In week nine, DFS players will be greeted by a “ main slate “ of eleven games. There will be four teams on bye, and the customary three “prime time” games. The four teams on bye are: 1) Bucs; 2) Lions; 3) Seahawks; and 4) Washington Football Team.
In addition to the four teams on bye, the three “prime time” games are as follows: 1) Thursday Night-Jets @ Colts; 2) Sunday Night- Titans @ Rams; and 3) Monday Night-Bears @ Steelers. As one can tell, there is not as much talent being pulled away from the main slate.
Week Eight Review:
As can sometimes be the case, week eight was a week that had its’ fair share of ups and downs. My best suggestion was the stack of Carson Wentz and Michael Pittman Jr. Wentz completed 27 of 51 pass attempts for 231 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Pittman had 10 catches(on 15 targets) for 86 yards and two touchdowns(30.6 PPR fantasy points).
While other players had decent performances, my biggest letdown was getting caught up in the web of the Eagles’ backfield. Kenneth Gainwell had 13 second-half carries for 27 yards, and zero receptions. Meanwhile, Boston Scott and Jordan Howard combined for 117 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 24 carries.
Quarterbacks:
Derek Carr(Raiders) $5900 @ Giants Coming off of a bye in week eight, Carr is my favorite streaming option this week. Through seven games played, Carr has completed 180 of 266 pass attempts for 2269 yards and 12 touchdowns.
In week nine, Carr travels to New York to take on a Giants’ defense that allows the 14th most fantasy points to QBs. With an implied total of 25, Carr should be utilized as a low-end QB1 for week nine.
Fantasy Football Breakout Candidate: Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa(Dolphins) $5800 vs Texans since returning in week six from broken ribs, Tua has been one of the top eight fantasy quarterbacks. He has completed 86 of 126 pass attempts for 825 yards and six touchdowns over that three-game stretch.
In week nine, the Dolphins host a Texans’ defense that allows the 7th most fantasy points to QBs. With an implied total of 26, look for Tua and Carr to both be competing for spots amongst the top 12 quarterbacks for week nine.
Running Backs:
Myles Gaskin(Dolphins) $5800 vs Texans this suggestion has more to do with the matchup than any great stats Gaskin has put up this year. On the season, Gaskin has 66 carries for 279 yards and zero touchdowns. Thankfully, he has had a role in the passing game, adding 31 catches for 165 yards and three touchdowns.
With fellow running back Malcolm Brown on IR(quad), Gaskin has developed a slightly larger role in the running game. Over the last two games, Gaskin has amassed 27 carries for
103 yards. Facing a Texans’ defense that gives up the most fantasy points to running backs, DFS players should expect a top 15 performance from Gaskin this week.
A.J. Dillon(Packers) $4200 @ Chiefs on the season, Dillon has 68 carries for 309 yards and zero touchdowns. He has played exceedingly well when he has gotten the opportunity, but his touches have been very sporadic. With WRs Davante Adams and Allen Lazard out in week 8 due to COVID restrictions, Dillon had 16 carries for 78 yards.
Aaron Rodgers was placed on the COVID list earlier this week, and will not play in week nine. With Jordan Love making his first career start, I would expect another week of a run-first offense. Facing a Chiefs’ defense that gives up the 13th most fantasy points to RBs, Dillon will have the opportunity to finish as a low-end RB2.
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Wide Receiver:
Jerry Jeudy(Broncos) 5k @ Cowboys Jeudy was somewhat disappointing in week eight, after returning from a six-week absence due to an ankle injury. Jeudy didn’t start in week eight but is likely to be more involved in week nine. With Teddy Bridgewater only attempting 26 passes in the game, Jeudy tied for a team-high four targets.
As ten-point underdogs this week, the Broncos are likely to be playing from behind. Facing a Cowboys’ defense that allows the eighth-most fantasy points to WRs, Jeudy should be viewed as a top 24 wide receiver with the expected increase in targets.
Hunter Renfrow(Raiders) $4800 @ Giants with the release of Henry Ruggs earlier this week, both Bryan Edwards and Renfrow should garner increased roles. On the season, Renfrow has recorded 38 catches(on 51 targets) for 399 yards and two touchdowns. His 51 targets were an average of slightly over seven per game.
In week nine, Renfrow will face a Giants’ defense that allows the ninth most fantasy points to WRs. With an implied total of 25, look for Renfrow to take advantage of his slightly increased role. Renfrow can be used as a WR3, with upside for more.
Tight End:
Jared Cook(Chargers) $3300 @ Eagles despite the Chargers struggling mightily in its’ last two games(@ Ravens and vs Patriots), I am willing to take another shot with this dynamic offense. On the season, Cook has 23 catches for 260 yards and two touchdowns.
Through the first eight games of the season, the Eagles have been generous to tight ends(allowing the fourth-most fantasy points). With an implied total of 26, Cook should finish as a top 12 TE option this week.
Tyler Conklin(Vikings) $3k @ Ravens on the season, Conklin has recorded 27 receptions(on 37 targets) for 297 yards and one touchdown. He has also scored at least ten PPR fantasy points in each of the last two games.
Conklin will be looking to extend that streak in week nine, taking on a Ravens’ defense that allows the most fantasy points to TEs. Just like Cook, Conklin should be viewed as a viable top 12 option for week nine.
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