1 min agoDenver Broncos rookie quarterback
Bo Nix heads into a Week 9 showdown on the road against the Baltimore Ravens after throwing for a season-high 284 yards and three touchdowns to take advantage of a cushy matchup versus the Carolina Panthers. Facing the Ravens on the road surely won't be an easy task, but Nix does line up for another plus matchup from a fantasy perspective, as Baltimore's struggling defense has allowed the third-most fantasy points to QBs in 2024 and the most passing yards per game (291.4). Nix and Denver's offense started the year off very slow and inconsistent, but they've found their footing as Nix continues to show improvement in his first year. The 24-year-old from Oregon is suddenly the QB10 in overall fantasy scoring after eight weeks and has thrown just one interception in the last six weeks after throwing four in his first two games in the league.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference
3 mins agoDallas Cowboys running back
Ezekiel Elliott won't play on Sunday versus the Atlanta Falcons. He didn't travel with the team, with the Cowboys declaring him inactive due to disciplinary reasons. The 29-year-old hasn't been productive during the 2024-25 campaign, totaling only 149 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, meaning there aren't many who will be directly impacted by the news.
Rico Dowdle (illness) will be back in the mix after missing Sunday night's meeting with the 49ers, so he'll lessen most of the blow caused by Elliott's absence.
Dalvin Cook, elevated off the practice squad on Saturday, should also get some work in Week 9, although not enough to be relevant in most fantasy formats.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Todd Archer
23 mins agoSacramento Kings guard
Kevin Huerter (illness) won't play on Saturday in Toronto. The 26-year-old struggled in Friday's win over the Hawks, amassing 10 points and shooting 2-for-8 from behind the arc. He's under the weather, so his next chance to get back on the floor will be on Monday in Miami. But until then,
Keon Ellis will likely slide into the starting lineup. Ellis averaged 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 while shooting 40.4% from deep in 21 starts last season, giving him some upside for fantasy managers in need of a streaming option.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Sean Cunningham
41 mins agoTennessee Titans tight end
Chigoziem Okonkwo projects to be a risky option heading into Week 9 when he faces the New England Patriots. The 25-year-old has yet to eclipse double-digit PPR points this season and has averaged a mere 5.0 PPR points per game. However, he did a season-high five targets last weekend but could only bring in two of them. However, with wide receiver
Tyler Boyd (shoulder) listed as questionable, Okonkwo could emerge as the No.3 option in the passing attack behind
Calvin Ridley and
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Even though he could see a modest workload, he is best off leaving out of your lineup given his inconsistencies this season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
50 mins agoDallas Cowboys running back
Dalvin Cook was elevated off the practice squad to play in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons. Cook made his Cowboy debut last weekend and tallied just 12 rushing yards off six attempts. He caught his lone target for ten yards. With
Rico Dowdle (illness) sitting out, Cook was deployed as the No. 2 option in the backfield behind
Ezekiel Elliott. However, with Dowdle expected to return to action, Cook will likely be in a depth role this weekend and not have an integral part in the offensive attack. Fantasy managers should view the 29-year-old as a handcuff option in deeper formats that has little to no standalone value.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Tom Pelissero
51 mins agoGolden State Warriors guard
Stephen Curry (ankle) remains out on Saturday versus the Houston Rockets. However, the multi-time All-Star is moving in the right direction. He participated in Saturday's shootaround, and the Warriors report he will be re-evaluated on Sunday. Curry has been out of the equation since suffering a sprained ankle in a recent matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers, keeping him off the floor for Golden State's previous two contests. It looks like Curry could be back soon. But until he returns,
Brandin Podziemski, averaging 16.0 points, 6.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals in two appearances with the first five, is a must-start in all fantasy formats.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Sam Gordon
57 mins agoTennessee Titans wide receiver
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine could be worth a look as a high-risk flex option in deep three-WR formats in Week 9. Last weekend, the 27-year-old eclipsed double-digit PPR points for the first time this season and found the end zone for the third straight week. This weekend, Westbrook-Ikhine could continue to have a prominent role in the Tennessee passing attack, as wideout
Tyler Boyd (shoulder) is listed as questionable. If Boyd cannot suit up, Westbrook-Ikhine would be deployed as the clear No. 2 wide receiver opposite of
Calvin Ridley. He could enjoy another productive weekend facing the Patriots, who have allowed the 19th-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
1 hour agoUtah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (back) won't play against the Nuggets on Saturday. The 27-year-old exited Tuesday's game versus the Kings and didn't suit up on Thursday against the visiting Spurs. He was listed as doubtful heading into this one. But now that Markkanen is officially sidelined, his next chance to suit up will be on Monday in Chicago.
Kyle Filipowski, who got the start on Thursday, finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Yet, since
Jordan Clarkson (foot) is also sidelined, Filipowski could see more chances on the offensive end. He may also get more minutes.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Tony Jones
1 hour agoTennessee Titans running back
Julius Chestnut could be poised for an increased workload on Sunday afternoon against the New England Patriots. With
Tyjae Spears (hamstring) already ruled out, Chestnut is expected to open the game as the No.2 option. However, the lead running back
Tony Pollard (foot) is listed as questionable which could open the door for Chestnut to start. In addition, Pollard has not practiced this week, which is not a promising sign for his availability. Chestnut has played three seasons with the Titans but has logged only 20 attempts with 61 yards and four catches for 50 yards. If he gets the start, he would be viewed as a low-end flex option, simply off volume.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
1 hour agoTennessee Titans quarterback
Mason Rudolph should be viewed as a QB2 if he is given the starting nod on Sunday afternoon. Rudolph has started in each of the past two games and could get his third opportunity with
Will Levis (shoulder), who is listed as questionable. Last weekend, Rudolph scored 26.2 PPR points as he threw for 266 yards with a score and added 29 yards and a rushing score on the ground. However, in his first start, Rudolph scored only 16.1 PPR points. This weekend, he faces a tough New England defense that has allowed the eighth-fewest points to opposing QBs. Fantasy managers in deeper Superflex leagues should only view the 29-year-old as a desperation QB2.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
1 hour agoLos Angeles Rams wide receiver
Puka Nacua (knee) is dealing with a knee injury that isn't considered a major issue and is expected to play in Week 9 on Sunday against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. Nacua's injury was described to The Athletic's Dianna Russini as "nothing crazy." The Rams listed Nacua as questionable for the weekend, but fantasy managers should leave the 23-year-old second-year pass-catcher in their starting lineups. Just make sure to check he's officially active on Sunday, as expected, after he banged up his knee during Thursday's practice. He's not dealing with any structural damage, though, and will be looking for an encore after going for seven catches (nine targets) and 106 yards in the Week 8 win over the Minnesota Vikings last Thursday. Nacua hasn't scored in the two games he's played in this year, but he's a must-start in fantasy when active.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
1 hour agoKansas City Chiefs wide receiver
JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 9, according to Matt McMullen of the Kansas City Chiefs. The veteran wideout has been unable to practice all week and will now miss his second-straight contest after suffering a hamstring injury during Week 7. Smith-Schuster enjoyed a nice performance in Week 6, bringing in seven passes for 130 yards but has to have any fantasy impact since. Fantasy managers in deeper 3WR formats should continue to stash Smith-Schuster, as he could eventually have a stable role in the Kansas City passing attack. This weekend,
DeAndre Hopkins and
Travis Kelce should be expected to see the majority of opportunities facing a Tampa secondary that has struggled to defend the pass.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Matt McMullen
1
hour
agoThe
Carolina
Panthers
continue
to
receive
calls
from
interested
teams
in
former
No.
1
overall
pick
Bryce
Young,
but
the
Panthers
aren't
considering
moving
him
at
this
time,
according
to
The
Athletic's
Dianna
Russini.
Young
will
make
a
second
straight
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in
Week
read more...
1 hour agoArizona Cardinals running back
James Conner ranks as a high-end RB2 when the Cardinals host the Chicago Bears in Week 9. Conner had over 20 touches last week in the win over the Miami Dolphins. He has benefited from his heavy workload, ranking in the top 10 in rushing attempts this season. His volume makes him an appealing player in fantasy each week, as, despite his inefficiency last week, he still found the end zone. The Chicago Bears rank 10th in points allowed to opposing fantasy running backs, presenting a challenging matchup. Even against the stout Bears front, Conner's workload makes him a viable starter in fantasy.
--Cody Pestino - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
2 hours agoThe Athletic's Dianna Russini writes that the Kansas City Chiefs may not be done adding wide receivers via trade with
Skyy Moore (core) on Injured Reserve. General manager Brett Veach already acquired receiver
DeAndre Hopkins and linebacker Joshua Uche well before the NFL trade deadline this coming Tuesday, and if a wideout falls into their laps, sources are saying the Chiefs won't hesitate to act. If Kansas City opts to add another defensive player, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo would love a fast, young cornerback to help improve their secondary. In the Week 8 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, tight end
Travis Kelce led the team in receiving, catching 10 of 12 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown, with rookie receiver
Xavier Worthy also finding the end zone. Hopkins had just two catches for 29 yards in his team debut.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
2 hours agoThe Athletic's Dianna Russini doesn't expect the Los Angeles Rams to trade veteran wide receiver
Cooper Kupp by Tuesday's NFL trade deadline despite being open to moving him this time a week ago. On the flip side, the Rams are trying to move cornerback Tre'Davious White. Kupp returned last Thursday night in the win over the Minnesota Vikings from an ankle injury that he suffered in Week 2. The 31-year-old caught five of his eight target for 51 yards and a touchdown and now has 23 catches on 35 targets for 198 yards and two touchdowns in his three games played in 2024. Kupp took a back seat to second-year wideout
Puka Nacua, who was returning from a knee injury he suffered in Week 1, but as long as Kupp is able to remain healthy the rest of the way, he'll be a must-start fantasy receiver. He should be considered a low-end WR1 on Sunday versus the division-rival Seattle Seahawks.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
2 hours agoThe Athletic's Dianna Russini doesn't expect the New York Jets to move wide receivers
Garrett Wilson and
Davante Adams and cornerback D.J. Reed by Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. The Jets have been receiving calls about the availability of Wilson and Reed lately. New York needs to do a lot of work to even be in the playoff picture by the end of the regular season, but they took a step forward by beating the Houston Texans on Thursday night to improve their record to 3-6. Wilson caught nine of his 10 targets for 90 yards and two touchdowns in the 21-13 win and is still a must-start for fantasy managers despite the recent addition of Adams. Adams also had a strong game in Week 8, going for seven receptions on 11 targets for 91 yards and a score against Houston. Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers will continue to lean heavily on his top two pass-catchers.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
2 hours agoNew England Patriots rookie quarterback
Drake Maye (concussion) has cleared the league's concussion protocol and has been removed from the Week 9 injury report on Saturday. Maye was officially listed as questionable on Friday to play in Sunday's contest against the Tennessee Titans after being limited in practice all week as he worked his way through the protocols. The 22-year-old first-rounder suffered a concussion in the Week 8 win over the division-rival New York Jets but won't be forced to miss any time. Maye only attempted six passes before getting knocked out of last Sunday's contest, but he threw for a season-high 276 yards and two touchdowns the previous week in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now that he's in the clear for Week 9, Maye should be considered a low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues against a Titans defense that has been stingy against opposing QBs in 2024.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New England Patriots
2 hours agoThe Baltimore Ravens defense/special teams has been nowhere close to the level of play they've shown in the past. They have one of the worst units against the pass this season and sit as the 23rd-ranked fantasy defense of the year. They're averaging 5.0 fantasy points per game and lost to the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. Now they take on the Denver Broncos in Week 9, a team that has proven that they have the ability to put up some big scoring weeks with rookie quarterback
Bo Nix under center. Usually, the Ravens are good against rookie quarterbacks, but this year has been nothing like years past, so they're not the best option this week.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
2 hours agoThe New York Giants, who are sitting in last place in the NFC East heading into Week 9 action, are reportedly shopping young edge rusher Azeez Ojulari. The Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals are three teams that are known to be monitoring Ojulari. The Giants are already paying linebacker Brian Burns and spent a top-five draft selection on Kayvon Thibodeaux. It makes sense that the G-Men and general manager Joe Schoen are trying to get something in return for Ojulari now since he's set to hit the free-agent market after the season. The 24-year-old is a big reason why the Giants lead the NFL in sacks. He had two more sacks in the Monday night loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and is now up to six on the year, which is third on the Giants. The fourth-year player needs just three more sacks in 2024 to set a new career-high.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
2 hours agoThe red-hot Washington Commanders are calling around in search of a cornerback as Tuesday's NFL trade deadline nears, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. Head coach Dan Quinn knows that the team's secondary is a weakness. Washington is 6-2, but if they want to get past the Philadelphia Eagles and their excellent group of receivers in the NFC East, they need to improve their pass defense in the second half of the season. Despite the Commanders' glaring weakness in their secondary, they are only allowing 202.1 passing yards per game through eight weeks, which ranks as the sixth-fewest in the league. Still, it won't be a surprise if Washington adds help at cornerback before the NFL's trade deadline this coming Tuesday.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
2 hours agoSan Francisco Giants starting pitcher
Robbie Ray did not exercise his player option with the San Francisco Giants and will remain with the team. Ray has two years and $50 million remaining on his contract, keeping him a Giant through 2026. The lefty will look to bounce back in 2025 after two injury-riddled seasons have held back the former Cy Young winner. In his first year with the Giants Ray posted a 4.70 ERA in seven starts. His first start didn't come until after the All-Star break as he was working his way back from Tommy John surgery. Ray's last start was shortened due to a hamstring injury. The lefty is in a spot where he needs to get himself back to normal form before he can expect another big payday. Fantasy managers may want to temper expectations for the lefty going forward given his recent injury issues as he may be well beyond his prime at this point in his career.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Jeff Passan
2 hours agoThe Athletic's Dianna Russini was told that the Cincinnati Bengals are not trading wide receiver
Tee Higgins (quadriceps) by Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. The Bengals have only landed two players in a trade in 52 years, but they are looking to make a splash in 2024. Cincy has a strong belief that they can get back to the AFC title game despite sitting at 3-5 entering Week 9 play, and they've been looking around for a cornerback and a defensive lineman that could give defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo a boost. Right now, edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is seen as the team's only defensive threat. In fantasy, the Bengals' defense/special teams unit currently ranks 24th. They also rank all the way down at 29th in the NFL with only 12 sacks, so Hendrickson could certainly use the help on the D-line if the Bengals hope to make the postseason.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
2 hours agoThe New York Yankees are expected to pursue
Pete Alonso as a backup plan to any
Juan Soto fallout during the offseason, according to Jon Heyman. After declining a $17 million option for first baseman
Anthony Rizzo, the Yankees are aiming to save money for a big free-agent signing. Alonso is expected to be the prime backup option if Soto chooses not to re-sign with the Yankees. The 29-year-old will be one of the hottest names on the free-agent market this season after posting yet another solid season at the plate with a 123 OPS+ and 34 home runs. Fantasy managers should continue to target Alonso in drafts regardless of where he lands, as his xwOBA of .345 -- ranking in the 79th percentile in 2024 -- should translate to offensive success regardless of where he lands.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Jon Heyman
2 hours agoBoston Celtics forward
Jaylen Brown (hip) won't play on Saturday against Charlotte. The Celtics and Hornets met on Friday night, the first of back-to-back games between the clubs, with Brown finishing the night by scoring 25 points, adding six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. He's bothered by a hip flexor strain, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see if he'll play on Monday in Atlanta. But without Brown in the mix on Saturday,
Sam Hauser (back), who is probable, is expected to enter the starting lineup, giving him a more promising outlook in all fantasy setups.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Boston Celtics
2 hours agoDetroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have been hunting for an edge rusher since they lost star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson (leg) to a season-ending broken left tibia and fibula, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. The Lions have checked in with several teams around the NFL, including the Cleveland Browns, with hopes of acquiring Za'Darius Smith. Hutchinson hasn't played since Oct. 13 but is still third in the league in sacks with 7.5. As things stand right now heading into Week 9, Detroit's defense is tied for 12th with 20 total defensive sacks. However, if they want to realize their goal of reaching the Super Bowl after losing in the NFC Championship a year ago to the San Francisco 49ers, the Lions are probably going to need more help in the pass-rush department with Hutchinson out the rest of the way.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
2 hours agoBaltimore Ravens kicker
Justin Tucker suffered a down week in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns. While he made all three of his extra-point attempts, he only made one of two field goal attempts throughout the game. His lone make came from 49 yards, but he still finished as a low-end K2. The Denver Broncos, their Week 9 opponent, only give up 6.6 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers, but the Ravens offense should be able to at least move the ball into field goal range. Tucker carries K1 potential, but the tougher matchup does mean there are some better options out there.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
3 hours agoNew York Mets starting pitcher
Sean Manaea opted out of his contract with the Mets on Saturday and is now a free agent. Manaea had one year and $13.5 million remaining on his contract and is clearly eyeing a bigger payday after a resurgent second half of the season fueled by tweaks to his mechanics. The lefty posted a 3.47 ERA in 2024, his best ERA in a season with 10 or more games started. The lefty will certainly be in demand on the free agent market after his second half success transferred to the postseason. Fantasy managers should expect similar results in 2025 with slight negative regression coming as his 3.47 ERA was buoyed by a 3.75 xERA.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Jon Heyman
3 hours agoBaltimore Ravens wide receiver
Diontae Johnson just joined the team earlier in the week and was a full participant at practice each day. All signs are pointing to the new Raven suiting up on Sunday against the Denver Broncos, but his workload is a big question mark. Less than a week of practice isn't enough to learn much of the offense, so he may not be featured on many snaps immediately. Fantasy managers will want to wait a week or two and see how the trend of snaps and targets moves as he's more incorporated into the offensive system. So, he's not on the fantasy radar outside of desperate situations in Week 9, especially against a good defense like the Broncos.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
3 hours agoChicago Cubs first baseman and outfielder
Cody Bellinger picked up his $27.5 million player option with Chicago on Saturday. He will not become a free agent this offseason and still has one player option remaining on his contract for 2026. Bellinger originally signed a three-year $80 million deal with the Cubs last offseason after flourishing during a "prove it" contract for the 2023 season. The lefty's second season with Chicago was less impressive, though he still posted a strong 111 OPS+. The 29-year-old's expected stats show a bit more concern, though, as his xwOBA for 2024 ranked in just the 32nd percentile. Dynasty managers may not want to make any moves quite yet, but they should certainly keep a close eye on Bellinger's production and temper expectations.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Kiley McDaniel
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