Week 9 Fantasy Football Rankings and Key Matchups: Expert Picks and Injury Updates

As Week 9 of the NFL season approaches, fantasy football managers are gearing up to make crucial decisions for their lineups. Here are some key rankings, matchups, and injury updates to help guide your choices.

The wide receiver position is particularly deep this week, but it also presents challenging start-or-sit decisions. According to RotoBaller, Cedric Tillman of the Cleveland Browns is on a breakout streak, having caught 15 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns in the last two games since Amari Cooper was traded to the Buffalo Bills. However, Tillman faces a tough matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, who allow the second-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing receivers.

Romeo Doubs of the Green Bay Packers is another receiver to watch, having produced double-digit fantasy points in each of his last three games. His continued success is contingent on Jordan Love playing, as Doubs’s value would drop significantly if Malik Willis starts instead.

In the running back department, D'Andre Swift of the Chicago Bears has rebounded strongly after a slow start to the season. Since Week 4, Swift has been the RB4 overall and RB3 on a points-per-game basis. He faces the Arizona Cardinals, who allow the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, making him a strong consideration for Week 9 lineups.

Chase Brown is highlighted as a must-start running back this week, facing the Las Vegas Raiders who are 25th against running backs. Brown’s performance against weaker opponents has been impressive, and he is expected to have a significant impact in this matchup.

Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts remains a top pick despite a tough matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, who are stout against the run. Taylor’s consistency and the upgrade to quarterback Flacco make him a must-start.

At the tight end position, Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs is back at the top, and Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders continues to be a reliable option regardless of the Raiders’ starting quarterback.

Injury updates are also crucial for Week 9. Key injuries include DK Metcalf being ruled out, Tee Higgins listed as doubtful, and Jordan Whittington questionable with a shoulder injury. On the positive side, Calvin Ridley is off the injury report, and Tyreek Hill is expected to play.

SportsLine‘s advanced computer model, which has simulated the entire Week 9 NFL schedule 10,000 times, provides comprehensive rankings and predictions. The model has a proven track record of beating human experts in fantasy football rankings and is a valuable resource for making informed decisions.