WEEK 9 RECAP
Steelers 20, Titans 16: Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren continue to be fantasy relevant. Harris is the overall RB29 in standard formats (RB30 in PPR) through nine weeks. Warren is the overall RB31 in standard (RB28 in PPR). Both deserve flex consideration on a weekly basis.
Chiefs 21, Dolphins 14: Travis Kelce is averaging 108 yards per game with Taylor Swift in attendance and 41 yards when she is not. It’s hilarious. Kelce’s 14 receiving yards was his lowest single-game total since 2018.
Vikings 31, Falcons 28: By now it’s crystal clear Arthur Smith is actually an avid fantasy football player and drafted Tyler Allgeier and Jonnu Smith in all of his leagues. This is the only logical explanation for how Smith utilizes his depth chart on offense.
Browns 27, Cardinals 0: Deshaun Watson has scored at least 19 fantasy points in three of the four games he has started and finished this season. Watson’s ceiling remains very high if he can stay healthy.
Packers 20, Rams 3: Green Bay’s rookie tight end Luke Musgrave produced a season-best 51 receiving yards and caught the first touchdown of his career. Musgrave continues to dominate snaps and routes for the Packers and remains a breakout candidate in the second half of this season. He’s currently available in 83 percent of ESPN leagues and 77 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Commanders 20, Patriots 17: Demario Douglas caught five of his seven targets for 55 yards and ran the ball once. He’s clearly the best wide receiver on New England’s roster with Kendrick Bourne out for the season.
Saints 24, Bears 17: Alvin Kamara appears to be getting squeezed from all sides. Jamaal Williams and rookie Kendre Miller took half of the early down snaps from Kamara while Williams has taken over as the clear third-down back for the team now that he’s healthy. Kamara hasn’t been efficient as a runner this season, and received a bulk of his usage in the two-minute drill against Chicago, while Taysom Hill continues to soak up a majority of the touchdown-equity for the Saints. Kamara’s fantasy value going forward is almost primarily dependent on his usage as a receiver.
Ravens 37, Seahawks 3: I included Keaton Mitchell as a waiver wire target the week before he was activated off the IR about a month ago. The speedy undrafted free agent out of East Carolina ran for 138 yards on only nine attempts, including a 60-yard carry and 40-yard TD at the end of the third quarter against Seattle. It’s a bit premature to compare him to Dolphins’ spark plug De’Von Achane, but Mitchell was a long-shot to make the team, so it’s clear he has fans in the organization. Plus, Gus Edwards hasn’t been a pillar of health during his career. There’s huge upside here if Mitchell gets regular work along side Lamar Jackson in Baltimore’s ascending offense.
Texans 39, Buccaneers 37: Only Mark Andrews is averaging more fantasy points at tight end in standard formats than Dalton Schultz since Week 4. Travis Kelce and Andrews are the only tight ends outpacing Schultz in PPR over that span.
Colts 27, Panthers 13: Zack Moss is officially Jonathan Taylor’s handcuff. Taylor played 82 percent of the offensive snaps during the first three quarters. Indianapolis held a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, so Moss took more snaps, and Trey Sermon took the three kneel-down snaps.
Raiders 30, Giants 6: I was hoping talented rookie tight end Michael Mayer would be featured more after Josh McDaniels was fired last week, but Vegas continues to stubbornly involve Austin Hooper in the offense. Mayer and Hooper ran a similar number of routes (15-to-10 in favor of Mayer) and received similar target share (two-to-one in favor or Mayer).
Eagles 28, Cowboys 23: CeeDee Lamb has produced at least 150 receiving yards three times in his career. First, in Week 10 of last season and the other two have come these last two games.
Bengals 24, Bills 18: Tee Higgins’ playing time had been limited throughout October due to injury. This was Higgins’ first time playing more than 70 percent of the offensive snaps since Week 3. A good sign going forward with the way Joe Burrow has played recently.
Chargers 27, Jets 6: Randall Cobb was inactive for the second straight game, allowing Xavier Gipson to take over as the Jets’ third wide receiver. The dynamic rookie has been the primary returner and came into the game with one career reception. He caught both of his targets for 32 yards. There’s not a lot behind Garrett Wilson on this depth chart, so Gipson could have value in the fantasy playoffs if Aaron Rodgers is able to return in December.
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’s my best bets for Week 10:
CAROLINA AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: Adam Thielen (CAR), DJ Moore (CHI), Cole Kmet (CHI).
Who to start: Chuba Hubbard (CAR) deserves flex consideration with at least 17 touches in three straight games. The Panthers D/ST is a sneaky streaming option against an offense allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, including a TD in four games this season. Hayden Hurst (CAR) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends. D’Onta Foreman (CHI) is the overall RB9 in standard formats (RB15 in PPR) since Week 6 and faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to running backs.
Who to sit: It’s hard to trust Miles Sanders (CAR) with only 11 touches in the last two games, against a defense that has allowed 268 rushing yards on 90 carries (2.98 yards per carry) since Week 4. Bryce Young (CAR) has only thrown multiple TDs in a game once this season. DJ Chark (CAR) is doubtful with an elbow injury. It doesn’t look like Khalil Herbert (CHI) will activated off IR this week. Roschon Johnson (CHI) hasn’t had double-digit touches in a game since Week 3. Darnell Mooney (CHI) has two-or-fewer receptions in five of nine games. Tyson Bagent (CHI) is the overall QB16 the last three weeks and only has value in superflex formats.
Sleeper: Jonathan Mingo (CAR) faces a defense that has allowed 10 TDs to wide receivers in nine games and should get a boost in target share with Chark sidelined.
INDIANAPOLIS VS. NEW ENGLAND AT FRANKFURT
Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Rhamondre Stevenson (NE).
Who to start: Gardner Minshew (IND) faces a defense that has allowed 914 passing yards and six TDs on 86-of-131 passing (65.7 completion percentage) the last three games. The Colts D/ST faces an offense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Demario Douglas (NE) has at least four receptions and six targets in three straight games. Hunter Henry (NE) faces a defense that has allowed at least five receptions for 49 yards or a TD to tight ends in eight of nine games.
Who to sit: Zack Moss (IND) is TD-dependent after only playing 21 percent of the offensive snaps against the Panthers last week. Josh Downs (IND) aggravated his knee injury against the Panthers and could be out or limited this week. The Patriots D/ST only has six sacks in the last four games. JuJu Smith-Schuster (NE) only has 12 receptions for 79 yards and a TD in his last five games. Mac Jones (NE) is the overall QB15 since Week 7 and only has value in superflex formats.
Sleeper: Ezekiel Elliott (NE) has flex appeal in deeper leagues against defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs, including 11 TDs in nine games.
HOUSTON AT CINCINNATI
Obvious starters: Nico Collins (HOU), CJ Stroud (HOU), Dalton Schultz (HOU), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN).
Who to start: Tank Dell (HOU) is the overall WR23 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR) through nine weeks.
Who to sit: Dameon Pierce (HOU) looks like he might miss a second straight game with an ankle injury. Devin Singletary (HOU) remains TD-dependent despite having at least 12 touches in three straight games. Robert Woods (HOU) looks like he’ll miss a third straight game with a foot injury. Noah Brown (HOU) is TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in three of the four games he’s played this season. I’m fading Tyler Boyd (CIN) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.
Sleeper: The Bengals D/ST is averaging the fourth-most fantasy points per game since Week 3 — only the Chargers, Browns and Ravens are averaging more.
NEW ORLEANS AT MINNESOTA
Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), Saints D/ST, TJ Hockenson (MIN), Jordan Addison (MIN).
Who to start: Michael Thomas (NO) maintains flex appeal in PPR with at least four receptions, 45 yards or a TD in eight of nine games. Taysom Hill (NO) is the overall TE4 in standard formats (TE9 in PPR) this season with only Travis Kelce barely outscoring him the last month in PPR.
Who to sit: Rashid Shaheed (NO) is a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in six of the last seven games. Alexander Mattison (MIN) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. KJ Osborn (MIN) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. It’s a difficult matchup to trust Joshua Dobbs (MIN) outside of superflex formats. There are defenses with higher upside than the Vikings D/ST this week.
Sleeper: Derek Carr (NO) is the overall QB9 since Week 5.
GREEN BAY AT PITTSBURGH
Obvious starters: Aaron Jones (GB), Najee Harris (PIT), Diontae Johnson (PIT), Steelers D/ST.
Who to start: Romeo Doubs (GB) has flex appeal as the overall WR29 in standard formats (WR37 in PPR) since Week 7. The Packers D/ST is allowing 15.8 points per game since Week 5. Jaylen Warren (PIT) maintains flex appeal in PPR with at least three receptions in seven of eight games.
Who to sit: Christian Watson (GB) is a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in every game he’s played this season. AJ Dillon (GB) remains TD-dependent despite having at least 10 touches in all three games since Jones has been healthy. Jordan Love (GB) is the overall QB23 since Week 5. Luke Musgrave (GB) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. George Pickens (PIT) only has eight receptions on 18 targets for 128 yards and a TD in three games since Johnson has been healthy. Kenny Pickett (PIT) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Sleeper: Jayden Reed (GB) has flex appeal as the overall WR29 in standard formats (WR34 in PPR) since Week 7.
TENNESSEE AT TAMPA BAY
Obvious starters: Derrick Henry (TEN), DeAndre Hopkins (TEN), Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Rachaad White (TB).
Who to start: Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) faces a defense that has allowed 26 receptions for 312 yards and two TDs to tight ends in its last four games. Baker Mayfield (TB) deserves streaming consideration as the overall QB13 since Week 4. The Buccaneers D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against a rookie QB, but it hasn’t been very good the last month.
Who to sit: Tyjae Spears (TEN) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Treylon Burks (TEN) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.
Sleeper: Will Levis (TEN) faces a defense that is allowing 349 passing yards per game and nine TD passes since Week 6.
SAN FRANCISCO AT JACKSONVILLE
Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), George Kittle (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), Brandon Aiyuk (SF), Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Christian Kirk (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC).
Who to start: Despite finally facing adversity in the regular season, Brock Purdy (SF) was still the overall QB10 before the 49ers’ bye last week. Calvin Ridley (JAC) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including eight TDs in its last five games.
Who to sit: Trevor Lawrence (JAC) has accounted for multiple TDs once in his last seven games. The Jaguars D/ST faces an offense allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Sleeper: The 49ers D/ST is too talented — and just added Chase Young — to continue it’s string of subpar performances.
CLEVELAND AT BALTIMORE
Obvious starters: Amari Cooper (CLE), Browns D/ST, Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Ravens D/ST.
Who to start: Jerome Ford (CLE) is the overall RB15 across all formats since Week 2. Kareem Hunt (CLE) is the overall RB6 in standard formats (RB13 in PPR) since Week 6. Zay Flowers (BAL) maintains WR3/flex upside despite the difficult matchup
Who to sit: David Njoku (CLE) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Deshaun Watson (CLE) faces a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. Elijah Moore (CLE) only has 12 receptions on 21 targets for 122 yards in the last four games. Gus Edwards (BAL) faces a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Ditto for Justice Hill (BAL) and Keaton Mitchell (BAL).
Sleeper: Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL) faces his former team and has seen his usage grow the last three games — 18 targets, including his first TD of the season against the Seahawks last week.
ATLANTA AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Kyler Murray (ARI), Marquise Brown (ARI).
Who to start: Drake London (ATL) is an obvious starter if he’s active against the Cardinals. You can flip a coin to determine who deserves streaming consideration between Kyle Pitts (ATL) and Jonnu Smith (ATL). James Conner (ARI) is an obvious starter if he’s activated off of IR and cleared to play. Trey McBride (ARI) has received 30 targets, producing 20 receptions for 208 yards and a TD in the last four games.
Who to sit: Taylor Heinicke (ATL) only has value in superflex formats until further notice. I’m fading the Falcons D/ST in Murray’s return. Let’s see what role Rondale Moore (ARI) plays with Murray back before we decide whether he’s relevant in fantasy. I expect Michael Wilson (ARI) to get a boost with Murray’s return, but I’m not trusting him while he’s dealing with a shoulder injury.
Sleeper: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) has flex appeal against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs.
DETROIT AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), David Montgomery (DET), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC).
Who to start: Jared Goff (DET) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, plus, I don’t consider this a road game for Goff because it’s indoors and will likely have more Lions fans in attendance. Josh Reynolds (DET) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed nine TDs in eight games to wide receivers. Gerald Everett (LAC) faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends.
Who to sit: I’m fading both the Lions D/ST and Chargers D/ST because I’m anticipating fireworks from both offenses. Quentin Johnston (LAC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 13 targets in the last four games.
Sleeper: Jameson Williams (DET) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers and it especially struggles against receivers who can stretch the field.
N.Y. GIANTS AT DALLAS
Obvious starters: Saquon Barkley (NYG), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Cowboys D/ST.
Who to start: Dak Prescott (DAL) is the overall QB3, while averaging a league-high 27.4 fantasy points since Week 6.
Who to sit: Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) only has 10 touches the last three games. Jake Ferguson (DAL) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Michael Gallup (DAL) has three-or-fewer receptions in six of eight games this season.
Sleeper: Brandin Cooks (DAL) has a TD in two of the last three games.
WASHINGTON AT SEATTLE
Obvious starters: Terry McLaurin (WAS), Sam Howell (WAS), Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS), Kenneth Walker (SEA), DK Metcalf (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA).
Who to start: Jahan Dotson (WAS) has at least five receptions or a TD in three straight games. Logan Thomas (WAS) has at least four receptions or a TD in four of the last five games. Geno Smith (SEA) faces a defense that has allowed 19 TD passes in the last eight games. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) has at least six receptions or a TD in three straight games. The Seahawks D/ST is at home and faces an offense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses.
Who to sit: Monitor Curtis Samuel’s (WAS) toe injury before you consider him for your flex spot this week. Zach Charbonnet (SEA) only has flex value if Walker is out or limited with his chest injury.
Sleeper: Antonio Gibson (WAS) has at least four receptions or a TD in four of the last five games and had his first game this season with double-digit touches last week against the Patriots.
N.Y. JETS AT LAS VEGAS
Obvious starters: Breece Hall (NYJ), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Jets D/ST, Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV).
Who to start: Jakobi Meyers (LV) has at least seven receptions or a TD in six of eight games he’s played this season.
Who to sit: Dalvin Cook (NYJ) only has nine touches in the last three games. Allen Lazard (NYJ) has yet to catch more than three passes in a game this season. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with only 12 targets in the last three games. Zach Wilson (NYJ) is the overall QB28 through nine weeks. Michael Mayer (LV) remains TD-dependent with only five receptions for 43 yards in the last three games.
Sleeper: The Raiders D/ST has scored the fifth-most fantasy points since Week 6 and the Jets offensive line has allowed 21 sacks in the last four games.
DENVER AT BUFFALO
Obvious starters: Javonte Williams (DEN), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Bills D/ST.
Who to start: Jerry Jeudy (DEN) has at least five receptions, 50 yards or a TD in three of the last four games. Dalton Kincaid (BUF) is the overall TE6 in standard formats (TE5 in PPR) since Week 7 and faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Gabe Davis (BUF) has flex appeal against a defense allowing nine TDs to wide receivers in eight games this season.
Who to sit: Samaje Perine (DEN) has only had double-digit touches twice this season. Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) remains TD-dependent with an average of seven touches the last three games. Latavius Murray (BUF) has had double-digit touches once (Week 6) this season.
Sleeper: Russell Wilson (DEN) was the overall QB11 before the Broncos’ bye week and is on pace to throw for 3,428 yards and 34 TDs against only eight interceptions — Wilson is also running again, averaging 25 yards per game.
