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Some quarterbacks stand out as must-start fantasy football options every week while others come and go depending on matchups and other factors. Hitting on under-the-radar plays is big in season-long fantasy and DFS. We’ve identified two two signal-callers worth starting and two worth sitting ahead of Week 9 to help you achieve fantasy success this weekend.
Quarterback Starts
Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Steelers are 13.5 point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook and no team is expected to in by more points. The Cowboys have given up more points per game (33.2) than any team in the NFL and Big Ben is among the league leaders in passing touchdowns with 15 in seven games. Pittsburgh’s deep group of pass catchers could run rampant on of the worst defenses we’ve seen this year. Roethlisberger has modest stats so far but could have his best performance of the year in this matchup.
Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Carr’s horrendous Week 8 performance was drastically affected by wind. The Chargers’ defense ranks 31st against quarterbacks on DraftKings despite their immense talent in the secondary and shipped off Desmond King ahead of the trade deadline. Carr doesn’t have a star receiving corps but I like his chances against a defense that’s given up at least 30 points in four straight games.
Quarterback Sits
Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina Panthers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have one of the best defenses in the NFL this season and are giving up the third-fewest points per game (19). Kansas City is also holding opposing teams to an average of 201 passing yards per game this season. Bridgewater has put up great stats with his top two receivers but the return of Christian McCaffrey could lead to Carolina pounding the ground against one a Chiefs team that’s given up a ton of rushing yards.
Philip Rivers, Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens
Rivers is coming off his two best performances of the year but should be challenged by the Raven’s well-rounded defense. The Colts don’t have a clear starter at running back and have been limited by their lackluster receiving corps on offense all season long. Injuries to Taylor and T.Y. Hilton could make Indianapolis even less effective on offense.