Week 9 Players I Like in Fantasy Football

Each week, I’ll look to spotlight players and defenses that I think have a strong matchup that should allow them to deliver more than expected. However, this isn’t intended as a blanket endorsement to play a fringe player ahead of an established stud—for example, even if I call a plus matchup for Cam Ward, it doesn’t mean he should be played ahead of Josh Allen—so always consider your own lineup alternatives.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at Week 9:

Quarterbacks

Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins

Although they’ve gotten a little better since coming back from the bye, the Detroit Lions have still allowed the most touchdowns and passing yards per game this season. Detroit has also been plagued by injuries, thinning out a suspect defense. Willis and head coach Jeff Hafley should have some good insight on the Lions from their time in Green Bay. Plus, if the Lions build a lead, Willis could have a chance to post some garbage time numbers.

I want something else

• JJ McCarthy, New York Giants: McCarthy returns from a week off to face a struggling Philadelphia Eagles defense that ranks in the bottom 10 in fantasy points allowed to QBs.
• Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams: Three games under 225 yards passing for Stafford. The Washington Commanders have given up 258 yards and 2.1 TDs per game this year.
• Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers: The week off should help the 49ers’ passing game rebound, as it should against a Las Vegas Raiders defense that is one of only two in the NFL to give up more than 2,000 yards passing and 18 touchdowns.

Running Backwards

Jonah Coleman, Denver Broncos

You don’t want to overreact in a game, but it looks like Coleman outplayed JK Dobbins was cooking before Coleman went on IR. He returned in Week 8 to log 104 yards and a TD on 15 touches—for comparison, Dobbins posted a 7-13-0 line. The rookie will face the NFL’s second-worst defense this Sunday with the Carolina Panthers allowing 143 yards and 1.6 TDs per game to opposing running backs.

I want something else

• Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts: Taylor is coming off a brutal 23-yard effort in Week 8. He can rebound this week against the Dallas Cowboys, who rank 29th in rushing yards this year. The only concern is whether the Colts are limiting Taylor before a possible trade.
• Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns: Judkins has been inconsistent, but he will face the New Orleans Saints in Week 9. NOLA has allowed the most fantasy points per game among RBs in 2026.
• Woody Marks, Houston Texans: It’s unclear if David Montgomery (groin) will return this week, but Mark should be leading the way either way. He drew a plus matchup against the winless Los Angeles Chargers, giving up 131 yards per game at the position.

Wide Receiver

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

It’s been a rough run for Jefferson, who has finished with less than 50 yards in three of his last four games. He could be in line for a big game this Monday, however, against the Buffalo Bills. Despite playing in seven games, Buffalo allowed an NFL-high 11 touchdowns to wideouts. It’s possible Kyler Murray (hamstring) won’t play, but I’m not convinced Carson Wentz is the better option when it comes to Jefferson’s numbers.

I want something else

• Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers: Only the Eagles have allowed more fantasy points to WRs this year than the Texans, giving the now-healthy McConkey a chance for a big day.
• Caleb Douglas, Miami Dolphins: That Detroit secondary has given up 176 yards per game to receivers this year. It’s hard to know which Dolphins to favor, but Douglas has been the most explosive.
• Malachi Fields, New York Giants: While Malik Nabers should give Philadelphia a fit, there may be enough left for Fields to deliver playmaking value as well.

Tight Ends

Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

Facing two of the NFL’s toughest defenses when it comes to limiting tight ends over the past two weeks, LaPorta was held to just four catches for a combined 51 yards. His chance to get back on track will come in Week 9 against Miami. Unless LaPorta finds a way to make plays in Detroit’s defense, the Dolphins are about as good as he gets—Miami has given up 69 yards per game and six TDs to the TE in seven games.

I want something else

• Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams: LA’s passing game has been limping since Davante Adams (hamstring) went down. The Washington Commanders offer a break, giving up 75 yards and 1.1 TDs per game at the position.
• Greg Dulcich, Miami Dolphins: The Lions remain the worst defense against tight ends by a mile. That includes allowing a touchdown to TJ Hockenson in Week 8.

Defensive Teams

• Jacksonville Jaguars: Injuries are forcing the Baltimore Ravens to start Joe Fagnano (ankle) on a short week against Jacksonville’s offensive defense.
• Houston Texans: The Chargers don’t seem to have resolved anything with their bye. Justin Herbert threw two picks in Week 8, giving LA an NFL-high 17 turnovers this season.
• New Orleans Saints: Cleveland has given up 33 sacks this year. No other team in the NFL has allowed more than 23.