Week 9 Fantasy Football: Who To Start?

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Week 9 Fantasy Football: Who to Start?

Hey guys, ready to dominate your Week 9 fantasy matchups? It's that time again where tough decisions need to be made! This week brings a fresh set of challenges, with injuries, bye weeks, and emerging players shaking up the landscape. So, let's dive deep into the key players you should be considering for your starting lineup to secure that W.

Quarterbacks: The Signal-Callers

Quarterback decisions are crucial, and in Week 9, it's even more important. If you're streaming quarterbacks or have a QB with a tough matchup, read on! Let's dissect some quarterbacks with favorable matchups and those who might be best left on the bench this week.

Start 'Em

  • Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): Okay, this one's almost a no-brainer. Mahomes is always a must-start unless he's facing an absolutely brutal defense. Even then, you're probably still starting him. His ability to make plays out of nothing is unmatched, and he's got the weapons to exploit any secondary. This week, he has a juicy matchup that screams high-scoring potential. Expect him to light up the scoreboard with his array of talented receivers and his knack for extending plays. Mahomes' consistency and high ceiling make him a week-winner in any format.

  • Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): Similar to Mahomes, Allen is a weekly lock in most formats. His dual-threat ability makes him a constant threat to score both through the air and on the ground. The Bills' offense runs through him, and he's shown the capability to put up huge numbers against even tough defenses. His strong arm and rushing ability give him a high floor and tremendous upside every week. If you drafted Allen, you're likely starting him week in and week out, and Week 9 should be no different.

  • Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks): Here's where things get interesting. Smith has quietly been putting together a fantastic season, showcasing his accuracy, decision-making, and connection with his receivers. His consistency has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers. This week, he faces a defense that has struggled against opposing quarterbacks, making him a sneaky good start in Week 9. Smith has shown he can deliver solid performances, making him a viable option if you're streaming QBs or dealing with injuries.

Sit 'Em

  • Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos): It pains me to say this, but Wilson has been a major disappointment this season. The Broncos' offense has struggled mightily, and Wilson hasn't looked like the same player we've seen in years past. Until he starts showing signs of life, he's best left on the bench. Even in favorable matchups, his performance has been lackluster. It's tough to trust him in your starting lineup until the Broncos figure out their offensive woes.

  • Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams): Stafford has been battling injuries and has lacked consistency. The Rams' offense has been struggling, and the offensive line hasn't provided him with adequate protection. This week, he faces a tough defense, making him a risky start. Until the Rams' offense shows signs of improvement, Stafford is a bench candidate in most leagues.

Running Backs: The Workhorses

Running back situations are always fluid, with injuries and performance dictating touches. Identifying the right running backs to start can be the key to victory. Let's analyze some running backs who are poised for big weeks and those who might be better off on your bench.

Start 'Em

  • Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons): Bijan Robinson is a stud, and he should be in your lineup every week. His explosive running style and receiving ability make him a fantasy goldmine. The Falcons' offense revolves around him, and he's capable of delivering massive performances. Expect him to be heavily involved in both the running and passing game. Robinson's talent and opportunity make him a must-start in all formats.

  • D'Andre Swift (Philadelphia Eagles): Swift has emerged as the clear lead back in the Eagles' potent offense. His elusiveness, speed, and receiving skills make him a valuable asset. The Eagles' offensive line is dominant, creating plenty of running lanes for Swift to exploit. He's also involved in the passing game, giving him an additional boost in PPR formats. Swift's role in a high-scoring offense makes him a strong start in Week 9.

  • Zack Moss (Indianapolis Colts): With Jonathan Taylor still working his way back, Moss has been fantastic in the Colts' backfield. He's shown the ability to handle a heavy workload and has been productive in both the running and passing game. As long as Taylor is limited or out, Moss is a must start. He will continue to be the primary ball carrier in a backfield that wants to run the ball. He has a favorable matchup that could lead to a big day.

Sit 'Em

  • Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers): Harris has been underwhelming this season, struggling to find running lanes and lacking the explosiveness we saw in his rookie year. The Steelers' offensive line hasn't been great, and the offense as a whole has struggled. Until he starts showing signs of improvement, he's difficult to trust in your starting lineup.

  • AJ Dillon (Green Bay Packers): With Aaron Jones healthy, Dillon's role is significantly reduced. He's primarily a change-of-pace back and doesn't offer much upside unless Jones gets injured. Dillon is a bench stash until his role increases or Jones gets hurt.

Wide Receivers: The Pass-Catchers

Wide receiver is a position where matchups matter. Identifying receivers with favorable matchups can lead to big point totals. Let's look at some receivers who are set to shine in Week 9 and those who might struggle.

Start 'Em

  • Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins): Tyreek Hill is a cheat code in fantasy football. His blazing speed and explosive playmaking ability make him a weekly must-start. The Dolphins' offense is designed to get the ball in his hands, and he's capable of turning any reception into a touchdown. Hill's high floor and massive upside make him a week-winner in any format.

  • CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys): Lamb is the clear WR1 in the Cowboys' offense. He's seeing a high volume of targets and has developed a strong rapport with Dak Prescott. His route-running ability and reliable hands make him a trustworthy option. Expect him to be heavily involved in the Cowboys' passing game. Lamb is a strong start in Week 9.

  • DK Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks): Metcalf's combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a constant threat. Geno Smith has been looking his way often and has been producing consistently. He has a favorable matchup against a defense that has struggled against bigger receivers. Metcalf is a reliable start with the potential for a big game.

Sit 'Em

  • Jerry Jeudy (Denver Broncos): Jeudy has been inconsistent this season and hasn't lived up to expectations. The Broncos' offense has struggled, and Jeudy hasn't been able to establish himself as a reliable target. It's hard to trust him in your starting lineup until the Broncos' offense improves.

  • Michael Thomas (New Orleans Saints): Thomas has been plagued by injuries and hasn't been the same player we saw a few years ago. Even when healthy, his production has been inconsistent. It's difficult to rely on him in your starting lineup.

Tight Ends: The Mismatch Makers

Tight end can be a volatile position, but finding a reliable starter can provide a significant advantage. Let's identify some tight ends who are worth starting and those who should be on your bench.

Start 'Em

  • Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs): Kelce is the gold standard at the tight end position. His connection with Patrick Mahomes is unmatched, and he's a weekly must-start. He's a reliable target in the red zone and is capable of delivering huge performances. If you have Kelce, you're starting him every week.

  • George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers): When healthy, Kittle is one of the most dynamic tight ends in the league. His blocking ability and receiving skills make him a valuable asset. He's a reliable target for Brock Purdy and is capable of making big plays. Kittle is a strong start when he's healthy.

  • Evan Engram (Jacksonville Jaguars): Engram has emerged as a reliable target in the Jaguars' offense. He's seeing a consistent volume of targets and has developed a strong connection with Trevor Lawrence. Engram is a solid start in Week 9.

Sit 'Em

  • Dalton Schultz (Houston Texans): Schultz has been inconsistent this season and hasn't been a reliable target. The Texans' offense has been up and down, and Schultz hasn't been able to establish himself as a consistent performer. It's hard to trust him in your starting lineup.

  • Tyler Higbee (Los Angeles Rams): Higbee has been plagued by injuries and hasn't been a reliable target. The Rams' offense has struggled, and Higbee hasn't been able to make a significant impact. It's difficult to rely on him in your starting lineup.

Alright, fantasy football fanatics, that's your Week 9 start 'em and sit 'em guide! Remember to stay updated on the latest news and injuries before making your final decisions. Good luck, and may your lineups be blessed with touchdowns and victories!