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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. Jerome Ford, Puka Nacua, and DK Metcalf are all big names ahead of Sunday's games.
All three players have been productive this year. Can they add another strong week to their seasons?
Should you start Ford, Nacua, and Metcalf in Week 9? Let's find out.
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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Should I Start Jerome Ford for Fantasy Football?
Despite suffering an ankle sprain and being limited in practice all week, Jerome Ford played against the Seahawks on Sunday and was highly efficient, even though he only played in the second half. He averaged over four yards per carry against the stout Seahawks run defense and has accumulated 10 or more PPR points in four of six games without Nick Chubb.
The Cardinals have allowed the third-most PPR points per game to running backs this season, averaging 27.7 points. Just last week, Gus Edwards finished as the RB3 when facing the Cardinals' defense. If Ford can participate fully in practice and take on the majority of the workload, he could be poised for a strong performance, ranking as a high-end RB3 or low-end RB2.
He is the RB24 in our PPR consensus staff rankings.
Should I Start Puka Nacua for Fantasy Football?
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been one of the breakout stars in fantasy football this year, currently ranked as WR4 in PPR formats. However, he's coming off one of his less productive weeks, with only three catches on seven targets for 43 yards. Additionally, he has been limited in practice this week due to a knee injury, which is something to monitor.
Matthew Stafford is also dealing with a thumb injury and has missed some practices this week. If he is unable to play, Brett Rypien stepping in could lower the rookie's value and weaken the Rams' passing attack significantly. Along with this, the Packers have allowed the 24th-fewest points to wide receivers this season, which positions Nacua as a low-end WR2 for this week.
He is the WR22 in our PPR consensus staff rankings.
Should I Start DK Metcalf for Fantasy Football?
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf has consistently scored double-digit PPR points in every game he's played, yet he hasn't exceeded 17.2 points. In Week 8 while facing the Browns' formidable pass defense, Metcalf secured five receptions out of 14 targets for 67 yards. He participated in a full practice on Wednesday despite his hip injury but sat out on Thursday, likely as a precaution.
The Ravens have allowed the 25th-fewest points per game to wide receivers this season, giving up just 30.5 points on average to the position. While teammate Tyler Lockett has been limited in practice with a hamstring injury, he's likely to play. Metcalf is considered a low-end WR2 against the strong Ravens defense.
He is the WR23 in our PPR consensus staff rankings.
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