There was a ton of movement in the NFL over the last couple of days. Blockbuster trades have shuffled up the league and created a lot of buzz. Sifting through the hot takes and nonsense to find the real upside will be key to winning in week 9. Be sure to check out the weekly rankings for more lineup help.
Quarterback
Jacoby Brissett IND
So far this season, Brissett has proven that he is capable of being an NFL starter. That is not an easy thing to do at quarterback (just ask the Browns). Even his bad games have been serviceable for fantasy owners. The Texans have a couple of nice pieces on defense, but they will not be shutting anyone out. This is a matchup where Brissett could really shine as the Colts try to keep up with Deshaun Watson and the Texans offense.
Tyrod Taylor BUF
It is impossible to say how much of a role Kelvin Benjamin will play out of the gate. Let's assume that he contributes nothing versus the Jets since he would have two days to learn the offense. Even so, Taylor and Company are coming together and looking like a good offense. LeSean McCoy is back to his top 5 back status. Taylor is finding open receivers (if you can call them that). The Bills may hang a crooked number on the Jets in this one.
(Note: I like Jordan Matthews going forward with Benjamin on the team. He has always thrived as a second option and wilted when asked to carry the load.)
Running Back
Alex Collins BAL
It would be an exaggeration to say that the Ravens offense is coming on. They have found a workable piece in Alex Collins though. He is averaging 6.0 yards per carry and looks like a real live lead back. If Joe Flacco could ever return to being a middle of the pack QB, the Ravens could really have something. Since that is not going to happen in the next couple of weeks, look for Baltimore to pound the football. That should mean a lot of Alex Collins and hopefully the touchdowns will finally come for him. Tennessee is no pushover against the run, but I like a strong runner with added opportunities.
Ameer Abdullah DET
The Lions are feeding Abdullah when it comes to touches. That has not translated to strong fantasy performance, despite the preseason buzz surrounding the young back. This week he will face a Green Bay defense that is weak against the run to say the least. They come into this game ranking 28th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs.This is a bit of a high downside pick as well as a high upside pick, but that is fantasy football for you.
Wide Receiver
Ted Ginn Jr. NO
The Buccaneers strategy versus wide receivers this season is to not cover them...ever. The main risk here is trying to decipher who Drew Brees will target in a particular game. Michael Thomas will probably get his, and when he gets tired from sprinting past defenders I like Ginn to get some looks. This one should be a track meet and Ginn should get the baton at some point.
Tyreek Hill KC
If you want some actual analysis for this pick:
Dallas has controlled the tempo of games using Zeke Elliott. In this way, they have kept their subpar defense from completely giving away games. It looks like Elliott may finally have to serve his suspension and that means the Dallas D will be gassed. That is when Hill and Kareem Hunt take over games.
If you want coincidental nonsense for evidence:
Tyreek Hill has alternated double digit fantasy showings and busts. Last week was a bust, so it stands to reason that he will have a big game. (Kidding, but it would be interesting.)
Tight End
Austin Seferian-Jenkins NYJ
The defense has been solid for the Bills this year, but they are not shutting down tight ends. The Bills are allowing the ninth most fantasy points to tight ends so far. With Seferian-Jenkins being the most consistent Jet for fantasy, I like those odds. He is probably not looking at a 25 point showing here, but 60 yards and a touchdown are conceivable. If you look at the alternatives among tight ends, that is pretty exciting.
Matchup Play-Dice Roll
Tyler Higbee LAR
The Giants redefine the word awful with their play versus tight ends. They let opposing TEs run free and score at will. The Rams have not had a consistent producer at tight end, but Higbee dominates the snaps. He was in on 68% of the plays in the Rams last game. I would not be shocked to see Gerald Everett put up some points in this game, but Higbee is seeing the larger share of time on the field.
Those are my favorite players for high upside in week 9. Come back tomorrow to check out the sleeper picks from Jake Trowbridge. As always, check us out on Twitter: @_knuckleheads and @brendancole16.
