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As we hit the thick of the fantasy season, every lineup decision matters. One poorly chosen starter can ruin an entire week, especially with playoffs on the horizon.
In Week 9, we're taking a hard look at some players who are typically start-worthy but could land you in fantasy disaster zones this week due to brutal matchups or recent inconsistency. If you've got viable alternatives, now’s the time to consider them.
Here are five players primed to underperform compared to their usual expectations—proceed with caution!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
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- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
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Tua Tagovailoa, QB, vs. Buffalo Bills
Tua Tagovailoa returned in Week 8 after a five-week hiatus due to a concussion, putting up respectable but unremarkable numbers: 234 yards, one touchdown, and 14.66 fantasy points. While he looked fine, he now faces a Bills defense that’s been especially tough on quarterbacks, ranking 5th in fantasy points allowed to the position and allowing an average of only 13.37 points per game.
For perspective, they’ve only surrendered nine passing touchdowns across eight games this season. Even when Tua was in rhythm earlier this season, he wasn't lighting up scoreboards (averaging 12.9 fantasy points per game). This Bills matchup is especially problematic on the road, where cold conditions may hinder Tua’s rhythm further.
Buffalo’s pass defense gives up just 208.1 passing yards per game, meaning that Tua's path to big yardage is narrow. If he struggles to get into a groove or the game script turns run-heavy, it could make for a low-output day for fantasy managers.
Biggest Dolphins crowd applause of day: Tua Tagovailoa completes an excellent safe slide after getting 1st down with his legs before defender hit him. Crowd erupts with claps and ‘Tua, Tua’ chants again: pic.twitter.com/vRgIMRcWOI
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 27, 2024
Alexander Mattison, RB, vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Alexander Mattison’s season has been one of grit but limited glory, averaging a mere 3.2 yards per carry and just over 10 fantasy points per game. Despite a decent snap share (51.5%), his production has yet to deliver in a meaningful way, and Week 9 isn’t shaping up to be the game for a breakout.
The Bengals defense has locked down opposing running backs in recent weeks, allowing just 157 rushing yards and one touchdown over their last two games combined. They’re the 11th-ranked defense in fantasy points allowed to running backs, so even getting to his typical output will be a tall task for Mattison.
This Cincinnati unit is aggressive and disciplined, and Las Vegas’ offense hasn’t shown the consistency needed to sustain a ground attack against stout defenses. Starting Mattison this week could bring more frustration than points.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, vs. Los Angeles Rams
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has had moments of promise, but overall, his second season has been up and down. He’s posted just one receiving touchdown so far and a modest target share (18.8%). The receiver has been averaging 11.19 fantasy points per game, which is respectable, but his Week 9 matchup with the Rams is a worrisome one.
The Rams defense has been stingy with wide receivers over the last month, allowing only one touchdown to the position in their past four games and ranking 4th in fantasy points allowed to wideouts in that span.
They’ve held opponents to 212.6 passing yards per game on average, meaning that Smith-Njigba’s opportunities may be few and far between, especially considering Seattle’s other receiving threats. Unless the Seahawks can break this Rams defense wide open, Smith-Njigba could be a risky play in Week 9.
Will Dissly, TE, vs. Cleveland Browns
Will Dissly has been a pleasant surprise for some fantasy managers looking for a reliable, if low-ceiling, tight end option. He’s averaged a modest 7.04 fantasy points per game, but his recent uptick in involvement (122 yards over the last two games) may tempt managers to keep him in lineups.
However, Week 9 brings a clash with the Cleveland Browns, a defense that has been merciless on opposing tight ends. Cleveland ranks 6th in fantasy points allowed to tight ends and has given up only one touchdown to the position all season. With a defense allowing a mere 200.6 passing yards per game, the Browns effectively shut down tight ends.
Expect the Browns to keep Dissly in check, and don't bank on him finding the end zone, as he's yet to see a red-zone target this season. Look elsewhere for tight-end production this week.
Will Dissly stiff arms Budda Baker 👀🔥#BoltUp pic.twitter.com/8Q8g2I2ZmT
— Chargers Central (@BoltCentral) October 22, 2024
Jayden Reed, Flex, vs. Detroit Lions
Jayden Reed has had some highlight moments, totaling 507 receiving yards and three touchdowns on the season. But his recent trend isn’t promising—averaging just 31 yards per game over his past three outings. Jordan Love has been spreading the ball around to an extreme degree, with 10 different receivers catching passes in Week 8 alone. This lack of volume could make it difficult for Reed to get the opportunities he needs against Detroit.
Although the Lions’ defense ranks a lowly 27th in passing yards allowed (247.6 yards per game), teams are often in catch-up mode against them, leading to inflated numbers. However, this matchup doesn’t offer that same upside for the Packers, as Detroit is likely to keep this a low-scoring game on the road.
Additionally, Jared Goff’s well-documented struggles outdoors, coupled with cold November weather, could mean a slower game script. Reed is unlikely to be the focal point of Green Bay’s offense, making him a shaky Flex play this week.
Malik "Willie Beaman" Willis to Jayden Reed for the huge gain! #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/oi4hCtQ8TM
— Packerfan Total Access- Clayton (@packers_access) October 27, 2024
Final Thoughts
With the fantasy football season deep in its backstretch, every start/sit decision carries weight. Making the call to sit a regular starter isn’t easy, but it could mean the difference between victory and defeat this week.
The matchups, defensive statistics, and recent trends all point to these players as potential disappointments in Week 9. If you’ve got strong alternatives, this might be the week to roll the dice and avoid these landmines.
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