The NFL has 30 of its 32 teams scheduled to be in action this weekend in what should be an exciting Week 9. The NFL regular season will be halfway over after this week, so it’s time for your final playoff push in season-long fantasy football leagues.
Whether you’re pushing for the top spot, climbing out of the cellar or somewhere in between, getting the right players in your starting lineups is critical for Week 9 success. As you look to get a big win this weekend, make sure to set your lineups and attack the best matchups. To help you make all your lineup decisions, you can find my positional rankings each Monday right here on DK Network.
Week 9 is set to kick off on Thursday as the Jets host the Texans in a matchup jam packed with compelling storylines on both sides. Looking at that contest and the rest of the week, let’s check out some of the biggest risers and fallers in my Week 9 fantasy football rankings.
QB Risers and Fallers
After leading the Week 8 scoring at QB, Jalen Hurts takes over the top spot for me this week in a cushy home matchup against the Jaguars. Lamar Jackson, who was in my top spot, slides down to No. 4 in a tougher matchup vs. the Broncos. He’s also dealing with an injury. Jordan Love isn’t in my rankings after his injury, although I’d probably squeeze him in at No. 9 or 10 if he plays.
Two other QBs who sank in my rankings and fell out of the top 10 this week are C.J. Stroud and Baker Mayfield. Stroud is in a tough matchup vs. the Jets after the loss of Stefon Diggs (knee), and Mayfield is without his top two WRs as he faces the Chiefs in Kansas City on Monday night.
Trending up, Matthew Stafford is on my list at No. 10 after getting his top two WRs back from injury last Thursday, and Kirk Cousins is up at No. 6 for his matchup with the Cowboys in what is expected to be a very high-scoring game.
Check out my full QB rankings for Week 9.
RB Risers and Fallers
Against the Patriots in Week 8, Breece Hall was a letdown, and Saquon Barkley did enough to regain his top spot in my rankings. He’s followed by Joe Mixon, who jumped up from No. 5 to No. 2. Alvin Kamara also climbed from No. 19 to No. 11, but I’d move him into the top 10 if Derek Carr is back at QB as expected for this week’s matchup with the Panthers. Another big climber this week is De’Von Achane, who looked revitalized last week with his QB back and gets a good matchup this week vs. the Bills.
On the downward trend, J.K. Dobbins drops down to No. 17 in a tough matchup vs. the Browns after a so-so showing last week. The Chargers’ offense as a whole looks better, but Justin Herbert’s return to full strength means less work for Dobbins.
Rhamondre Stevenson is back in my top 25 after his good game vs. the Jets, and Nick Chubb makes his first appearance this season in my top 25 after taking 16 carries last week for the Browns.
Check out my full RB rankings for Week 9.
WR Risers and Fallers
Ja’Marr Chase reclaims the top spot overall for his good matchup with the Raiders but A.J. Brown, Justin Jefferson, and CeeDee Lamb are all in smash spots too in what should be a high-scoring week for big-name receivers. With Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp back in the mix after their injuries and Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle becoming relevant again, the top 25 is much more crowded this week.
I did not include Brian Thomas Jr. (ribs) in my rankings this week, even though there’s a chance now that he’ll play. If he does, I’d probably slide him in at No. 20.
Chris Olave gets a boost from Carr’s return against the Panthers, and Calvin Ridley also skyrockets up the rankings now that he’s the main option in Tennessee following the trade of DeAndre Hopkins. Ridley climbs up to No. 18 this week since he has a great matchup vs. the Patriots. Another big riser this week is Cedric Tillman following his breakout performance vs. the Ravens and his new role as the top outside WR in Cleveland.
Sliding in my rankings at receiver this week were Davante Adams, who dropped to No. 25, and Jayden Reed, who dropped out of my top 25 with QB questions and multiple options now at WR for the Packers.
Check out my full WR rankings for Week 9.
TE Risers and Fallers
After a big day for tight ends on National Tight Ends Day last week, we have another jam-packed top 10 at the position this week. George Kittle and Pat Freiermuth are on their byes this week, but there are still plenty of good plays.
Brock Bowers is in the top spot for the second week in a row, but Cade Otton jumps all the way up to No. 2 based on his monster game last week. He has a big role in the Bucs’ passing game now and his favorable matchup with the Chiefs. Trey McBride also climbs in the rankings moving from No. 6 to No. 3 after his good game last week.
T.J. Hockenson is in the top 10 in his return against the Colts on Sunday Night Football, and Kyle Pitts is back in the top 10 after his big game against the Bucs.
Falling out of my top 10 this week, Tucker Kraft now has QB questions in Green Bay and Hunter Henry remains a solid option for targets but may struggle if Drake Maye misses this week’s game with a concussion.
Check out my full TE rankings for Week 9.
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is z.thompson) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
