The Arizona Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers in a NFC West matchup to open Week 9. The 49ers are unbeaten atop the division, while the Cardinals are 3-4-1 and bringing up the rear coming into Thursday Night Football.

We have a few injuries of note heading into this game. Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert are banged up for the 49ers. Both are expected to play, but are question marks behind Tevin Coleman. For the Cardinals, Chase Edmonds has been ruled out, and David Johnson is questionable but not expected to play. We’ll find out for certain when inactives come out at 6:50 p.m. Recently acquired Kenyan Drake is expected to start and get the bulk of the work at running back.

There are plenty of start/sit decisions to consider for both teams. Christian Kirk is surpassing Larry Fitzgerald as Kyler Murray’s go-to receiver. Matt Breida is a potential start in deeper leagues if he’s active. Jimmy Garoppolo faces a shaky Cardinals defense, but Garoppolo has not had to do a ton through seven games — thus lowering his fantasy value.

Matchups are key, but it helps to see what the analytics are saying about potential performances. Looking at ESPN fantasy projections for season-long leagues (1/2 PPR setting), Coleman has the 49ers highest points projection, but ESPN still sees a decent day for Breida. Emmanuel Sanders ha quickly emerged as the 49ers best receiver, and expectations are that he will build on last week’s debut.

The 49ers are the clearly better team, and I think we see them cover the 10.5-point spread. That could mean less Jimmy Garoppolo and the passing attack. Regardless, here are Week 9 TNF projections to help you further improve your fantasy chances!

San Francisco 49ers

QB Jimmy Garoppolo: 15.1
RB Tevin Coleman: 15.6
RB Matt Breida: 9.8
RB Raheem Mostert: 3.1
WR Emmanuel Sanders: 9.6
WR Deebo Samuel: 4.3
WR Dante Pettis 3.3
WR Marquise Goodwin: 3.2
TE George Kittle: 11.9
K Robbie Gould: 8.5
49ers D/ST: 10.2

Arizona Cardinals

QB Kyler Murray: 15.8
RB Kenyan Drake: 7.8
RB Zach Zenner 5.1
RB Alfred Morris: 3.3
WR Christian Kirk: 9.4
WR Larry Fitzgerald: 8
WR Damiere Byrd: 5.8
WR Trent Sherfield: 4.8
K Zane Gonzalez: 8.4
Cardinals D/ST: 7.8