Fantasy Football Week 9: Key Players and Predictions

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The stakes of the 2025 fantasy football season are rising as teams head into Week 9. Performance now can significantly impact playoff prospects, making strategic decisions crucial for fantasy managers.

One notable figure in fantasy analysis, Matt Okada of NFL.com, has highlighted the potential of rookie running back Kyle Monangai. Initially projecting high numbers for D'Andre Swift, Okada swiftly altered his focus to Monangai after Swift was sidelined with a groin injury.

“Cincinnati has surrendered 15-plus fantasy points to 11 running backs in just eight games,” Okada observed. He originally claimed that Swift could exceed 150 scrimmage yards and score over 25 fantasy points. However, with Monangai now taking the lead, he predicts that Monangai has a solid chance to achieve similar numbers this week.

Monangai, despite only having 42 carries in his professional career, could thrive in this opportunity. Okada predicts that Monangai will finish with approximately 18 carries for 85 yards, 4 receptions for 30 yards, and 1 rushing touchdown.

Across the league, managers face critical decisions, especially those with players on bye weeks this week, including the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets. Each matchup can be decisive for playoff positioning, intensifying the pressure for teams at 4-4 or worse.

On the quarterback front, Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts is emerging as an interesting choice for managers. After recent performances, he is set to face a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that ranks near the bottom in fantasy points allowed.

Additionally, under-the-radar running backs like Kimani Vidal of the Los Angeles Chargers and rookie Zonovan Knight of the Arizona Cardinals have solid matchups that could yield substantial points this week.

As teams brace for the stretch run toward the playoffs, the implications of their choices loom large.