It is time to start Tua!
Week nine is upon us and it is time for the weekly starts and sits. This is the ninth installment of the 17-piece series aimed to help you make the roster decisions to give you an edge over your opponent. Let’s jump into it and win some championships.
Quarterbacks
Start: Joe Burrow ”“ Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow has thrown for three touchdowns in three consecutive games and I expect him to keep it going this week when he faces the Cleveland Browns. Ranked 27th against quarterbacks this season, Burrow and the Bengals should put up big numbers. Passing at a higher rate as of late, Burrow is a no doubt start this week.
Honorable Mentions: Tua Tagovailoa vs. HOU, Tyrod Taylor @ MIA, Jordan Love @ KC
Sit: Ryan Tannehill ”“ Tennessee Titans
Although Ryan Tannehill has produced the last couple of games, this week I am leaving him on my bench. Going up against a good pass defense in the Los Angeles Rams, the Titans will need to throw the ball to keep pace. Playing without Derrick Henry, the Rams can just focus on the passing game in this one. I can see Tannehill struggling this week.
Honorable Mentions: Matt Ryan @ NO, Justin Fields @ PIT, Trevor Lawrence vs. BUF
Running Backs
Start: Myles Gaskin ”“ Miami Dolphins
After a pedestrian game against the Bills last week, I think Myles Gaskin will bounce back in week nine. Playing the Houston Texans, Gaskin finds himself in a juicy matchup. The Texans have allowed running backs to rush for at least 100 yards in seven of their eight games. Furthermore, they have allowed at least one rushing touchdown in five consecutive games. Start Gaskin with confidence this week.
Honorable Mentions: Boston Scott vs. LAC, Josh Jacobs @ NYG, Aaron Jones @ KC
Sit: James Robinson ”“ Jacksonville Jaguars
James Robinson has been great to start the season. However, after getting banged up last week and going up against a stellar defense in the Buffalo Bills, I am finding other options at running back. There is a good chance Robinson will see his workload limited due to the injury. In addition, the Bills have allowed just one 100-yard rusher this season and only three touchdowns on the ground. This is a matchup I am avoiding.
Honorable Mentions: Khalil Herbert @ PIT, Melvin Gordon @ DAL, Mike Davis @ NO
Wide Receivers
Start: Diontae Johnson ”“ Pittsburgh Steelers
Scoring at least 12 fantasy points in each game he’s played this season, Diontae Johnson makes for a good start in week nine. Facing the Chicago Bears that have allowed a total of 12 touchdowns to wide receivers, and four games of over 200 receiving yards, Johnson should be in line for a solid week. Set it and forget it with Johnson this week.
Honorable Mentions: Marquise Brown vs. MIN, Brandin Cooks @ MIA, Robert Woods vs. TEN
Sit: DeVonta Smith ”“ Philadelphia Eagles
A stretch of quiet games and a tough matchup in week nine has me benching DeVonta Smith this week. Coming off a game where he had just one catch for 15 yards, week nine is not going to be a bounce-back week. Playing the Los Angeles Chargers who are ranked second against opposing wideouts, Smith is going to struggle yet again.
Honorable Mentions: Jakobi Meyers @ CAR, Marvin Jones vs. BUF, Julio Jones @ LAR
Tight Ends
Start: Mike Gesicki ”“ Miami Dolphins
After a quiet start to the season, Mike Gesicki has really come alive. Scoring double-digit fantasy points in his next four of six games, he has a great matchup this week. Facing the Houston Texans that have allowed six touchdowns to opposing tight ends, there is a strong chance Gesicki will find himself in the endzone.
Honorable Mentions: Jared Cook @ PHI, Dallas Goedert vs. LAC, Albert Okwuegbunam @ DAL
Sit: Tyler Higbee ”“ Los Angeles Rams
Despite being on a high-powered offense, Tyler Higbee has not done much this season. Yet to top 50 receiving yards since week one, I am looking elsewhere for a tight end this week. The Rams go up against the Tennessee Titans who have been good against opposing tight ends. Having only allowed three touchdowns to tight ends and only two games of over 30 receiving yards, Higbee could disappoint this week.
Honorable Mentions: Dan Arnold vs. BUF, Zach Ertz @ SF, Dalton Schultz vs. DEN
If you enjoyed this piece, feel free to find me @FF_Worm. I am always available to talk fantasy football and answer any questions.
