Key Highlights
- Justin Boone provides top picks for Week 9 in the NFL.
- Daniel Jones and Kimani Vidal are recommended as starters due to favorable matchups.
- Tight ends like Bowers and Kincaid are highlighted with specific game scenarios.
- Certain players, including Bo Nix and Croskey-Merritt, face tough matchups and should be benched.
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Top Picks for Week 9
As the NFL season progresses, fantasy football managers are faced with making crucial decisions on who to start this week. Fantasy analyst Justin Boone provides his insights on key players and matchups for Week 9.
Quarterbacks: Jones and Stafford Shine
Daniel Jones, quarterback for the Colts, is averaging the seventh-most fantasy points per game among quarterbacks this season. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in six of his eight appearances. The Steelers are the second-easiest matchup for fantasy passers, allowing 702 passing yards and six passing touchdowns over the last two weeks alone.
You can confidently start Jones as a top-10 option.
Matthew Stafford vs. Saints is another recommendation. Stafford has thrown at least three touchdowns in three of his last four outings. He will face Puka Nacua, who should return from injury, which could bolster his performance this week.
Rushing Backs: Vidal Dominates Against Titans
Kimani Vidal, running back for the Chargers, has been a standout performer in recent weeks. He finished as the fantasy RB7 and RB8 in two of his three starts against softer defenses. His matchup with Tennessee is particularly favorable, as the Titans are giving up the second-most fantasy points to running backs this season.
Javonte Williams vs. Cardinals should also be considered for starts due to the tough matchups facing other players like Kamara and Pollard.
Receivers: Pickens Stands Out
Even with CeeDee Lamb back in the lineup, George Pickens has delivered strong performances. He caught seven of his nine targets for 78 yards against the Broncos last week. Despite a tough matchup, Pickens is matchup-proof and should be started this week.
Michael Pittman Jr., who has quietly posted the 12th-most fantasy points among receivers, faces an easier matchup with the Steelers. Ladd McConkey also benefits from the Titans’ recent struggles against running backs.
Tight Ends: Bowers Returns Strongly
Daniel Bowers is returning from injury and should be considered a high-end TE1 this week due to the favorable matchup against Jacksonville, who has given up touchdowns to tight ends in three of their last four games. In his lone healthy appearance this season, he posted 103 yards.
Other tight ends like Oronde Gden II and Kyle Pitts Sr. are also noted for their recent success against weaker defenses but should be monitored closely due to the tougher matchups ahead.
Players to Sit
Certain players face difficult matchups this week, including Bo Nix vs. Texans, Trevor Lawrence at Raiders, Alvin Kamara at Rams, and Tony Pollard/Tyjae Spears vs. Chargers.
These players should be benched in favor of better options.
Bo Nix has struggled against tough defenses like the Cowboys, Giants, and Bengals but faces a particularly difficult matchup with Houston’s strong defense this week. Other backups like Croskey-Merritt face challenging opponents as well.
Conclusion
Fantasy managers should focus on these key matchups to make informed decisions for their Week 9 lineups. Justin Boone’s analysis provides valuable insights into which players are primed for success and which should be left on the bench, ensuring a competitive edge in the fantasy league.
