Sports

The overarching topic coming into the weekend has been the upcoming NFL Trade Deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 4 — which teams are buyers or sellers, the players likeliest to be on the move and who benefits in the short or long term. NFL insiders are eyeing specific players. And so should we. A lot of the details can get lost in the chaos of live football.

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But with the potential for movement, and to help fantasy football managers find some guys they could acquire in deals of their own, here’s who I’ll be watching in each contest for Week 9.

Atlanta Falcons @ New England Patriots

I’m sure at least one person wouldn’t mind seeing Drake London back out on the field. And, no, I’m not talking about whoever starts under center. I mean Bijan Robinson. The Falcons’ RB1 saw eight or more defenders in the box on a season-high 55.6% of his attempts. It’s part of why the Dolphins, one of the best units for a rusher to face, kept him in check. New England hasn’t allowed a single RB over 50 yards all season. But at least if London’s occupying the second level of the defense, Robinson can find a rushing lane.

I’ll be watching how often TreVeyon Henderson gets the ball after Week 8. After head coach Mike Vrabel used practice-squad RB Terrell Jennings as his “five-minute back,” things appeared over for the rookie. But then, Henderson was up to 36% of the carries as starter Rhamondre Stevenson floundered. Things were going well until a fourth-quarter goal-line fumble. Hopefully, Vrabel shows Henderson the same leniency he showed Stevenson earlier in the season.

Carolina Panthers @ Green Bay Packers

All respect to head coach Dave Canales, but I’m having a tough time understanding his backfield rotation. Rico Dowdle’s snaps and share of the rushing attempts have been on a downward trajectory since Chuba Hubbard’s return. They were at their lowest in Week 8, but there was no doubt who was the more effective runner. Dowdle averaged more yards after contact and posted a higher success rate on his eight carries. While both may struggle against the Packers’ rush defense (third-fewest PPR PPG allowed to RBs), Dowdle has the better chance of keeping the Panthers offense on schedule.

The advancements in modern medicine never cease to amaze me. Christian Watson tore his ACL in January of this year, and he was out on the field in Week 8 just 10 months later. And not just getting a cardio workout — Watson was second in targets. Three of his four catches went for 15 yards or more.

James Cook was the first RB in five weeks to break through Carolina’s defensive front. If the Panthers tighten up against Green Bay, forcing Jordan Love to take to the air, I’m looking to see if Watson can build on his primetime debut.

Chicago Bears @ Cincinnati Bengals

I’m trying to figure out which of the two Bears RBs will get to 100 yards on the ground first against my Bengals. It’s not a question of if, but when. D’Andre Swift has averaged 3.6 yards before contact and picked up 4.5 afterward since the team’s bye. Meanwhile, Kyle Monangai has created an explosive play on 13.8% of his touches. Cincinnati has given up four 100-yard rushers, with three finding the end zone twice.

Of course, this could be Monangai's show if Swift isn't able to play due to his lingering groin injury. Nonetheless, with the Bears' passing game still trying to find its way, every fantasy manager should have Swift locked into their starting roster for Week 9 so long as he's active. 

Joe Flacco’s shoulder is sore. The aerial attack is Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins (if the matchup is perfect) or pray for a miracle. So, let’s get Chase Brown more involved. Brown now has back-to-back contests with over 100 scrimmage yards. His 75% rushing success rate is his best through eight games, and he made the most of his three targets. Alvin Kamara and Aaron Jones Sr. are the only RBs to go up against the Bears’ defensive front and not get above 50 yards, and we just saw how a competent passing game put Derrick Henry in line for short-TD attempts. As potent as the Bengals can be through the air, Brown can take the pressure off on the ground.

Indianapolis Colts @ Pittsburgh Steelers

I figured Alec Pierce’s utility in fantasy would be over once Josh Downs returned to the lineup; Daniel Jones has too many options. However, the former Bearcat has a unique role within the passing game. The Colts use Levels concepts to beat zone defenses. Downs and Warren in the short area, Michael Pittman Jr. roaming the intermediate and Pierce downfield. Jones has a knack for hitting players for explosive gains, and the Steelers have a propensity for letting speedy receivers get by them. With Pierce averaging over 20 air yards per target over his last three games, a deep shot from Jones should be on tap for Sunday.

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Aaron Rodgers needs a WR2. However, that person may not be on the roster (yet). Roman Wilson only ran a route on 53.8% of Rodgers’ dropbacks in Week 8. Calvin Austin III was on the field for 82.1% of the routes, but was ineffective with the ball in his hands. The Steelers’ slot man averaged 2.3 yards after the catch on his four receptions. He didn’t break a tackle. Only one of his catches resulted in a first down. We should expect Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to keep Rodgers under duress early and often, requiring quick throws close to the line of scrimmage. That should be Austin’s calling card, but it’ll be hard to trust him, given his performance.

Denver Broncos @ Houston Texans

I want to start RJ Harvey this weekend. The man just scored three TDs. But his usage leaves me uncertain. Harvey played on less than 30% of the team’s snaps for the fourth consecutive game. He hasn’t earned more than a third of the rushing attempts since Week 4. His one target turned into a touchdown. And, of course, it was against the Cowboys. Houston has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher and continues to short-circuit drives by harassing opposing QBs. Even after a productive outing, I might keep Harvey on my bench.

Let’s assume Nico Collins is back on the field after missing Week 8 with a concussion. Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel should continue to see looks within the Texans’ passing game. The two rookie receivers earned the most air yards and generated the most of C.J. Stroud’s passing first downs. Noel’s interior role turned into an easy relief option for Stroud, while Higgins took on some of Collins’ position as the perimeter option. Even with the veteran WR returning to reclaim his X-receiver job, the newcomers can work alongside him against the Broncos’ secondary.

Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions

Without question, I’ll be watching J.J. McCarthy when the Vikings offense gets on the field. While Minnesota was able to get one win with the “rookie” passer, the pool of fantasy points was a bit smaller, as compared to when Carson Wentz was under center. McCarthy only managed 20.5 passing attempts per game, with even fewer yards to go with his dropbacks (150.5). Fantasy managers with Justin Jefferson or Jordan Addison should be concerned, as their potential for production drops with the QB change. And unless McCarthy got in some extra throwing time while rehabbing, we may be waiting a while to see either of the Vikings’ receivers back in the top 24.

The Lions have had time to regroup and, theoretically, reassess their aerial attack. I’m hoping this includes Jameson Williams’ involvement. Or at least, consideration for a more steady dose of the recently-extended receiver. Just look at his target rates over Detroit’s four games before the bye: 32%, 4%, 27% and 4%. At the same time, his aDOT has shifted from a short-area merchant (7.0 and 4.6 air yards in Weeks 5 and 6) to the deep-ball option we’ve seen in years past (25.1 and 17.0 air yards in Weeks 4 and 7). Maybe the time off gave Williams, Jared Goff and offensive coordinator John Morton a chance to get on the same page. If not, the Lions’ WR2 will be more like a WR4 in fantasy.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Tennessee Titans

I had to sit with Quentin Johnston’s doughnut of a fantasy score for almost three days after last week’s TNF. On the one hand, I understand. It was his first game back from a hamstring injury. But 79% of the routes, while Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen and Oronde Gadsden II all had serviceable outings, were tough to square. But Tennessee gives Johnston a chance to get back on track. They rank in the bottom 12 in pressure rate, and Justin Herbert has been looking farther downfield with his offensive line getting healthier. In a game the Chargers should control from start to finish, I’ll be looking to see how much of a role Johnston plays.

Cam Ward’s time will come in 2026. But his receivers can still make a splash this season. Chimere Dike has become a much-needed speed option on crossing routes for the Titans’ passing game. Operating as their return man and, more importantly, Ward’s slot receiver, Dike’s routes and targets have been on a steady incline over the last three weeks. While the Chargers’ secondary has been limiting to opposing receivers (27.5 PPR PPG allowed, seventh-fewest), Dike’s after-the-catch ability makes him a viable WR3 in PPR leagues.

San Francisco 49ers @ New York Giants

Let me see if I can use a process to come up with good results. We can all agree that volume is any skill player’s best friend. Metrics like target rate and air yard share are not only correlated to fantasy points but also predictive of future usage. Over the last two weeks, Jauan Jennings has led the 49ers in both categories (27% of the looks, 35% of the air yards). But just 9.1 and 10.5 PPR points to show for the opportunities. Now, he gets to face a Giants’ defense reeling from even more injuries. Independent of who is under center for San Francisco, Jennings’ role within the offense should yield a top-24 result on Sunday.

I need Jaxson Dart to protect himself. Malik Nabers is already out for the season. Dart’s best friend, Cam Skattebo, just joined Nabers on the injured reserve with a dislocated ankle. Meanwhile, Dart has taken more hits in his five starts (30) than Jordan Love (26) has all season. It’s no stretch to say the Giants’ QB1 has been the best of his class, and not just for his mobility. He’s ahead of Caleb Williams in EPA per dropback. But as the rest of the team crumbles around him, I’ll be watching to see if Dart tries to protect himself and make it through the rest of the season.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Las Vegas Raiders

I did a double-take when I saw the news about Travis Hunter's knee injury. His (potentially longer than) four-week hiatus brings Parker Washington into the fantasy spotlight. Heading into the Jaguars' bye, the third-year receiver had earned the most looks from Trevor Lawrence from the slot, where Hunter was running the majority of his routes. Plus, Washington's been the focal point of the passing game before. He had 11 targets against the Texans and was second in looks after Brian Thomas Jr. exited Jacksonville's Week 7 contest in the third quarter. We'll need to see how HC Liam Coen deploys Washington on the field, but he'll be the WR to watch for the Jags coming out of their bye.

The Raiders finally get a healthy Brock Bowers back on the field. Honestly, his positional designation made me forget his importance to the passing game. And, now that I think about it, I can see why Geno Smith struggled with Bowers at less than full strength. Through the first three quarters of Week 1, Bowers earned 29.6% of Smith’s targets and over 30% of the air yards. Removing Bowers and shifting everyone else up was like watching the Chiefs offense without Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. The players they have couldn’t fit into the roles they needed. So, Bowers’ return isn’t just about how many targets he can hoard, but how much easier he’ll make it for the other receivers to produce.

New Orleans Saints @ Los Angeles Rams

Tyler Shough, come on down! The 26-year-old rookie is now the fourth QB to start for the Saints in a calendar year. But the early returns weren’t encouraging. Shough completed just 56.7% of his passes (Spencer Rattler was at 71.4% before his benching) and took two sacks. I won’t put the interception on him, though. Antoine Winfield Jr. simply stole Chris Olave’s lunch money on that play. However, a key difference was Shough’s ability to get the ball out quicker. His 2.36-second average time to throw was almost a half-second faster than Rattler’s, enabling a couple of downfield shots (he nearly hit Rashid Shaheed on a Go route). With the starting role, I’ll be checking if he and his receiver are a bit more in sync after a week of practice. Against the Rams offense, they’ll have to keep up the pace.

Everyone will be watching Puka Nacua as he retakes the field after missing Week 7 with an ankle injury. However, I’ll be monitoring L.A.’s backfield rotation. Earlier in the season, head coach Sean McVay indicated he wanted a tighter split between Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Coincidentally, Williams’ snaps and share of the touches were on a three-week decline heading into the bye. In Week 7, it was a 50-50 split between the two RBs. To be fair, the game against the Jags was a blowout, but as 9.5-point home favorites, we could see the same on Sunday.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Buffalo Bills

The familiarity between these two squads has my spidey-senses tingling. Sure, Rashee Rice will get his five targets and maybe a couple more. But I’m banking on some magic from head coach Andy Reid. Nothing fancy. They’ll save those plays for January. But some manufactured touches for Xavier Worthy should do the trick. The Chiefs’ speedster already has six carries on the season and the highest target rate on screens of the WR corps (18.8%). With Buffalo likely keying in on Rice and Travis Kelce, the threat of Worthy’s legs should keep it on its toes.

I hope that this is where we see Keon Coleman take a step forward as Josh Allen’s WR1. However, that connection is still developing. Coleman has topped 20% of the team's targets just three times. And he’s only cashed in on the volume back in Week 1. Since then, his role as the perimeter receiver has made him Buffalo’s leading contested-catch receiver with the lowest catchable target rate of the primary pass-catchers (73%). But as Dalton Kincaid is still working through an oblique injury after the bye, Allen will need the second-year receiver to remain competitive with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

Seattle Seahawks @ Washington Commanders

The tug-of-war battle in the Seahawks’ backfield looks like it’ll continue after their bye. On the bright side, Kenneth Walker III did handle 55% of the carries against Houston. But Zach Charbonnet was the more efficient rusher. And, he took both of the goal-line totes for short scores. Luckily, the Commanders are a weaker rush defense than the Texans, which should open up more rushing lanes for Walker as he’s the more explosive of the two. Regardless, his opportunity should be a topic of interest coming out of Week 9.

I keep seeing Jacory Croskey-Merritt out on the field, but not with the ball in his hands. Over Washington’s last three games, “Bill” has had the highest snap rate of the three RBs (59%). However, he’s had fewer rushing attempts in each. Plus, his routes and targets have dwindled. Marcus Mariota didn’t even look Croskey-Merritt’s way in primetime. Instead, it’s been Jeremy McNichols with target rates of 17%, 10% and 21%. Seattle is already allowing the second-fewest rushing yards per game. If fantasy managers can’t even get receiving work for the seventh-round rookie, he should fall further down the ranks moving forward.

Arizona Cardinals @ Dallas Cowboys

Here’s where real and fantasy football fans collide. On the one hand, Kyler Murray is the starter. Financial reasons aside, we’ve seen what he’s capable of in the right circumstances. But he’s averaged a meager 170.2 passing yards per game. Meanwhile, Jacoby Brissett waltzed in off the bench, put up 274.0 YPG and slingshot Trey McBride up the TE ranks. For our purposes, hoping for more of Brissett is reasonable. However, my interest is in Murray, and if he and OC Drew Petzing have found better ways to make the offense work while Murray has been working back from his foot sprain.

I understand teams can have bad games. Trust me, I watch the Bengals on a weekly basis. But when opportunity shares take a sudden nose dive, I get concerned. Jake Ferguson falls into this category. Even while Dallas was losing to Denver, Dak Prescott was still throwing the ball. Sunday was his third consecutive game with 30 or more attempts. But just one to his TE1 was a surprise. After enjoying a steady diet of a double-digit share of Prescott’s throws, Ferguson wasn’t even in a position to catch the only attempt his way. However, maybe it was just one bad game, and things will correct themselves against a defense allowing the sixth-most PPR PPG to TEs.

Justin Boone provides a weekly look at undervalued fantasy players to consider starting this week and potential busts you might want to leave on your bench.

For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult his Week 9 rankings.

Starts

Daniel Jones, QB, Colts

at Steelers

Jones is averaging the seventh-most fantasy points per game among quarterbacks this season and has finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in six of his eight appearances.

You shouldn’t expect the Steelers to slow him down this week, since they are the second-easiest matchup for fantasy passers — and might be getting worse. Pittsburgh has allowed 702 passing yards and six passing TDs over the last two weeks alone.

You can confidently fire up Jones as a top-10 option once again.

Other QBs to start:

• Matthew Stafford vs. Saints– Stafford has thrown at least three touchdowns in three of his last four outings and is getting Puka Nacua back coming off the bye.

• Caleb Williams at Bengals – Though it’s hard to trust Williams after some of his recent performances, the matchup with Cincy is too hard to pass up. The Bengals have allowed over 20 fantasy points to five of the past seven QBs they’ve faced.

Kimani Vidal, RB, Chargers

at Titans

Vidal has dominated two of his three games as the Chargers’ starter, finishing as the fantasy RB7 and RB8 in those contests. His only quiet game during that stretch occurred in Week 7 against a tougher Colts’ defense.

Thankfully, he gets his best matchup yet this week versus Tennessee. The Titans are giving up the second-most fantasy points to running backs, including some massive results recently with 86 scrimmage yards and a touchdown to Ashton Jeanty, 88 yards and a score to Rhamondre Stevenson and 174 yards and three TDs to Jonathan Taylor.

Vidal is a must-start and a borderline fantasy RB1 in a game the Chargers should control.

Other RBs to start:

• Javonte Williams vs. Cardinals – Williams is the fantasy RB8 on the season and has touchdowns in six of his eight contests with the Cowboys. You’re not sitting him in a game Dallas is favored in.

• Kareem Hunt at Bills – Hunt was the RB15 in fantasy points per game when he served as the Chiefs’ starter from Week 3 to Week 12 last season. Meanwhile, the Bills are permitting the sixth-most fantasy points to RBs, including the second-most rushing TDs on the year.

• Tyrone Tracy Jr. vs. 49ers – The banged-up Niners’ defense has let opposing lead backs post at least 100 scrimmage yards and/or a touchdown in six of the last seven weeks.

George Pickens, WR, Cowboys

vs. Cardinals

Even with CeeDee Lamb back in the lineup and a tough matchup with the Broncos last week, Pickens delivered another strong performance — catching seven of his nine targets for 78 yards.

Pickens has now proven that he’s matchup-proof, so don’t hesitate to start him in a game with the highest projected point total of the week at 53.5.

Volume will rarely be an issue in Dallas because its defense lacks the talent to slow down opposing attacks. The Cowboys are currently third in pass attempts in an offense that’s focused on feeding Lamb, Pickens, Williams and Jake Ferguson.

Other WRs to start:

• Michael Pittman Jr. at Steelers – Pittman has quietly posted the 12th-most fantasy points among receivers and now gets to face the Steelers, who are the sixth-easiest opponent for his position.

• Ladd McConkey at Titans – McConkey has reasserted himself as Justin Herbert’s top target with stat lines of 5-39-1, 7-100-1, 9-67-0 and 6-88-1 over the last month. That trend should only continue in a plus matchup with the Titans.

• DK Metcalf vs. Colts – Metcalf can be boom or bust, but he’s poised for a solid outing versus the banged-up Colts’ secondary that’s allowing the fourth most fantasy points to wideouts.

Brock Bowers, TE, Raiders

vs. Jaguars

Bowers doesn’t normally qualify for the start section in this column because he’s such an obvious play every week. However, I’m making an exception this time around as he prepares to return from the knee injury that cost him the last three games and limited him in the three outings before he eventually sat out to heal.

In his lone healthy appearance this season, Bowers posted 103 yards versus the Patriots. That’s the player we saw during his outstanding rookie campaign and it’s the player we’re going to see again after a month off.

The Jaguars are a favorable matchup for tight ends; they've given up a touchdown to the position in three of their last four games. Bowers also put up 99 yards on 11 receptions against them in 2024.

Bowers is right back in the mix as a high-end fantasy TE1 in Week 9, and moving forward.

Other TEs to start:

• Oronde Gadsden II at Titans – Gadsden is the third-highest scoring tight end over the last three weeks and is quickly establishing himself as a fantasy differencemaker at a position that doesn’t have many.

• Kyle Pitts Sr. at Patriots – Though he’s only found the end zone once this season, Pitts is getting it done from a yardage standpoint with at least 59 yards in three of his last four games. New England is the fifth-most generous defense to fantasy tight ends.

Sits

Bo NIx, QB, Broncos

vs. Texans

It’s been a bumpy ride for Nix in his sophomore season, but he’s started to heat up lately. However, his biggest games have come against the Bengals, Giants and Cowboys — who are all among the seven easiest matchups for fantasy quarterbacks. 

The concern for Nix this week stems from his opponent being statistically the worst matchup possible.

It’s not just that the Texans are allowing the fewest fantasy points to the position, but they’ve also held four of the past five QBs they’ve faced to under 10 fantasy points.

Other QBs to sit:

• C.J. Stroud vs. Broncos – Even with Pat Surtain II expected to miss this game, the Broncos still have one of the best defenses in the league.

• Trevor Lawrence at Raiders – Lawrence has only topped 20 fantasy points once this season. With the injuries in his WR corps, I’m taking a cautious approach and looking elsewhere for a starter this week.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Commanders

vs. Seahawks

Croskey-Merritt has been given more than enough opportunity to break out over the last few weeks, but he’s struggled in a one-dimensional role.

Despite being the lead back in Washington, his lack of involvement in the passing game has neutralized him when the team has fallen behind.

Injuries to key players like Jayden Daniels, Deebo Samuel Sr. and Terry McLaurin have prevented this offense from hitting its stride. And though Daniels and Deebo will be available this week, the matchup with the Seahawks is a tough one.

Not only are the Seahawks favored in this contest, but they’ve also held opposing ball carriers under 50 rushing yards in every game since Week 1.

Croskey-Merritt will have a chance to crack your starting lineup in better matchups, but this isn’t one of them.

Other RBs to sit:

• Jordan Mason at Lions – The return of Aaron Jones Sr. caused Mason to play a season-low 35% of the snaps last week. Meanwhile, his next opponent, the Lions, are the fourth-hardest matchup for fantasy RBs.

• Alvin Kamara at Rams – Kamara wasn’t particularly effective when fully healthy and is now playing through an ankle injury. The Rams are giving up the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs, so don’t get cute here.

• Tony Pollard/Tyjae Spears vs. Chargers – A split backfield in a bad offense is not where you want to search for a fantasy starter. Let’s hope Pollard gets traded and at least clears a path for Spears to have value in the second half of the season.

Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos

vs. Texans

Sutton has been pretty consistent this year, but like most wideouts, he is prone to the odd down game. The Broncos star has been held under 20 yards in two of his eight appearances this season and there’s reason to believe Week 9 could be another disappointing result.

The Texans have only let two receivers top 75 yards against them all year — Puka Nacua in Week 1 and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Week 7. While I’m not trying to disrespect Sutton, he doesn’t belong in the same conversation with those elite guys. 

The Broncos' passing attack is likely to struggle as a whole and that makes Sutton a risky low-end WR2 or more likely a TD-or-bust WR3. 

Like any start-sit decision, it always comes down to who your other options are and that gets complicated with bye weeks and injury situations. But I’d aim to have Sutton on your bench if you can this week.

Other WRs to sit:

• Stefon Diggs vs. Falcons – Diggs has been held under 35 yards in four of his last seven games, including twice in the past three weeks. With a tough matchup against the Falcons and Drake Maye spreading the ball around, Diggs is more volatile than people might realize.

• Deebo Samuel Sr. vs. Seahawks – Even with Terry McLaurin sidelined, Deebo remains a risky play in a Commanders offense that’s struggled more often than not this season. He’s managed just 26 yards on seven catches over his last two games.

• Romeo Doubs vs. Panthers – Carolina is allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wideouts and Doubs continues to be a TD-or-bust WR3/FLEX.

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Bills

vs. Chiefs

Kincaid dealt with an oblique injury around the Bills’ Week 7 bye, but overall on the season, he’s been held under 60 yards in all but one game. 

The 26-year-old hasn’t played more than 60% of the snaps in any contest this year and his route participation isn’t where we want it to be — still under 70%.

While he’s been getting by thanks to his touchdown scoring, that can be a volatile stat to depend on.

That’s especially true against the Chiefs, who are the fourth-toughest opponent for fantasy TEs. Steve Spagnuolo’s defense has kept every tight end they’ve encountered to 55 yards or less this year. 

It makes Kincaid a risky low-end TE1/high-end TE2 this week.

Other TEs to sit:

• Hunter Henry vs. Falcons – The Falcons are the most difficult challenge for opposing tight ends. They haven’t let a tight end top 21 receiving yards against them this year and have given up just one touchdown to the position.

• T.J. Hockenson at Lions – When Hockenson finally has a 50-yard game in 2025, we’ll start considering him as a fantasy option. Until then, he should be on waivers.