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QUARTERBACKS:
START: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Matchup: vs. Redskins
Week 9 Stats: 4 Passing TD, 243 Passing YDS, 2 INT, 23 Rushing YDS, 24 PTS
The Fitzmagic is back, Ryan Fitzpatrick delivered last week against Carolina, throwing for four touchdowns in a nail-biting defeat. This week he faces a Redskins’ defense that has struggled defending the deep ball all season and has allowed opposing QB’s to run rampant. This one could get going right at the jump for the former Harvard star, and look for him to put up one of his best showings of 2018.
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SIT: Matt Stafford, Detroit Lions
Matchup: @ Bears
Week 9 Stats: 199 Passing YDS, 1 Fumble, 6.6 PTS
After being sacked ten times on Sunday afternoon, Matt Stafford now faces the the preeminent pass rush in the NFC North. Stafford has only amassed 20 FPTS twice this season. The trade of Golden Tate has sapped the Lions’ offense. This is not the week to start the former number one pick.
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RUNNING BACKS:
START: Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers
Matchup: vs. Dolphins
Week 9 Stats: 76 Rushing YDS, 2 Receptions, 10 Receiving YDS, 1 Fumble, 8.6 PTS
After being given the reins to the ground game, Aaron Jones is ready to put the league on notice against a putrid Dolphins defense that has allowed the fourth most RB FPTS this season. After losing a fumble on Sunday Night Football that decided the Packers’ fate, I’m expecting an onslaught from both Aarons this Sunday, and Jones becomes a must-start option.
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SIT: Leonard Fournette
Matchup: @ Colts
Leonard Fournette is expected to return this Sunday after missing six of the Jaguars’ past seven contests. With the addition of Carlos Hyde to the running back corp in Jacksonville, I don't expect Doug Marrone to throw the former LSU star right back into the fire, and expect him to bring him back gradually to preserve his health going into the remainder of the season.
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WIDE RECEIVERS:
START: Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals
Matchup: vs. Saints
With A.J. Green sidelined for the foreseeable future, Tyler Boyd becomes the top option on the outside for Andy Dalton. The Saints have allowed the most FPTS to receivers this season and while I don't expect Andy Dalton to air it out any more than usual, Boyd gets a boost after two weeks of prepping for this matchup during the Bengals’ bye.
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SIT: Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans
Matchup: vs. Patriots
Week 9 Stats: 6 Receptions, 56 Receiving YDS, 12 PTS
The former first round pick has caught less than 50% of his targets over the past three contests. It doesn't help Corey Davis’ fantasy value that he is constantly shadowed by the opposing teams’ best cornerback. Already this season he’s matched up against Jalen Ramsey, Tre’Davious White, Casey Hayward, and this week he gets to see Stephon Gilmore. I’m keeping him on the bench this week and going forward.
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TIGHT ENDS:
START: George Kittle
Matchup: vs. Giants
Week 9 Stats: 4 Receptions, 108 YDS, 1 TD, 20.8 PTS
George Kittle is one of only three tight ends this season to post 20-plus FPTS in three or more outings. He has become one of the elite options at the position in only his second season. Look for him to light it up on Monday Night Football before the 49ers go into their bye week.
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SIT: Jared Cook, Oakland Raiders
Matchup: vs. Chargers
Week 9 Stats: 2 Receptions, 20 YDS, 4 PTS
Jared Cook’s early season explosion has subsided and he has turned into the largely boom-or-bust option that most people expected him to be coming into the season. With the questions concerning the Raiders at the quarterback position, none of their offense skill players should be trusted going down the stretch unless their is a major shift in production.
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THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Carolina Panthers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Panthers:
Cam Newton: Start
Christian McCaffrey: Start
Devin Funchess: Flex
D.J. Moore: Sit
Greg Olsen: Start
Panthers D/ST: Sit
Steelers:
Ben Roethlisberger: Start
James Conner: Start
Antonio Brown: Start
JuJu Smith-Schuster: Start
Vance McDonald: Sit
Steelers D/ST: Sit