Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 9
With Week Eight in the books and Week Nine, some players have established themselves as a top-tier fantasy option while others have not lived up to the hype. This week, we will look at the underhyped players who have a chance to exceed expectations this week and some overhyped players who will fall short of predictions.
Start ‘Em
Ladd McConkey WR, Chargers
McConkey is coming off his best performance this season with 111 yards receiving and two touchdowns. On top of this, McConkey has consistently gotten at least six targets every week besides one. The Chargers will face the Browns whose secondary has been torched throughout the season, allowing the sixth most fantasy points to wide receivers. McConkey is a must-start in all leagues this week.
Jaylen Waddle, WR Dolphins
This may come as a shock to many considering Waddle has been abysmal over the past five to six weeks, but with Tua back, Waddle is bound for a breakout game. We already saw an improvement last week with Waddle receiving six targets in Tuas first game back, and it is only going to get better from here. We believe Waddle will exceed expectations significantly this week in this rivalry matchup against the Bills.
Tony Pollard, RB Titans
Pollard has certainly exceeded expectations so far this year, having five 14+ fantasy point weeks. Pollard even had a solid game last week against a tough Lions defense with 114 all-purpose yards. The Titans will be facing the Patriots who have allowed the 5th most rushing yards to running backs as well as 10+ rushing touchdowns this season. Pollard is already a lock for 15 points, and this week he has even more upside against the Patriots. Pollard is a must-start option.
Sit ‘Em
The Entire Buccaneers’ Backfield
Whether it is White, Irving, or Tucker, you should be sitting in the Bucs backfield. White and Irving have been solid as a two-man committee so far this season, but that in itself limits the upside for each of these players. On top of this, the Bucs will be going up against one of the top defenses in football, the Chiefs. They have allowed the least rushing yards in the league by far and held some of the top running backs like Derrick Henry, Bijan Robinson, Jordan Mason, and Alvin Kamara under 50 rushing yards. Given these stats, you can not trust any Tampa RB this week.
Zay Flowers, WR Ravens
This sit might be a shock to some considering he came off of a big game last week, but this matchup against the Broncos should not be taken lightly. The Broncos have an extremely underrated defense, especially their secondary who have shut down receivers like Mike Evans, Garret Wilson, and DK Metcalf. On top of this, Flowers will most likely be up against Pat Surtain II, one of the top CBs in the NFL. The Ravens trading for Dionate Johnson does not help the matter since Lamar will have more mouths to feed in this stacked Ravens offense.
Travis Etienne, RB Jaguars
Etienne has had a tough season thus far, riddled with injury and disappointing performances. He is trending towards returning this week after a hamstring injury he suffered earlier on. Etienne doesn’t have a desirable matchup either, going against a strong Eagles defense that has allowed the sixth-fewest points to RBs this season. Etienne’s status should be monitored throughout the week, but tread with caution if he is good to go for Sunday.
That wraps up the CBA Digital Network starts and sits for Week 9 of the NFL season, stay tuned for more of these every week of the regular season.
