Fantasy football Week 9: Start and sit

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

WEEK 8 RECAP

Rams 30 Vikings 20: Matthew Stafford finished as the overall QB5 in Week 8 after both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua returned to the lineup last Thursday night, throwing for 279 yards and four touchdowns at Minnesota. Stafford had only three TD passes in his previous six games. It doesn’t sound like Kupp will be traded, and Stafford has premium matchups in two of his next three games (Seahawks, Patriots).

Eagles 37, Bengals 17: Jalen Hurts ran for three TDs in the blowout at Cincinnati, becoming the first NFL quarterback to do it three times in his career.

Browns 29, Ravens 24: Cedric Tillman has the most fantasy points for wide receivers in both standard and PPR formats since Amari Cooper was traded to Buffalo two weeks ago. The third-round draft pick in 2023 has had at least nine targets in both games, producing 15 receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns since Week 7.

Lions 52, Titans 14: Detroit is just the third team in history to score at least 50 points with fewer than 100 passing yards in a game. The other two teams are the Giants (1950) and Bears (1955).

Cardinals 28, Dolphins 27: Tua Tagovailoa returned from a four-game absence due to a concussion and led Miami to a season high in points. The primary fantasy assets for the Dolphins were all fine, nothing too flashy beyond Raheem Mostert’s two short TD runs, but there are bigger days ahead as long as Tagovailoa can stay healthy.

Patriots 25, Jets 22: Rookie running back Braelon Allen saw his playing time decrease once New York fired its head coach and changed its offensive play-caller. After receiving 12 touches in his previous three games, Allen’s playing time resembled how it was in September, and he ended up with 12 carries and a TD against New England. He remains an important handcuff option in fantasy.

Falcons 31, Buccaneers 26: Kirk Cousins must wish he played Tampa Bay every week. In two games this season, Cousins passed for 785 yards and eight TDs against only one interception.

Packers 30, Jaguars 27: Green Bay forced two more turnovers, giving the Packers 19 takeaways through eight games — one more than they had all of last season. Green Bay’s defense has produced four more takeaways so far than any other team in the NFL.

Texans 23, Colts 20: Josh Downs’ roster percentage remained below 50% in both ESPN and Yahoo leagues at the beginning of the week despite being the overall WR12 across all fantasy formats since Week 3, and he’s had big games with both Joe Flacco and Anthony Richardson throwing him the ball.

Chargers 26, Saints 8: Ladd McConkey became the first Bolts rookie receiver with at least 100 receiving yards and a TD in a game since 2013 (Keenan Allen). McConkey is the overall WR20 in standard formats (WR22 in PPR) through eight weeks.

Bills 31, Seahawks 10: Keon Coleman is the overall WR13 in standard formats (WR24 in PPR) since Week 3. The rookie receiver has produced nine receptions for 195 yards and a TD in two games with Cooper drawing everybody’s attention. I expect Cooper’s addition to have a rising tide effect in Buffalo’s offense.

Broncos 28, Panthers 14: At quarterback, only Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield have more fantasy points than Bo Nix since Week 5. The rookie has completed 66.7% of his passes for 870 yards and seven TD passes against only one interception, while rushing for 149 yards and two TDs on 29 carries in the last four games.

Chiefs 27, Raiders 20: Patrick Mahomes passed for 262 yards at Las Vegas, becoming the fastest QB in NFL history to reach 30,000 passing yards. Mahomes accomplished the feat in 103 games, six games faster than Stafford.

Commanders 18, Bears 15: Jayden Daniels’ 52-yard Hail Mary TD pass to beat Chicago was the second-longest game-winning TD pass by a rookie as time expired in the fourth quarter in NFL history. Tim Couch’s 56-yard pass for the Browns to beat the Saints in 1999 is the only one to top Daniels’ prayer.

49ers 30, Cowboys 24: George Kittle is currently on pace to produce 97 receptions, 1,222 yards and 15 TDs in his eighth season in the NFL. Kittle’s career highs are 88 receptions (2018), 1,377 yards (2018) and 11 TDs (2022). Kittle is the only tight end averaging double-digit points in standard formats this season.

Steelers 26, Giants 18: Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has surpassed Devin Singletary on the G-Men’s depth chart and is the overall RB9 in standard formats (RB6 in PPR) since Week 5. Tracy is in concussion protocol after hitting his head on the turf late in Monday night’s loss at Pittsburgh, so monitor the situation this week, but he’s still going to be the guy going forward.

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:

HOUSTON AT N.Y. JETS

Obvious starters: Joe Mixon (HOU), Breece Hall (NYJ), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Davante Adams (NYJ).

Who to start: It’s a difficult matchup, but Tank Dell (HOU) is the overall WR28 across all fantasy formats since Week 6, despite a goose egg two weeks ago against the Packers. Only the Lions and Steelers have more fantasy points than the Texans D/ST since Week 6. The Jets D/ST face a banged-up offense at home in a must-win game.

Who to sit: C.J. Stroud (HOU) is the overall QB15 through eight weeks, is facing a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, and will be without his top two receivers. Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. I’m fading Xavier Hutchinson (HOU), John Metchie (HOU) and Robert Woods (HOU) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) faces a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Braelon Allen (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with double-digit touches in only two of eight games this season. Mike Williams (NYJ) remains a boom-or-bust candidate after he wasn’t even targeted last week vs. the Patriots.

Sleeper: Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) has at least 233 passing yards and two TD passes in three of the last four games.

DALLAS AT ATLANTA

Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Kyle Pitts (ATL).

Who to start: Dak Prescott (DAL) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in five of the last six games. Jake Ferguson (DAL) has at least six receptions in four of the last five games. Rico Dowdle (DAL) maintains flex appeal with double-digit touches in his last five games. Darnell Mooney (ATL) is the overall WR9 in standard formats (WR10 in PPR) since Week 2. Kirk Cousins (ATL) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs. The Falcons D/ST deserve streaming consideration at home against an offense that has committed 10 turnovers and allowed eight sacks in its last three games.

Who to sit: Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) and Dalvin Cook (DAL) are both TD-dependent options at this point. I’m fading the Cowboys D/ST on the road with Micah Parsons still sidelined.

Sleeper: Jalen Tolbert (DAL) faces a defense that has allowed six TD receptions to wide receivers in the last four games.

MIAMI AT BUFFALO

Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), De’Von Achane (MIA), Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Dalton Kincaid (BUF).

Who to start: Raheem Mostert (MIA) maintains flex appeal against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs. Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains WR3/flex upside despite the difficult matchup as the overall WR32 in standard formats (WR23 in PPR) through eight weeks — Shakir has 16 receptions (17 targets) in the last two games. The Bills D/ST had their best performance this season against the Dolphins in Week 2. Ray Davis (BUF) has flex appeal in deeper standard leagues against a defense that has allowed 10 TDs to running backs in seven games this season.

Who to sit: Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jaylen Waddle (MIA) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. I’m fading Amari Cooper (BUF) and Keon Coleman (BUF) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Sleeper: Jonnu Smith (MIA) is the overall TE13 across all fantasy formats since Week 5.

LAS VEGAS AT CINCINNATI

Obvious starters: Brock Bowers (LV), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN).

Who to start: Jakobi Meyers (LV) has at least five receptions or a TD in his last four games. Alexander Mattison (LV) is the overall RB24 in standard formats (RB21 in PPR) since Week 5 with at least 17 touches in four straight games. Tee Higgins (CIN) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (quad). Chase Brown (CIN) is the overall RB11 across all fantasy formats since Week 4. Zack Moss (CIN) has flex appeal in deeper PPR leagues with at least three receptions in five of the last six games. The Bengals D/ST faces an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Tre Tucker (LV) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in the last four games. Mike Gesicki (CIN) remains TD-dependent with two-or-fewer targets in three of his last four games.

Sleeper: Gardner Minshew (LV) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

L.A. CHARGERS AT CLEVELAND

Obvious starters: J.K. Dobbins (LAC), Chargers D/ST, David Njoku (CLE).

Who to start: Ladd McConkey (LAC) is the overall WR15 in standard formats (WR16 in PPR) since Week 4. Justin Herbert (LAC) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in three straight games. Quentin Johnston (LAC) has WR3/flex upside if he’s active (ankle). With 21 targets in the last two games, Cedric Tillman (CLE) maintains WR3/flex upside despite a difficult matchup.

Who to sit: Will Dissly (LAC) faces a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. I’m fading Nick Chubb (CLE) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Jameis Winston (CLE) faces a defense allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jerry Jeudy (CLE) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only eight receptions in the last four games. Elijah Moore (CLE) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. I’m fading the Browns D/ST against a pretty efficient offense led by Herbert, who is starting to heat up.

Sleeper: Joshua Palmer (LAC) faces a defense that has allowed eight TD receptions to wide receivers in the last six games.

NEW ENGLAND AT TENNESSEE

Obvious starters: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), Tony Pollard (TEN).

Who to start: Calvin Ridley (TEN) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (shoulder). The Titans D/ST faces an offense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

Who to sit: Hunter Henry (NE) faces a defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. DeMario Douglas (NE) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer targets in five of eight games. I’m fading Drake Maye (NE) if he’s active (concussion) on the road against a good defense. Antonio Gibson (NE) remains TD-dependent if he’s active (toe) with only nine touches in the last two games. Tyjae Spears (TEN) remains TD-dependent if he’s active (hamstring).

Sleeper: The Patriots D/ST face an offense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing defenses.

WASHINGTON AT N.Y. GIANTS

Obvious starters: Jayden Daniels (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS), Malik Nabers (NYG).

Who to start: Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (hamstring) as the overall RB17 in standard formats (RB22 in PPR) through eight weeks. The Commanders D/ST face an offense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, including 12 sacks in the last two games. Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (concussion) as the overall RB9 in standard formats (RB6 in PPR) since Week 5. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) maintains flex appeal with at least five receptions in seven of eight games.

Who to sit: Austin Ekeler (WAS) only has flex appeal if Robinson is inactive. Zach Ertz (WAS) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Devin Singletary (NYG) only has flex appeal if Tracy is inactive. Darius Slayton (NYG) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in five of eight games.

Sleeper: In eight career games vs. Washington, Daniel Jones (NYG) has completed 68.3% of his passes for 1,688 yards and 12 TD passes against only three interceptions, while running for 356 yards (6.3 yards per carry) and an additional TD.

NEW ORLEANS AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), Chuba Hubbard (CAR).

Who to start: Taysom Hill (NO) faces a defense who can’t stop tight ends or the run. Derek Carr (NO) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (oblique) against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. I wouldn’t blame you if you rolled the dice with Jonathon Brooks (CAR) in his NFL debut against a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs. Xavier Legette (CAR) maintains flex appeal if he’s active (toe).

Who to sit: Jalen Coker (CAR) only has flex appeal if Legette is inactive against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Miles Sanders (CAR) hasn’t seen double-digit touches since Week 2.

Sleeper: The Saints D/ST only allowed 10 points against the Panthers in Week 1 while producing four sacks and forcing three turnovers.

DENVER AT BALTIMORE

Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL).

Who to start: Courtland Sutton (DEN) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Bo Nix (DEN) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Zay Flowers (BAL) is the overall WR10 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR) since Week 5.

Who to sit: I’m fading Javonte Williams (DEN) against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m fading the Broncos D/ST on the road against Jackson. Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) remains TD-dependent with double-digit touches in only two games this season. I’m also fading Diontae Johnson (BAL) in his first game with the Ravens against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Both Mark Andrews (BAL) and Isaiah Likely (BAL) are TD-dependent against a defense that has allowed only 13 receptions for 112 yards to tight ends in the last three games. There are higher upside options than the Ravens D/ST this week. It’s hard to trust Rashod Bateman (BAL) until we see how things shake out with the addition of Johnson. Justice Hill (BAL) remains TD-dependent with double-digit touches in only one game this season.

Sleeper: Troy Franklin (DEN) faces a defense that has allowed nine TD receptions to wide receivers in the last four games.

JACKSONVILLE AT PHILADELPHIA

Obvious starters: Evan Engram (JAC), Saquon Barkley (PHI), Jalen Hurts (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI).

Who to start: Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (chest). DeVonta Smith (PHI) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Who to sit: I’m fading both Tank Bigsby (JAC) and Travis Etienne (JAC) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Gabe Davis (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate if he’s active (shoulder). Dallas Goedert (PHI) hasn’t practiced since hurting his hamstring in Week 6 (as of Thursday).

Sleeper(s): Trevor Lawrence (JAC) is the overall QB10 since Week 5. Grant Calcaterra (PHI) faces a defense that has allowed five TD receptions to tight ends in the last six games.

CHICAGO AT ARIZONA

Obvious starters: D’Andre Swift (CHI), D.J. Moore (CHI), Kyler Murray (ARI), James Conner (ARI), Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI), Trey McBride (ARI).

Who to start: Caleb Williams (CHI) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. The Bears D/ST are the fifth-highest scoring defense in fantasy through eight weeks, and should be fully focused after allowing a Hail Mary to lose against the Commanders last week.

Who to sit: Keenan Allen (CHI) is a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in three of the last four games. Cole Kmet (CHI) is TD-dependent with only 13 targets in the last four games. Rome Odunze (CHI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in five of seven games. Trey Benson (ARI) remains Conner’s handcuff, and that’s it. Michael Wilson (ARI) faces a defense allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Sleeper: Roschon Johnson (CHI) has flex appeal in deeper leagues against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs.

DETROIT AT GREEN BAY

Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), David Montgomery (DET), Josh Jacobs (GB), Jayden Reed (GB).

Who to start: Sam LaPorta (DET) is the overall TE8 in standard formats (TE12 in PPR) since Week 6, catching a TD in two of the last three games. Jordan Love (GB) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (groin). The Packers D/ST are the fourth-highest scoring defense in fantasy through eight weeks, and have forced multiple turnovers in every game except one (Week 7 vs. Texans). Romeo Doubs (GB) is the overall WR6 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR) since Week 6.

Who to sit: In three career games at Lambeau Field, Jared Goff (DET) has thrown for 680 yards with three TD passes and two interceptions. I’m fading the Lions D/ST on the road. I’m fading Tucker Kraft (GB) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Christian Watson (GB) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in five of six games this season.

Sleeper: Dontayvion Wicks (GB) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers.

L.A. RAMS AT SEATTLE

Obvious starters: Kyren Williams (LAR), Cooper Kupp (LAR), Puka Nacua (LAR), Kenneth Walker (SEA).

Who to start: Matthew Stafford (LAR) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TD passes in four of the last five games. D.K. Metcalf (SEA) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee). Geno Smith (SEA) is the overall QB10 through eight weeks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) is the overall WR36 in standard formats (WR18 in PPR) since Week 2 (quite the split there). The Seahawks D/ST have been boom-or-bust all season, alternating double-digit point totals with weeks where they score two-or-fewer fantasy points, and the arrow is tilting towards boom this week at home against a division rival after getting embarrassed by the Bills last week. Noah Fant (SEA) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends if he’s active (groin).

Who to sit: Demarcus Robinson (LAR) remains TD-dependent with exactly three targets in three of the last four games. Tyler Lockett (SEA) is TD-dependent if he’s active (oblique). Zach Charbonnet (SEA) hasn’t had double-digit touches since Week 3 and remains TD-dependent.

Sleeper: Colby Parkinson (LAR) faces a defense that has allowed three TD receptions to tight ends in the last three games.

INDIANAPOLIS AT MINNESOTA

Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Justin Jefferson (MIN), Aaron Jones (MIN), Vikings D/ST.

Who to start: Both Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) and Josh Downs (IND) have WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers. Joe Flacco (IND) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 12 TD passes to quarterbacks in the last six games. T.J. Hockenson (MIN) remains an obvious starter against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends if he’s active (knee). Sam Darnold (MIN) deserves streaming consideration at home with all of his primary weapons finally healthy.

Who to sit: Jordan Addison (MIN) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in every game he’s played this season. Ty Chandler (MIN) has four-or-fewer touches in three of the last four games.

Sleeper: Alec Pierce (IND) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 10 TD receptions to wide receivers in the last four games.

TAMPA BAY AT KANSAS CITY

Obvious starters: Baker Mayfield (TB), Cade Otton (TB), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Kareem Hunt (KC).

Who to start: Rachaad White (TB) maintains RB2/flex upside with his receiving acumen despite a difficult matchup. Xavier Worthy (KC) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR26 in standard formats (WR39 in PPR) through eight weeks. The Chiefs D/ST have been a better fantasy option at home this season, and haven’t played at Arrowhead since Week 5.

Who to sit: I’m fading both Bucky Irving (TB) and Sean Tucker (TB) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m also fading Jalen McMillan (TB), Sterling Shepard (TB) and Trey Palmer (TB) against a defense allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Sleeper: DeAndre Hopkins (KC) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including eight TD receptions in the last five games.