even worse, the Giants have taken 11 sacks (!!) over his last two starts without stud LT Andrew Thomas. Those are drive killers. We’re close to seeing Drew Lock.
Tyrone Tracy – Returned to full practice on Friday and he will play. Tracy continued his breakout with a monster 20/145/1 performance against a sturdy Steelers run defense last week. It was as strong of a claim to the starting job as the rookie could have possibly made. He unfortunately sustained a concussion on his 20th and final carry vs. Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Devin Singletary was barely involved on Monday Night Football (2/11 rushing) while Tracy trampled the Steelers. You’re dialing up Tracy everywhere as a borderline RB1. Washington is allowing 117 rushing yards per game (sixth-most).
Brian Robinson – Has cleared 70 scrimmage yards in 6-of-7 games that weren’t shortened by injury. Fire up Robinson as a high-end RB2/FLEX against a Giants run defense that’s getting crushed for a league-high 5.4 YPC.
Sit ‘Em
Devin Singletary
Zach Ertz – Has produced 4/68 and 7/77 receiving in his last two starts with Jayden Daniels. He’s earned at least 20% of the Commanders’ targets in three of his last 4 games. Ertz had 4/62 receiving in this matchup back in Week 2. He’s a fine low-end TE1 streaming option, but not someone I’m excited at all to put in a lineup.
Wan’Dale Robinson – You’re looking for more upside. Robinson has finished as the WR31, WR34, WR35, WR17, WR41, and WR55 in six games with Nabers.
Austin Ekeler – Only in play as a desperation FLEX in PPR leagues.
Darius Slayton
Daniel Jones
Noah Brown
Theo Johnson
Los Angeles Chargers at Cleveland Browns
Must Start
David Njoku – Has piled up 15/137/2 receiving (on 21 targets) over the last two weeks since the Cooper trade. That’s 20.4 PPR points per game.
Start ‘Em
J.K. Dobbins
Cedric Tillman – Over the last two weeks without Amari Cooper on the roster, Cedric Tillman leads the Browns in first-read targets (27% share), followed by Njoku (24%), Jeudy (18%), and Moore (18%). He’s turned his great volume (21 total targets) into a stellar 15/180/2 receiving after shredding the Ravens. This isn’t a premier matchup like last week, but Tillman’s volume seems safe. The Browns were the sixth-most pass-heavy offense last week.
Ladd McConkey – Just like Tillman last week, McConkey also broke out in a perfect matchup. The rookie hammered the Saints for 6/111/2 receiving, showcasing his elite quickness. McConkey has now earned 18% or more of the Chargers targets in every game so far, and he leads the team in first-read target share (24%) since the bye. He gets a boost up as a WR2 option, with the Chargers passing more (read Herbert’s blurb).
FLEX Plays
Nick Chubb – As expected, Chubb took on a much larger role in his second game back from his knee injury. Chubb’s snap rate increased from 36% up to 61% this past week and he dominated carries (16/52 rushing) over D’Onta Foreman (5/26). Even though it didn’t translate to any usable fantasy production in what was a tough matchup vs. Baltimore, Chubb taking on a significantly larger role is a good sign for his future. HC Kevin Stefanski said, “I wouldn’t say we took all the pitch count off” regarding his role. "Still want to be smart with Nick in the second game back, but he’s moving well. He feels good. So, we’ll continue to monitor that as we go.” For the first time all season, Chubb is in play as a FLEX.
Elijah Moore and Jerry Jeudy – The switch to Winston has given both of these receivers life as WR3/FLEX options in PPR leagues. Tillman and Njoku will operate as the lead targets, but Winston immediately played well enough to give us the potential for multiple usable options. Moore just had one of the best games of his career last week (8/85 receiving) and actually led the Browns WRs in expected fantasy points. Jeudy recorded exactly one reception in three straight games before he and Winston connected last week for multiple chunk gains (5/79 receiving).
Stream ‘Em
Jameis Winston – In his first start of the season, Winston just shredded the Ravens for 334 yards and 3 TDs on 41 attempts. Sure, he got lucky with a few dropped INTs by Ravens defenders. The overarching takeaway is that he immediately gave life to this dormant passing offense. Deshaun Watson had not topped 200 passing yards in a single game this season and was averaging a pathetic 164 pass YPG. We liked Winston as a potential streamer last week in an ideal matchup, but this is an opposite spot. The Chargers are allowing the sixth-fewest passing fantasy points per game (8.0) and just forced five sacks vs. the Saints last week with EDGE Joey Bosa back on the field. Winston is a low-end QB1 this week, and then the Browns have their bye. Cleveland’s fantasy playoff schedule (vs. KC, at Cin, vs. Mia) in Weeks 15-17 is filled with potential shootouts.
Sit ‘Em
Justin Herbert – The Chargers have quietly shifted more pass-heavy since their bye week. Herbert is the healthiest that he’s been all year since suffering a foot injury in August and then a sprained ankle in September. Los Angeles’ pass rate is actually +2% above expectation in Weeks 6-8. Herbert has 34, 39, and 32 pass attempts as a result. It’s a big change. No team was more run-heavy (-8.3% PROE) in Weeks 1-4, and Herbert never attempted more than 27 passes in a game as a result. This all gives Herbert some life in SuperFlex leagues. It’s mainly just a great signal for Ladd McConkey’s potential volume down the stretch.
Will Dissly – Has 13/122 receiving (on 18 targets) over the last two weeks without TE Hayden Hurst (groin). It’ll be interesting to see if Dissly has won the starting job once Hurst returns. In Weeks 1-4 before the bye, Hurst (64% route share) ran far more routes than Dissly (29%).
Quentin Johnston – Has missed the last two games (ankle). Johnston returned to full practice on Thursday-Friday, and he will play.
Josh Palmer
D’Onta Foreman
Stash ‘Em
Kimani Vidal
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills
Must Start
Josh Allen – The Bills are the most pass-heavy team in the league in their last two games (+9.3% pass rate over expected), resulting in 606 passing yards (4 TDs, 1 INT) on 67 attempts from Allen. He averaged a career-low 193 passing yards per game in his previous six games until this recent change in their gameplan. Wheels up.
Tyreek Hill – In his last 19 games with Tua under center, Hill has 137 receptions, 2,063 yards, and 15 TDs (on 200 targets). That’s 22.8 PPR fantasy points per game. Credit where it’s due – Buffalo has done a good job at keeping Hill in front of them. He has eclipsed 80 yards receiving just once in 6 tries against the Bills.
De’Von Achane – In their three games together (Weeks 1 and 7-8), Achane leads Mostert in snaps (55% to 41%), carries (35 to 26), route share (50% to 27%), and targets (17 to 4). It’s a blowout by expected fantasy points (17.4 PPR XFP per game) for Achane over Mostert (8.4 XFP/G). This type of usage gives Achane a runway for a monster second half. The Dolphins already have their bye week behind them. Buffalo is allowing a league-high 6.4 receptions per game to running backs.
James Cook – RB10 in PPR FPG (17.4), just one-tenth of a point behind Bijan Robinson (17.5 PPR FPG). Cook’s involvement in the red zone has elevated him from the lower-end RB2 that he was last season. He leads the Bills in carries (9) and TDs (5) inside-the-10 over Allen (5 carries, 2 TDs) in his seven games played this season.
FLEX Plays
Jaylen Waddle – Tua has dropped back to pass exactly 100 times this season. On those 100 pass attempts, Hill leads the team in targets (27), followed by Achane (18) and then Waddle (15). Waddle has remained incredibly efficient on his lower volume (13/195 receiving), but it does make him more of a WR3 in fantasy.
Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman – With the Bills passing more in their last two games, Shakir (16) and Coleman (14) lead the team in targets. The results are stellar. Shakir has caught all 16 of his looks for 172 yards, while Coleman is breaking out in front of our eyes (9/195/1 receiving). Shakir has 30% of the first-read targets, with Coleman (22%) and Kincaid (20%) working as the secondary options. We’ll see Cooper continue to ramp up, but both of these receivers are on the board as upside WR3/FLEX options here. This game has the second-largest over/under (49) for Week 9.
Amari Cooper – Limited in practice on Wednesday (wrist). Cooper has yet to be unleashed in a full-time role since being traded to Buffalo. His route participation ticked up from 34% in Week 7 to 62% in Week 8, but he is usually in the 85-95% range.
Sit ‘Em
Tua Tagovailoa – It was a disappointing day for Tua in a great matchup against the Cardinals last week. He attempted a season-high 38 passes, but threw for just 234 yards (6.2 YPA) and 1 TD. He was the QB23 in scoring with just 14.7 FP. He’s a SuperFlex start, but we’re looking for more upside in 1-QB leagues. Over the last three combined seasons, Tua is a replacement-level QB16 in fantasy points per game (16.4).
Raheem Mostert – Now that Achane has the clear lead in this backfield, Mostert is a TD-dependent FLEX. He’s averaging a career-low 3.5 YPC. Mostert remains the lead RB in the red zone with 6 carries to 1 for Achane inside-the-10.
Dalton Kincaid – Scored his fourth TD in 24 career games last week. Now that Khalil Shakir is fully over a midseason ankle injury, it’s a concern that Kincaid’s route participation has been reduced to 60% in Week 7 and 49% in Week 8. Kincaid has exactly 6-7 targets in his last five games, but he’s averaging just 4 receptions and 43 yards in this span. He’s become a TD-dependent, replacement-level option. He’s TE16 in PPR FPG (8.8).
Jonnu Smith – Has turned his 13 targets into 10/74 receiving (TE20 in FPG – 6.3) with Tua under center.
Stash ‘Em
Ray Davis
Dallas Cowboys at Atlanta Falcons
Must Start
CeeDee Lamb
Bijan Robinson – That’s more like it. Robinson has racked up 105, 143, and 106 scrimmage yards with 4 total TDs against the Panthers, Seahawks, and Buccaneers. This is his fourth straight great matchup. The Cowboys are allowing the eighth-most scrimmage yards per game (148.4) and the third-most TDs per game (1.43) to opposing backfields.
Start ‘Em
Drake London – Has earned at least 21% of the Falcons targets in seven straight games.
Dak Prescott – Pacing towards a career-high 630 pass attempts, but Dak is having his least efficient season by TD% (3.8) and second-worst year by YPA (7.0). The Cowboys' defense has regressed, and it’s resulted in way more pass attempts for Dak. For now, Prescott remains a volume-based, low-end QB1. Atlanta has allowed multiple passing TDs in five out of their last 6 contests. This game has the highest over/under of the week (52 points). Dallas’ remaining schedule is white-hot, particularly in the fantasy playoffs. Dak and this passing offense basically don’t have a “hard” matchup remaining on the docket until Week 17 vs. Philadelphia. From Weeks 14-16 specifically, the Cowboys face the Bengals (7th-easiest by schedule adjusted fantasy points allowed), Panthers (3rd-easiest), Buccaneers (4th-easiest).
Kyle Pitts – Since he was left for dead after his Week 4 goose egg, Pitts has 21/314/2 receiving on 27 targets over his last four games (16.1 PPR FPG – TE3 in span). London (34%) and Mooney (29%) are still dominating first-read targets ahead of Pitts (12%) over the last month. Dallas has given up a whopping 13/230/4 receiving on 18 targets (that’s 12.8 yards per target!) to Steelers TEs, Sam LaPorta, and George Kittle over the last three games.
Jake Ferguson – Has earned at least seven targets in 5 of his last 6 games. Atlanta just allowed 5/70 to Seattle TEs and 9/81/2 receiving to Cade Otton in their last two games.
FLEX Plays
Darnell Mooney – The Cowboys secondary is already allowing a league-high 2.4 yards per route run to opposing outside wide receivers, and now CB Trevon Diggs (calf) might miss this game.
Rico Dowdle – Shockingly, the backfield trio of Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook, and Hunter Luepke combined to gain just 46 yards on 17 carries last week. Rico Dowdle missed Week 8 due to an illness, but he’s not on the injury report heading into Week 9. After building a little bit of momentum in Weeks 4-5 with 175 total scrimmage yards and 2 TDs, the Cowboys cut down Dowdle’s role in their last game before the bye. His 28% snap rate was a season-low in Week 6. Given the poor competition level here with two old veterans, Dowdle should have no issue taking over as the “1A” in this backfield again.
Stream ‘Em
Kirk Cousins – Has mixed in three top-10 scoring spiked weeks with five performances outside of the top-20 scoring fantasy QB entirely. This is a great spot to chase one of those spiked games against a Dallas secondary that’s allowing the fourth-most passing FP per dropback (0.38) and a league-high 8.2 yards per attempt. Cowboys EDGE Micah Parsons (ankle) is out again.
Sit ‘Em
Jalen Tolbert
Ray-Ray McLoud
Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook
Stash ‘Em
Tyler Allgeier
New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers
Must Start
Alvin Kamara — Will see an absolutely massive role this week. Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller are both out.
Chris Olave – After missing three games, Derek Carr (oblique) should return in Week 9. Chris Olave shredded the Chargers for 8/107 receiving on 13 targets from Spencer Rattler. Injuries at receiver have cleaned out the Saints, and it’s left Olave in for a monster role to close out the season. I’m buying. Olave earned 41% of the first-read targets and 58% of the air yards last week. Carolina is allowing the fourth-most schedule adjusted FPG above average (+4.1) to opposing outside wide receivers.
FLEX Plays
Chuba Hubbard – It was a low bar to cross, but Bryce Young had his “best” game of the year with 224 yards (6.1 YPA), 2 TDs, and 2 INTs on 37 attempts vs. Broncos. Unfortunately, Hubbard was stuck in mud against Denver for just 15/56 rushing and 2/15 receiving while playing on 75% of the snaps. It was his third straight game with at least 75% of the snaps. Teammate Miles Sanders annoyingly cut in for 7/38 receiving, with Bryce Young checking down heavily against the Broncos blitz. Hubbard is a volume-based RB2 up against a bad New Orleans run defense (5.2 YPC allowed | fourth-most).
Stream ‘Em
Taysom Hill – In his first game back, Hill carried the ball four times for 20 yards and he had 2/21 receiving (on 4 targets). He played his usual 40% snap rate. If you need to chase a TD with Hill as a desperation streamer, it makes sense. Carolina is allowing a league-high 1.9 touchdowns per game to opposing backfields.
Sit ‘Em
Derek Carr – SuperFlex only.
Xavier Legette – Led the team in targets (7) for a 4/34/1 receiving result while running fewer routes than Moore and Coker last week.
Jalen Coker – Led the team in first-read targets (22%) last week by a hair over Legette (19%). This is an ideal matchup for Coker if you need a desperation WR3/FLEX — no secondary is giving up more yards per route run to slot receivers than the Saints (2.3 YPRR).
Adam Thielen – Out (hamstring).
Mason Tipton – Now the Saints WR2. Bub Means (ankle) is set to miss time.
Kendre Miller – Out (hamstring).
Cedrick Wilson – Dealing with a hip injury.
Bryce Young
Ja’Tavion Sanders
David Moore
Las Vegas Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals
Must Start
Ja’Marr Chase – WR3 in FPG (19.8) behind A.J. Brown (20.0) and Nico Collins (21.3). Chase led the Bengals in first-read targets (37%) in Week 8 without Higgins.
Brock Bowers – Averaging 14.1 PPR points per game, which would tie Sam LaPorta’s mark last season as the most FPG by a rookie TE all-time.
Chase Brown – Teammate Zack Moss (neck) was added to the injury report on Friday, and he will not play. It’s a huge boost to Brown’s projection, and he’s now among the best plays on the Week 9 slate overall. Over the last three weeks, Brown has flipped this backfield in his favor. Brown has 37 carries to Zack Moss’ 17, and he’s out-snapped Moss by a 56% to 49% margin. The Bengals use both Brown and Moss on the field for a few plays. Most importantly, Brown has overtaken Moss in the red-zone, out-snapping him by a 79% to 21% margin inside-the-20. The Raiders are allowing the eighth-most YPC (4.7).
Start ‘Em
Joe Burrow – This is clearly a spot for Burrow to get back on track – at home against a beatable Raiders defense. It’s a massive concern that Burrow’s efficiency drops by -45% on a fantasy points per dropback basis without Tee Higgins. In Weeks 3-7, Burrow averaged an elite 0.63 FP/DB (fourth-best of 37 QB) in five games with Higgins. In three games without him? Burrow’s FP/DB is a lowly 0.35 (that’s 30th-of-37 QB). I’m treating Burrow as a low-end QB1 here.
Jakobi Meyers – In his first game back after missing Weeks 6-7 with an ankle injury, Meyers led the Raiders in routes and targets for a 6/52/1 receiving result. He’s one of the most underrated receivers in fantasy football. In his last four games played, Meyers leads Las Vegas in first-read targets (33% share) over Tucker (22%) and Bowers (19%). He has 24/235/2 receiving (15.4 PPR FPG – WR15) as a result.
Stream ‘Em
Mike Gesicki – Back in play as a streamer. In the three games that Higgins has missed time, Gesicki has earned 21% of the targets – which is just barely behind Chase (22%). He has 17/182 receiving on 21 targets (11.7 PPR FPG) in those three games to show for it. In five contests with Higgins active, Gesicki has seen just 6% of the targets (8 receptions for 71 yards).
Sit ‘Em
Tee Higgins — Out again (quad).
Alexander Mattison – Turned his 14 carries into 15 yards last week vs. the Chiefs. HC Antonio Pierce said that Mattison will remain the starter, but that they want to get Zamir White involved. Over the last month, Mattison is RB28 in FPG (13.1). He’s a shaky FLEX.
Zack Moss
Tre Tucker
Gardner Minshew
DJ Turner
Andrei Iosvias
Zamir White
Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens
Must Start
Lamar Jackson – Should be the runaway MVP as we near the midway point. He’s the only fantasy QB to finish inside of the top-12 weekly scorers in every start this season. After a slow start for his standard, Jackson is on fire as a passer. Over his last six games, he’s completed 69% of his throws for 263 passing yards per game (9.8 YPA!!) with 15 TDs and 1 INT. He’s taken just 12 sacks all season.
Derrick Henry – As always, Henry is incredibly game-script-dependent again. Henry fares far better in wins than losses. He’s averaging 26.1 Half-PPR fantasy points per game in wins (RB1), but that dips to 13.6 FPG (RB19) when Baltimore has lost three times. The Ravens are massive 9-point favorites over the Broncos.
Start ‘Em
Mark Andrews – Has rejoined the Ravens' passing offense over the last four weeks with 16/198/4 receiving (on 18 targets) for 15.0 PPR FPG. Andrews is second in first-read targets (16% share) behind Flowers (32%) in this span. Most importantly, we finally saw Andrews get closer to a full-time role. He ran a route on 67% of the Ravens pass plays last week, which was his most participation since Week 2.
FLEX Plays
Zay Flowers – Even while battling through an ankle injury, Flowers shredded the Browns for 7/115 receiving. He’s heating up with Lamar. Flowers hammered the Bengals (7/111 receiving) and the Commanders (9/132) in Weeks 5-6 before he injured his ankle in Week 7 vs. Tampa Bay. Even with Diontae Johnson added, I expect that Flowers will continue to lead the Ravens in targets. This is a brutal matchup.
Courtland Sutton – After his 0/0 goose egg in Week 7 vs. Saints, Sutton just shredded the Panthers for 8/100 receiving on 11 targets. This is an even better matchup. The Ravens are giving up the second-most yards per game (123.5) and a league-high +6.6 schedule-adjusted FPG above average to opposing outside wide receivers.
Stream ‘Em
Bo Nix – Over the last four weeks, Nix has emerged as SuperFlex gold. He’s a potential weekly streamer in 1-QB leagues again. Nix has completed 67% of his throws for 217.5 yards per game (7.1 YPA), 7 TDs, and just 1 INT. Most importantly, Nix is running often. He’s adding 32 YPG and has scored four times on the ground. He’s on the board against a Ravens secondary that’s allowing a league-high 311.6 passing yards per contest.
Sit ‘Em
Javonte Williams – This is the worst matchup possible for running backs. The Ravens have allowed 50 or more rushing yards to an individual RB once – and it was to Nick Chubb last week. He needed 16 carries to get there. Baltimore has held 68% of runs to -EPA/play (per nflfastr), the lowest rate in the league.
Diontae Johnson – Will be limited in his first game as a Raven. Diontae will eventually earn targets here as an upgrade on Bateman/Agholor on the perimeter, but I see his upside capped in a Lamar- and Henry-centric offense. Honestly, he just throws a huge wrench into the target share projections here.
Rashod Bateman
Justice Hill
Isaiah Likely – Saw 12 targets in Week 1 for a 9/111/1 receiving result. Since then, he’s earned 22 total targets (15/160/2 receiving) over his last seven games.
Troy Franklin
Jaleel McLaughlin
New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans
Start ‘Em
Rhamondre Stevenson – Now fully healthy after a midseason foot injury and a case of the fumbles in Weeks 1-4, Stevenson got back to his usual role in Week 8. His 79% snap rate tied his season-high mark all of the way back in Week 1. Despite the ups and downs, Stevenson’s 14.9 carries per game are a career-high.
Calvin Ridley – That’s more like it. Ridley absolutely exploded for 10/143 receiving with 15 targets in his first game without DeAndre Hopkins. At the very least, Ridley’s performance puts him back on the high end of the WR3 radar. This is a good spot to keep building momentum. It should be Mason Rudolph under center this week – Will Levis (shoulder) was limited in practice all week. The Patriots are allowing the eighth-most yards per route run (2.2) to opposing outside wide receivers.
Tony Pollard – Go right back to him as a volume-based RB2. Just understand that his floor is lowered this week due to the injury risk. Pollard didn’t practice all week (foot). Tyjae Spears (hamstring) is out for another game. Tennessee has Julius Chesnut and Joshua Kelly behind Pollard this week.
FLEX Plays
Demario Douglas – In Weeks 6-7 with Maye under center, Douglas caught 8-of-11 targets for 106 yards and a TD. He’s averaging a robust 2.65 yards per route run with Maye. Douglas and Henry have split the plurality of first-read targets with 22% apiece. He’s in play as a WR3/FLEX.
Stream ‘Em
Drake Maye – I’m going right back to Maye as a QB1 streamer for his third straight start. Maye is averaging a strong 0.58 fantasy points per dropback in Weeks 6-8, which would be eighth-best overall this season. I remain bullish that Maye can become a weekly starter on the low end of the QB1 spectrum by the end of the year. He’s added 11/102/1 rushing in 2 games (and one quarter) worth of action.
Hunter Henry – If Maye can start, then Henry is on the board as a streaming option. In two games with Maye under center, Henry leads the Patriots in targets (12) for a 11/133/1 receiving result. This should be no surprise, but Henry’s 2.18 yards per route run is up significantly with Maye compared to Brissett (1.41 YPRR).
Sit ‘Em
Tyjae Spears – Out (hamstring).
Tyler Boyd
Kayshon Boutte
Nick Westbrook-Ikhene
Mason Rudolph
Chicago Bears at Arizona Cardinals (4:05p ET)
Must Start
Trey McBride – All that he does is earn targets. McBride has earned 141 targets over his last 17 games since becoming a full-time player for a 108/1101/3 receiving result (13.9 PPR FPG). The Bears have been cleaned out for 10/102 receiving by Evan Engram and 7/77 by Zach Ertz in their last two games. Chicago plays the fourth-most Cover-3 zone (41%). McBride leads the team in target share (32%) and he’s averaging a TE-best 3.81 yards per route run vs. Cover-3.
D’Andre Swift – Continues to put his poor start in the rearview mirror. Swift has now racked up at least 119 scrimmage yards and scored a TD in four straight games. He’s a Must Start RB1 up against a Cardinals defense that’s getting shellacked for 154.6 scrimmage yards per game by opposing backfields (fourth-most).
Start ‘Em
Kyler Murray – After five straight rough performances as a passer, Murray had his best game of the season through the air (307 yards, 2 TDs) against Miami. He absolutely carved up the Dolphins in the middle of the field with Harrison and McBride. This is another tougher matchup against a Bears secondary that is allowing the fourth-fewest passing FP per dropback, but Murray’s rushing gives him additional outs for fantasy. He has five or more carries in 7-of-8 games.
James Conner – Death, taxes, and Conner paying off ADP as a value RB2. He’s played at least 80% of the snaps in three out of his last 4 games.
Marvin Harrison – As expected, Harrison bounced back for a 6/111/1 receiving performance against Miami. We noted that it was a good schematic matchup last week because the Dolphins were playing a good bit of one-high safety coverage to help give MHJ some 1-on-1 opportunities to get loose. This is a sort of similar matchup here, although CB Jaylon Johnson is playing extremely well. Chicago plays one-high safety coverage – either Cover-1 (man) or Cover-3 (zone) on 60% of opponents' pass plays (tied for fourth-highest rate). Harrison is earning 26% of the targets and averaging 2.92 yards per route run against 1-hi looks, but his efficiency drops off of the table when the defense plays two-high safety shell coverage (18% TS | 1.22 YPRR). He’s a WR2/FLEX play again here.
FLEX Plays
D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze – In their five games played together, Moore leads the group in targets (31) over Allen (27) and Odunze (20). These three receivers are cannibalizing each other’s production to a certain extent, with Moore (13.2 PPR XFP) still leading the way in expected fantasy points over Allen (11.2) and Odunze (7.5). All three of these Bears receivers are on the board as WR3/FLEX options in an ideal matchup and potential shootout game environment. Arizona allows the fifth-most schedule-adjusted FPG above average (+3.4) to opposing wideouts. For the first time all season, Odunze (31%) led Chicago in first-read target share over Moore and Allen (23%) last week.
Sit ‘Em
Caleb Williams – In his first game out of the bye, Williams and the Bears passing offense completely air-balled against the Commanders. He completed just 10 of his 24 throws for 131 yards last week. It was a huge disappointment after Williams completed 70% of his throws for 262.5 passing yards per game (7.9 YPA) with 9 TDs to 3 INTs in his four previous games. OC Shane Waldron called the most run-heavy game of his tenure with the Bears in Week 8 with a league-low -12.6% pass rate under expectation. I’m still optimistic that this passing attack can manufacture some consistency, but we need to see it with more regularity until we consider using Williams regularly in 10- and 12-team 1-QB leagues.
Cole Kmet – Targets earned in his five games with Moore, Allen, and Odunze – 1, 3, 4, 5, and 1.
Michael Wilson
Greg Dortch
Stash ‘Em
Roschon Johnson
Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles (4:05p ET)
Must Start
Jalen Hurts – Dating back to the beginning of last season, Hurts has finished as a top-10 scoring QB in fantasy football at an unbelievably consistent rate — 19 of his last 23 starts (83%).
A.J. Brown – Leads all wide receivers in yards per route run (4.21) by a mile over Nico Collins (3.63). The Jaguars have played man coverage on at least 40% of their opponents' plays in 6-of-8 games. Brown is absolutely demolishing man-to-man coverages with a ridiculous 9/182/2 receiving (5.35 YPRR!) on 34 routes vs. Cover-1, Cover-2 man, or Cover-0 this season.
Saquon Barkley – Has eclipsed at least 111 scrimmage yards in six out of 7 games. However, he is losing out of valuable goal-line TDs thanks to The Push. Jalen Hurts has 12 carries (7 TDs) while Barkley has 13 carries (3 TDs) inside-the-10.
Evan Engram – Teammate Christian Kirk’s season-ending broken collarbone will condense the Jaguars' targets around Brian Thomas and Evan Engram for the rest of the season. Since returning from a hamstring injury three weeks ago, Engram leads the Jaguars in first-read targets (23% share) over Kirk (20%) and Thomas (19%). As a reminder, Evan Engram put his hat in the ring for the fantasy TE1 over the final six games without Kirk (groin) last year. Across Weeks 13-18, Engram piled up 50/439/4 receiving and trailed only David Njoku (15.4) in PPR points per game as the TE1 by a whisker. Engram averaged 15.3 PPR FPG in six games without Kirk last season. He’s a player to target in trades this week.
Start ‘Em
DeVonta Smith – In the four games that Brown has played, Smith is second on the team in targets (20) and first-reads (29% share). Brown (29 targets) dominates the first reads with a massive 42% share. This is an eruption spot for Brown, but you’re going right back to Smith as a high upside WR2.
Brian Thomas – It looked like Thomas (3/60/1 receiving) was on his way to another great fantasy performance, but he left early in the game vs. Packers with an injury to his shoulder. Luckily, it seems like it won’t be a big deal long term. The MRI revealed just a bad bruise. HC Doug Pederson said that Thomas has a shot to play in Week 9 vs. Philadelphia, and Thomas practiced in a limited fashion on Wednesday. If he can suit up, you’re playing Thomas everywhere as a high-upside WR2. BTJ is WR14 in PPR fantasy points per game (15.5) entering Week 9. Veteran CB Darius Slay is out.
Sit ‘Em
Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby – Among the 43 RBs with 50 or more attempts this season, Bigsby is first in yards after contact per carry (3.96) and a solid 15th in missed tackles forced per carry (0.19). By comparison, Travis Etienne is averaging 2.6 yards after contact and 0.14 MTF on a per-carry basis. This backfield is headed toward a 1A/1B committee, with Bigsby as the lead on early downs and Etienne playing the majority of passing situations. Bigsby has cleared 80 or more scrimmage yards in four out of his last 5 games. The Eagles have allowed just 2 touchdowns to running backs all season long, but they can be run on (4.6 YPC allowed). Bigsby is a lower-end RB2/FLEX option this week, with Jacksonville (+7.5) set as huge road underdogs. Etienne is a desperation FLEX.
Trevor Lawrence – SuperFlex only.
Dallas Goedert – Has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. Goedert didn’t practice on Wednesday.
Gabe Davis
Parker Washington
Grant Calcaterra
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers (4:25p ET)
Sunday Update –– It will be rainy and windy all game long in Green Bay. It’s a knock to the passing games. I’m always going to treat Jordan Love as a low-end QB1 in any game that he suits up, but there is no denying that his floor is low this week.
Must Start
Jahmyr Gibbs – One of the few players with an extremely high floor in fantasy football. Gibbs has RB14, RB9, RB14, RB12, RB22, RB1, and RB9 scoring weeks. Gibbs is fifth in scrimmage yards per game (106.4).
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Start ‘Em
Josh Jacobs – Dealing with a minor ankle injury. Jacobs has gone over 90 scrimmage yards in four straight games. Detroit has allowed 43/223/1 rushing (5.2 YPC) over the last two weeks vs. Minnesota and Tennessee.
David Montgomery – Has scored 22 TDs in 23 full games with the Lions (including playoffs). Montgomery still has the edge in carries inside-the-10 over Gibbs (16 to 9).
Sam LaPorta – With Jameson Williams (suspension) out, LaPorta led the Lions in targets (6) and first-read target share (33%) for a 6/48/1 result. LaPorta’s first-read target share is 8.3%, with Williams on the field in Weeks 1-7, which was 32nd among TEs. This is an ideal matchup against a Packers defense that’s allowing 59.9 yards per game (sixth-most) and +4.7 schedule-adjusted FPG above average (second-most) to tight ends.
Jayden Reed – It has been a roller coaster for Reed this season. He hammered the Eagles for 171 scrimmage yards and 2 TDs in Week 1 and hit the Vikings for 141 yards and a score in his first two starts with Love this season, but he’s since been held to just 10 receptions for 93 yards and a TD over his last three games. This is an unbelievable matchup for Reed. The Lions are getting hammered for a league-high 121 receiving yards per game and +8.4 schedule-adjusted FPG above average to slot wideouts.
Jordan Love – Luckily, it seems that Jordan Love (groin) avoided a major injury on Sunday. MRI revealed a minor strain, and he’s day-to-day. Love was a roller coaster against the Jaguars (14-of-26 passing for 196 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT) before he left the game on their opening drive in the 3rd quarter. Green Bay plays Detroit in Week 9, and then they have their bye in Week 10. The Packers could give Love two weeks off if they need to. With scoring weeks of QB11, QB2, QB15, QB3, and QB10 this season (in games that he’s finished), Love has finished as a top-15 scoring QB in fantasy football and thrown for at least 2 TDs in 14 of his last 15 contests.
FLEX Plays
Romeo Doubs – In his five games with Jordan Love under center, Doubs leads the Packers in targets (35) over Reed (27), Wicks (27), Watson (20), and Kraft (18). His 25% first-read target share also leads the team over Reed and Wicks (18.3%). As a result, Doubs holds the slight lead in expected PPR fantasy points per game (13.9 XFP) over Wicks (11.5) and Reed (11.0).
Sit ‘Em
Jared Goff – Detroit just played one of the most bizarre NFL games ever seen after the Titans special teams imploded repeatedly. The Lions had terrific starting field position all game long, and Goff only needed to throw it 15 times for 80 yards. Goff has now attempted 25 or fewer passes in five straight games.
Tucker Kraft – In his last three games, Kraft has earned just 11% of the targets (10 total) with Doubs (20 targets), Reed (13), Watson (12), and Wicks (11) ahead. That’s not great. There are too many mouths to feed right now. This is a horrific matchup, too. Detroit is erasing opposing tight ends to the fourth-fewest schedule-adjusted FPG below average (-3.9) and the second-fewest yards per game (30) to opposing tight ends.
Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks – In five games with Love under center and Romeo Doubs active, Wicks and Watson have split routes (44% participation) right down the middle as part-time players. Wicks (27) has more targets than Watson (18).
Jameson Williams – Suspended one more game.
Kalif Raymond and Tim Patrick
Emmanuel Wilson
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks (4:25p ET)
Must Start
Kyren Williams – In his 19 games as the Rams starter, Williams has scored 25 touchdowns. His snap rate hasn’t dipped below 79% in a single game this season.
Ken Walker – I’m not overly concerned that Walker’s snaps have dipped in two straight games. He was sick in Week 7, and Seattle just got absolutely trucked 31-10 in Week 8 by Buffalo. I’m still treating Walker as a Must Start RB1 against a Rams defense that’s allowing 112 yards per game on the ground (eighth-most). Only Alvin Kamara (6.8) and Breece Hall (5.8) are earning more targets per game than Walker (5.2) among running backs.
Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp – After missing four games apiece in Weeks 2-7, the Rams got their WR duo back last week. Kupp (79%) was more involved than Nacua (62%) by route share, but Nacua was in mid-season form (7/106 receiving on nine targets). He looked terrific on all of the timing patterns with Stafford. Kupp was targeted eight times (5/51/1 result). We should see them both return to full-time roles with 80-85% route involvement moving forward. This is the healthiest that both Kupp and Nacua have been all season after they just got 10 days off in between games. In their last 10 contests together, Nacua has 53/905/4 receiving (16.7 PPR FPG), and Kupp has gone for 46/455/5 receiving (12.2 FPG). It’s very tight by first-read target share with Nacua (26%), operating as the slight lead over Kupp (25%). Seahawks stud slot CB Devon Witherspoon (foot) is questionable.
Sunday Update –– Nacua will “try to play” after banging his knee in practice on Sunday. Nacua hurt the same leg that caused him to miss Weeks 2-7. Just like last week, Nacua is still a solid WR2, even on a snap count. He was targeted 9 times on just 21 routes last week.
FLEX Plays
Tyler Lockett – Hasn’t earned more than 15% of the targets in five straight games. D.K. Metcalf (knee) will miss another game and TE Noah Fant (groin) will also miss. Fant injured his groin in practice. Lockett was a ghost last week (2 targets, one catch for 9 yards), but he has to be more involved here if the Seahawks are going to move the ball. Los Angeles is giving up the fourth-most yards per game to opposing outside receivers (117.3).
Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Even with amazing overall team volume, JSN is the WR39 in PPR points per game (11.2). Seattle leads the league in pass rate over expectation (+8.2%), and Smith-Njigba still can’t break free as a low end WR3. This is a terrific matchup for Lockett, but not for JSN. The Rams are holding opposing slot receivers to a league-low 38.3 yards per game. At least we know the targets will be there. JSN (29%) led the Seahawks in first-read target share last week without Metcalf, followed by Fant (17.6%) – who is also out.
Stream ‘Em
Matthew Stafford – Over his last 10 games with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both starting, Stafford has completed 244-of-362 passes (67%) for 285.8 passing yards per game (7.9 YPA) and a 23:5 TD-to-INT ratio. For reference, Stafford is averaging 20.1 fantasy points per game in these 10 starts – which would make him the QB6 this season. That’s just ahead of Brock Purdy (19.3 FPG). With all of his weapons back, Stafford is looking like a terrific buy low for the stretch run. Seattle has allowed 19.5 or more FP to a quarterback in four out of their last 5 games.
Sit ‘Em
D.K. Metcalf – Seahawks HC Mike McDonald remains optimistic that Metcalf will return in Week 9 after he missed the last game with a mild knee sprain. If he can suit up, Metcalf has one of the highest WR ceilings for Week 9.
Geno Smith – Cratered to a QB29 scoring week (9.6 FP) without his guy D.K. Metcalf last week. He previously had five top-12 scoring performances in his 7 starts. This is clearly a great bounceback spot against a weak Rams secondary. Los Angeles allows 8.1 pass YPA (second-most) and 6.1% TD (third-highest rate). This game has clear shootout upside between these two fast-paced offenses, but playing without Metcalf shifts the entire focus of the defensive attention. Smith is downgraded as a SuperFlex-only QB.
Colby Parkinson
Zach Charbonnet
Noah Fant
Demarcus Robinson
Tutu Atwell
Stash ‘Em
Blake Corum
Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings (SNF)
Must Start
Justin Jefferson – Has at least 80 yards receiving in six straight games, and he’s on pace for a career-high 11-12 touchdowns. The Colts cornerbacks are not even on the same planet in terms of talent.
Aaron Jones – The Vikings have ditched trying to mix in Ty Chandler and are just rolling with Jones as a full-blown bell cow. His 92% snap rate last week marked a season-high. Jones has now played on 77% of the snaps in his last three games not limited by an injury. Only the Seahawks (162.5) allow more scrimmage yards per game to RBs than the Colts (159.8).
Jonathan Taylor – Has racked up 135, 135, 108, and 117 scrimmage yards in his last four starts. This QB change will give Taylor a huge boost in stock. Despite missing three games, Taylor has the seventh-most carries (13 – 4 TDs) inside-the-10. The Colts have scored points on 42% (13-of-31) of their possessions with Joe Flacco under center. Anthony Richardson has led a scoring drive just 31% of the time (18-of-58 drives).
Start ‘Em
Josh Downs – In two starts with Flacco under center, Downs has gone off for 16/138/1 receiving on 21 targets (17.7 PPR FPG). He finished as the WR17 and WR14 overall in Weeks 5-6. Downs looks like one of the best value picks in all of fantasy football as he continues to take over as the Colts WR1. Downs has earned a strong 32% of the first-read targets in Flacco’s two starts while Michael Pittman (15%) is the clear secondary target. The Vikings allow the second-most schedule-adjusted FPG (+5.3) to opposing slot wideouts. I almost put Downs as a Must Start, but he’s basically the best WR2 on the slate.
Sam Darnold – Has finished as a top-15 scoring QB in 6-of-7 starts with three top-10 performances. If you’ve been using Darnold as a low-end starter, this is another terrific spot. The Colts have allowed 285 or more passing yards to four out of the last 6 quarterbacks they’ve faced, with the games against Will Levis and Snoop Huntley standing out as the lone exceptions.
T.J. Hockenson – Welcome back! Hockenson has been ramping up in practice for three weeks, and he should have no restrictions in terms of his snap count. He’s had 10 months to fully rest and rehab his torn ACL/MCL. This is a gorgeous matchup for his debut. The Colts are giving up the fourth-most receptions per game (6.1) to tight ends.
FLEX Plays
Michael Pittman – On new starter Joe Flacco’s 108 pass attempts this season, Pittman has turned his 19 targets into 12/125/2 receiving in about 2.75 games of action. That works out to 13.2 PPR points per game. The Colts new WR1 Josh Downs has 23/206/2 receiving (on 29 targets) with Flacco.
Sit ‘Em
Joe Flacco – SuperFlex only this week. There are too many good quarterback plays on this slate to really consider using Flacco in 1-QB leagues, but I definitely don’t mind this spot. The Vikings allow 286.3 passing yards per game (second-most) and a decent 4.8% TD (10th-highest) to go along with it. Anthony Richardson has been benched because he likely lost the locker room in addition to not playing well. One thing is for sure – Richardson has to be better against the blitz. Flacco has completed 50% of his throws for 7.4 YPA with a 2.4-second average time to throw when blitzed this season. By comparison, Richardson has struggled massively (27% completions | 6.0 YPA | 3.1 TTT) vs. blitzes. Minnesota is blitzing opposing QBs on 40% of their dropbacks (second-most).
Jordan Addison – Through five starts, Addison is WR47 in FPG (10.0) with 14/231/1 receiving (on 23 targets). Getting TE TJ Hockenson back in the fold only lowers his target projection. Over the last four weeks, Jefferson leads the Vikings in targets with a monster 35% share. Addison (17%) is well behind.
Alec Pierce
A.D. Mitchell
Jalen Nailor
Ty Chandler
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Kansas City Chiefs (MNF)
Must Start
Cade Otton – As expected, Cade Otton was the biggest beneficiary of Chris Godwin (ankle | IR) and Mike Evans’ (hamstring) absence. Evans will not be able to return until Week 12 at the earliest. Otton dominated targets (10) and finished with 9/81/2 receiving in his first game as the lead receiver. It was Otton (30%) working as Baker Mayfield’s first-read primarily followed by Jalen McMillan (21%) and Rachaad White (12%) last week. The Chiefs allow league-highs in receptions and yards to opposing TEs.
Travis Kelce – Since Rashee Rice (knee, hamstring) was lost for the season in Week 4, Kelce leads all tight ends in target share (26%) and receptions per game (7.5). It’s borne out of necessity, but we’re back to the Turbo Kelce role where he just vacuums short receptions and generates first downs. He’s averaging 15.7 PPR fantasy points per game in Weeks 4-8 after putting up just 5.0 FPG in Weeks 1-3 when they ran the offense around Rice (RIP).
Start ‘Em
Kareem Hunt – In his four games as the Chiefs starting RB, Hunt has piled up 16, 28, 24, and 22 touches with 60 or more scrimmage yards in every outing. Most importantly, Hunt has all of the TD equity in this backfield. Hunt leads the Chiefs in red-zone carries (18) over Perine (1) in their last four games. Tampa Bay is allowing 5.0 YPC (fifth-most).
FLEX Plays
Xavier Worthy – The Chiefs are trying like crazy to get him the ball. Worthy has eight targets in back-to-back games out of their bye week. He’s tied with Kelce for the team lead in first-read target share at 34.2% apiece in Weeks 7-8. Mahomes and Worthy have been just off on a few big plays. By expected fantasy points (16.4 PPR XFP), his role over his last two starts is WR2-worthy. He only has 9.6 actual FPG to show for it. I’m still going back to the well here with Worthy as high upside FLEX. Tampa is allowing the fifth-most total yards per game (205.9) to opposing outside and slot wideouts.
Rachaad White – This is the worst possible matchup for White and the Buccaneers ground game. The Chiefs aren’t allowing anything. Kansas City is allowing a league-low 50.4 rushing yards per game. White will need to remain active in the passing attack as a lower end FLEX option this week. Over the last two weeks, the Buccaneers have split carries with Irving (18), White (16), and Tucker (7). White (47% route share) remains more involved on pass downs than Irving (33%).
Bucky Irving – Between this matchup and his toe injury, it leaves Irving as a low end option on a loaded RB slate for Week 9. By all means, fire him back up as a floor-base FLEX in PPR leagues. This is a split backfield, but Irving has been the preferred red-zone option (4 carries) over White (1) in their last two games. Irving has finished as a top-24 RB on a weekly basis in five of his last 6 games.
Sit ‘Em
Baker Mayfield – Even without his top two wideouts, Mayfield threw for 330 yards and 3 TDs last week against the Falcons. Ok, yeah, he needed 50 attempts to get there. Mayfield has now finished as a top-8 scoring fantasy QB in 7-of-8 starts. If you don’t enjoy watching him play, then you need your head examined. Mayfield gets a tough matchup here, though. He’s a SuperFlex Must Start all season long, but the Chiefs are allowing the 12th-lowest TD% (3.9) and 12th-fewest yards per game (220.4). The only QBs that have scored 20 or more FP against the Chiefs are Lamar Jackson and Brock Purdy, and they both needed to get there with their legs.
Patrick Mahomes – Has finished as the QB15, QB14, QB17, QB17, QB20, QB16, and QB15 in weekly scoring in his seven starts this season. Mahomes has finished as a top-10 scoring QB in fantasy football just once in his last 16 games, dating back to last year. His 3.6 TD% is a career-low.
DeAndre Hopkins – As expected, Hopkins was limited in his first start with the Chiefs. He only ran a route on 33% of the pass plays in Week 8. We expect him to get up to 55-65% this week. Until he becomes a full-time starter, Hopkins will need a TD to pay off as a WR3. Nuk ran 86% of his routes aligned out wide last week while Kelce maintained the Turbo Kelce power slot role.
JuJu Smith-Schuster – Still not practicing (hamstring).
Sean Tucker – Will become fantasy-relevant if Irving or White miss time.
Trey Palmer
Sterling Shepard — Dealing with a hamstring injury.
Stash ‘Em
Jalen McMillan – Just missed on a huge fantasy day last week. Mayfield overshot a wide open McMillan in the end zone that would have saved his day (4/35 receiving). Better days are ahead. In his first start, McMillan led the team in routes and was second in targets (7) after Otton (10). This is a brutal matchup. The Chiefs give up the second-fewest yards per game (66.3) to opposing outside wide receivers.
