Welcome to week nine! The season is over halfway over and the upcoming excitement of possible fantasy football championships is fast approaching. Fantasy football is a weekly game and there’s still time to make that playoff push. It all starts right here with Week 9.
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Start ‘Em
Quarterback
Gardner Minshew vs Texans
This is likely Minshew’s last game starting this season. Captain ‘stache has been a lightning rod this season and created quite the quarterback controversy in Jacksonville. Regardless, this is Nick Foles’ job. Minshew has a great chance to go out with a bang.
As if this matchup wasn’t already juicy enough, JJ Watt is now out for the season and there are really no more reasons to fear the Texans defense. Minshew has scored at least 20 points in five of the last six weeks and the Texans absolutely bleed points to opposing quarterbacks. The last four in a row have given up over 20 fantasy points and that trend should continue this week.
Honorable Mention: Derek Carr, Sam Darnold
Running Back
Melvin Gordon vs Packers
Don’t close down this column just yet. Gordon is in a fantastic spot to finally breakthrough. Despite having a dreadful offensive line and miserable run blocking up front, Gordon can still get it done this week. The Packers defensive front has shown a tendency to forget how to tackle and has allowed opposing running backs to run all over them this season.
Most importantly, Anthony Lynn has taken over the play calling and he has historically been a run-heavy offensive play caller. Gordon has dominated the team rush attempts and is still a great pass catching back in his own right. Fire Gordon up.
Honorable Mention: Jordan Howard, Tra Carson
Wide Receiver
Michael Gallup vs Giants
Gallup has had a bit of a slow recovery from his minor knee procedure he had last month. He hasn’t looked quite as explosive as he normally does and has, at times, appeared to lack some of the burst he displayed earlier. Coming off of a bye week and getting some additional rest and strengthening, Gallup is set to have an explosive showing alongside Amari Cooper. The Giants secondary has allowed the third most points to fantasy wide receivers this season.
Start Gallup with confidence.
Honorable Mention: Tyrell Williams, DK Metcalf
Sit ‘Em
Quarterback
Jacoby Brissett vs Steelers
Brissett has been amazing filling in out of the blue after Andrew Luck retired unexpectedly. Still, Brissett hasn’t been the same away from Indianapolis and the Steelers haven’t given up more than 18 points to quarterbacks since the beginning of the season. Brissett is still a fine play if there are no other streamer options available. But people like Carr and Darnold above present much more obvious upside and juicier matchups.
Honorable Mention: Baker Mayfield
Running Back
David Montgomery vs Eagles
It’s no secret that the Eagles rush defense has been stingy. Only Ezekiel Elliott has rushed for over 100 yards against them and…well… he’s Zeke. He’s amazing. Montgomery is an adequate pass catching back and the Eagles have a soft spot to pass catching backs. Still, despite Nagy seemingly committing to the run, I think Montgomery might be in for a rough game.
Honorable Mention: Sony Michel, Carlos Hyde
Wide Receiver
Marquise Brown vs Patriots
Don’t overthink this. Don’t try to get cute. It’s the Patriots defense. Brown will see a healthy dose of the best shut down corner in the game. Not to mention that you can almost expect Belichick to take Lamar Jackson completely out of the game. Brown is always a threat to catch that one long ball and take it to the house. He’s a very boom-bust style of player in a rapidly regressing passing attack. If you have a better option I strongly recommend looking elsewhere this week.
Honorable Mention: Terry McLaurin, Larry Fitzgerald
