Start ‘Em
QB: Sam Darnold vs Indianapolis Colts
Darnold has been consistent this season, scoring multiple passing touchdowns in five of seven games. He has regularly scored around 18 fantasy points and has proven to provide a secure base. The Colts are among the top 10 teams allowing the most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. They have allowed the seventh-most passing yards and apply below-average pressure. He also has tight end TJ Hockenson as another weapon at his disposal on Sunday, giving him a solid starting position with potential for a top-five finish.
RB: Alexander Mattison vs Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have either allowed a touchdown to a running back or allowed at least 100 total yards against him in every game this season. Mattison, who has scored at least 15.3 PPR points in two of the last three games and recorded 13 catches on 13 targets during that span, should be a solid option for this week’s matchup.
RB: Brian Robinson Jr. vs New York Giants
Robinson faced the Giants in Week 2 and rushed for a career-high 133 yards on 17 carries and a catch for 3 yards on three targets. He enjoys playing against the Giants and has either 100 total yards or a touchdown in five meetings with New York. This season, every running back but one has scored at least 13.1 PPR points against the Giants, including five in a row. Robinson should be able to continue that streak in the return game in Week 9.
WR: Ladd McConkey vs Cleveland Browns
Week 8 brought an impressive breakthrough for the Chargers’ rookie receiver. McConkey caught all six of his targets for 111 yards and two touchdowns at home against the New Orleans Saints. The wide receiver is now a WR22 in full-PPR leagues and is averaging over 13 points per game. Another favorable matchup awaits him in Week 9 against a weak Browns secondary that allowed seven catches and 115 yards to the Ravens’ Zay Flowers in Week 8.
WR: Chris Olave vs Carolina Panthers
Olave finally showed his qualities again, scoring 18.7 fantasy points in a loss to the Chargers last weekend. He had previously failed to score more than 12 points in four of the last six games. Now he faces a Panthers defense that has allowed eight touchdowns and the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing perimeter receivers this season. With Derek Carr potentially returning, the No. 1 weapon should get plenty of touches.
TE: Jake Ferguson vs Atlanta Falcons
Ferguson hasn’t impressed over the last two weeks but should remain in all starting lineups as a high-scoring game against the Falcons is expected. Their defense allowed two touchdowns and 29.1 points to Cade Otton last week and has given up double-digit points to two tight ends in the last two games. Therefore he has to start this week.
Sit ‘Em
QB: Jared Goff vs Green Bay Packers
The point here is that Goff is playing outdoors for the first time this season. Since joining the Lions in 2021, he is averaging about 13 fantasy points per game in outdoor games. However, in indoor games, his average is over 18 fantasy points per game. At Lambeau Field, Goff has averaged 227 passing yards per game during that span, with three touchdowns and two interceptions in three games. The Packers have also allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Goff is not a mandatory sit, but if you have an alternative option, you should use it.
RB: Javonte Williams vs Baltimore Ravens
Williams started to look like he could be trusted in good matchups, but then he disappointed against the Panthers. However, one thing has become clear: you can do without him against strong defenses. That’s exactly what he’s facing this week with the Ravens, who have allowed the second-fewest rushing yards and are allowing an average of just 3.2 yards per carry to running backs. The only hope for a running back against them is to get a lot of targets in the passing game. However, the base is so low that it is better to avoid Williams this week.
RB: Tank Bigsby vs Philadelphia Eagles
Travis Etienne could return in Week 9 after missing the last two games, and he should take at least some game time away from Bigsby. In both games without Etienne, Bigsby had at least 20 touches and averaged 17.2 PPR points. This week, however, I would recommend against both Bigsby and Etienne, as the Eagles allow the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. In the last four games, no running back has averaged more than 49 yards on the ground against Philadelphia, and the Eagles have allowed just two touchdowns from running backs in that time. With Bigsby also injured, it’s safe to assume production will be limited in the Jaguars’ backfield.
WR: Jerry Jeudy vs Los Angeles Chargers
Jeudy played well last week, catching five passes and scoring 12.9 points in the win over the Ravens. However, Cedric Tillman now appears to have taken over as the new alpha receiver in Cleveland, and the matchup against the Chargers is not very promising. In fact, their defense has allowed the fewest points per game to wide receivers.
WR: Diontae Johnson vs Denver Broncos
Diontae Johnson joins an already talented group of receivers in a heavily run-oriented offense. With Zay Flowers and Bateman getting plenty of targets, as well as Likely and Andrews, don’t expect Johnson to take on a central role right away. He has to get on the same page with Lamar first, which could take a few weeks. This week, against a strong Denver secondary, he is a clear candidate for the bench.
TE: Hunter Henry vs Tennessee Titans
There’s certainly reason for confidence with Henry given his recent playing time and production. However, there is a possibility that he plays with Jacoby Brissett instead of Drake Maye. The Titans were also very strong defensively against tight ends and allowed the third-fewest yards at that position. They have given up just two touchdowns and the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends. This week you should therefore look for an alternative.
