3 mins agoNew York Giants wide receiver
Darius Slayton enters Week 9 against the Washington Commanders amid trade rumors and coming off a productive game against Pittsburgh, where he led the team with 108 receiving yards on four catches, including a deep 43-yard reception. Slayton has shown his big-play ability this season, averaging 14.5 yards per catch and posting 420 total yards, although he's managed only one touchdown across 29 receptions. Facing a Washington defense ranked 19th against fantasy wide receivers but allowing just 186.8 passing yards per game (sixth in the NFL), Slayton's upside will hinge on his connection with
Daniel Jones on vertical plays. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues might view Slayton as a potential flex, especially with a higher volume, if the Giants look to showcase him ahead of the trade deadline.
--Danny Boily - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
17 mins agoNew York Giants wide receiver
Wan'Dale Robinson will look to make an impact in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders following a quiet Week 8 performance, where he managed five catches for 30 yards. Robinson has been a reliable short-yardage option for the Giants this season, racking up 333 yards and two touchdowns on 48 receptions, though he's averaging just 6.9 yards per catch. Facing a Washington defense that ranks 19th against fantasy wide receivers but is sixth in overall pass defense (allowing only 186.8 passing yards per game), Robinson's ceiling remains capped by limited downfield usage. However, his consistent target share (72 targets) makes him a possible PPR flex option in deep leagues.
--Danny Boily - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
25 mins agoNew York Giants wide receiver
Malik Nabers remains the team's top target heading into their Week 9 matchup against the Washington Commanders, aiming to build on his strong season. Nabers has tallied 498 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 46 receptions, averaging 10.8 yards per catch, and his consistent involvement (73 targets) highlights his central role in the Giants' offense. Last week against Pittsburgh, he showed big-play potential, narrowly missing additional yards and a touchdown due to minor execution issues. The Commanders' pass defense ranks sixth overall, allowing only 186.8 passing yards per game. Still, they sit at 19th against fantasy wide receivers, making Nabers a fantasy starter with upside if he capitalizes on his end-zone opportunities.
--Danny Boily - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
36 mins agoNew York Giants quarterback
Daniel Jones will look to bounce back in Week 9 at home against the Washington Commanders after a challenging outing in Week 8, where he finished without a touchdown and threw one interception in the Giants' 26-18 loss to Pittsburgh. Jones has struggled to find the end zone this season, tallying just six passing touchdowns and zero rushing scores, which has limited his fantasy production to 14.73 points per game, ranking him 26th among QBs. He'll face a Washington defense that's been solid against opposing quarterbacks, ranking 13th in fantasy points allowed to the position and allowing only 12 passing TDs all season. Given Washington's sixth-ranked pass defense (186.8 yards per game), Jones projects as a low-ceiling option for fantasy managers, especially without a single 300-yard passing game this season.
--Danny Boily - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
1 hour agoJacksonville Jaguars kicker
Cam Little should serve as an average kicker at best against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9. Little put up nine fantasy points against the Green Bay Packers last week and reached double digits against the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts in Weeks 5 and 6. Despite the Jaguars struggling on offense for a lot of the season, Little has been okay in fantasy as the offense has been just serviceable enough. They could put up multiple field goal attempts against a tough Eagles defense but with all their injuries, the offense could struggle even more than usual. Unless the Jaguars can somehow keep the game close and move the ball enough to attempt field goals, it's hard to imagine Little having much upside. Feel free to avoid Little for other higher upside options in Week 9.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
1 hour agoJacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Parker Washington has a unique opportunity to be fantasy-relevant this week against the Philadelphia Eagles. First off,
Christian Kirk is ruled out for the rest of the season, so Washington is the most likely replacement for him going forward. Also,
Brian Thomas Jr. and
Gabe Davis are game-time decisions, meaning Washington could be Jacksonville's top wide receiver this Sunday. He would still certainly be behind
Evan Engram in the target pecking order, but he has shown chemistry with
Trevor Lawrence in the past to step up as the second receiving option. The Eagles are a tough matchup, but fortunately, Darius Slay is out with injury, meaning Washington at least wouldn't be shadowed by a top corner. While it's a bit of a risk in a tough matchup, Washington could serve as a deeper league flex play against the Eagles in Week 9.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
2 hours agoJacksonville Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson could suddenly jump from third to first in the depth chart in Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Both
Travis Etienne Jr. and
Tank Bigsby are questionable this week, so Johnson would be the next man up. For Johnson to be fantasy-relevant, it would likely take both players to be ruled out. In recent weeks with Etienne Jr. or Bigsby out, the starter dominated the touches. The Eagles are also a tough matchup for running backs in general, so it's hard to see a third-string running back having that much upside against them. With all the injuries to the receiving core though, the starting RB could be more involved in the passing game than usual. It would take two injuries, but Johnson does have potential as a flex play in Week 9 against the Eagles.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
2 hours agoJacksonville Jaguars tight end
Brenton Strange has a unique opportunity to produce this week against the Philadelphia Eagles despite starting tight end
Evan Engram fully healthy. Every prominent receiving option besides Engram is seemingly banged up, so the Jaguars could run more two tight end sets than usual. If that is the case, Strange could receive a decent target share this week due to less target competition than usual. That is a big if, but he did finish with five catches for 59 yards last week, so that should leave fantasy managers with some optimism for his outlook this week. If all of the receivers questionable are ruled out, Strange serves as an interesting dart-throw option at the tight end position for fantasy managers in Week 9.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
2 hours agoJacksonville Jaguars tight end
Evan Engram is the last healthy receiving option heading into Sunday's matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Brian Thomas Jr. and
Gabe Davis are questionable along with running backs
Travis Etienne Jr. and
Tank Bigsby.
Christian Kirk was ruled out for the rest of the season after last week's game, making Engram essentially the last man standing. Since returning from injury in Week 6, Engram has amassed 19 receptions and 173 yards, with most of that coming against the Chicago Bears. Engram should be more involved this week against the Eagles, making him an even better starting fantasy option as a tight end than usual. Engram is a clear TE1 option in Week 9, especially in PPR leagues given his potential for a huge target share.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
3 hours agoUtah Jazz guard
Jordan Clarkson (foot) was diagnosed with left plantar fasciitis. He will be re-evaluated in one week. Utah's injury report continues to grow heading into Saturday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets, with
Lauri Markkanen (back) listed as doubtful.
Collin Sexton (finger) also suffered an avulsion fracture in Thursday's game against the Spurs, although he will continue to play "as tolerated." Without Markkanen and Clarkson on the floor, Utah will rely on Sexton,
John Collins, and
Keyonte George primarily on the offensive end. As a result, all three players could exceed expectations while Markkanen and Clarkson are sidelined.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Utah Jazz
3 hours agoJacksonville Jaguars quarterback
Trevor Lawrence has a banged-up receiving core, making it hard to trust him in a difficult matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Darius Slay is out for the Eagles, which could mean the secondary is weaker than usual. However, with
Christian Kirk out for the season and
Brian Thomas Jr. and
Gabe Davis potentially out, the only certain reliable option for Lawrence this week is
Evan Engram. Even
Travis Etienne Jr. and
Tank Bigsby out of the backfield are questionable. The former top pick is coming off a 308-yard performance against the Green Bay Packers, but it is hard to imagine Lawrence improving on that performance with the surrounding uncertainty. Lawrence can be viewed as a solid QB2 with potential for more if all his weapons play in Week 9.
--Seth Quinn - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
3 hours agoWashington Wizards forward
Kyle Kuzma (groin) won't play on Saturday versus the Heat. This will mark the veteran's second consecutive absence because of a groin strain suffered in Monday's game against Atlanta.
Kyshawn George entered the starting lineup for Wednesday's win over the Atlanta Hawks, the second of back-to-back games with the club, finishing with 11 points, four assists, and three steals. While George still has a lot to prove, he's worth monitoring in case he continues to play well. But as far as Saturday's contest is concerned,
Bilal Coulibaly and
Jordan Poole are the players anticipated to benefit the most from Kuzma's absence.
Corey Kispert, coming off a 16-point showing on Wednesday, can also be added to fantasy lineups.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 hours agoDenver Nuggets guard
Jamal Murray (concussion) won't return to Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He struggled throughout the contest, amassing only six points while shooting 2-for-7 from the field (0-for-3 from deep). Unfortunately, a collision with
Julius Randle landed Murray in concussion protocol, ending his night abruptly. The 27-year-old has an extensive injury history, meaning the Nuggets will likely play it safe even if further testing brings positive results. As a result, Murray probably won't be out there for Saturday's game against the Jazz, likely resulting in
Russell Westbrook sliding into the starting lineup.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Katy Winge
3 hours agoMilwaukee Bucks forward
Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is probable heading into Saturday's game against the Cavaliers. The multi-time All-Star has carried an injury designation for right patella tendinitis before all of Milwaukee's games this season. However, the ailment hasn't kept him off the floor. Antetokounmpo has averaged 30.4 point, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. Yet, he hasn't made a shot from deep. Fortunately, the 29-year-old has shot a career-high 65.6% from the field, so that will help lessen the blow for category managers.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
4 hours agoDallas Cowboys edge-rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) and defensive back DaRon Bland (foot) have both been ruled out for the team's Week 9 road tilt against the Atlanta Falcons. It's no surprise, as both athletes logged three DNPs ahead of Sunday's outing. Parsons hasn't appeared in a game since sustaining an ankle injury ahead of the team's Week 5 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Bland hasn't appeared in any action all season. Dallas did move the cornerback to their 53-man roster this past Wednesday, so it would seem they intend to activate him soon. However, they'll go at least one more week down two key defensive contributors.
--Alex CiullaSource: Dallas Cowboys
4 hours agoPer Ian Rapoport, after talking to multiple sources, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Puka Nacua (knee) "should be ok moving forward" and reportedly has a chance to suit up for Week 9. Despite being listed as questionable after recording a DNP to close out the week, head coach Sean McVay has not ruled Nacua out for the team's divisional clash against the Seattle Seahawks. It's excellent news for the Rams and fantasy managers, as this most recent flare-up has afflicted the same knee that forced the 23-year-old to miss the prior five weeks. While nothing is set in stone for Sunday's matchup, it doesn't appear to be another long-term issue for the young superstar wideout. Keep an eye on his status over the next 36 hours.
--Alex CiullaSource: Ian Rapoport
5 hours agoThe Detroit Lions D/ST heads into Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers, facing a challenging matchup for fantasy purposes. The Lions' defense has performed well overall, ranking Top-10 in points allowed and tied for second in takeaways. In addition, Green Bay's offense has been efficient, ranking sixth in points per game and fifth in yards per game. This offensive consistency makes it a tougher week to rely on Detroit's defense as a fantasy asset. Despite their solid season, the Lions D/ST might not offer the high ceiling typical of a top defense this week, and streaming another defense with a better matchup could be a strategic move this week.
--Tyler Thomson - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
5 hours agoAccording to Ian Rapoport of the NFL, Green Bay Packers quarterback
Jordan Love (groin) expects to play on Sunday when the team hosts their division-rival Detroit Lions. Per Rapoport, there have been no setbacks in Love's recovery from a groin injury he suffered in Week 8, and barring something unforeseen, he's tracking to play in the pivotal Week 9 matchup. It's excellent news for the Pack, who, at 6-2, can take control of the NFC North with a win over their 6-1 rivals. Fantasy managers will still want to monitor Love's status ahead of Sunday, as even if the 26-year-old plays, Green Bay could lean on running back
Josh Jacobs a smidge more than usual.
--Alex CiullaSource: Ian Rapoport
5 hours agoDetroit Lions kicker
Jake Bates heads into Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers with a reliable fantasy floor, thanks largely to Detroit's high-powered offense. Bates has only attempted 11 field goals across seven games but remains a strong option due to his consistent extra-point volume, converting 27 of 28 PATs this season. With 22 extra points over his last four games alone, he benefits from Detroit's frequent scoring opportunities, even though head coach Dan Campbell's aggressive play-calling on fourth downs sometimes limits his field goal chances. Bates has scored at least eight fantasy points in five of seven games, including three double-digit outings. As the Lions enter Week 9 with a projected team total of 25, Bates is well-positioned to deliver another solid fantasy performance.
--Tyler Thomson - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
5 hours agoKansas City Chiefs running back
Kareem Hunt (quad) participated fully in the team's Friday practice. The 29-year-old was listed as limited on Thursday, so it's nice to see him able to log a full session just one day later. It's excellent news for Kansas City, as the veteran's quad ailment is the second injury to limit him in back-to-back weeks (hip). So long as Hunt does not suffer any setbacks over the next 24 hours, it would appear he's well on his way to making another start in Week 9 when the team hosts the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran RB has been on a tear, punching in at least one score in three straight contests while out-carrying backfield mate
Carson Steele 70-to-13 over that stretch.
--Alex CiullaSource: Kansas City Chiefs
5 hours agoDetroit Lions wide receiver
Kalif Raymond heads into Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers as a potential deep-league fantasy option, with
Jameson Williams suspended for one more game (PED violation). Raymond showcased his big-play ability last week, scoring both on a punt return and a receiving touchdown. Competing for targets with other Lions' receivers, he's proven capable of capitalizing on limited opportunities, making him a possible flex option in deeper leagues. The Packers' defense has shown inconsistencies, allowing 12 different players to score a touchdown this season, though no player has managed multiple scores in a single game. Raymond's explosiveness could make him a surprise contributor against Green Bay's vulnerable secondary.
--Tyler Thomson - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
5 hours agoDetroit Lions tight end
Sam LaPorta heads into Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers with an expanded role due to
Jameson Williams' suspension (PED violation). LaPorta is coming off a strong Week 8 performance, turning six targets into six catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. The Packers' defense has struggled against tight ends, allowing the fifth-most receiving yards to the position, which sets up a favorable matchup for LaPorta. Across his last three games, he's averaged 125 receiving yards with two touchdowns. With the Packers ranking high in fantasy points allowed to tight ends, LaPorta remains a dependable TE1 option with the potential for another productive outing.
--Tyler Thomson - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
5 hours agoKansas City Chiefs wide receiver
JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) was again listed as a non-participant at the team's Friday practice. The veteran wideout has been tagged as a DNP for the fifth-straight session as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury he sustained in Kansas City's Week 7 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. With the Chiefs set to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football, Smith-Schuster will have one more chance to elevate his practice participation ahead of Week 9. The last time he played a full game, the 27-year-old had a massive seven-catch, 130-yard performance in Week 5. However, with
DeAndre Hopkins now in the fold, his target share becomes less apparent. If the former USC Trojan again can't suit up, wide receivers
Xavier Worthy,
Justin Watson, Hopkins, and
Mecole Hardman will handle the team's wide-receiver duties.
--Alex CiullaSource: Kansas City Chiefs
5 hours agoDetroit Lions wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown will remain a top starting option in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. Though he had a quiet Week 8 with just two catches for seven yards, St. Brown extended his touchdown streak to five games. With
Jameson Williams out due to PED violation suspension, St. Brown may see even more increased opportunities in an offense that spreads the ball but leans on him as a reliable target. Green Bay's defense ranks 19th in passing yards allowed per game, making this matchup one St. Brown could exploit. Over his last five games, he's recorded 276 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 27 receptions, showcasing his WR1 potential even with variable volume. St. Brown is a must-start with strong touchdown potential against the Packers' secondary.
--Tyler Thomson - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
5 hours agoLos Angeles Rams wide receiver
Jordan Whittington (shoulder) is listed as questionable for the team's road tilt against the Seattle Seahawks. The rookie wideout was held out of LA's Week 8 matchup after picking up a shoulder injury the week prior in their 20-15 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Whittington was able to log a week of limited sessions ahead of Week 9, though his status is still uncertain for the outing. With fellow wideout
Puka Nacua (knee) also questionable for Sunday, it could be wide receivers
Cooper Kupp,
Tutu Atwell, and
Demarcus Robinson shouldering most of the pass-catching duties in the divisional clash.
--Alex CiullaSource: Jourdan Rodrigue
6 hours agoDetroit Lions running back
Jahmyr Gibbs offers intriguing upside in Week 9 as he faces the Green Bay Packers. Gibbs showcased his big-play ability last week with a 70-yard touchdown run, extending his streak of at least one 20-yard rush to six games. In his last three games, Gibbs has totaled 306 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 38 carries, along with 78 receiving yards on eight catches. While Green Bay ranks 10th in rushing yards allowed per game, Gibbs' versatility as a dual-threat player makes him a valuable fantasy option. His role may be limited to around 15 touches, but the Lions' high-scoring offense, averaging 43 points in recent games, keeps his RB1 upside intact. Treat Gibbs as a low-end RB1 with big-play potential for Week 9.
--Tyler Thomson - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
6 hours agoThe Washington Commanders defense is shaping up to be a high-end option facing the New York Giants in Week 9. Since Week 4, the Commanders have only allowed more than 20+ points on one occasion. This lone blemish was to the high-powered Baltimore Ravens in Week 6. Last weekend, the Commanders held the Chicago Bears to 15 points and tallied three sacks. Facing
Daniel Jones, who has been sacked 33 times this season, which is the third-most in football, and who has thrown five interceptions, sets the Commanders defense up for another productive afternoon. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable starting Washington in all formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference
6 hours agoWashington Commanders kicker
Austin Seibert has enjoyed an excellent start to his time in Washington and should continue to be viewed as a high-end kicking option in Week 9. Since joining the Commanders in Week 2, Seibert has averaged 12.6 fantasy points per game. During this stretch, Seibert has gone perfect on all attempts from within 49 yards and on extra points. In addition, he has attempted at least two field goals in all but one game this season. Given how potent the Washington offense has looked under
Jayden Daniels. Seibert remains a matchup-proof option going forward.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
6 hours agoDetroit Lions running back
David Montgomery remains a solid RB2 option heading into Week 9, taking on a Green Bay Packers defense that ranks 10th in rushing yards allowed per game. Currently ranking as RB11 in fantasy points per game, Montgomery has been dependable, averaging over 15 touches and 79 total yards per game. His consistent red zone usage has helped him score in all but one game this season, showing his role in crucial scoring moments. Although Green Bay's defense has shown improvement against the run, they allow the third-most yards after contact per carry, which plays into Montgomery's strength. Over the past five games, Montgomery has amassed 289 rushing yards and five touchdowns, plus 101 receiving yards. With the Lions' offense generating plenty of scoring chances, Montgomery should retain his value with notable touchdown potential.
--Tyler Thomson - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
6 hours agoWashington Commanders tight end
Zach Ertz has emerged as the No.2 option for
Jayden Daniels and should continue to be viewed as a solid TE1 in all formats in Week 9. Since Week 5, Ertz has seen at least five targets in each game, with a season-high of 11 coming last weekend in their victory over the Chicago Bears. During this span, Ertz has scored double-digit PPR points in all but one game. Without a reliable No.2 wideout, fantasy managers should expect Ertz to continue seeing reliable targets weekly. Even though the New York Giants have allowed the fourth-fewest PPR points to opposing TEs, he remains a solid tight end in all formats due to his safe volume.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
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