There are some players that are great plays in Week 9 and some that aren’t. We look at those, plus a few that could surprise, in this week’s Stud, Dud and Sleepers.
QUARTERBACKS
Stud: Russell Wilson – With seven touchdowns and 786 yards through the air, Wilson has been unstoppable the past two weeks. At home against a Redskins’ defense that has allowed 30 plus fantasy points to quarterbacks in each of their last two road contests.
Dud: Andy Dalton – Dalton was my sleeper last week. This week he’s not in my top 25. He’s going up against one of the best, if not the best pass rushing defenses in the NFL. The Jaguars have allowed the least fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Dalton won’t be in any of my daily or season-long lineups.
Sleeper: Jacoby Brissett – I watched Brissett in person last week and he was solid excluding an interception late in the game. I think he hooks up for a long touchdown with T.Y. Hilton against a Houston defense that’s allowed opposing quarterbacks to score the sixth most fantasy points this season. Brissett is a solid option if your starting quarterback is on a bye week.
RUNNING BACKS
Stud: Mark Ingram – Ingram has four touchdowns in three games and has compiled at least 75 yards rushing over that span. The Saints are leaning on him and he’s delivering. This week he gets a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that has allowed the fourth-most rushing touchdowns this season.
Dud: Chris Thompson – Thompson has been the best running back in Washington, but he has a tough matchup this week against the Seahawks. He’s had at least four receptions in his last three games. Seattle has held opposing running backs in check all season. Stay away from Thompson in daily formats. He will still have flex appeal in PPR leagues.
Sleeper: Christian McCaffrey – McCaffrey has had an inconsistent rookie season. He’s only averaging seven carries-per-game. His role should increase with the departure of Kelvin Benjamin. The Panthers will likely rely on the rushing attack, which means McCaffrey will get more opportunities. He’s been an RB2 in PPR leagues all season and has a high floor against the Falcons. He’s worth a look in daily leagues that offer one point-per-reception.
MORE WEEK 9 ADVICE:
- GSI Cheat Sheet – Rankings
- Week 9 Fantasy Stock Market Report (via Pro Football Focus)
- ESPN 1530: Week 9 Fantasy Football Preview
- Week 9 Podcast – Fantasy Happy Hour
- Office Pool Picks: Week 9
WIDE RECEIVER
Stud: Dez Bryant – Bryant is a WR1 this week regardless of Ezekiel Elliott’s status. Bryant hasn’t topped 100 yards receiving all season, but that could change against a Chiefs’ defense that has allowed the second most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Bryant is a must-start in season long leagues and offers value in daily formats.
Dud: A.J. Green – Last week Green hauled in three receptions for 27 yards. I wouldn’t be surprised if Green ends this week with similar stats. The Jaguars have two great corners in A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey. They’re allowing the second fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. You have to start Green in season-long leagues, but avoid him in daily games.
Sleeper: DeSean Jackson – Jackson is always one play away from making your fantasy week. If he doesn’t make that big play, well then he can kill your chances at a win. I’m betting the Saints roll coverage over to Mike Evans all day and Jackson breaks one. Jameis Winston’s shoulder is healing, the Saints’ defense is better, but they can still be beaten. Jackson is a sneaky WR3 and has more value/upside in standard leagues.
TIGHT END
Stud: Delanie Walker – Walker has struggled this season. He hasn’t scored a touchdown or compiled more than 76 yards receiving in a game. He’s due for a breakout and I think it can come this week against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens are allowing the 12th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. Walker is a safe bet to haul in 5-7 receptions and could end up as the top fantasy tight end this week if he finds the end zone.
Dud: Evan Engram – The rookie has at least 60 yards receiving in his last three games. He’s scored touchdowns the last two weeks. This week? Well, this week he faces a Rams’ defense that’s allowing 23 yards receiving to tight ends per game. Engram is more of a low-end TE1 with a low floor this week. Avoid him in daily formats and only start him if you’re desperate.
Sleeper: Vernon Davis – Davis is a borderline TE1 if Jordan Reed doesn’t play this week. He has at least 58 yards receiving in four out of the last five games. He hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 3, but the Seahawks have allowed Tyler Higbee and Evan Engram to have big games against them in recent weeks. Davis is a nice bye week fill-in if you need him.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Stud: Jacksonville – The Jaguars have forced a turnover in six out of seven games so far this season. They have 33 sacks and should get plenty of opportunities on Sunday against Cincinnati. The Bengals have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. They’re allowing the 10th most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Andy Dalton should turn it over a few times and the Jaguars’ defense should have a big week at home.
Dud: Kansas City – The Chiefs’ defense has been inconsistent this season. I don’t see them slowing down Dallas’ offense and you should avoid starting them this week. The Cowboys rarely turn the ball over and are allowing the second fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses this season.
Sleeper: Baltimore – The Ravens’ defense has been inconsistent this season, but they have forced at least one turnover in every game but one. Tennessee has been shaky on offense this season and Baltimore should slow down their rushing attack. You can do worse than the Ravens if you need a bye week fill-in.
