Here's a look back at Week 9's action, and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 9 RECAP
Eagles 29, Texans 17: Lost in the ascendancy of Jalen Hurts, the impact of AJ Brown and a healthy (finally) Miles Sanders, is Dallas Goedert realizing the top tier potential we all expected he had after Zach Ertz was traded. Goedert is the overall TE6 in standard formats (TE4 in PPR) with at least five receptions, 64 yards or a touchdown in six of the last seven games. He’s currently on pace for 85 receptions, 1,107 yards and four TDs.
Chargers 20, Falcons 17: Austin Ekeler’s last five games: 589 total yards, 39 receptions and 10 TDs.
Dolphins 35, Bears 32: After advocating for Justin Fields heavily before the matchup with Miami, his roster percentage only jumped about 20% (with ESPN leagues lagging woefully behind Yahoo). I expect him to be universally rostered this time next week.
Bengals 42, Panthers 21: All hail, Joe Mixon!
Lions 15, Packers 9: Allen Lazard’s weekly finishes in games he’s played so far: WR39, WR22, WR16, WR18, WR9, WR41 and WR5. Lazard is an obvious start whenever he’s active despite Green Bay’s issues on offense.
Patriots 26, Colts 3: Indy’s offense is teetering on a “must-avoid” ledge, especially after the hiring of Jeff Saturday — I was already apprehensive after the benching of Matt Ryan.
Jets 20, Bills 17: Robert Saleh has a young, talented defense running on all cylinders and it’s the fifth-best scoring option in fantasy through nine games. This unit is likely available in most leagues because many faded them against Buffalo.
Vikings 20, Commanders 17: There was no warm-up needed for TJ Hockenson, who had 70 yards on a season-best nine receptions and played 91% of the snaps after being on the team for less than a week.
Jaguars 27, Raiders 20: Frankly, there’s no legitimate explanation for Davante Adams not receiving double-digit targets every week, something that’s happened in half of Las Vegas’ games this season.
Seahawks 31, Cardinals 21: Eno Benjamin took a clear backseat to a healthy James Conner against Seattle. There’s no need to roster him unless you’re handcuffing him to Conner.
Buccaneers 16, Rams 13: Darrell Henderson Jr. has been the overall RB38 across all formats since replacing Cam Akers as L.A.'s primary running back in Week 6. The Rams’ offensive line has been awful this season and is the primary reason for the significant decline of the champs.
Chiefs 20, Titans 17 (OT): Isiah Pacheco has out-snapped Clyde Edwards-Helaire, albeit by a small margin, since he was named the starter two weeks ago. Kansas City was forced to abandon the run against Tennessee — Patrick Mahomes threw the ball 68 times — but six of its nine remaining opponents have losing records, which should lead to favorable game scripts for the run game.
Ravens 27, Saints 13: I anticipate Mark Andrews being healthy enough to play after Baltimore’s bye this week, but those who were fortunate enough to pick up Isaiah Likely should hold onto the talented rookie. If you roster both playmakers, consider Likely a handcuff. If you don’t roster Andrews, give it a few weeks to see if he’s limited after he returns. With Rashod Bateman out for the season, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Ravens utilize both tight ends going forward.
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.
Here are my best bets for Week 10:
ATLANTA AT CAROLINA
Obvious starters: Cordarrelle Patterson (ATL), Kyle Pitts (ATL), DJ Moore (CAR), D’Onta Foreman (CAR).
Who to start: Marcus Mariota (ATL) finished as the overall QB6 in Week 8 against the Panthers with a season-best 253 passing yards and three TDs. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) maintains flex value despite Patterson’s return with double-digit touches in seven of eight games. The Falcons D/ST is a solid streaming option with PJ Walker starting, and likely playing for his job.
Who to sit: Drake London (ATL) only has 17 receptions (31 targets) for 155 yards the last six games. Chuba Hubbard (CAR) has been a full participant in practice, so I expect him to play, but I’d like to see what the backfield split with Foreman is before recommending him — I do expect a healthy Hubbard to have flex value going forward.
Sleeper: Terrace Marshall (CAR) is actually the overall WR15 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) the last two games, producing 140 yards on seven receptions (15 targets) and a TD — the Falcons have allowed 12 TDs to wide receivers in nine games.
SEATTLE VS. TAMPA BAY AT MUNICH
Obvious starters: Kenneth Walker (SEA), DK Metcalf (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA), Leonard Fournette (TB), Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB).
Who to start: Geno Smith (SEA) has multiple TD passes in seven of nine games. Tom Brady (TB) remains a borderline QB1 as the overall QB13 in fantasy through nine games. The Buccaneers D/ST could be a sneaky streaming option, especially when you factor in the travel.
Who to sit: Both Noah Fant (SEA) and Will Dissly (SEA) remain touchdown-dependent options despite a decent matchup. I’m fading an opportunistic Seahawks D/ST against an offense that has allowed five or fewer fantasy points to opposing defenses in seven of nine games. Russell Gage (TB) and Julio Jones (TB) remain touchdown-dependent options. Rachaad White (TB) could be used as flex in the deepest PPR formats — he has at least three receptions in five of six games — but that’s it until further notice.
Sleeper: Cade Otton (TB) has been the overall TE8 in fantasy since Week 7, producing at least four receptions, 64 yards or a TD in two of the last three games and has a premium matchup — Cameron Brate’s expected return clouds the picture a bit.
MINNESOTA AT BUFFALO
Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Dalvin Cook (MIN), TJ Hockenson (MIN), Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Bills D/ST.
Who to start: Adam Thielen (MIN) deserves flex consideration despite the difficult matchup with at least seven targets in seven straight games. The game isn’t in prime time, so I’m not fading Kirk Cousins (MIN). I’m starting Gabe Davis (GB) if Allen is active. Devin Singletary (BUF) is averaging 16 touches since Week 6. Case Keenum (BUF) would deserve streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed seven TDs in its last three games to quarterbacks if Allen is inactive.
Who to sit: Alexander Mattison (MIN) remains touchdown-dependent as Cook’s backup. KJ Osborn (MIN) remains boom-or-bust with three-or-fewer receptions in seven of eight games.
Sleeper: Dawson Knox (BUF) faces a defense that has allowed at least 67 yards or a TD to tight ends in six of eight games.
DETROIT AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Jamaal Williams (DET), D’Andre Swift (DET), Justin Fields (CHI), David Montgomery (CHI).
Who to start: Khalil Herbert (CHI) faces a defense that has allowed 11 TDs to running backs in eight games. Darnell Mooney (CHI) has at least 52 yards or a TD in six straight games. I like Chase Claypool (CHI) as a flex option after he received six targets in his Bears debut, facing a defense that has allowed eight TDs to wide receivers in its last seven games. The Bears D/ST is a sneaky streaming option at home if you’re desperate.
Who to sit: Jared Goff (DET) is the overall QB27 since Week 5.
Sleeper: Cole Kmet (CHI) faces a defense that has allowed at least 54 yards or a TD to tight ends in every game this season.
DENVER AT TENNESSEE
Obvious starters: Derrick Henry (TEN).
Who to start: This is a “get right” opportunity for Russell Wilson (DEN) against a defense that has allowed 15 TDs to quarterbacks in eight games. Both Courtland Sutton (DEN) and Jerry Jeudy (DEN) have WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Greg Dulcich (DEN) has 17 targets his last three games — only Jeudy with 25 has more for the Broncos — and is fourth in fantasy points per game for tight ends in standard formats since Week 6 (he’s tied for fifth in PPR over that span). The Broncos D/ST deserve streaming consideration, but is an obvious start if Malik Willis is under center.
Who to sit: I’m fading Melvin Gordon (DEN), Latavius Murray (DEN) and Chase Edmonds (DEN) until we have a bigger sample size of their usage together (and also the Titans haven’t allowed a TD to running backs since Week 1). Robert Woods (TEN) is the only Titans wide receiver to consider and he only has eight targets in the last three games.
Sleeper: The Titans D/ST is the second-best scoring defense in fantasy since Week 7.
JACKSONVILLE AT KANSAS CITY
Obvious starters: Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Christian Kirk (JAC), Travis Kelce (KC), Patrick Mahomes (KC), JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC).
Who to start: Evan Engram (JAC) is an obvious start if his back checks out fine against a defense that has allowed at least 71 yards or a TD to tight ends in seven of eight games. Mecole Hardman (KC) has at least 73 yards or a TD in four straight games. I understand hesitancy to utilize Kadarius Toney (KC) until we have a bigger sample size in KC, but if you’re desperate this week, Toney could be the lottery ticket that pays off for you.
Who to sit: Both Zay Jones (JAC) and Marvin Jones Jr. (JAC) are touchdown-dependent options with a good matchup, but it feels like a dart throw at this point to guess which one takes advantage. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC), Isiah Pachecho (KC) and Jerick McKinnon (KC) are all touchdown-dependent dart throws — McKinnon has some value in the deepest PPR formats. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) is back to his ol’ boom-or-bust ways.
Sleeper: Trevor Lawrence (JAC) faces a defense that has allowed multiple TDs to quarterbacks in every game this season.
CLEVELAND AT MIAMI
Obvious starters: Nick Chubb (CLE), Amari Cooper (CLE), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Tua Tagovailoa (MIA).
Who to start: David Njoku (CLE) is an obvious start if he’s active. Kareem Hunt (CLE) maintains his flex value as the overall RB29 in standard formats (RB30 in PPR). Jacoby Brissett (CLE) deserves streaming consideration against the defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Raheem Mostert (MIA) and Jeff Wilson (MIA) both have flex value against a defense that has allowed multiple TDs to running backs in four of the last five games.
Who to sit: Mike Gesicki (MIA) is a touchdown-dependent option against a defense that has only allowed one TD to tight ends this season.
Sleeper: This is a great matchup for Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE), who has at least four receptions and 50 yards in five straight games — four of those games he has at least 71 yards.
HOUSTON AT N.Y. GIANTS
Obvious starters: Dameon Pierce (HOU), Saquon Barkley (NYG).
Who to start: Daniel Jones (NYG) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that just struggled mightily with Jalen Hurts, a dual-threat quarterback like Jones. The Giants D/ST isn’t special, but it’s good enough for streaming purposes with a matchup like this.
Who to sit: Pierce is the only Texans player I would consider in fantasy at this point. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) will have big days in the near future, but we need to see consistent usage before we plug him into our lineup with confidence.
Sleeper: Darius Slayton (NYG) has produced at least five receptions, 66 yards or a TD in three of the last four games.
NEW ORLEANS AT PITTSBURGH
Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), Diontae Johnson (PIT), Pat Freiermuth (PIT).
Who to start: The Saints D/ST is a premium streaming option against a rookie quarterback and an offense in transition. Najee Harris (PIT) maintains flex value with at least 14 touches in seven straight games. George Pickens (PIT) deserves flex consideration against a defense that has allowed six TDs to wide receivers in the last five games. The Steelers D/ST could be a sneaky streaming option with the return of TJ Watt, even if the All-Pro is eased back into action.
Who to sit: Taysom Hill (NO) remains the ultimate boom-or-bust play. Juwan Johnson (NO) remains touchdown-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in six of nine games this season.
Sleeper: Andy Dalton (NO) faces a defense that has allowed 16 TDs to quarterbacks in eight games.
INDIANAPOLIS AT LAS VEGAS
Obvious starters: Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV).
Who to start: The only Colts player I trust in fantasy at this point (assuming he’s active) is Jonathan Taylor (IND). Even a bad unit like the Raiders D/ST is a streaming option against the Colts.
Who to sit: I’m fading Derek Carr (LV) against a defense that has only allowed three TDs to quarterbacks in the last five games. Mack Hollins (LV) remains touchdown-dependent with two-or-fewer receptions in three of the last four games.
Sleeper: With Darren Waller officially on injured reserve, Foster Moreau (LV) will continue to see solid volume — Moreau has 19 targets in the last three games.
DALLAS AT GREEN BAY
Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Cowboys D/ST, Allen Lazard (GB).
Who to start: Tony Pollard (DAL) maintains his flex value with 105 total yards or a TD in five of the last seven games. Dak Prescott (DAL) is 10th in fantasy points per game for quarterbacks since returning from injury. Dalton Schultz (DAL) faces a normally solid defense that has allowed three TDs to tight ends in the last two games. It’s hard to sit Aaron Jones (GB) if he’s active. Despite Aaron Rodgers (GB) underperforming this season, there does appear to be a reasonable floor if you don’t have a clearly better option. Robert Tonyan (GB) is the overall TE11 in PPR formats through nine games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) until we see him test his knee in a game. AJ Dillon (GB) remains touchdown-dependent unless Jones is sidelined. I’m fading a decent Packers D/ST at home against a super efficient offense.
Sleeper: Michael Gallup (DAL) is due and has at least five targets in three of the last four games.
ARIZONA AT L.A. RAMS
Obvious starters: Kyler Murray (ARI), DeAndre Hopkins (ARI), Zach Ertz (ARI), Cooper Kupp (LAR).
Who to start: James Conner’s (ARI) 12 touches (five receptions) in his return was a good sign. The Cardinals D/ST deserves streaming consideration against the Rams porous offensive line. Tyler Higbee (LAR) faces a defense that has allowed at least 68 yards or a TD to tight ends in eight of nine games. The matchup dictates Matthew Stafford (LAR) will deserve streaming consideration if he makes it through the NFL’s concussion protocol. The Rams D/ST held the Cardinals to 12 points in an earlier matchup this season.
Who to sit: Robbie Anderson (ARI) remains boom-or-bust with only one reception in three games since he was acquired by Arizona. Allen Robinson (LAR) remains touchdown-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in four of the last six games. Darrell Henderson Jr. (LAR) and Cam Akers (LAR) remain touchdown-dependent with inconsistent usage.
Sleeper: Rondale Moore (ARI) has at least six receptions in four of the last five games.
L.A. CHARGERS AT SAN FRANCISCO
Obvious starters: Austin Ekeler (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), Gerald Everett (LAC), Christian McCaffrey (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF).
Who to start: Joshua Palmer (LAC) has WR3/flex upside with 22 targets in his last two games (Keenan Allen was inactive in both). Brandon Aiyuk (SF) is the overall WR9 in standard formats (WR10 in PPR) since Week 6 (and that includes a bye week). The 49ers D/ST is talented and deep enough to handle a banged-up Chargers offense at home despite Herbert and Ekeler.
Who to sit: Keenan Allen (LAC) remains day-to-day with a hamstring injury that has plagued him for most of the season. DeAndre Carter (LAC) remains touchdown-dependent with three-or-fewer receptions in seven of eight games this season.
Sleeper: Jimmy Garoppolo (SF) is actually 10th in fantasy points per game for quarterbacks since Week 5.
WASHINGTON AT PHILADELPHIA
Obvious starters: Terry McLaurin (WAS), Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), Miles Sanders (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Eagles D/ST.
Who to start: Antonio Gibson (WAS) maintains flex value with at least 13 touches in three straight games. Curtis Samuel (WAS) is the overall WR18 in standard formats (WR13 in PPR) through nine games. Taylor Heinicke (WAS) is the overall QB8 since becoming the starter in Week 7. DeVonta Smith (PHI) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed nine TDs to wide receivers in the last eight games.
Who to sit: Logan Thomas (WAS) has no receptions in only three targets in two games since returning from injury.
Sleeper: Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS) maintains flex upside with at least 15 touches in three of the last four games.
