Fantasy Football Week 9 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em
After eight weeks of fantasy football, we’re entering the home stretch of the regular season. As you begin to make your playoff push, consider starting and sitting these players for the best chance to win your matchup this week.
NOTE: All point values mentioned in this article are in ESPN’s Standard PPR scoring
Start ‘Em
DK Metcalf, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts
Metcalf has quietly put together a solid season for fantasy managers, scoring double-digit points in all but one game.
His steady production should continue this week facing an Indianapolis defense that allows the third-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
The Steelers’ defensive struggles should also help Metcalf, as the game will likely be high scoring, forcing Aaron Rodgers to look to his number one target often.
Make sure to have the Steelers’ WR1 in your lineups when they lock on Sunday.
Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys
After missing the Cardinals’ last two games and coming off the bye week, Murray seems ready to make his return to action this week against the Cowboys.
Dallas’ defense has struggled immensely this season and allows the most fantasy PPG to quarterbacks.
Take advantage of this outstanding matchup and watch Murray rack up fantasy points for your squad on Monday.
Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans
After a somewhat disappointing performance of 8.4 points in the Chargers’ Week 8 blowout win over the Vikings, managers may be feeling uneasy about Allen.
Also attributing to this feeling could be rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II’s breakout recently, but this feeling will be quick to go away.
Allen remains one of Justin Herbert’s favorite targets, especially on third down and in the redzone. He also faces a Titans defense that ranks 24th against fantasy PPG allowed to WRs as opposed to ninth against TEs.
Start Allen with confidence this week.
Sit ‘Em
Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans
After an inconsistent start to the season, Nix has rallied off back-to-back QB1 performances for fantasy managers, putting up 39.96 and 23.78 points in Weeks 8 and 9, respectively.
However, Nix’s hot streak could come to a screeching halt this week, as he squares off against the Texans defense who’s allowed the least fantasy PPG to quarterbacks this season.
It’s best to temper expectations for the Broncos’ gunslinger and turn to someone with a more favorable matchup if possible.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills
Hunt is coming off his second best performance of the season, scoring 17.2 fantasy points against the Commanders in Week 8.
While this is encouraging, it’s still best to stay away from putting Hunt in your lineups.
The Chiefs haven’t had much success running the ball this season, and Patrick Mahomes is having a bounce back campaign, currently leading the MVP race according to oddsmakers in Vegas.
With a huge matchup with the Bills on the horizon, expect the Chiefs to continue to lean on the pass game in what feels like a crucial game for both teams.
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Denver Broncos vs. Houston Texans
Dobbins had a productive game last week, rushing for 111 yards and catching both of his targets for 10 yards. But there’s multiple reasons suggesting he’s not in for a repeat performance this week.
Like quarterbacks, the Texans defense is also stingy against running backs. They allow the eighth-fewest fantasy PPG to the position and held Christian McCaffrey to 9.8 points last week.
Also, Dobbins’ rookie backfield mate RJ Harvey finally broke out in Week 8. Harvey ripped a 40-yard score, scored from the wildcat formation on the one yard line and caught a five yarder for a third touchdown.
Sean Payton has said the only thing holding Harvey back are his limited opportunities, so with Harvey figuring to take on more of a workload and the Broncos facing a tough run defense, look for other options for your lineup this week.