Week 9 Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
Week 9 is no time to get sentimental about familiar names. With bye-week headaches and matchup traps lurking, fantasy managers need to make the tough calls. Here are some under-the-radar start/sit advice for your lineup decisions to consider before kickoff.
Start ’Em
George Pickens, WR, Cowboys at Colts
Pickens has the talent to turn a handful of opportunities into a big afternoon. While his last two weeks have been sub-par, Jerry Jones has publicly stated that Pickens “needs the ball coming his way more”. Dallas faces Indianapolis in what could be a high-scoring game, and Pickens offers big-play upside even if he isn’t leading the team in targets. Jerry usually gets what he wants so expect Pickens to be more involved this week. He’s a strong WR2, potentially WR1 this week.
Denzel Boston, WR, Browns at Saints
Boston is a deeper-league FLEX play with legitimate touchdown upside. He has earned 53 targets through eight games and already found the end zone three times. He is currently second in the NFL with 11 red zone targets. New Orleans is a favorable matchup, and Boston has the kind of red-zone role that can turn a modest target total into a productive fantasy afternoon. He’s not a must-start, but if you’re looking beyond the usual suspects, this is a pig worth feeding.
Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs vs. Jets
Rice is a strong upside play without being an automatic top-12 start. In Week 8, in his first start back from injury, he received 8 targets. Kansas City gets a matchup against the Jets, and Rice’s ability to create yards after the catch gives him a path to a productive afternoon. He’s a worthwhile WR2 with the potential to reach the WR1 range.
Sit ’Em
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Dolphins vs. Lions
Waddle has explosive ability, but his recent production has been underwhelming. He has just 315 receiving yards and two touchdowns through eight games. Against Carolina, he’s a risky start until he shows more consistent production. Don’t let the name on the jersey outweigh what’s happening on the field.
Jameson Williams, WR, Lions at Dolphins
Williams can change a game with one touch, but that big-play dependency makes him a frustrating fantasy starter. If Detroit spreads the ball around, his target volume may not be enough to justify a starting spot. Keep him on the bench if you have a reliable alternative.
DeMario Douglas, WR, Patriots vs. Packers
Although he’s put up over 16 PPR points in two of the last three games, Douglas is a risky play in Week 9. His target share has been inconsistent, topping 20% in only one game since Week 1. Green Bay has also been especially effective against slot receivers, allowing just 4.9 yards per target to the position. Unless you’re desperate for a FLEX option, leave Douglas on the bench and look for a receiver with a more dependable workload.
PigSkinFantasy rule: Don’t chase last week’s numbers. Start the opportunity, not the reputation.
