Deshaun Watson, Taylor Heinicke, Aidan O'Connell: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Picks for Fantasy Football Week 9

The Week 9 NFL slate is finally here, meaning it's time for fantasy managers to make tough, last-minute start 'em, sit 'em decisions. Deshaun Watson, Taylor Heinicke, and Aidan O'Connell are all hot names ahead of this week's games

Watson, if he plays, will take on the Cardinals. Heinicke and the Falcons take on Minnesota. O'Connell gets the start for the Raiders against the Giants.

Should you start Watson, Heinicke, or O'Connell in Week 9? Let's dive in.

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Should I Start Deshaun Watson for Fantasy Football?

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson returned to practice on Wednesday and could play for the first time since Oct. 22, a game that he exited early. Watson hasn't played a full game since Sept. 24 against the Titans.

If Watson plays, he's a mid-range QB2 play. He's struggled at times this season, with a completion percentage under 60% in two of his three full games.

Watson is not ranked in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start Taylor Heinicke for Fantasy Football?

The Atlanta Falcons made a change at quarterback this week, opting to start Taylor Heinicke over Desmond Ridder. Heinicke came in in relief of Desmond Ridder last week, going 12-for-21 for 175 yards and a touchdown. He also added 14 rushing yards.

Heinicke has a higher floor as a passer than Ridder. Last season, he threw 12 touchdown passes in nine games with the Commanders. Overall, he provides a boost to the fantasy outlook of Atlanta's skill position players, but he isn't an elite passer. Consider him a low-end QB2 play this week.

He is the QB20 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

Should I Start Aidan O'Connell for Fantasy Football?

The Las Vegas Raiders hired head coach Josh McDaniels this week. In the process, the team also sent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the bench. Rookie Aidan O'Connell will get the start.

In his lone NFL start, O'Connell was 24-for-39 for 238 yards with an interception in a loss to the Chargers. He didn't record a passing touchdown but did throw for a score. There's some intrigue here, but O'Connell should be viewed as a low-end QB2 play in Week 9.

He is the QB21 in our half-PPR consensus staff rankings.

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