I’m sure you’re wondering where last week’s picks went. In short answer, we have bye weeks too. It came at a great time too, as many of our selections have went south over the past few weeks. After seven days of hand massages, eye stimulation, and pure relaxation, we are back to give you the best picks and analysis for the rest of the way. Here’s our picks for Week 9.
Brandon’s Picks:
Two players you should start this week:
Derek Carr – While last few weeks have been nothing but rough for the Las Vegas Raiders, there is reason to have hope in #4. Carr has been a very consistent quarterback play this season. The former Fresno State star has scored at least 19 fantasy points in 5 out of 7 games this season. Despite the departures of head coach Jon Gruden and receiver Henry Ruggs III, the Raiders still have a favorable matchup against a Giants secondary that has allowed the 11th-most passing yards and 6th-most passing touchdowns to opposing QB’s. Look for Carr to continue his success against a weak New York secondary on Sunday.
Tyler Higbee – Having the NFL’s MVP favorite throwing you the football is a blessing. For Higbee, he has found a resurgence in his career thanks to confidence from head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford. The fifth-year veteran has averaged 4.5 targets per game despite competing with the league’s leading receiver in Cooper Kupp. While Higbee has not scored a touchdown since Week 5, the Titans have given up almost two touchdowns per game through the air. Considering Tennessee has struggled against the “Empty” formation all season, a matchup against the best “Empty” formation team brings too much allure for Higbee to be on the bench this week.
Two players you should sit this week:
Darrel Williams – Where has the 2020 Chiefs went? Where is MVP Patrick Mahomes? Until these questions are answered, it is hard to have faith in Kansas City’s offense. While the scoring has still been reliable at 26.0 points per game (29.6 PPG in 2020), the turnovers have increased tremendously at 19 already this season (17 TO in all of 2020). While this isn’t directly Darrel Williams fault, he is paying the price for it. The Chiefs have been looking to all their offensive weapons trying to get a grip on a clean offense. Williams may be number one on the depth chart, but the considerable touches to Jerick McKinnon and Derrick Gore have me concerned for his workload against a motivated Packers defense.
DeVonta Smith – The former Heisman trophy winner has been inconsistent this season when it comes to fantasy football. Is this his fault? No, nor should it be. Smith has been trying to find an amplified role in a Philadelphia offense that hasn’t found an identity yet though 8 games. Out of 3 home games so far this season, the rookie has only scored more than 5.1 points once. Facing a Chargers defense coming off a tough loss to New England, I could personally see this game leaning towards a shootout between Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert. Though this sounds great for Smith, the young, electric LA defense does bring concern for takeaways affecting the Eagles passing game in Week 9.
One player you could stream this week:
Tajae Sharpe – The Falcon’s offense may seem frightening after hearing Calvin Ridley will opt out the remainder of the season. Out of the remaining pass catchers, it is surprising to see the former practice squad player in Kansas City stepping up as the rumored number one receiver in Atlanta. While Sharpe will face a tough Saints secondary this week, it wouldn’t surprise me if Sharpe gets his first touchdown in a game that seems too lobsided on paper. If you need an emergency WR option with a “home run” ceiling, look at Sharpe who is available in over 94% of ESPN leagues.
Austin’s Picks:
Two players you should start this week:
Zack Moss – Buffalo is the clear frontrunner coming out of the AFC. They will look to be scoring big in Jacksonville and go on cruise control early in the game. This will be great for Moss regardless if Buffalo is up big or down, they run the ball and will not shy away from it. Moss is the clear better back to Devin Singletary and gets more touches through the passing game, with the injuries Buffalo is dealing with, Moss will look to take advantage of an easy Jacksonville defense that looks lost on the field.
Hunter Renfrow – The Raiders have been in the news a lot recently with everything that happened with Gruden and now Henry Ruggs, but that has not stopped Renfrow from being arguably one of the most consistent wide receivers in fantasy. Renfrow averages 12.8 pts/game and only has one game under 10 points. Derek Carr, as Brandon said, is a must start, so why not start his veteran receiver who Carr can count on especially against a weaker Giants defense who will focus more on the run and doubling Darren Waller?
Two players you should sit this week:
Kyle Pitts – Now I know you are probably thinking, why would I sit Pitts? This is dumb, but he plays New Orleans and they have been one of the best fantasy defenses and have covered tight ends very well. New Orleans is sixth overall against tight ends and Atlanta’s depleted offense will put a lot of pressure on their rookie to catch the football and make big plays. I would not be shocked if the Saints double Pitts with their successful pass rush and have Marcus Lattimore shadow Pitts.
Ryan Tannehill – Sunday night football would be more interesting if the weight of Tennessee’s season didn’t rest on Tannehill’s shoulders, but now with Derrick Henry out of the mix, Tannehill is going to struggle. Especially since he plays a loaded Rams defense who before was great and now, they have Von Miller who will be paired with Aaron Donald. Let’s just say quarterbacks won’t be looking forward to running for their lives. Without much offensive steam in his receivers as of late, Tannehill will struggle to throw and have much of an impact against a top ten now top five defense.
One player you could stream this week:
Bryan Edwards – With Henry Ruggs’ departure, Edwards should see a more increased role and be able to keep pace with what Ruggs was doing. It could be worth a shot with tough bye weeks and teams with nothing to lose.