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Here’s a look back at Week 9’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 9 RECAP
Jets 21, Texans 13: Aaron Rodgers is the overall QB10 since Nathaniel Hackett lost play-calling duties headed into Week 6. Rodgers is completing 64.2% of his passes for 1,014 yards with eight touchdown passes against three interceptions in the last four games.
Falcons 27, Cowboys 21: With Ezekiel Elliott inactive for disciplinary reasons, Rico Dowdle produced 107 total yards with five receptions, including a TD. Dowdle has caught at least five balls or a TD reception in his last four games. He’s finished as a top-10 option at running back in two of his last three games.
Bills 30, Dolphins 27: Ray Davis is the overall RB20 in standard formats (RB24 in PPR) since Week 6 with James Cook healthy and/or productive in three of those four games. Davis has RB1 upside if Cook gets hurt, but he’s already developed flex appeal depending on the matchup.
Bengals 41, Raiders 24: Mike Gesicki is the overall TE10 in standard formats (TE13 in PPR) through nine weeks with 12 receptions (14 targets) for 173 yards and two TDs the last two games. Tee Higgins missed both games with an oblique injury and is doubtful to play against the Ravens on Thursday night.
Chargers 27, Browns 10: This is a reminder that talent in fantasy is much like life in Jurassic Park, it finds a way. Justin Herbert entered the Bolts’ Week 5 bye with a season-high of 179 passing yards and 27 attempts with only one multi-touchdown game. He’s averaging 303 passing yards the last three games with multiple TD passes the last two weeks, and hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 2.
Titans 20, Patriots 17 (OT): Drake Maye is the overall QB9 since Week 6, and that includes a game two weeks ago when he was knocked out early with a concussion. New England is throwing the ball a ton with the rookie under center and he’s shown some real upside with his legs, running for 197 yards on 19 carries and a TD in four starts.
Commanders 27, Giants 22: Daniel Jones threw his first TD at home in seven starts. His last TD pass at MetLife Stadium came in Week 17 of the 2022 season against the Colts.
Panthers 23, Saints 22: Only Mike Gesicki topped Taysom Hill in standard formats last week at tight end. Hill finished as the overall TE3 in PPR against New Orleans and has 10 total TDs (seven rushing, two receiving and one passing) in his last 17 games.
Ravens 41, Broncos 10: Lamar Jackson finished his fourth career game with a perfect 158.3 passer rating in Baltimore’s rout of Denver, tying him with Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning for the most in NFL history. The Ravens joined the Rams (2000) and Broncos (2013) as the only teams to have scored at least 20 points and gained 375 yards in each of their first nine games in a season.
Eagles 28, Jaguars 23: Saquon Barkley is currently on pace for 2,276 total yards and 17 total TDs in his first season with Philadelphia. Both would be career-best marks topping his rookie season totals of 2,028 yards and 15 scores.
Cardinals 29, Bears 9: Trey Benson produced 55 total yards and a TD on nine touches against Chicago, his most touches since Week 4 against the Commanders.
Lions 24, Packers 14: Detroit has won its last three games at Lambeau Field in Green Bay after going 3-25 from 1992-2021.
Rams 26, Seahawks 20 (OT): In the two games since Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua returned from injury for L.A., Demarcus Robinson has caught eight passes for 129 yards and four TDs, including a one-handed, 39-yard walk-off TD in overtime to win at Seattle.
Vikings 21, Colts 13: In Sam Darnolds’ last 17 starts for the Panthers, 49ers and Vikings, he’s completed 299 passes out of 457 attempts (65%) for 3,583 yards, and 27 TD passes against 12 interceptions, with 74 carries for 271 rushing yards and three rushing TDs.
Chiefs 30, Buccaneers 24 (OT): Travis Kelce’s career-high 14 receptions moved him past Antonio Gates into third place for the most career receptions by a tight end. Kelce’s 959 receptions are now only behind Tony Gonzalez (1,325) and Jason Witten (1,228).
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:
CINCINNATI AT BALTIMORE
Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL).
Who to start: Chase Brown (CIN) is the overall RB7 in standard formats (RB6 in PPR) since Week 4 with a TD in four of the last five games. Mike Gesicki (CIN) is the overall TE2 in standard formats (TE3 in PPR) the last two weeks without Tee Higgins in the lineup. Mark Andrews (BAL) is the overall TE5 in standard formats (TE8 in PPR) since Week 5 and faces a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends.
Who to sit: Tee Higgins (CIN) is doubtful (quadriceps) to play on Thursday Night Football. I’m fading both the Bengals D/ST and Ravens D/ST after these two teams combined for 79 points in Week 5. Diontae Johnson (BAL) didn’t see a target in his debut with Baltimore last week, so it’s hard to trust him without some sort of idea on how he’ll be utilized. Isaiah Likely (BAL) is out with a hamstring injury. Justice Hill (BAL) only had six touches for 25 total yards at Cincinnati in Week 5. Rashod Bateman (BAL) is TD-dependent with only four receptions (nine targets) for 53 yards in the last two games and the recent trade for Johnson.
Sleeper: Andrei Iosivas (CIN) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 13 TDs in nine games this season.
N.Y. GIANTS VS. CAROLINA AT MUNICH
Obvious starters: Malik Nabers (NYG), Chubba Hubbard (CAR).
Who to start: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) is the overall RB13 across all formats since Week 5 and faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to running backs. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) maintains flex appeal in PPR formats with at least five receptions in seven of nine games. Daniel Jones (NYG) faces a defense that has allowed 18 TD passes to quarterbacks in nine games. Even Devin Singletary (NYG) deserves flex consideration against this woeful run defense — the Panthers have allowed 13 TDs to running backs in nine games. The Giants D/ST lead the NFL with 35 sacks in nine games, while the Panthers are averaging 12.5 points in Young’s four starts, with the second-year QB throwing six interceptions. Xavier Legette (CAR) is the overall WR28 in standard formats (WR26 in PPR) since Week 4, scoring a TD in four of the last six games.
Who to sit: Darius Slayton (NYG) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol. It sounds like Jonathon Brooks (CAR) may have to wait until after the Panthers’ bye next week to make his NFL debut. It also appears Adam Thielen (CAR) is still another week away from being activated off the injured reserve (hamstring). Miles Sanders (CAR) hasn’t seen double-digit touches since Week 2. Jalen Coker (CAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer targets in four of his six games. Bryce Young (CAR) has looked better the last two weeks, but not good enough to trust in fantasy.
Sleeper: Theo Johnson (NYG) deserves streaming consideration if he’s active (knee/back) against a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends.
NEW ENGLAND AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), DJ Moore (CHI), D’Andre Swift (CHI), Bears D/ST.
Who to start: Hunter Henry (NE) is the overall TE9 in standard formats (TE6 in PPR) through nine weeks with 23 receptions (28 targets) for 234 yards and a TD in the last four games. Keenan Allen (CHI) maintains flex appeal with 17 targets in two games since the Bears’ bye.
Who to sit: I’m fading DeMario Douglas (CAR) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Drake Maye (NE) faces a defense that has only allowed five TD passes in eight games. Rome Odunze (CHI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in five of eight games. Cole Kmet (CHI) is TD-dependent with only 13 targets in the last five games. Roschon Johnson (CHI) is TD-dependent despite the premium matchup with only 14 touches in the last three games.
Sleeper: Caleb Williams (CHI) has been a much better QB at home this season.
BUFFALO AT INDIANAPOLIS
Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Dalton Kincaid (BUF), Bills D/ST, Jonathan Taylor (IND).
Who to start: Amari Cooper (BUF) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (wrist). Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR31 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) through nine weeks. Josh Downs (IND) is the overall WR12 in standard formats (WR10 in PPR) since Week 4.
Who to sit: Keon Coleman (BUF) hasn’t been ruled out yet, but he could miss some time with a wrist injury he suffered against the Dolphins last week. Ray Davis (BUF) is TD-dependent this week with exactly six touches in three straight games. Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) hasn’t practiced as of Thursday and continues to deal with back and finger issues. Alec Pierce (IND) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in eight of nine games.
Sleeper: Joe Flacco (IND) should benefit from volume this week as he and the Colts try to keep pace with Allen and the Bills.
DENVER AT KANSAS CITY
Obvious starters: Courtland Sutton (DEN), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Kareem Hunt (KC).
Who to start: DeAndre Hopkins (KC) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed five TD receptions to wide receivers in the last three games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Javonte Williams (DEN) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. I’m also fading the Broncos D/ST on the road against Mahomes. Xavier Worthy (KC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with three-or-fewer receptions in seven of eight games. The Chiefs D/ST haven’t produced double-digit fantasy points since Week 2.
Sleeper: Bo Nix (DEN) is the overall QB5 since Week 5 and faces a defense that has allowed two TD passes to quarterbacks in three of the last four games.
ATLANTA AT NEW ORLEANS
Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Darnell Mooney (ATL), Alvin Kamara (NO).
Who to start: Drake London (ATL) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hip). Kyle Pitts (ATL) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (hamstring). The Falcons D/ST are a sneaky streaming option against a banged-up offense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Taysom Hill (NO) had two rushing TDs against the Falcons in Week 4 and should be a primary weapon for a Saints’ offense (along with Kamara) decimated by injuries. Derek Carr (NO) deserves streaming consideration in deeper leagues against a defense that has allowed 12 TD passes to quarterbacks in the last five games.
Who to sit: Kirk Cousins (ATL) finished with 238 passing yards and an interception in a 26-24 win over the Saints. Ray-Ray McCloud (ATL) remains TD-dependent with only 14 targets in the last four games. Chris Olave (NO) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol and is doubtful to play.
Sleeper: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed eight rushing TDs to running backs in the last five games.
SAN FRANCISCO AT TAMPA BAY
Obvious starters: George Kittle (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), 49ers D/ST, Cade Otton (TB).
Who to start: Obviously, Christian McCaffrey (SF) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (Achilles). Brock Purdy (SF) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Jordan Mason (SF) maintains flex appeal if McCaffrey returns against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs. Rachaad White (TB) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB10 in standard formats (RB8 in PPR) since Week 7. Bucky Irving (TB) maintains RB2/flex upside as the overall RB25 in standard formats (RB20 in PPR) since Week 3.
Who to sit: Ricky Pearsall (SF) only has flex appeal if one of the 49ers’ primary receivers (Samuel or Jennings) are out. Baker Mayfield (TB) has only completed 55.3% of his passes with 561 yards, and one TD pass against four interceptions in three career games against the 49ers. Jalen McMillan (TB) appears to still be dealing with a hamstring injury that sidelined him against the Chiefs on Monday night. Sterling Shepard (TB) remains TD-dependent with only 11 targets in the last three games. Trey Palmer (TB) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only five receptions in the last three games.
Sleeper: Jauan Jennings (SF) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (hip) against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
PITTSBURGH AT WASHINGTON
Obvious starters: George Pickens (PIT), Najee Harris (PIT), Jayden Daniels (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS).
Who to start: The Steelers D/ST are one of two defenses averaging over 10 fantasy points per game — the Vikings are the other. Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS) maintains RB2/flex upside if he’s active (hamstring). Zach Ertz (WAS) deserves streaming consideration with at least four receptions, 68 yards or a TD in three of the last four games.
Who to sit: Pat Freiermuth (PIT) remains TD-dependent with only 11 targets in the last four games. I’m fading Russell Wilson (PIT) against a defense that only allowed five TD passes to quarterbacks in the last six games (and that was before the Commanders traded for Marshon Lattimore). Let’s wait and see how OC Arthur Smith incorporates Mike Williams (PIT) into the offense. Austin Ekeler (WAS) only has flex appeal outside of deeper PPR leagues if Robinson is out again.
Sleeper: Jaylen Warren (PIT) has flex appeal in deeper leagues with 34 touches in the last three games.
MINNESOTA AT JACKSONVILLE
Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Aaron Jones (MIN), Vikings D/ST, Evan Engram (JAC), Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC).
Who to start: T.J. Hockenson (MIN) faces a defense allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends, including four TDs in the last five games. Jordan Addison (MIN) has WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Sam Darnold (MIN) faces a defense that has allowed 18 TD passes to quarterbacks in the last seven games.
Who to sit: I’m fading both Travis Etienne (JAC) and Tank Bigsby (JAC) against a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs, especially while both appear to be dealing with hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively. It doesn’t look like Trevor Lawrence (JAC) will play against the Vikings while he continues to receive treatment for a left shoulder injury he suffered against the Eagles last week — Mac Jones would get the start if Lawrence is out. Gabe Davis (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only 10 receptions in his last five games.
Sleeper: Parker Washington (JAC) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 10 TD receptions in the last five games.
TENNESSEE AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: J.K. Dobbins (LAC), Chargers D/ST.
Who to start: Calvin Ridley (TEN) maintains flex appeal with at least eight targets in four straight games. Ladd McConkey (LAC) maintains WR3/flex upside despite a difficult matchup as the overall WR22 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) through nine weeks. Justin Herbert (LAC) is the overall QB8 since Week 6. Quentin Johnston (LAC) finished as the overall WR5 in standard formats (WR7 in PPR) in his return from an ankle injury last week — Johnston has four TD receptions in his last five games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Tony Pollard (TEN) if he’s active (foot) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs. Tyjae Spears (TEN) faces a defense that has only allowed one rushing TD to running backs in eight games. Only start Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (TEN) if you believe he’ll extend his TD-streak to five games. Tyler Boyd (TEN) has three-or-fewer receptions in seven of eight games.
Sleeper(s): Chig Qkonkwo (TEN) faces a defense that has allowed at least 53 receiving yards to tight ends in four of the last five games. Joshua Palmer (LAC) has at least 63 receiving yards in three straight games.
PHILADELPHIA AT DALLAS
Obvious starters: Saquon Barkley (PHI), Jalen Hurts (PHI).
Who to start: A.J. Brown (PHI) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (knee). DeVonta Smith (PHI) is the overall WR9 in standard formats (WR14 in PPR) since Week 6 with 14 receptions for 234 yards and three TDs in the last four games — it’s even more impressive when you consider he only had one reception for minus-two yards against the Giants in Week 7. Dallas Goedert (PHI) was the top-scoring tight end in fantasy across all formats before he injured his hamstring. The Eagles D/ST are the fourth-highest scoring defense in fantasy since Week 6. CeeDee Lamb (DAL) remains an obvious starter if he’s active (shoulder), even without Dak Prescott under center (Cooper Rush will start at QB). Rico Dowdle (DAL) has flex appeal as the overall RB30 in standard formats (RB29 in PPR) since Week 4.
Who to sit: I’m fading Jake Ferguson (DAL) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) and Dalvin Cook (DAL) remain TD-dependent against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Sleeper: Jalen Tolbert (DAL) has flex appeal in a difficult matchup as the overall WR32 in standard formats (WR31 in PPR) since Week 5.
N.Y. JETS AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: Breece Hall (NYJ), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Jets D/ST, Trey McBride (ARI), James Conner (ARI).
Who to start: Davante Adams (NYJ) is the overall WR24 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) since being traded to the Jets. Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) is the overall QB12 since Adams joined him in New York.
Who to sit: Tyler Conklin (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with only 13 targets in the last four games. Braelon Allen (NYJ) remains TD-dependent with double-digit touches in only two of nine games. I’m fading Kyler Murray (ARI) against a defense allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. I’m fading Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) against a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.
Sleeper: Michael Wilson (ARI) has at least five receptions, 78 yards or a TD in three of the last five games.
DETROIT AT HOUSTON
Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), David Montgomery (DET), Joe Mixon (HOU).
Who to start: Jared Goff (DET) faces a defense that has allowed 10 TD passes to quarterbacks in the last four games. The Lions D/ST are the seventh-highest scoring defense in fantasy through nine weeks, but their first overall since Week 6. Tank Dell (HOU) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Who to sit: I’m fading Sam LaPorta (DET) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. I’m fading C.J. Stroud (HOU) against a defense that has yet to allow multiple TD passes in a game this season. Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.
Sleeper: In his return from suspension, Jameson Williams (DET) faces a defense that has allowed 12 TD receptions to wide receivers in the last seven games.
MIAMI AT L.A. RAMS
Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), De’Von Achane (MIA), Kyren Williams (LAR), Cooper Kupp (LAR).
Who to start: Jaylen Waddle (MIA) has flex appeal against a defense that has allowed 25 receptions for 450 yards and four TDs to wide receivers in the last two games. Raheem Mostert (MIA) maintains flex appeal with double-digit touches in his last four games. Jonnu Smith (MIA) deserves streaming consideration against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Matthew Stafford (LAR) is the overall QB6 the last two weeks with all of his receivers healthy.
Who to sit: I’m fading Puka Nacua (LAR) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Despite the recent tear, Demarcus Robinson (LAR) remains TD-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in six of the last seven games. Colby Parkinson (LAR) only has four targets in the last three games.
Sleeper: Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed 603 passing yards and five TD passes to quarterbacks in the last two games.
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