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Week 9 2025 who should I start thread **OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL** (9 Viewers)

With Hurts on bye...I need a QB filler this week. Slim pickens on the WW for me...

Tua vs BAL
Stroud vs DEN
Lawrence @ LV
Rodgers vs IND

Right now I'm leaning towards Tua - which are words I never thought I'd say.

Standard Scoring - 6pt TD

------------------
ETA...I asked Gemini if Tua is a good start this week, and this is AI's reply:
No, Tua Tagovailoa is likely not a good start this week, as he faces a tough matchup against the Ravens' improving defense and has a historically poor record on Thursday Night Football. While he is coming off a strong performance, many analysts recommend sitting him for a more reliable option. He may be an option in deep leagues or as a QB2 if you are in a pinch, but the risk outweighs the reward for most fantasy managers.

Reasons to be cautious
  • Tough opponent: The Ravens are getting healthier and limited the Bears to just 16 points and zero passing touchdowns in their last game.
  • Thursday night struggles: Tua has a 0-4 record all-time on Thursday Night Football, suggesting the short week is a major disadvantage for him.
  • Risk of inconsistency: After a strong performance against the Falcons, there's a risk of a regression given his past struggles and the Ravens' strong defensive effort.

Who to consider instead
  • ** Sam Darnold**: Is playing well against a favorable matchup against Washington.
  • ** Aaron Rodgers**: Offers a solid option against a weak Colts defense.
  • ** J.J. McCarthy**: While not as established, he is a viable option who has a good matchup against the Lions.
 
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PPR League. Basically wondering if I should start M. Washington tonight over these two guys:

* T. Franklin @HOU -- Lousy matchup, but he's getting the targets from his Oregon boy Nix and can get deep.

* A. Pierce @PIT -- Great matchup and an even better one if Downs sits out.

Malik seems like a low ceiling play, but Tua only has a narrow distribution tree.

Stick with Franklin or Pierce? Or squeeze Malik in there?

Thanks
You know it's a W.A.G. with guys like this but, I like Franklin here. His volume is fairly consistent and he's starting to hit deep, finally. I imagine Stingley will be on Sutton more often than not and that may be enough to see Franklin become more of a focus in the passing game.

Washington is fine but, I agree that he seems like a low ceiling option in that offense.

Pierce is all about the big play IMO. I need to see another 8-10 target game before I start believing he's a consistent option on that offense or the 4-5 target guy he's always been.

It is a plus matchup and, dude can get deep...

Franklin>Pierce>Washington
 
0.5 PPR, Need a Flex

T. Hunter at LV Raiders
R. Dowdle at Green Bay
I wish it was full PPR or non-ppr, this half point thing makes it tough.

Love Hunter's matchup and, I believe BTJ is wearing a harness for his shoulder (trust but verify). I also think Hunter is going to see more snaps on offense in general going forward. He could have 10-12 targets. Not sure that amounts to much with Lawrence at QB but, volume is king.

Dowdle has been amazing, maybe he really does see more ops than Chuba... Maybe not. It's also a brutal matchup. Teams don't run against GB for a reason.

Being a Raider fan I am conditioned to assume the Jags will roll them so...

Hunter>Dowdle
 
With Hurts on bye...I need a QB filler this week. Slim pickens on the WW for me...

Tua vs BAL
Stroud vs DEN
Lawrence @ LV
Rodgers vs IND

Right now I'm leaning towards Tua - which are words I never thought I'd say.

Standard Scoring - 6pt TD

------------------
ETA...I asked Gemini if Tua is a good start this week, and this is AI's reply:
No, Tua Tagovailoa is likely not a good start this week, as he faces a tough matchup against the Ravens' improving defense and has a historically poor record on Thursday Night Football. While he is coming off a strong performance, many analysts recommend sitting him for a more reliable option. He may be an option in deep leagues or as a QB2 if you are in a pinch, but the risk outweighs the reward for most fantasy managers.

Reasons to be cautious
  • Tough opponent: The Ravens are getting healthier and limited the Bears to just 16 points and zero passing touchdowns in their last game.
  • Thursday night struggles: Tua has a 0-4 record all-time on Thursday Night Football, suggesting the short week is a major disadvantage for him.
  • Risk of inconsistency: After a strong performance against the Falcons, there's a risk of a regression given his past struggles and the Ravens' strong defensive effort.

Who to consider instead
  • ** Sam Darnold**: Is playing well against a favorable matchup against Washington.
  • ** Aaron Rodgers**: Offers a solid option against a weak Colts defense.
  • ** J.J. McCarthy**: While not as established, he is a viable option who has a good matchup against the Lions.
My impulse is Lawrence because of the matchup and, he has the ability to run well when he needs to.

But, Tua does have two or more TD passes in 5 of 8 games (Lawrence in only 3 of 7).

Rodgers has multi TDs in 5 of 7 games and is leading the league in TD% believe it or not. He also has two 4 TD games but he seems to feast on lesser teams which, Indy is not.

It's a tough choice from uninspiring options.

For me
Lawrence>Favre>Tua

But that's mostly a hunch.
 
PPR

I need 2 RB 1 FLX

C Brown vs CHI
Warren vs IND
Dowdle @ GB
D Adams vs NO
K Allen @ TEN
I think it depends on Flacco. He is trending up so:

I like what Brown is doing since Flacco arrived.and he has the best matchup.

Warren and Dowdle both have tough matchups but, I am more confident in Warren's utilization and, when in doubt go with the home team.

Davante and Keenan are kind of a push but, I like them both more than Dowdle this week.

I lean Davante because he's at home and, maybe Puka is still limited.

Brown>Warren>Davante>Keenan>Dowdle
 
I'll start:

Need one QB
Caleb Williams @ CIN
Sam Darnold @ WAS

PPR looking for a TE:
Schultz v DEN
Pitts @ NE

PPR need two Flex players:
BTJ @ LV
Jameson v MIN
Chuba @ GB
C.Watson v CAR

Currently I have Caleb in because CIN still has a slightly worse pass defense than WAS.

I think I will go with Pitts at TE but a lot depends on the status of lots of guys like Penix, London, Nico & Kirk

I have BTJ and Jameson in as my flex. Chuba has a tough matchup and Rico may see a bigger share this week. Watson showed up strong on Sunday, coming close to a TD too but, I do worry about consistency from the GB passing game.
Agree at QB. Caleb has the better matchup and also offers rushing upside.

I think Pitts is the call at TE. Texans are getting Nico and Kirk back this week.

Agree on Thomas and Williams at flex. Thomas sees too many targets not to stick with. Not ready to start Watson yet, and I think Dowdle starts pulling away from Chuba. Williams has the highest ceiling, and his OC is sorta telegraphing a squeaky wheel week.
League 2 SF & PPR:

Lamar @ MIA
D.Jones @ PIT
Nix @ Hou

I think I have to roll with Lamar but, no idea who to bench between Jones & Nix.

PPR I need 2 Flex spots:
JCM v SEA
Rico @ GB
Rhamondre v ATL
T. Henderson v ATL
BTJ @ LV
Jakobi v JAC
Jameson v MIN

I think I have BTJ as one flex because of matchup, stubbornness and, all the other options have question marks too. I have Rhamondre penciled in as my 2nd flex. He had a down game but still saw a 74% snap share (21% for Henderson) and 16 opportunites (10 for Henderson) and has a nice matchup. Rico seems like a good option if we are to believe Coen's comments but, teams don't run on Green Bay (1st in rush attempts against, 3rd in yards against, 5th in TDs against, 4th in ypc against).

Just a buncha guys I can make arguments for and against.
Lamar is an autostart whenever he's active. Given the matchup, I'd go Jones over Nix. The Steel Curtain has been more like the Shower Curtain this season.
Here's a big one:
FFPC scoring:

Need THREE,yes THREE of the following:

A.Jones @ Det

R.Dowdle @ GB

X.Worthy @ Buff

D.Samuel vs Sea

W.Robinson vs SF

C.Watson vs Car
Deebo is my 1st choice out of that group. He's had pretty clear splits without McLaurin, and with Daniels, who I think is playing. I think Worthy is my 2nd choice in a likely shootout. Lastly, I think I go Dowdle, as the HC has stated that Dowdle has been the better RB.
Standard scoring, non-ppr leagues:

Choose between:
Travis Etienne vs LV - Coming off a bye; Raiders run D is middle of the road; production has slowed since the beginning of the year
Chase Brown vs CHI - Coming off a 2 TD performance on limited volume as Perrine is gaining snap share

and...Choose 1 of:

Tee Higgins vs LV - Only 1 catch last week for 44yds and a TD off of 2 targets
Chris Olave vs NO - Hasn't been great in non-ppr but has a decent floor due to volume
Deebo Samuel vs SEA - An absolute stinker on Monday night with Marriota at QB

Thank you
I'd go Etienne over Brown. More likely volume, and the Raiders might be a disaster right now, especially on defense with likely no Crosby.

As long as Flacco is playing, I'd go Higgins here. Bears CB room is a mess.
Non-ppr scoring

Just the two dilemmas this week, need one of the following

KW3 @ Commanders
T.McMillan @ Packers
Z.Flowers @ Dolphins
T.Tracy vs Niners
K.Hunt @ Bills

Also which of these TEs (likely stay McBride while Brissett is QB)

McBride @ Cowboys
Gadsden @ Titans
Have to start Flowers with Lamar back, and Miami having PS guys going on IR at CB.

Gadsden has been impressive, but I'm not even close to ready to start him over McBride regardless of Cardinals QB, especially against Dallas.
.5 PPR I need a TE with Goedert on bye. Thanks for your input:

Theo vs SF
Ertz vs Sea
Loveland @ Cinn
Keep an eye on Kmet's status, if he's out I think Loveland is the play. If Kmet is playing, I'd go Ertz, assuming Daniels is playing. If Kmet is in. and Daniels is out, then I can see Johnson.
QB:
Daniels vs Seahawks. Not a good match-up, but should be competitive game.
Indiana Jones @ Pitt. Neutral game script, my opponent has JT so maybe offset for any long screen TD
Murray vs Dallas. Picked him up off waivers to stymie my opponent who has Stroud as his QB. Now wondering if he’s the play in a plus matchup.

Flex:
Keenan Allen vs Tenn. This could be over quick and Vidal getting the close out. How many TD passes will be around for that stable of catchers !!?
Spears vs Chargers. Will be the guy in for pass heavy mode which lines up for game script.

Thanks !
Might be a little bold, but I think I go with Murray. Dallas D is a sieve.

I'd go Allen over Spears. Chargers WRs are a bit whack a mole, but I'd trust that over a RBBC guy in a bad offense.
0.5 PPR league #1:
  • TE:
    • Andrews vs. Dolphins (TNF)
    • Loveland vs. Bengals
    • J. Johnson vs. Rams
    • Henry vs. Falcons
0.5 PPR league #2:
  • QB:
    • Daniels (If healthy) vs. Seahawks (SNF)
    • Jones vs. Steelers
  • Flex:
    • Dowdle vs. Packers
    • Kamara vs. Rams
    • Pearsall (If healthy) vs. Giants
I'd sit Andrews until we know he's not just TD or bust, worst case, you still have that guy in Henry. If Kmet is out, I'm starting Loveland, otherwise pivot to Henry.

I'd roll with Daniels over Jones. Just too great a chance its another 3-TD Taylor game.

I'd just roll with Dowdle at flex, and hope Canales is telling the truth about seeing him as better than Hubbard.
Welp Terry was just ruled out again. I need a new flex, 0.5 PPR:
  • Jauan Jennings vs. Giants
  • Charbonnet vs. Commanders
I'd go Charbonnet. Jennings hasn't shown anything in weeks, while Charbonnet is a TD threat in every game.
Quick one, non-ppr

Dowdle @ Packers
KW3 @ Commanders
Very close, but I lean Walker due to the better matchup. In some ways this is the "this is the same picture" meme.
NON-PPR need a flex:

Deebo vs Seahawks - (Terry out)
BJT @ Raiders
Pollard vs Chargers
No McLaurin means go Deebo to me.
In a league I really need a win (tier leagues, bottom two get relegated down a tier, so you lose your team) I’m in 7th, playing the 9th place team out of 10.
I need to start 3, PPR, SF
Jameson vs Vikings
Hunter at raiders
MH jr at cowboys
Charbonet at commanders
Dike vs chargers (opponent has ward fwiw)

Lineup currently:
Dart, McCarthy (fwiw, I have hurts but on bye)
Achane
Jameson
Kraft
K Walker
Bowers
Hunter
MH jr

Other somewhat viable options include Ollie Gordon, Keon Coleman, pearsall (appears to not be healthy)
I'd go Charbonnet over Jameson, just better TD odds, and Jamo doesn't really add much in PPR. Othe than that I agree.
Which Seattle RB? 0.5 PPR

Walker at Commanders
Charbonnet at Commanders
I'd lean Charbonnet as he seems to be the GL back of choice. Very much 51-49 though.
.25 PPR

Pick 2:

Waddle vs Ravens
Jaylen Warren vs Indy
Devante Adams vs Saints
Adams is an auto start right now. I lean Waddle over Warren, as I think both could be in chase scripts and that favors Waddle to me. Waddle is WR4 in PPG since Hill went out, if you don't count the Browns game.
Thoughts on who I should swap?

WRs: Pittman and Addison; have Allen, Moore and Tucker on bench
RBs: McCaffrey and Brown along with Tracy at Flex; have Bam Knight on bench
TE: Kraft with Ferguson on bench
I'm probably gonna be in the minority, but I'd sit Chase Brown for Bam Knight. Dallas D can't stop anything. Bears are much more vulnerable in the air than on the ground.
1 pt PPR…

Hubbard @ Green Bay
Aaron Jones @ Detroit
I'd go with Jones here. Another week healthier, and Lions could be a big chase script.
PPR League. Basically wondering if I should start M. Washington tonight over these two guys:

* T. Franklin @HOU -- Lousy matchup, but he's getting the targets from his Oregon boy Nix and can get deep.

* A. Pierce @PIT -- Great matchup and an even better one if Downs sits out.

Thanks
I would stick with one of America's worst Presidents of all-time in Franklin Pierce.
0.5 PPR, Need a Flex

T. Hunter at LV Raiders
R. Dowdle at Green Bay
I'm not ready to trust Hunter yet. I'd roll with Dowdle.
 
PPR

I need 2 RB 1 FLX

C Brown vs CHI
Warren vs IND
Dowdle @ GB
D Adams vs NO
K Allen @ TEN
Adams is a lock at the flex spot. Congrats on having 2 WRs better than Adams.

I'd go Warren and Brown at RB. Just more predictable workloads, in addition to likely better matchups.
With Hurts on bye...I need a QB filler this week. Slim pickens on the WW for me...

Tua vs BAL
Stroud vs DEN
Lawrence @ LV
Rodgers vs IND

Right now I'm leaning towards Tua - which are words I never thought I'd say.

Standard Scoring - 6pt TD

------------------
ETA...I asked Gemini if Tua is a good start this week, and this is AI's reply:
No, Tua Tagovailoa is likely not a good start this week, as he faces a tough matchup against the Ravens' improving defense and has a historically poor record on Thursday Night Football. While he is coming off a strong performance, many analysts recommend sitting him for a more reliable option. He may be an option in deep leagues or as a QB2 if you are in a pinch, but the risk outweighs the reward for most fantasy managers.

Reasons to be cautious
  • Tough opponent: The Ravens are getting healthier and limited the Bears to just 16 points and zero passing touchdowns in their last game.
  • Thursday night struggles: Tua has a 0-4 record all-time on Thursday Night Football, suggesting the short week is a major disadvantage for him.
  • Risk of inconsistency: After a strong performance against the Falcons, there's a risk of a regression given his past struggles and the Ravens' strong defensive effort.

Who to consider instead
  • ** Sam Darnold**: Is playing well against a favorable matchup against Washington.
  • ** Aaron Rodgers**: Offers a solid option against a weak Colts defense.
  • ** J.J. McCarthy**: While not as established, he is a viable option who has a good matchup against the Lions.
I mean, if Darnold is available I'd pick him, but I get the impression that just AI recommending random guys, and not really being tied to your league. Assuming that is the case, I'd choose Trevor Lawrence, in a great matchup against a Raiders team likely missing Maxx Crosby.
 
Okay I will go. In a 10 team 0.5 PPR league due to injuries I am reduced to the following choices for wr. Need two.

Travis hunter or BTJ at raiders
Quinten Johnston at titans

Leaning both jaguars right now if they both play. I am expecting hunter to keep ascending. It looks like the chargers have changed Johnstons usage/route tree from early in the season and don’t see how I can trust him. Actually considering dropping him for boutte, watson, or meyers. Fbg still seems to like him though.
 
Rhamondre missed another practice today. If he's out...

PPR flex:
Treveyon v ATL
Jameson v MIN

ATM I am leaning Jameson for upside and with the chatter (coach speak) about getting him mor involved. I also have concerns that Vrable/McDaniels will favor other players over the rookie.
 
PPR 1.0 RB2

JK Dobbins v HOU
Rico Dowdle v GB

Two RBs in tough matchups and lurking backups to steal some value. I'm leaning Dobbins pretty handily based on the range of potential positive game scripts, but could see the logic either way- just looking for some opinions.
 
Rhamondre missed another practice today. If he's out...

PPR flex:
Treveyon v ATL
Jameson v MIN

ATM I am leaning Jameson for upside and with the chatter (coach speak) about getting him mor involved. I also have concerns that Vrable/McDaniels will favor other players over the rookie.
I'm leaning hard Jamo- Lions don't tend to let up on the gas, so even if the game becomes a blowout Jamo can still have big catches. If Stevenson sits, I'd consider TreVeyon, but I share your fears- the rumors of them being RB buyers before the trade deadline are super discouraging to their feelings about TreVeyon this season.

ETA: You already built into your question "If he's out...", missed that, oops. Either way, I lean Jamo to varying degrees of conviction depending on Stevenson's health, but even if he's out I'm going Jamo here.
 
Rhamondre missed another practice today. If he's out...

PPR flex:
Treveyon v ATL
Jameson v MIN

ATM I am leaning Jameson for upside and with the chatter (coach speak) about getting him mor involved. I also have concerns that Vrable/McDaniels will favor other players over the rookie.

Jameson, I like that it's a big divisional game, that'll add to the juice and we don't know what the division of RB labor will be in NE yet
 
Okay I will go. In a 10 team 0.5 PPR league due to injuries I am reduced to the following choices for wr. Need two.

Travis hunter or BTJ at raiders
Quinten Johnston at titans

Leaning both jaguars right now if they both play. I am expecting hunter to keep ascending. It looks like the chargers have changed Johnstons usage/route tree from early in the season and don’t see how I can trust him. Actually considering dropping him for boutte, watson, or meyers. Fbg still seems to like him though.
I like Johnston's skill set but I worry the Chargers have enough pass catchers that it's going to be a bit of a whack-a-mole picking the right one or two every week. But, he has a ton of upside, a great matchup and a top QB.

Unlike Hunter and BTJ who, have Lawrence. I roster BTJ in two leagues and, because of his shoulder injury I am worried about him being more of a decoy and, an inefficient one at that. I don't want to miss out on a big game from him but, he's no longer an auto start. He's a frustrating guy to roster and, I question if he has more upside than Johnston.

Hunter looks like he's making the move to WR on a more full time basis. He logged a season high 87% snap share on offense last week and saw 14 targets. He looks like he's taking the Godwin role in this offense. I like him in PPR & 0.5 PPR formats.

Hunter>QJ>BTJ
 
Mahomes @ Buffalo

or

Herbert @ Tennessee

?
Mahomes. He's playing at an MVP level and he got his Boo back. Love Herbert but, when Mahomes is on which, he is, he's an auto start. And, if the Chargers roll, I think Harbaugh/Roman will run as much as possible.

Mahomes>Herbert
 
PPR 1.0 RB2

JK Dobbins v HOU
Rico Dowdle v GB

Two RBs in tough matchups and lurking backups to steal some value. I'm leaning Dobbins pretty handily based on the range of potential positive game scripts, but could see the logic either way- just looking for some opinions.
Dobbins IMO. They both have tough matchups but, Dowdle's is tougher. And the Broncos have a better offense overall.

Dobbins>Dowdle
 
Ugh … .5ppr

I’m starting KW3 because I’m stubborn, and I really like the matchup. Commanders LB’s cannot cover the outside zone run.

But to fill out my RB2 slot? It’s between:

Rhamo v ATL (probably out)
Monty v MIN
Charbs @ WASH (hate starting both SEA RB’s - but maybe that’s the smart move?)

Thanks bros
 

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