Fantasy Football Week 9 Rankings, Grades & Start/Sit Advice (2024)

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.

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Week 9 Quarterback Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 9
1 A+ Jalen Hurts PHI JAC
2 A Josh Allen BUF MIA
3 A Lamar Jackson BAL DEN
4 A Jayden Daniels WAS NYG
5 A Joe Burrow CIN LV
6 B+ Kirk Cousins ATL DAL
7 B+ Kyler Murray ARI CHI
8 B Sam Darnold MIN IND
9 B Patrick Mahomes II KC TB
10 B Matthew Stafford LAR SEA
11 B- Geno Smith SEA LAR
12 B- Jared Goff DET GB
13 C+ Dak Prescott DAL ATL
14 C Caleb Williams CHI ARI
15 C Bo Nix DEN BAL
16 C- Jameis Winston CLE LAC
17 C- Baker Mayfield TB KC
18 D+ Tua Tagovailoa MIA BUF
19 D Aaron Rodgers NYJ HOU
20 D Joe Flacco IND MIN
21 D C.J. Stroud HOU NYJ
22 D- Jordan Love GB DET
23 F Derek Carr NO CAR
24 F Trevor Lawrence JAC PHI
25 F Daniel Jones NYG WAS
26 F Justin Herbert LAC CLE
27 F Malik Willis GB DET
28 F Mason Rudolph TEN NE
29 F Gardner Minshew II LV CIN
30 F Bryce Young CAR NO
31 F Jacoby Brissett NE TEN
32 F Drake Maye NE TEN
33 F Spencer Rattler NO CAR
34 F Marcus Mariota WAS NYG
35 F Anthony Richardson IND MIN
36 F Dorian Thompson-Robinson CLE LAC
37 F Jake Haener NO CAR

Kirk Cousins (QB)

Well, Cousins has made it abundantly clear that he can carve up the Bucs. In those two games, he has finished as the QB1 and the QB3 in weekly fantasy scoring. In his other starters, he has surpassed 12.5 fantasy points only once. Overall, he is the QB17 in fantasy points per game. Among 37 qualifying quarterbacks, he is eighth in yards per attempt, fifth in passing yards per game and passing touchdowns, and 13th in CPOE. Cousins is set to torch the Dallas secondary this week. Dallas’s pass defense doesn’t resemble the same unit that we once feared when Dan Quinn was at the controls. The Cowboys have allowed the highest yards per attempt, the eighth-highest passer rating, and the sixth-highest CPOE.

Daniel Jones (QB)

Jones has cemented himself as a basement-level QB2 as the QB26 in fantasy points per game. Among 37 qualifying quarterbacks, he is 30th in yards per attempt and passer rating, 29th in highly accurate throw rate, and 31st in fantasy points per dropback. Washington has tightened up as a pass defense over the last three weeks. Since Week 6, they have allowed the third-fewest passing yards per game, the sixth-lowest passer rating, and the ninth-lowest adjusted completion rate. Sit Jones.

Justin Herbert (QB)

Herbert logged his first QB1 outing last week against the Saints (QB9), as the Bolts have leaned on his arm more in the last two games. Even with that encouraging game, Herbert is still just the QB25 in fantasy points per game. Among 37 qualifying quarterbacks, Herbert is 14th in yards per attempt, 11th in passer rating, 16th in CPOE, and 13th in highly accurate throw rate. Herbert likely turns in another QB2 week against the Cleveland pass defense. The Browns have turned into a middling unit, allowing the 13th-highest yards per attempt while ranking 21st in CPOE, 15th in fantasy points allowed via passing, and giving up the ninth-lowest success rate per dropback.

Jameis Winston (QB)

Winston balled out in a good matchup as the QB10 in fantasy last week. Last week, among 33 qualifying quarterbacks, Winston ranked 14th in yards per attempt, ninth in passer rating, and 18th in CPOE and catchable target rate. The Chargers aren’t nearly the inviting matchup through the air that Winston enjoyed last week, so temper your expectations with him this week. A QB2 outing is far more likely in Week 9. Los Angeles has kept quarterbacks in check with the eighth-lowest yards per attempt, the 13th-lowest CPOE, and the third-lowest success rate per dropback allowed.

Tua Tagovailoa (QB)

In his first game back under center, Tagovailoa was the QB22 in fantasy and that was with a wonderful matchup. This definitely isn’t that. We’ve already seen this play out. In Week 2, before Tagovailoa left the game with a concussion, he had three interceptions with a 56.7 passer rating and 5.8 yards per attempt. Tagovailoa is a must-sit this week. Among 37 qualifying quarterbacks, he is 19th in yards per attempt, 22nd in passer rating and CPOE, and 27th in fantasy points per dropback. He faces a Buffalo secondary that has given up the fifth-fewest yards per attempt, the ninth-lowest passer rating, and the 13th-lowest success rate per dropback.

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Week 9 Wide Receiver Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 9
1 A+ Justin Jefferson MIN IND
2 A+ CeeDee Lamb DAL ATL
3 A+ Ja’Marr Chase CIN LV
4 A+ A.J. Brown PHI JAC
5 A+ Amon-Ra St. Brown DET GB
6 A+ Drake London ATL DAL
7 A+ Tyreek Hill MIA BUF
8 A Puka Nacua LAR SEA
9 A Malik Nabers NYG WAS
10 A Terry McLaurin WAS NYG
11 A Cooper Kupp LAR SEA
12 A DeVonta Smith PHI JAC
13 A Garrett Wilson NYJ HOU
14 A DJ Moore CHI ARI
15 A Chris Olave NO CAR
16 A- Davante Adams NYJ HOU
17 A- Jayden Reed GB DET
18 A- Zay Flowers BAL DEN
19 A- Marvin Harrison Jr. ARI CHI
20 A- Amari Cooper BUF MIA
21 A- Tank Dell HOU NYJ
22 B+ Jaylen Waddle MIA BUF
23 B+ Darnell Mooney ATL DAL
24 B+ Josh Downs IND MIN
25 B Khalil Shakir BUF MIA
26 B Ladd McConkey LAC CLE
27 B Courtland Sutton DEN BAL
28 B Xavier Worthy KC TB
29 B Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA LAR
30 B Calvin Ridley TEN NE
31 B Jakobi Meyers LV CIN
32 B Michael Pittman Jr. IND MIN
33 B Cedric Tillman CLE LAC
34 B- DeAndre Hopkins KC TB
35 B- Keon Coleman BUF MIA
36 C+ Keenan Allen CHI ARI
37 C+ Tyler Lockett SEA LAR
38 C+ Jordan Addison MIN IND
39 C+ Wan’Dale Robinson NYG WAS
40 C Jerry Jeudy CLE LAC
41 C Jalen Tolbert DAL ATL
42 C Jalen McMillan TB KC
43 C Romeo Doubs GB DET
44 C DeMario Douglas NE TEN
45 C Rome Odunze CHI ARI
46 C Sterling Shepard TB KC
47 C Elijah Moore CLE LAC
48 C Xavier Legette CAR NO
49 C Rashod Bateman BAL DEN
50 C Christian Watson GB DET
51 C- Michael Wilson ARI CHI
52 C- Alec Pierce IND MIN
53 C- Tre Tucker LV CIN
54 C- Jalen Coker CAR NO
55 C- Dontayvion Wicks GB DET
56 C- Trey Palmer TB KC
57 D+ Joshua Palmer LAC CLE
58 D+ Andrei Iosivas CIN LV
59 D Noah Brown WAS NYG
60 D Demarcus Robinson LAR SEA
61 D Darius Slayton NYG WAS
62 D Tim Patrick DET GB
63 D Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN NE
64 D Jalen Nailor MIN IND
65 D Ray-Ray McCloud III ATL DAL
66 D Kalif Raymond DET GB
67 D- Tyler Boyd TEN NE
68 D- Kayshon Boutte NE TEN
69 D- Parker Washington JAC PHI
70 D- Brian Thomas Jr. JAC PHI
71 F Xavier Hutchinson HOU NYJ
72 F Troy Franklin DEN BAL
73 F DJ Turner LV CIN
74 F Mason Tipton NO CAR
75 F Tee Higgins CIN LV
76 F Tutu Atwell LAR SEA
77 F Adonai Mitchell IND MIN
78 F Greg Dortch ARI CHI
79 F John Metchie III HOU NYJ
80 F Justin Watson KC TB
81 F Jake Bobo SEA LAR
82 F Lil’Jordan Humphrey DEN BAL
83 F Devaughn Vele DEN BAL
84 F Tim Jones JAC PHI
85 F Kendrick Bourne NE TEN
86 F Nelson Agholor BAL DEN
87 F Mike Williams NYJ HOU
88 F Luke McCaffrey WAS NYG
89 F DJ Chark Jr. LAC CLE
90 F Allen Robinson II DET GB
91 F Olamide Zaccheaus WAS NYG
92 F Dyami Brown WAS NYG
93 F Mecole Hardman Jr. KC TB
94 F Gabe Davis JAC PHI
95 F Mack Hollins BUF MIA
96 F Diontae Johnson BAL DEN
97 F DK Metcalf SEA LAR
98 F Jonathan Mingo CAR NO
99 F KaVontae Turpin DAL ATL
100 F Bub Means NO CAR
101 F Jahan Dotson PHI JAC
102 F Jalen Brooks DAL ATL
103 F Simi Fehoko LAC CLE
104 F Zay Jones ARI CHI
105 F Jermaine Burton CIN LV
106 F Robert Woods HOU NYJ
107 F Ja’Lynn Polk NE TEN
108 F Odell Beckham Jr. MIA BUF
109 F Marvin Mims Jr. DEN BAL
110 F David Moore CAR NO
111 F K.J. Osborn NE TEN
112 F Bo Melton GB DET
113 F Trenton Irwin CIN LV
114 F Laviska Shenault Jr. SEA LAR
115 F Marquez Valdes-Scantling NO CAR
116 F Rakim Jarrett TB KC
117 F Malik Washington MIA BUF
118 F Jalen Reagor LAC CLE
119 F Parris Campbell PHI JAC
120 F Ryan Miller TB KC
121 F Kristian Wilkerson LV CIN
122 F Quentin Johnston LAC CLE
123 F KhaDarel Hodge ATL DAL
124 F Tyquan Thornton NE TEN
125 F DeAndre Carter CHI ARI
126 F Jalin Hyatt NYG WAS
127 F Equanimeous St. Brown NO CAR
128 F Allen Lazard NYJ HOU
129 F Ainias Smith PHI JAC
130 F JuJu Smith-Schuster KC TB
131 F Ashton Dulin IND MIN
132 F Alex Bachman LV CIN
133 F Tyler Johnson LAR SEA

Jaylen Waddle (WR)

In Waddle’s two full games with Tagovailoa under center, Waddle has only seen a 14.7% target share, a 29% air-yard share, and a 19.3% first-read share despite producing 0.130 FD/RR and 2.85 YPRR. Waddle remains a highly efficient player, but the Miami passing attack still flows heavily through Tyreek Hill. In those two games, Waddle hasn’t seen a red zone target. Without volume to feed his talent, Waddle remains a WR3 with a wide range of weekly outcomes. Buffalo has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game and the fewest receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Keon Coleman (WR)

Coleman is the WR46 in fantasy points per game while ranking 18th in deep targets and 20th in red zone looks among wide receivers. Since Amari Cooper‘s arrival, he has had a 20.9% target share, a 34.9% air-yard share, 3.68 YPRR, and a 21.7% first-read share. He has seen three end zone targets over the last two games. Miami has flip-flopped between single high and two high all year (53.8% single high). Buffalo has faced the second-highest rate of single high this season (60.9%), so I’m projecting Miami to use single high this week to defend Buffalo. In their last meeting, Miami utilized single high on 60% of their defensive snaps. Against single high, Coleman has a 21% TPRR, 2.97 YPRR, and a 20.2% first-read share (second-best). Miami has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game and receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Jalen Coker (WR)

Since assuming a starting role in Week 5, Coker has had a 10.9% target share, 1.94 YPRR, and a 14.3% first-read share with two end zone targets. Since Week 3, New Orleans has had the fifth-highest two-high rate (54.2%). Since Week 5, against two high, Coker has had 1.88 YPRR and a 14.3% first-read share. His usage hasn’t really changed versus two high, and he’s remained efficient. The matchup this week is glorious for Coker. The Saints have been unable to stop slot receivers giving up the eighth-most fantasy points per game and the third-most receiving yards per game.

Calvin Ridley (WR)

Ridley is the WR49 in fantasy points per game, ranking seventh in deep targets. After this blowup game last week, he is the WR49 in fantasy points per game. That was only his second game of the season with more than 55 receiving yards. Ridley has commanded a 22.3% target share, a 47% air-yard share, and a 28.3% first-read share with 1.64 YPRR. Ridley is likely to see shadow coverage from Christian Gonzalez this week. Gonzalez has followed Ja’Marr Chase, Garrett Wilson, Davante Adams, D.K. Metcalf, and Tyreek Hill on 77.8-90% of their routes. Only Metcalf surpassed 60 receiving yards in his primary coverage, and only Wilson and Metcalf got in the end zone. Fade Ridley this week and sit him.

DeMario Douglas (WR)

Douglas’ usage has been all over the map this season. Just when you think it’s safe to start him, then BOOM… nothing burger. It has been frustrating because he is a talented player that has crushed when he has been leaned on this season. Overall, he has a 15.2% target share, 1.43 YPRR, and a 19.6% first-read share. Even if he does get volume this week, his chances of scoring a touchdown are slim. Douglas has only one red zone target this season (none since Week 5). Douglas is an easy sit this week against a Tennessee secondary that has held slot receivers to 18th in fantasy points per game and the ninth-fewest receiving yards per game.

Diontae Johnson (WR)

Johnson follows the same must-sit protocol as previously traded wide receivers this season. With a limited window of opportunity to learn the playbook and build rapport with Lamar Jackson, there’s no way to start Johnson with any confidence this week, both from a snap share and target share projection. It’s not like this is a wonderful matchup either, where he could still succeed on a limited workload. Denver has allowed the tenth-lowest fantasy points per game and the sixth-fewest receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant, which allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.

Week 9 Running Back Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 9
1 A+ Saquon Barkley PHI JAC
2 A+ Kyren Williams LAR SEA
3 A+ Bijan Robinson ATL DAL
4 A+ Derrick Henry BAL DEN
5 A Kenneth Walker III SEA LAR
6 A Joe Mixon HOU NYJ
7 A Jahmyr Gibbs DET GB
8 A Breece Hall NYJ HOU
9 A Alvin Kamara NO CAR
10 A- De’Von Achane MIA BUF
11 A- James Cook BUF MIA
12 A- D’Andre Swift CHI ARI
13 A- Aaron Jones MIN IND
14 B+ Jonathan Taylor IND MIN
15 B+ Kareem Hunt KC TB
16 B+ Josh Jacobs GB DET
17 B+ Brian Robinson Jr. WAS NYG
18 B Tony Pollard TEN NE
19 B James Conner ARI CHI
20 B David Montgomery DET GB
21 B- Chuba Hubbard CAR NO
22 B- J.K. Dobbins LAC CLE
23 B- Chase Brown CIN LV
24 B- Rhamondre Stevenson NE TEN
25 C+ Tank Bigsby JAC PHI
26 C+ Devin Singletary NYG WAS
27 C+ Bucky Irving TB KC
28 C Nick Chubb CLE LAC
29 C Alexander Mattison LV CIN
30 C Javonte Williams DEN BAL
31 C Rachaad White TB KC
32 C Raheem Mostert MIA BUF
33 C Rico Dowdle DAL ATL
34 C Tyler Allgeier ATL DAL
35 C Austin Ekeler WAS NYG
36 C Zack Moss CIN LV
37 C- Justice Hill BAL DEN
38 C- Zach Charbonnet SEA LAR
39 C- Ray Davis BUF MIA
40 D+ Braelon Allen NYJ HOU
41 D Roschon Johnson CHI ARI
42 D Jaleel McLaughlin DEN BAL
43 D Antonio Gibson NE TEN
44 D Ty Chandler MIN IND
45 D Kimani Vidal LAC CLE
46 D- Emanuel Wilson GB DET
47 F Ezekiel Elliott DAL ATL
48 F Miles Sanders CAR NO
49 F D’Onta Foreman CLE LAC
50 F D’Ernest Johnson JAC PHI
51 F Trey Sermon IND MIN
52 F Blake Corum LAR SEA
53 F Zamir White LV CIN
54 F Sean Tucker TB KC
55 F Tyler Goodson IND MIN
56 F Jaylen Wright MIA BUF
57 F Julius Chestnut TEN NE
58 F Samaje Perine KC TB
59 F Trey Benson ARI CHI
60 F Jamaal Williams NO CAR
61 F Dare Ogunbowale HOU NYJ
62 F Ty Johnson BUF MIA
63 F Pierre Strong Jr. CLE LAC
64 F Audric Estime DEN BAL
65 F Tyrone Tracy Jr. NYG WAS
66 F Jeremy McNichols WAS NYG
67 F Kenneth Gainwell PHI JAC
68 F Dalvin Cook DAL ATL
69 F Chris Brooks GB DET
70 F Emari Demercado ARI CHI
71 F Ameer Abdullah LV CIN
72 F Will Shipley PHI JAC
73 F Carson Steele KC TB
74 F Dameon Pierce HOU NYJ
75 F Eric Gray NYG WAS
76 F Travis Etienne Jr. JAC PHI
77 F Tyjae Spears TEN NE
78 F Kendre Miller NO CAR
79 F Cam Akers MIN IND
80 F JaMycal Hasty NE TEN
81 F Patrick Ricard BAL DEN
82 F Hassan Haskins LAC CLE
83 F Alec Ingold MIA BUF
84 F Michael Burton DEN BAL
85 F C.J. Ham MIN IND
86 F Ronnie Rivers LAR SEA
87 F Jonathon Brooks CAR NO
88 F Raheem Blackshear CAR NO
89 F Deuce Vaughn DAL ATL
90 F Joshua Kelley TEN NE
91 F Sione Vaki DET GB
92 F Tyreik McAllister LV CIN
93 F Trayveon Williams CIN LV
94 F Craig Reynolds DET GB
95 F Adam Prentice NO CAR
96 F Reggie Gilliam BUF MIA
97 F Isaiah Davis NYJ HOU
98 F Jake Funk JAC PHI
99 F Kenny McIntosh SEA LAR
100 F Jerome Ford CLE LAC
101 F Avery Williams ATL DAL
102 F Blake Watson DEN BAL
103 F Hunter Luepke DAL ATL
104 F Khalil Herbert CHI ARI
105 F DeeJay Dallas ARI CHI

Tank Bigsby (RB)

Bigsby has operated as the team’s workhorse over the last two weeks with at least 66% of the snaps while averaging 23 touches and 102 total yards. Bigsby could retain this role even if Etienne returns this week. While his snap share could drop to nearly 50% if Etienne is back, I do think Bigsby holds onto the lion’s share of the early down work. Bigsby ranks fifth in explosive run rate, 16th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and first in yards after contact per attempt. Bigsby will need every ounce of efficiency this week against a tough Eagles run defense. Philly has allowed the seventh-lowest missed tackle rate, the eighth-lowest yards after contact per attempt, and the 11th-lowest gap success rate (Bigsby 50.4% gap).

David Montgomery (RB)

Montgomery keeps trucking as the RB11 in fantasy points per game, ranking 20th in carries and tenth in red zone touches. He has averaged 15.3 touches and 79 total yards per game. Montgomery ranks 20th in explosive run rates and 19th in missed tackles forced per attempt. He will have to deal with an improved Packers run defense this week. Green Bay has allowed the tenth-lowest rushing yards per game, the 11th-lowest missed tackle rate, and the 12th-lowest yards after contact per attempt.

Josh Jacobs (RB)

Jacobs has been a volume monster as the RB18 in fantasy points per game. He ranks 13th in snap share, fourth in weighted opportunities, first in carries and tenth in red zone touches among backs. He has averaged 20.2 touches and 97.8 total yards. Among 43 qualifying backs, he ranks 17th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 14th in yards after contact per attempt. Jacobs will have a tough time this week against a stout Detroit Lions run defense that has shut down zone runs. Since Week 5, 62.2% of his Jacobs runs have been with zone concepts. The Lions have allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game, the seventh-lowest yards after contact per attempt, the lowest yards per carry, and success rate to zone runs.

Kareem Hunt (RB)

Hunt has been a top 24 back in each of his three full starts as “the guy” for Kansas City (RB5, RB11, RB23). He has averaged 24.6 touches with only 81 total yards. Volume has been king for Hunt, while efficiency has been harder to come by. Among 43 qualifying backs, he ranks 28th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 34th in yards after contact per attempt. He still hasn’t managed one explosive run with his 84 rushing attempts. Hunt has another good matchup on the ground this week to rack up volume against. The Bucs have allowed the highest explosive run rate, the 13th-most rushing yards per game, and the 11th-highest missed tackle rate.

Rico Dowdle (RB)

Dowdle was a surprise inactive last week as he fell ill quickly with a 102 fever. He opened this week with a full practice, so I expect him to resume his role as leader of this backfield after a week where Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook both looked washed. In his two games played prior to Detroit throttling Dallas, Dowdle played 45-50% of the snaps, averaging 17 touches and 87.5 total yards. He was the RB22 and the RB3 in weekly scoring. He hasn’t managed an explosive run this season while only having a 7% missed tackle rate and 2.25 yards after contact per attempt. Those numbers don’t inspire confidence, but there’s no back on this depth chart that should be challenging him for the team lead in work. Atlanta has been giving to backs, allowing the 12th-most rushing yards per game, the sixth-highest missed tackle rate, and the 14th-highest explosive run rate.

Tyler Allgeier (RB)

Allgeier’s blowup in Week 6 is an obvious outlier this season. Last week was the only other game this season where he has surpassed ten touches in a game. Allgeier finished with 12 carries and 33 rushing yards while playing 35% of the snaps. Over the last two weeks, Allgeier’s touchdown equity has shriveled up to nothing, with only 9.1% of the red zone snaps. Allgeier will likely see 8-10 touches this week, and you’re praying that he gets into the end-zone, which makes him a low-end flex. Dallas still can’t stop the run, giving up the eighth-highest explosive run rate and the second-highest yards before contact per attempt and rushing success rate.

Week 9 Tight End Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 9
1 A+ Travis Kelce KC TB
2 A Brock Bowers LV CIN
3 A- Trey McBride ARI CHI
4 B+ David Njoku CLE LAC
5 B Evan Engram JAC PHI
6 B Kyle Pitts ATL DAL
7 B- Cade Otton TB KC
8 C+ Jake Ferguson DAL ATL
9 C Sam LaPorta DET GB
10 C Mark Andrews BAL DEN
11 C- Dalton Kincaid BUF MIA
12 C- Cole Kmet CHI ARI
13 D+ Tucker Kraft GB DET
14 D+ Dalton Schultz HOU NYJ
15 D T.J. Hockenson MIN IND
16 D Hunter Henry NE TEN
17 D Noah Fant SEA LAR
18 D Zach Ertz WAS NYG
19 D Jonnu Smith MIA BUF
20 D- Isaiah Likely BAL DEN
21 D- Will Dissly LAC CLE
22 F Mike Gesicki CIN LV
23 F Tyler Conklin NYJ HOU
24 F Ja’Tavion Sanders CAR NO
25 F Taysom Hill NO CAR
26 F Grant Calcaterra PHI JAC
27 F Colby Parkinson LAR SEA
28 F Chig Okonkwo TEN NE
29 F Noah Gray KC TB
30 F Johnny Mundt MIN IND
31 F Brenton Strange JAC PHI
32 F Theo Johnson NYG WAS
33 F Erick All Jr. CIN LV
34 F Foster Moreau NO CAR
35 F Tommy Tremble CAR NO
36 F Dawson Knox BUF MIA
37 F Austin Hooper NE TEN
38 F Adam Trautman DEN BAL
39 F Juwan Johnson NO CAR
40 F Lucas Krull DEN BAL
41 F Mo Alie-Cox IND MIN
42 F Cade Stover HOU NYJ
43 F Josh Whyle TEN NE
44 F Jordan Akins CLE LAC
45 F Harrison Bryant LV CIN
46 F AJ Barner SEA LAR
47 F Dallas Goedert PHI JAC
48 F Kylen Granson IND MIN
49 F Will Mallory IND MIN
50 F Nick Vannett TEN NE
51 F Elijah Higgins ARI CHI
52 F Nate Adkins DEN BAL
53 F Josh Oliver MIN IND
54 F Charlie Kolar BAL DEN
55 F Gerald Everett CHI ARI
56 F Ben Sinnott WAS NYG
57 F Jeremy Ruckert NYJ HOU
58 F Drew Ogletree IND MIN
59 F Julian Hill MIA BUF
60 F Brock Wright DET GB
61 F John Bates WAS NYG

Jake Ferguson (TE)

Ferguson continues to move through the season as the uninspiring TE12 in fantasy points per game. He has only two red zone targets since Week 3 and hasn’t scored a touchdown this season. He is the TE5 in expected fantasy points per game, so I guess we should start expecting a regression to the mean game incoming. That could be this week. Since Week 4, Atlanta has utilized two high with 58.3% of their defensive snaps. Against two high, Ferguson leads the team with a 23.2% target share, 2.04 YPRR, and a 26.9% first-read share. Atlanta is 15th in receiving yards per game allowed to tight ends, but they have also given up the tenth-most fantasy points per game to the position.

Zach Ertz (TE)

Ertz continues to surprise this season as the TE13 in fantasy points per game. He is fourth among tight ends in red zone targets. He has a 19% target share, 1.69 YPRR, and an 18.5% first-read share. Among 57 qualifying tight ends, he ranks third in separation and second in route win rate. Sit Ertz this week against a Giants team that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game and the sixth-fewest receiving yards per game to tight ends.

Dalton Kincaid (TE)

Kincaid is the TE16 in fantasy points per game, but he has finished as a TE1 in three of his last six games. He would have four TE1 notches on the belt, but last week, the tight end position went nuts as Kincaid posted a healthy 13.1 PPR points (TE14). In any other week, that is a strong TE1 game. Kincaid does have issues in this passing attack, though, with only one red zone target in his last five games. Kincaid has a 19% target share, 1.84 YPRR, and a 20.7% first-read share. Temper expectations for Kincaid this week against a defense that has held tight ends to the 12th-fewest receiving yards per game and the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game.

Jonnu Smith (TE)

Since Week 6, Smith has had a 63.9% route share, a 20.3% target share, 2.52 YPRR, and a 22.7% first-read share. Last week, while his route share stayed stable, Smith’s target share dropped to 15.8%, and his first-read share decreased to 17.2%. With Tua Tagovailoa back, the wide receivers got more work in the passing attack. Sit Smith this week in a terrible matchup. Buffalo has held tight ends to the tenth-fewest fantasy points per game and the fifth-lowest yards per reception.

Week 9 Defense / Special Teams Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 9
1 A+ Minnesota Vikings MIN IND
2 A+ Kansas City Chiefs KC TB
3 A Philadelphia Eagles PHI JAC
4 A- New Orleans Saints NO CAR
5 A- Los Angeles Chargers LAC CLE
6 B+ Washington Commanders WAS NYG
7 B+ Baltimore Ravens BAL DEN
8 B New York Jets NYJ HOU
9 B Buffalo Bills BUF MIA
10 B New England Patriots NE TEN
11 B- Chicago Bears CHI ARI
12 B- Cincinnati Bengals CIN LV
13 C+ Tennessee Titans TEN NE
14 C Houston Texans HOU NYJ
15 C Green Bay Packers GB DET
16 C Cleveland Browns CLE LAC
17 C- Denver Broncos DEN BAL
18 D+ Detroit Lions DET GB
19 D Seattle Seahawks SEA LAR
20 D Arizona Cardinals ARI CHI
21 D Atlanta Falcons ATL DAL
22 D Dallas Cowboys DAL ATL
23 D- Tampa Bay Buccaneers TB KC
24 F Los Angeles Rams LAR SEA
25 F Indianapolis Colts IND MIN
26 F Carolina Panthers CAR NO
27 F Miami Dolphins MIA BUF
28 F New York Giants NYG WAS
29 F Jacksonville Jaguars JAC PHI
30 F Las Vegas Raiders LV CIN

 

Week 9 Kicker Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 9
1 A+ Brandon Aubrey DAL ATL
2 A- Younghoe Koo ATL DAL
3 B+ Austin Seibert WAS NYG
4 B Harrison Butker KC TB
5 B- Will Reichard MIN IND
6 C+ Justin Tucker BAL DEN
7 C+ Ka’imi Fairbairn HOU NYJ
8 C Cameron Dicker LAC CLE
9 C Jake Elliott PHI JAC
10 C Tyler Bass BUF MIA
11 C Jake Bates DET GB
12 C Evan McPherson CIN LV
13 C Wil Lutz DEN BAL
14 C Chad Ryland ARI CHI
15 C Jason Myers SEA LAR
16 C Chase McLaughlin TB KC
17 C Jason Sanders MIA BUF
18 C- Dustin Hopkins CLE LAC
19 C- Joshua Karty LAR SEA
20 D+ Brandon McManus GB DET
21 D+ Cairo Santos CHI ARI
22 D Blake Grupe NO CAR
23 D Daniel Carlson LV CIN
24 D Matt Gay IND MIN
25 D Greg Zuerlein NYJ HOU
26 D Cam Little JAC PHI
27 D- Greg Joseph NYG WAS
28 D- Joey Slye NE TEN
29 F Nick Folk TEN NE
30 F Eddy Pineiro CAR NO