Fantasy Football Week 9 Rankings, Grades & Start/Sit Advice (2023)

Welcome to Week 9, friends. As always, we’re here to provide you with some fantasy football Quick Grades (or Start/Sit Grades, if you prefer) for the week.

We tapped into our consensus projections and rankings and Derek Brown’s weekly Primer to generate this week’s Quick Grades. See below for the results and accompanying notes.

• Fitz’s Tiers & Rankings
• Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
• Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
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Week 9 Quarterback Start/Sit Grades

Jordan Love: Love is the QB12 in fantasy with three QB1 weeks on his resume. His fantasy production has been fine this season, but it hasn’t matched up with his real-life efficiency at all. His rushing production has helped to mask his passing woes for fantasy. He is 11th in rushing yards, 12th in rushing yards per game, and ninth in rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks. Among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, he is 24th in passing grade, 26th in yards per attempt, and 23rd in adjusted completion rate. The Rams rock with zone coverage at the ninth-highest rate in the NFL (76.9%). Against zone, Love has the most interceptions in the NFL (eight), the lowest adjusted completion rate, and the 13th-lowest fantasy points per dropback. Not good, Bob. Not good. The silver lining for Love is that recently, the Rams have been more giving as a pass defense. Since Week 5, they have allowed the eighth-highest yards per attempt and ninth-most fantasy points via passing. They have also been 11th in pressure rate, which spells trouble for Love. Against pressure, Love has the ninth-lowest passing grade, the seventh-lowest yards per attempt, and the 11th-highest turnover-worthy play rate. Love could walk away from Week 9 with a decent stat line, but it’s risky. Week 9 Positional Value: QB2

Baker Mayfield: Mayfield is the QB17 in fantasy with three QB1 outings in his last four games (QB7, QB11, QB10). His fantasy production has been much better than his real-life numbers. Mayfield is 15th in passing grade, 32nd in big-time throw rate, and 21st in adjusted completion rate. There has been a little bit of a divide between fantasy and reality. He could post another QB1 stat line this week against Houston’s pass defense that has held quarterbacks back with smoke and mirrors. They have given up the fewest passing touchdowns this season, which has held back the fantasy production, but every other category screams that the wall will come tumbling down. Houston is also allowing the 13th-highest yards per attempt, the second-highest adjusted completion rate, and the third-highest CPOE. Houston is 13th in pressure rate, so they will get after Mayfield this week, but if the Bucs can buy him time, he can torch this defense deep. Houston has given up the seventh-highest yards per attempt on deep balls and the fourth-highest deep-adjusted completion rate. Week 9 Positional Value: Borderline QB1

C.J. Stroud: Stroud flopped last week in what looked like a beautiful spot. It looks like it was just a down week from Stroud. He was not under duress as he was 27th in pressured rate, but he finished 17th in adjusted completion rate and 22nd in highly accurate throw rate in Week 8 as the QB25 in fantasy. Stroud is a better quarterback than he showed last week, but maybe I got ahead of his actual standing right now. Stroud is 16th in passing grade and fourth in yards per attempt, but he’s also 26th in adjusted completion rate and big-time throw rate. Tampa Bay should allow a bounce-back opportunity for Stroud. They are 25th in pressure rate, so Stroud should have all day in the pocket. This defense has allowed the ninth-highest yards per attempt, the eighth-most YAC, and the ninth-highest YAC per reception. If Stroud can get the ball in his playmakers’ hands, he’ll post a nice stat line in Week 9. Week 9 Positional Value: QB1

Tyson Bagent: Among 36 qualifying quarterbacks, Bagent ranks 32nd in yards per attempt and 24th in fantasy points per dropback, but those numbers don’t tell the full tale. Bagent’s numbers as a passer could look wildly different if Velus Jones didn’t fall down in the end zone last week and if Darnell Mooney‘s long completion last week wasn’t blown dead. A better indicator of Bagent’s passing prowess is the fact that among the sample group, he is fifth in adjusted completion rate, highly accurate throw rate, and hero throw rate. Despite those glittering numbers, Bagent remains only a QB2 this week against a staunch Saints pass defense. New Orleans has held passers to the second-lowest yards per attempt, the lowest passer rating, and the lowest adjusted completion rate. New Orleans has given up the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Week 9 Positional Value: QB2

Derek Carr: Since Week 6, Carr has been showing some life for fantasy. Among 28 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 13th in yards per attempt, ninth in hero throw rate, and 11th in fantasy points per game. Across his last three games, he is second in passing attempts and passing yards per game. Carr looks headed for another QB1 performance this week. The Bears have bled out the tenth-highest yards per attempt, second-most passing touchdowns and the eighth-highest adjusted completion rate. Week 9 Positional Value: QB1

Geno Smith: Smith is the QB21 in fantasy points per game with only one QB1 week this season. Smith ranks 14th in yards per attempt, 21st in highly accurate throw rate, and 18th in fantasy points per dropback. Smith won’t reverse his QB2 ways this week against one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. Baltimore has stonewalled quarterbacks with the lowest yards per attempt, second-fewest passing touchdowns, and the fourth-lowest adjusted completion rate allowed. Baltimore has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Week 9 Positional Value: Low-end QB2

Lamar Jackson: Jackson is the QB5 in fantasy with five weekly finishes as the QB10 or higher. Jackson has been excellent as a passer this season. He is third in passing grade and highly accurate throw rate while leading the NFL in hero throw rate. Jackson is second to only Josh Allen in fantasy points per dropback. This week he faces possibly his toughest test of the 2023 season thus far. Since Week 4, Seattle has been one of the league’s elite pass defenses. They have allowed the third-lowest yards per attempt, fourth-lowest passer rating, and the second-fewest fantasy points passing. Only the New York Jets have given up fewer fantasy points through the air. Week 9 Positional Value: QB1

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Week 9 Wide Receiver Start/Sit Grades

D.K. Metcalf: Metcalf is the WR27 in fantasy earning a 22.2% target share, a 40.6% air-yard share, 2.23 YPRR, and a 31.1% first-read share. Baltimore utilizes zone on 69.8% of their defensive snaps. Against zone, Metcalf’s target share dwindles to 18.4% while his air-yard share drops to 33.1% and his first read share sits at 25.6%. Metcalf is 20th among wide receivers in red zone targets. Baltimore has been shutting down perimeter wide receivers all year giving up the second-fewest PPR points per target. Metcalf will run about 84% of his routes against Brandon Stephens (62.5% catch rate and 68.4 passer rating) and Marlon Humphrey (72.7% catch rate and 122.9 passer rating). Week 9 Positional Value: WR3

Tyler Lockett: Lockett had lingering health questions all last week before dispelling all of them on Sunday. He played his third-highest snap share of the season (84%) with an 86% route run rate, a 24.3% target share, a 31.5% air-yard share, and 2.45 YPRR. Overall, Lockett has a 20.8% target share, a 33.7% air-yard share, 1.72 YPRR, and a 24.1% first-read share. Baltimore has utilized zone coverage on nearly 70% of their defensive snaps. Against zone, he leads the team with a 20.7% target share and a 35.4% air-yard share. His YPRR remains strong at 1.82, and his first-read share is 25.5% (Metcalf 25.6%). Lockett is 17th among wide receivers in red zone targets. Lockett will run about 63% of his routes against Brandon Stephens (62.5% catch rate and 68.4 passer rating) and Marlon Humphrey (72.7% catch rate and 122.9 passer rating). Week 9 Positional Value: WR2/3

Jaxon Smith-Njigba: With Lockett and Metcalf in the lineup, Smith-Njigba returned to his low aDOT slot role. He ran 79% of his routes from the slot with a 0.8 aDOt, which is sickening. His 63.2% route run rate and 10.8% target share were ugly as well. Smith-Njigba is a player to bench until further notice because his role with both of these receivers active is maddening and lacks any upside. Week 9 Positional Value: Must Sit

Zay Flowers: Well, so much for Zay Flowers week in Week 8. That clearly didn’t work out, but this week brings a new matchup. Flowers has a 26.3% target share, a 27.5% air yard share, 180 YPRR, and a 29.9% first-read share. Seattle has the highest zone coverage rate (84.9%) in the NFL. Against zone, Flowers’ air-yard share has bumped to 30.3% while his YPRR (2.02) and his first-read share (32.7%) have also increased. Flowers is tenth in deep targets and 17th in red zone targets among wide receivers. Flowers will run about 69% of his routes against Devon Witherspoon (42.9% catch rate and 53.2 passer rating) and Tariq Woolen (66.7% catch rate and 93.1 passer rating). Since Week 4, Seattle has allowed the fifth-lowest PPR points per target. Week 9 Positional Value: WR2/3

Jordan Addison: Without Justin Jefferson in the lineup, Addison has been the WR6 in fantasy with a 20.7% target share, a 34.9% air-yard share, 2.53 YPRR, and a 27.4% first-read share. Addison has seven red zone targets over his last three games. Addison will get shadowed by A.J. Terrell (63.6% catch rate and 112.3 passer rating), but that’s honestly a good thing. Terrell has been torched lately. Terrell has followed receivers on at least 50% of their routes eight times this season. Three receivers have surpassed 60 receiving yards in his primary coverage with three scores. Week 9 Positional Value: WR2/3

K.J. Osborn: Without Jefferson in the lineups, Osborn has an 18.9% target share, a 24.7% air-yard share, 2.02 YPRR, and a 21.9% first-read share. If Terrell is in Addison’s back pocket, then Osborn should tangle with Jeff Okudah (40% catch rate and 52.5 passer rating) all day. I doubt Hall’s ability to support multiple pass catchers. Osborn is the third or fourth option in this passing attack. With Hall and the tough corner matchup, it’s a good week to sit Osborn. Week 9 Positional Value: Sit

Amari Cooper: Cooper is the WR39 in fantasy, garnering a 23.2% target share, a 43.1% air-yard share, and a 30.9% first-read share (2.10 YPRR). Arizona has the tenth-highest rate of zone coverage this season (75.3%). Against zone, Cooper’s air-yard share has increased to 45.3%, but his fantasy points per route run have slightly dipped from 0.37 to 0.33. His numbers have stayed pretty consistent, so I’m not worried about his ability to produce against zone. Arizona has allowed the fourth-highest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers and the eighth-most receiving touchdowns (tied). Week 9 Positional Value: Volume WR2/3

Elijah Moore: Moore has a 19.1% target share, 19.8% air-yard share, 1.09 YPRR, and an 18.8% first read share. The sad thing is that he has done next to nothing with the volume as the WR63 in fantasy this season. He has only four red zone targets and zero receiving touchdowns. Moore has finished no higher than WR37 in any game this season. I know the matchup is amazing this week, but I’d rather bet that Cedric Tillman blows up in his first game as a starter than bank on Moore finding his rookie season fountain of youth in Week 9. Week 9 Positional Value: Droppable

Terry McLaurin: McLaurin is the WR25 in fantasy, ranking 18th in deep targets. He also has six red zone targets in his last two games. McLaurin has started to heat up with at least nine targets and 63 receiving yards in each of his last three games. The Patriots have the fourth-highest rate of man coverage (38.4%). Against man coverage, McLaurin has a 26.1% target share, a 46.4% air-yard share, 2.07 YPRR, and a 29.6% first-read share. Week 9 Positional Value: WR2/3

Jahan Dotson: I’m willing to chalk Dotson’s big Week 8 performance up to matchup and variance. He hasn’t snagged more than five balls or surpassed 50 receiving yards in any other game this season. Dotson has also disappeared against man coverage this season with a 10.9% target share, a 9.4% air-yard share, and 1.05 YPRR against man. Sit Dotson. Week 9 Positional Value: Sit

Michael Pittman: Pittman has been the team’s go-to receiver against zone with a 26.2% target share, a 29.9% air-yard share, and a 36.3% first-read share. Carolina has the second-highest zone coverage rate (84.4%) in the NFL. Pittman is the WR17 in fantasy, running 23rd in deep targets and second in red zone targets. Carolina has been torched by the deep ball, allowing the ninth-highest yards per attempt and passer rating on deep passes. Pittman leads the team in deep targets. Pittman will run about 70% of his routes against Donte Jackson (75% catch rate and 144.4 passer rating) and C.J. Henderson (78.1% catch rate and 119.7 passer rating). Week 9 Positional Value: WR2 with WR1 upside

Josh Downs: Downs has been a pleasant surprise this season as the WR35 in fantasy. Downs has been a top-36 wide receiver in five of his last six games (WR32, WR18, WR30, WR4, WR29). He might not be the team’s leader against zone, but he has still performed well. He has an 18.6% target share, a 19.7% air-yard share, 2.10 YPRR, and an 18.5% first-read share against zone. In his last three games, Downs has four red zone targets. Downs will run about 83% of his routes against Troy Hill (63.6% catch rate and 56.8 passer rating). Week 9 Positional Value: WR3

Adam Thielen: Thielen is the WR7 in fantasy, ranking 17th in red zone targets. He is 11th in raw target volume, 14th in target share, and the WR10 in expected fantasy points per game. Indy has the third-highest rate of zone coverage (84.1%) in the NFL. Against zone, Thielen has a 21.8% target share, a 28.2% air-yard share, 1.93 YPRR, and a 30.7% first-read share. Thielen will run about 71% of his routes against Kenny Moore (77.5% catch rate and 84.5 passer rating). Indy has held slot receivers at bay with the seventh-lowest PPR points per target and only two receiving touchdowns. Week 9 Positional Value: WR2

Week 9 Running Back Start/Sit Grades

Tony Pollard: Pollard’s season has made me immensely sad. The special sauce he had last year is gone. It has expired. He is the RB16 in fantasy, ranking eighth in snap share, 15th in opportunity share, eighth in weighted opportunities, and second in red zone touches. Among 65 qualifying backs, he ranks 33rd in explosive run rate and 47th in yards after contact per attempt. I didn’t have 2023 Pollard running like 2022 Ezekiel Elliott on my bingo card. It has been a tough scene. It won’t get any easier this week against an Eagles run defense that has the fourth-best stuff rate, the sixth-lowest yards after contact per attempt allowed, and the 12th-lowest yards per carry given up to gap runs (Pollard 64.8% gap). Week 9 Positional Value: RB2

D’Andre Swift: Swift is the RB13 in fantasy, ranking 17th in snap share, 18th in opportunity share, fourth in weighted opportunities, and 14th in red zone touches. Since Week 2, Swift has played at least 54% of the snaps weekly, averaging 20.5 touches and 100.4 total yards. Among 65 qualifying backs, Swift is 27th in explosive run rate and 38th in yards after contact per attempt. His pass game usage has helped a ton, as he is seventh in targets and 15th in target share (12.5%). Swift should run all over Dallas this week. Dallas is 13th in explosive run rate, 16th in stuff rate, and 11th in yards per carry allowed to zone runs (4.53). 72.6% of Swift’s runs have been on zone plays. Week 9 Positional Value: RB1

Saquon Barkley: Since Barkley’s return, he has been averaging 30.3 touches and 114.6 total yards. Yes, I typed that correctly. 30.3 touches per game. Barkley’s workload has been insane. While many teams have moved to committee backfields, the Giants know Barkley is the best chance at wins at this point. Among 65 qualifying backs, Barkley is 27th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 15th in yards after contact per attempt. He has finished as the RB16, RB9, and RB13 over his last three games. He is second in snap share and opportunity share while ranking 12th in weighted opportunities. The Raiders have been a basement-level run defense all season. They have the 11th-highest explosive run rate, the sixth-lowest stuff rate, and the seventh-highest yards after contact per attempt allowed. Barkley will threaten to get 25-plus touches again in Week 9. Week 9 Positional Value: RB1

Josh Jacobs: Jacobs has been a volume RB2 this season. He is the RB17 in fantasy, ranking sixth in snap share, third in opportunity share, and first in weighted opportunities. He ranks in the top three among backs in carries, targets, and red zone touches. His inability to break tackles has been an eye sore all year. Among 65 qualifying backs, he ranks 51st in explosive run rate, 43rd in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 60th in yards after contact per attempt. The Giants have been a run funnel all season, and losing Leonard Williams this week won’t change that. New York has given up the fifth-highest explosive run rate and the 13th-highest yards after contact per attempt while also having the third-lowest stuff rate. Week 9 Positional Value: RB1/2

James Cook: Last week, Cook played his highest snap share of the season with 67% of the snaps, as he had 15 touches and 73 total yards. The Bills have cut back his pass game usage a ton, as he has only two games with at least three targets since Week 4. Cook has averaged 15.1 touches and 84.8 total yards this season as the RB25 in fantasy. Among 65 qualifying backs, Cook is 19th in explosive run rate and 43rd in yards after contact per attempt. Cook should run wild this week against the Bengals. Cincinnati’s run defense has been a problem all season, allowing the third-highest explosive run rate, the second-most missed tackles per attempt, and the sixth-highest yards after contact per attempt. Week 9 Positional Value: RB2 with RB1 upside

Leonard Fournette: Uncle Len finally has a new home. We’ll see if Fournette is active this week, but I expect him to play and vaporize Latavius Murray immediately. Fournette looked like a player on his last legs last season. Among 42 qualifying backs last season, he was 41st in explosive run rate, 39th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 42nd in yards after contact per attempt. Fournette’s pass-game ability does give him more utility than the early downs only Murray. Week 9 Positional Value: Stash

Joe Mixon: Mixon has been a volume-dependent RB2 (RB21). He is seventh in snap share, first in opportunity share, 13th in weighted opportunities, and fifth in red zone touches. Since Week 2, Mixon has played at least 70% of the snaps weekly, averaging 19.2 touches and 84.5 total yards. Among 65 qualifying backs, he is 38th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 33rd in yards after contact per attempt. Mixon should enjoy another banner day against a Buffalo run defense that has bled out production all season. They have the fourth-highest explosive run rate, the highest yards after contact per attempt, and the second-highest yards per carry allowed to zone runs (Mixon 50.9% zone). Week 9 Positional Value: RB1

Austin Ekeler: Last week, Ekeler finished with 67% of the snaps played with 22 touches and 123 total yards. While he looked like he had his pre-injury juice back, the numbers say otherwise. He was stuffed on 53.3% of his runs. He didn’t manage any explosive runs, with a 13% missed tackles forced per attempt mark and 1.47 yards after contact per attempt. All of these are frighteningly bad numbers, but the volume infusion and pass-game usage are very encouraging. If the team is feeding him volume, I feel good that his health is trending in the right direction, and we’re just going to have to be patient for the explosiveness to return. While the Jets’ secondary has been scary, their run defense has been porous. They have allowed the eighth-highest explosive run rate and the 11th-highest yards after contact per attempt. Ekeler should be able to get something going on the ground while also feasting through the air. New York has given up the sixth-most receptions and receiving yards to backs. Week 9 Positional Value: RB1

Breece Hall: Hall is a matchup-proof RB1. Over the last three games, he has averaged 20 touches and 126.7 total yards while finishing as the RB3, RB4, and RB7 in weekly scoring. Hall is ninth in explosive run rate, 20th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and third in yards after contact per attempt. Los Angeles has been a run defense to avoid this season as they have stifled backs with the fourth-lowest explosive run rate, the sixth-lowest missed tackles allowed per attempt, and the fifth-lowest yards after contact per attempt. That matters little for Hall, who can get it done through the air. He has averaged 5.5 receptions and 65 receiving yards over his last two games. The Bolts have allowed the fifth-most receiving yards and the eighth-highest yards per reception to backs this season. Week 9 Positional Value: Matchup proof RB1

Raheem Mostert: Mostert has had tough matchups each of the last two weeks, but Week 9 should allow him to get back on the good foot. Mostert remained the team’s leadback last week despite injury concerns entering the game, as he played 56% of the snaps. He has averaged 14.5 touches and 83.9 total yards. He keeps trucking along this season as one of the most explosive backs in the game. He ranks seventh in explosive run rate, 13th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and seventh in yards after contact per attempt. The Chiefs continue to struggle in the run defense department with the ninth-highest explosive run rate, the fourth-lowest stuff rate, and the 12th-highest yards after contact per attempt. Mostert should be a key cog in dismantling Kansas City. Week 9 Positional Value: RB1

Jeff Wilson: Wilson’s workload was ramped up more last week. He played 25% of the snaps with seven touches and 37 total yards. That’s not nearly enough to consider starting him this week, but it’s encouraging for those who have Wilson stashed. Keep him warming the bench in Week 9. Week 9 Positional Value: Stash

Isiah Pacheco: Pacheco continues to operate as the team’s workhorse, with his weekly snap share settling into the 50-60% range. He has averaged 16.5 touches and 72.4 total yards. Pachecho is 15th in explosive run rate and 20th in yards after contact per attempt. He is set to do battle with a tough Dolphins’ run defense, but there’s an avenue for him to surprise this week. Miami has held tight with the ninth-lowest explosive run rate and eighth-lowest yards after contact per attempt allowed, but they have shown some give in some metrics. They have the lowest stuff rate in the NFL and have given up the seventh-highest yards per carry to gap runs (4.53). Pachecho has been quite successful on gap runs (49.1% of his rushing attempts) with 5.25 yards per carry this season. Kansas City could look to establish the run early. Week 9 Positional Value: Borderline RB1

Week 9 Tight End Start/Sit Grades

Tyler Higbee: Since Kupp’s return, Higbee has had a 13.1% target share, an 11.6% air-yard share, 0.87 YPRR, and a pitiful 10.3% first-read share. He has eclipsed 40 receiving yards only once with only one red zone target. Green Bay is 17th in receiving yards, and fantasy points per game allowed to tight ends. Week 9 Positional Value: low-end TE2

Luke Musgrave: Last week, Musgrave handled a 65.3% route run rate with a 7.3% target share, 0.28 YPRR, and a 9.4% first-read share. Musgrave is obviously not fully healthy, as he’s dealing with an ankle issue. In the six games in which he has played at least 67% of the snaps, he has had a 15.2% target share, a 69% route run rate, 1.27 YPRR, and a 16.2% first-read share. The matchup this week is amazing, but I worry if Musgrave is healthy enough to take advantage of it. Los Angeles has allowed the sixth-highest fantasy points per game and the highest yards per reception to tight ends. Musgrave has also not drawn a red zone target since Week 3, so I question his touchdown equity in this offense. Week 9 Positional Value: Borderline TE1

Cade Otton: Otton isn’t a sexy name to plug into your lineups as the TE22 this season, but he is on the streaming radar this week. Otton is 24th in target share, 25th in air-yard share, and 32nd in red zone targets (only two) among tight ends. The sexiest thing about Otton in fantasy is his matchup this week. Houston is 24th in DVOA against tight ends, allowing the third-most fantasy points per game and receiving yards per game. Week 9 Positional Value: Matchup-based streamer

Dalton Schultz: Schultz is the TE11 ranking fourth in red zone targets among tight ends. Among 44 qualifying tight ends, he is 14th in target share (15.1%), 21st in YPRR (1.33), and 17th in first-read share. Schultz has a tough matchup this week. Tampa Bay is fourth in DVOA against tight ends, allowing the ninth-lowest yards per reception and the third-fewest receiving touchdowns per game. Week 9 Positional Value: TE2

Cole Kmet: With Bagent under center, Kmet has had a 15.2% target share, a 16.7% air-yard share, 1.72 YPRR, and an 18.2% first read share. The Saints are a team I don’t want to test with tight ends in fantasy. New Orleans has held tight ends to the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game and the second-lowest receiving yards per game. Week 9 Positional Value: TE2

Taysom Hill: Hill remains an integral part of this offense with 44-60% of the snaps played over the last three weeks. Between rushing and receiving, he has averaged nine touches and 65.4 total yards per game since Week 6 while also kicking in 16 passing yards per game. Overall, this season, he is the TE14 in fantasy points per game, but since Week 6, he is the TE2 behind only Travis Kelce. Week 9 Positional Value: TE1

T.J. Hockenson: Without Jefferson in the lineup, Hockenson has been a target-gobbling monster with a 26.1% target share, a 29.7% air-yard share, 2.55 YPRR, and a 28.8% first-read share. Hockenson is the TE3 in fantasy, with TE7, TE4, and TE3 finishes without Jefferson. Hockenson is fourth in red zone targets among tight ends. The Falcons are a neutral matchup for Hockenson, ranking 15th in receiving yards per game allowed with the seventh-lowest yards per reception permitted. Hockenson’s biggest worry isn’t the Falcons but receiving catchable targets from Hall this week. Hopefully, volume can outkick the efficiency drop. Week 9 Positional Value: TE1

Kyle Pitts: Pitts is the TE15 in fantasy that could receive a boost this week if London misses the game. Pitts has had a 17.5% target share, a 26.5% air-yard share, 1.49 YPRR, and a 19.3% first-read share (second on the team). Pitts faces a secondary that has allowed the tenth-highest PPR points per target and the eighth-most receiving yards to the slot (Pitts 59.6% slot). Week 9 Positional Value: TE1

Jonnu Smith: Smith could be the same London bump if the start receiver can’t go in Week 9. Smith has a 13.3% target share, an 11.1% air-yard share (6.3 aDOT), 1.80 YPRR, and a 16.1% first-read share (third on the team). 50.9% of Smith’s receiving yardage has come after the catch. Minnesota is 18th in YAC per reception allowed, so this isn’t a smash matchup for Smith’s YAC prowess. Smith does run 62% of his routes from the slot, though. Minnesota has allowed the tenth-highest PPR points per target and the eighth-most receiving yards to the slot. Week 9 Positional Value: Borderline TE1

Week 9 Defense / Special Teams Start/Sit Grades

Week 9 Kicker Start/Sit Grades