Fantasy managers navigating Week 9 will find some relief as only two teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans, are on a bye week. However, building a winning lineup comes with major challenges, particularly for anyone relying on Baltimore Ravens players following injuries to their top two quarterbacks. With a short week leading into a matchup at Jacksonville, key offensive pieces face significant hurdles.
Quarterback and Running Back Risers to Target
Several key players are trending upward in the Week 9 fantasy football projections, making them prime candidates for starting lineups. Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions benefits directly from a favorable upcoming matchup against the Miami Dolphins, a defense surrendering the fifth-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is also climbing back into the top 10 quarterbacks, showing his best efficiency since 2022 alongside a healthy Rashee Rice ahead of a game against the New York Jets.
In the backfield, Jonah Coleman of the Denver Broncos has rapidly emerged as the clear lead running back. Coleman commanded a 67.9% snap share, a 47.8% rush share, and a 17.2% target share in Week 8, and now faces a plus matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, Tyler Allgeier of the Arizona Cardinals enters the conversation as a top waiver wire priority. With Jeremiyah Love and Zonovan Knight sustaining injuries in Week 8, Allgeier projects for roughly 19 touches.
Wide Receiver and Tight End Standouts
Passing game risers include Jameson Williams of the Lions, who maintains a strong 2.8% target share over the last two games following a push from coach Dan Campbell. Williams faces a Dolphins defense vulnerable to big plays. At tight end, rookie Eli Raridon of the New England Patriots stands to gain immense value. With Hunter Henry expected to miss Week 9 due to a foot injury, Raridon could operate as the full-time TE1 and serve as a primary option for Drake Maye against Green Bay.
Major Fantasy Football Fallers for Week 9
- Geno Smith: Faces a tough road game at Arrowhead against the Kansas City Chiefs defense after a strong outing in Week 8.
- Derrick Henry: Struggling with 60 or fewer yards from scrimmage in three straight games and facing a top-tier run defense on Thursday night.
- Ashton Jeanty: Saw only two rush attempts in Week 8 while Mike Washington Jr. handled 25, though Jeanty retains value in PPR formats as a pass-catcher.
- Zay Flowers: Coming off a zero-point fantasy outing and facing a Jacksonville defense likely with a third-string quarterback.
- Kyle Pitts: Limited to four targets per game with low efficiency, heading into a matchup against the Denver Broncos defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams are on a bye in Week 9?
Only the Steelers and the Titans are on a bye during Week 9.
Why is Jonah Coleman a running back riser?
Coleman seized the clear lead-back role for the Broncos in Week 8 with a 67.9% snap share and now faces a favorable matchup against the Panthers.
What happened to Hunter Henry?
Henry left Week 8 with a foot injury and is not expected to play in Week 9, opening the door for rookie tight end Eli Raridon.