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Week 9 Quick Grades (2022 Fantasy Football Start or Sit Advice)

Week 9 Quick Grades (2022 Fantasy Football Start or Sit Advice)

Welcome to Week 9, friends. As always, we’re here to provide you with some fantasy football Quick Grades (or Start/Sit Grades, if you prefer) for the week.

We tapped into our consensus projections and rankings and Derek Brown’s weekly Primer to generate this week’s Quick Grades. See below for the results and accompanying notes.

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Week 9 QB Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 9
1 A+ Josh Allen BUF NYJ
2 A Patrick Mahomes II KC TEN
3 A Jalen Hurts PHI HOU
4 A Kyler Murray ARI SEA
5 A Lamar Jackson BAL NO
6 B+ Justin Herbert LAC ATL
7 B+ Tua Tagovailoa MIA CHI
8 B Joe Burrow CIN CAR
9 B Justin Fields CHI MIA
10 B Aaron Rodgers GB DET
11 B Kirk Cousins MIN WAS
12 B- Geno Smith SEA ARI
13 B- Tom Brady TB LAR
14 C+ Marcus Mariota ATL LAC
15 C+ Trevor Lawrence JAC LV
16 C Derek Carr LV JAC
17 C Taylor Heinicke WAS MIN
18 C- Jared Goff DET GB
19 C- Andy Dalton NO BAL
20 D+ Matthew Stafford LAR TB
21 D PJ Walker CAR CIN
22 D- Mac Jones NE IND
23 D Sam Ehlinger IND NE
24 F Zach Wilson NYJ BUF
25 F Ryan Tannehill TEN KC
26 F Davis Mills HOU PHI
27 F Malik Willis TEN KC
28 F Bailey Zappe NE IND
29 F Jameis Winston NO BAL
30 F Teddy Bridgewater MIA CHI
31 F Desmond Ridder ATL LAC
32 F Baker Mayfield CAR CIN
33 F Sam Howell WAS MIN
34 F Jeff Driskel HOU PHI
35 F Gardner Minshew II PHI HOU
36 F Nick Foles IND NE
37 F Drew Lock SEA ARI
38 F Logan Woodside TEN KC
39 F Jacob Eason CAR CIN
40 F Case Keenum BUF NYJ

Notes

Justin Herbert: Justin Herbert is the QB11 in fantasy. His fantasy value has been driven by volume and not strong quarterback play. Herbert is third in pass attempts, sixth in passing yards and seventh in passing touchdowns. Lifting the efficiency hood, though, isn’t pretty, as Herbert is 18th in PFF passing grade, 16th in adjusted completion rate, and 32nd in big-time throw rate (minimum 50 dropbacks). This week’s matchup would be even juicier if he had a healthy wide receiver room to throw to, but it still offers a good venue for him to continue top-12 production. Atlanta allows the third-highest success rate per dropback, fourth-highest EPA per drop back, and fourth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. They are 32nd in passing yards per game and 28th in explosive pass rate. Herbert is a low-end QB1.

Marcus Mariota: After a rough patch, Mariota’s quarterback play has rebounded significantly. Since Week 5, he’s been the QB5 in fantasy points ranking 11th in PFF passing grade, seventh in yards per attempt, and 19th in adjusted completion rate (minimum 50 dropbacks). Add the improved pocket play to Mariota’s rushing upside, and you have a borderline QB1 for Week 9. Mariota is seventh in rushing yards and tied for second in rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks. Los Angeles offers a good matchup on the ground and through the air. The Chargers are 13th in success rate per dropback, 18th in passing yards per game, 25th in explosive pass rate, and 21st in explosive run rate allowed.

Justin Fields: Since Week 5, Fields has been the QB2 in fantasy. Take a second and let that simmer. Okay, have you effectively stuffed your Bears jokes and Fields shade to the side? If not, you should. Over the last four games, Fields is completing 64.1% of his passes, ranking 14th in yards per attempt while excelling with the deep ball. He’s 10th in PFF deep passing grade, sixth in deep rate, and 15th in deep adjusted completion rate. I know I’m burying the lead with the real money maker for Fields. His legs. Fields is second in rushing yards, in red zone carries per game, and in rushing touchdowns. He’s rushed for at least 60 yards in three of his last four games. The Dolphins continue to fall on their faces while attempting to defend the pass and tackle. They are surrendering the fourth-highest success rate per dropback while ranking 25th in passing yards per game and 30th in EPA per dropback. Miami is fourth in YAC and ninth in missed tackles. Fields is a strong QB1 again in Week 9.

P.J. Walker: Walker is a QB2 with some upside this week. Over the last two games, he’s finished as the QB14 and QB16 in fantasy. He’s eighth in PFF passing grade, ninth in yards per attempt, but sadly 39th in adjusted completion rate (minimum 50 dropbacks). Walker gets to tackle a Cincinnati Bengals pass defense that’s on the ropes. Overall this season, they have allowed the seventh-lowest EPA per dropback and fourth-lowest success rate per dropback. That all went out the window in Week 8 with Eli Apple out and Chidobe Awuzie now lost for the season. Cincinnati gave up the third-highest success rate per dropback and sixth-highest EPA per dropback to Jacoby Brissett. Brissett ripped this pass defense apart with 12.6 yards per attempt. We’ll see if Apple can make it back for Week 9, but even if he can, he’s not a stellar corner.

Joe Burrow: Burrow’s upside has been heavily correlated to Ja’Marr Chase over the last two seasons. Without Chase in the lineup last week, Burrow struggled to complete 71.4% of his passes with only 6.6 yards per attempt as the QB22. Overall, Burrow is tenth in PFF passing grade, 11th in yards per attempt, and seventh in adjusted completion rate (minimum 50 dropbacks) as the QB4 in fantasy. Burrow is too talented to fade him into QB2 territory. He’s a low-end QB1 in a tough spot. With Jaycee Horn active, the Panthers are 15th in passing yards per game with the 13th-lowest explosive pass rate surrendered. Carolina has allowed the 13th-lowest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.

Aaron Rodgers: Double. Aaron Rodgers could double the number of QB1 performances he’s turned in this fantasy season in Week 9. Week 7 was the first and only time this year that Rodgers has cracked the top-12 fantasy quarterback realm. Looking at Rodgers’ passing efficiency numbers weekly, it’s easy to see why he’s frustrated. Rodgers is seventh in PFF passing grade, fourth in big-time throw rate, and 13th in adjusted completion rate (minimum 50 dropbacks). Rodgers should be smiling this week after a matchup with Detroit. The Lions are first in yards per attempt, seventh in passing touchdown rate, and bottom-four in passing yards per game, and explosive pass rate allowed. Rodgers is a QB1.

Jared Goff: The Lions should lean on their ground game this week. Over the last three weeks, Green Bay has found its stride in pass defense. Since Week 6, Green Bay has held quarterbacks to the third-lowest completion rate, eighth-lowest passer rating, sixth-lowest passing yards per game, and sixth-lowest explosive pass rate. Goff might be the QB12 in fantasy, but his numbers scream that his fantasy value isn’t nearly as good as his real-life quarterback play. He’s 22nd in PFF passing grade, 19th in adjusted completion rate, and has the third-highest turnover-worthy play rate. The Packers are fifth in pressure rate. Goff is 21st in pressured passer rating and 33rd in pressured completion rate. Goff is a mid-QB2.

Sam Ehlinger: In his first start Ehlinger was the QB28 in fantasy, completing 73.9% of his passes with 8.7 yards per attempt and zero touchdowns. Among 44 quarterbacks (minimum 50 dropbacks), he’s 34th in PFF passing grade, tenth in adjusted completion rate, 18th in aDOT, and second in turnover-worthy play rate behind only Taylor Heinicke. The Patriots have yielded the second-lowest success rate per dropback while ranking 19th in passing yards per game and permitting the fifth-lowest EPA per dropback. Ehlinger remains a low-end QB2.

Mac Jones: Jones is another low-end QB2. He’s only mustered one game this season above QB19 in fantasy. The Colts continue their run funnel ways as they have firmly clamped down on the opposition through the air. Since Week 4, they have allowed the 11th-lowest EPA per dropback, fourth-fewest passing yards per game, and eighth-lowest explosive pass rate. This feels like a gross game that Coach Bill could limit the passing volume and feed his ground game.

If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant, which allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.

Week 9 WR Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 9
1 A+ Tyreek Hill MIA CHI
2 A+ Justin Jefferson MIN WAS
3 A+ Cooper Kupp LAR TB
4 A+ Stefon Diggs BUF NYJ
5 A+ DeAndre Hopkins ARI SEA
6 A+ Davante Adams LV JAC
7 A A.J. Brown PHI HOU
8 A Jaylen Waddle MIA CHI
9 A Amon-Ra St. Brown DET GB
10 A Chris Godwin TB LAR
11 A Tee Higgins CIN CAR
12 A Mike Evans TB LAR
13 A DJ Moore CAR CIN
14 A- Chris Olave NO BAL
15 A- DK Metcalf SEA ARI
16 A- Tyler Lockett SEA ARI
17 A- Terry McLaurin WAS MIN
18 A- Tyler Boyd CIN CAR
19 A- DeVonta Smith PHI HOU
20 B+ Gabe Davis BUF NYJ
21 B+ JuJu Smith-Schuster KC TEN
22 B+ Christian Kirk JAC LV
23 B+ Jakobi Meyers NE IND
24 B Joshua Palmer LAC ATL
25 B Michael Pittman Jr. IND NE
26 B Curtis Samuel WAS MIN
27 B Rondale Moore ARI SEA
28 B Adam Thielen MIN WAS
29 B Allen Lazard GB DET
30 B Darnell Mooney CHI MIA
31 B- Garrett Wilson NYJ BUF
32 B- Marquez Valdes-Scantling KC TEN
33 C+ Romeo Doubs GB DET
34 B- Drake London ATL LAC
35 B- Devin Duvernay BAL NO
36 C+ Zay Jones JAC LV
37 C+ Allen Robinson II LAR TB
38 C+ Mack Hollins LV JAC
39 C+ Terrace Marshall Jr. CAR CIN
40 C+ Robert Woods TEN KC
41 C Kalif Raymond DET GB
42 C Alec Pierce IND NE
43 C Mecole Hardman KC TEN
44 C Hunter Renfrow LV JAC
45 C DeAndre Carter LAC ATL
46 C Isaiah McKenzie BUF NYJ
47 C Parris Campbell IND NE
48 C Marvin Jones Jr. JAC LV
49 C Tyquan Thornton NE IND
50 C Julio Jones TB LAR
51 C K.J. Osborn MIN WAS
52 C- Sammy Watkins GB DET
53 C- Phillip Dorsett II HOU PHI
54 C- Olamide Zaccheaus ATL LAC
55 C- Chase Claypool CHI MIA
56 C- Chris Moore HOU PHI
57 D+ Demarcus Robinson BAL NO
58 D+ Tre’Quan Smith NO BAL
59 D Van Jefferson LAR TB
60 D Marquez Callaway NO BAL
61 D James Proche II BAL NO
62 D Nick Westbrook-Ikhine TEN KC
63 D- Jarvis Landry NO BAL
64 D- Dee Eskridge SEA ARI
65 D- Braxton Berrios NYJ BUF
66 F Michael Bandy LAC ATL
67 D Elijah Moore NYJ BUF
68 F Denzel Mims NYJ BUF
69 F Kendrick Bourne NE IND
70 F Ben Skowronek LAR TB
71 F Robbie Anderson ARI SEA
72 F Dante Pettis CHI MIA
73 F Kadarius Toney KC TEN
74 F Khalil Shakir BUF NYJ
75 F Trent Sherfield MIA CHI
76 F Mike Thomas CIN CAR
77 F Rashid Shaheed NO BAL
78 F Samori Toure GB DET
79 F Laviska Shenault Jr. CAR CIN
80 F Quez Watkins PHI HOU
81 F Greg Dortch ARI SEA
82 F Equanimeous St. Brown CHI MIA
83 F N’Keal Harry CHI MIA
84 F Cam Sims WAS MIN
85 F Skyy Moore KC TEN
86 F Shi Smith CAR CIN
87 F Scotty Miller TB LAR
88 F Christian Watson GB DET
89 F Damiere Byrd ATL LAC
90 F Nelson Agholor NE IND
91 F Dyami Brown WAS MIN
92 F A.J. Green ARI SEA
93 F Josh Reynolds DET GB
94 F Velus Jones Jr. CHI MIA
95 F Amari Rodgers GB DET
96 F Zach Pascal PHI HOU
97 F Tom Kennedy DET GB
98 F Jason Moore Jr. LAC ATL
99 F Tyron Johnson HOU PHI
100 F DeSean Jackson BAL NO
101 F KhaDarel Hodge ATL LAC
102 F Cody Hollister TEN KC
103 F Justin Watson KC TEN
104 F Trenton Irwin CIN CAR
105 F Cedrick Wilson Jr. MIA CHI
106 F Tutu Atwell LAR TB
107 F Breshad Perriman TB LAR
108 F Tylan Wallace BAL NO
109 F Mike Strachan IND NE
110 F Bryan Edwards ATL LAC
111 F Jeff Smith NYJ BUF
112 F Brandon Powell LAR TB
113 F Trent Taylor CIN CAR
114 F Kevin White NO BAL
115 F Tim Jones JAC LV
116 F Dax Milne WAS MIN
117 F Jake Kumerow BUF NYJ
118 F Jalen Reagor MIN WAS
119 F Jaelon Darden TB LAR
120 F Jamal Agnew JAC LV
121 F Keelan Cole Sr. LV JAC
122 F Keelan Doss LAC ATL
123 F Chris Conley TEN KC
124 F Stanley Morgan Jr. CIN CAR
125 F Penny Hart SEA ARI
126 F DJ Turner LV JAC
127 F Dareke Young SEA ARI
128 F Braylon Sanders MIA CHI
129 F Lil’Jordan Humphrey NE IND
130 F Maurice Alexander DET GB
131 F Juwann Winfree GB DET
132 F Tanner Conner MIA CHI
133 F Keke Coutee IND NE
134 F Erik Ezukanma MIA CHI

Notes

Jakobi Meyers: Meyers continues to be an underrated stud in fantasy. Meyers is the WR11 in fantasy with a 25.6% target share (20th) and 31.9% air yard share (22nd). He’s seen eight deep targets (29th) and recent inclusion in the red zone, with all three of his red zone targets for the season coming last week. Meyers is 14th in PFF receiving grade and 12th in yards per route run (minimum 15 targets). Despite my concerns about the passing volume, Meyers is a WR2. He’ll run about 72% of his routes against Kenny Moore (since Week 4, 90% catch rate, 112.5 passer rating).

Davante Adams: Adams was upgraded to full practices on Thursday and Friday. Shake off the dud game. Adams is still a WR1. Even after the down outing, Adams is seventh in target share, ninth in targets, and 14th in air yard share. He’s garnered elite high-value usage, ranking seventh in deep targets and second in red zone targets. Adams is 16th in PFF receiving grade and 21st in yards per route run (minimum 15 targets). Adams will run about 70% of his routes against Tyson Campbell (58.5% catch rate, 70.6 passer rating) and Tre Herndon (55.6% catch rate, 137.5 passer rating).

Devin Duvernay: In the two games with Bateman sidelined earlier this season, Duvernay handled a 20.7% target share and 30% air yard share with 1.26 yards per route run. Duvernay saw two red zone targets in that short span. He had WR26 and WR78 fantasy scores. Overall, Duvernay is 20th in PFF receiving grade and 43rd in yards per route run (minimum 15 targets), running 71% of his routes on the perimeter. Duvernay is a low-end WR3/high-end WR4.

Josh Palmer: Palmer missed Week 7 dealing with a concussion. The Chargers need him back this week, with Williams and possibly Allen missing this game. Palmer has a 16.2% target share with a 15.6% air yard share. Palmer has seen eight or more targets in 50% of his games played. Palmer has six red zone targets this season, with half of that usage coming in his last two games played. The Falcons continue to lean heavily on zone coverage (since Week 5, 66-72% of their corners’ snaps). Palmer has seen 58.3% of his target volume against zone. Palmer hasn’t been great despite the volume this season, ranking 93rd in PFF receiving grade and 85th in yards per route run (minimum 15 targets), but he will run against meh cornerback talents in Week 9. Palmer will run about 69% of his routes against Cornell Armstrong (52.9% catch rate, 105.5 passer rating) and Darren Hall (73.3% catch rate, 131.0 passer rating), assuming the newly acquired Rashad Fenton (82.6% catch rate, 128.3 passer rating) isn’t ready to play this week. Palmer is a WR3/4.

Drake London: London continues to plug along with a fantastic rookie season. London is ninth in target share (28.8%) and eighth in target per route run rate (31.4%). The issue continues to be route volume, as he’s 66th in routes run, leading to only 49 targets (36th). London hasn’t finished higher than WR49 or with more than 40 receiving yards since Week 3. London is fifth in PFF receiving grade and 26th in yards per route run (minimum 15 targets). This is a plus matchup for London, so we pray for target volume. London will run about 84% of his routes against Asante Samuel Jr. (62.7% catch rate, 93.9 passer rating) and Michael Davis (75% catch rate, 115.6 passer rating). London is a WR4.

D.J. Moore: League-average quarterback play, that’s all D.J. Moore needed to explode. Since Week 7, he’s finished as the WR9 and WR5 in fantasy. He’s commanded a 36.8% target share and 52.7% air yard share, averaging 110.5 receiving yards. Over the last two games, he’s ninth in PFF receiving grade and fourth in yards per route run (minimum eight targets). Moore will run about 71% of his routes against rookie Cam Taylor-Britt (all four targets in coverage secured, 118.8 passer rating) and Tre Flowers (78.6% catch rate, 120.8 passer rating). Moore is a WR1.

Romeo Doubs: Doubs has been up and down, with more down this season. He’s seen an 18.1% target share with 22.7% of the team’s air yards. He has seven red zone targets this season but only one in the last three games. Last week’s WR19 showing was his first game as a WR2 or better since Week 4. Doubs is 92nd in PFF receiving grade and 74th in yards per route run (minimum 15 targets). Since Week 6, the Lions have deployed their outside corners in zone coverage on 67-69% of their snaps. While Doubs hasn’t been highly effective, he’s still second on the team in zone targets, with 57.4% of his target volume against zone. Doubs will run about 76% of his routes against Jeffrey Okudah (71.9% catch rate, 99.6 passer rating) and Amani Oruwariye (78.4% catch rate, 143.8 passer rating). Doubs is a WR3.

Fantas Football Start-Sit Assistant

Week 9 RB Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 9
1 A+ Austin Ekeler LAC ATL
2 A+ Alvin Kamara NO BAL
3 A+ Derrick Henry TEN KC
4 A+ Josh Jacobs LV JAC
5 A Aaron Jones GB DET
6 A Travis Etienne Jr. JAC LV
7 A Kenneth Walker III SEA ARI
8 A Dalvin Cook MIN WAS
9 A Rhamondre Stevenson NE IND
10 A- Joe Mixon CIN CAR
11 A- Miles Sanders PHI HOU
12 A- Dameon Pierce HOU PHI
13 A- D’Onta Foreman CAR CIN
14 B+ Leonard Fournette TB LAR
15 B+ Raheem Mostert MIA CHI
16 B Deon Jackson IND NE
17 B Jamaal Williams DET GB
18 B Devin Singletary BUF NYJ
19 B Cordarrelle Patterson ATL LAC
20 B Antonio Gibson WAS MIN
21 B Michael Carter NYJ BUF
22 B- D’Andre Swift DET GB
23 B- David Montgomery CHI MIA
24 C+ Kenyan Drake BAL NO
25 C+ AJ Dillon GB DET
26 C+ Khalil Herbert CHI MIA
27 C James Conner ARI SEA
28 C Damien Harris NE IND
29 C Eno Benjamin ARI SEA
30 C Brian Robinson Jr. WAS MIN
31 C Isiah Pacheco KC TEN
32 C Tyler Allgeier ATL LAC
33 C Darrell Henderson Jr. LAR TB
34 C Rachaad White TB LAR
35 C- Clyde Edwards-Helaire KC TEN
36 C- Dontrell Hilliard TEN KC
37 C Justice Hill BAL NO
38 C- Jeff Wilson Jr. MIA CHI
39 D+ James Robinson NYJ BUF
40 D+ Jerick McKinnon KC TEN
41 D Alexander Mattison MIN WAS
42 D Ronnie Rivers LAR TB
43 D Caleb Huntley ATL LAC
44 D Kenneth Gainwell PHI HOU
45 D JaMycal Hasty JAC LV
46 D Samaje Perine CIN CAR
47 D- Rex Burkhead HOU PHI
48 D Nyheim Hines BUF NYJ
49 D- Sony Michel LAC ATL
50 F James Cook BUF NYJ
51 F Travis Homer SEA ARI
52 F Boston Scott PHI HOU
53 F Craig Reynolds DET GB
54 F Malcolm Brown LAR TB
55 D- Ty Johnson NYJ BUF
56 F Spencer Brown CAR CIN
57 D Keaontay Ingram ARI SEA
58 F Ameer Abdullah LV JAC
59 F Cam Akers LAR TB
60 F Avery Williams ATL LAC
61 F Zamir White LV JAC
62 F Raheem Blackshear CAR CIN
63 F Chris Evans CIN CAR
64 F Dwayne Washington NO BAL
65 F Phillip Lindsay IND NE
66 F Zack Moss IND NE
67 F Dare Ogunbowale HOU PHI
68 F DeeJay Dallas SEA ARI
69 F Gus Edwards BAL NO
70 F Brandon Bolden LV JAC
71 F Trestan Ebner CHI MIA
72 F Isaiah Spiller LAC ATL
73 F Myles Gaskin MIA CHI
74 F Mike Davis BAL NO
75 F Salvon Ahmed MIA CHI
76 F Hassan Haskins TEN KC
77 F Patrick Ricard BAL NO
78 F Snoop Conner JAC LV
79 F C.J. Ham MIN WAS
80 F Mark Ingram II NO BAL
81 F Justin Jackson DET GB
82 F Reggie Gilliam BUF NYJ
83 F Pierre Strong Jr. NE IND
84 F Alec Ingold MIA CHI
85 F Zander Horvath LAC ATL
86 F Corey Clement ARI SEA
87 F Patrick Taylor Jr. GB DET
88 F Keith Smith ATL LAC
89 F Jonathan Williams WAS MIN
90 F Tyler Badie BAL NO
91 F Jakob Johnson LV JAC
92 F Darrynton Evans CHI MIA
93 F Jordan Wilkins IND NE
94 F Kevin Harris NE IND
95 F Khari Blasingame CHI MIA
96 F Ke’Shawn Vaughn TB LAR
97 F Michael Burton KC TEN
98 F J.J. Taylor NE IND
99 F Jordan Howard NO BAL
100 F Kylin Hill GB DET
101 F Kene Nwangwu MIN WAS
102 F Alex Armah Jr. WAS MIN
103 F Tony Jones Jr. SEA ARI

Notes

Brian Robinson: After out-snapping Gibson in back-to-back games, Robinson lost the snap and volume battle in Week 8 to Gibson. He saw his snaps dip to 25% with zero usage in the passing game. He had eight carries that he turned into 20 yards. Robinson is an early down grinder that isn’t talented enough to get it done in bad matchups. He’s 63rd in yards after contact per attempt and 61st in PFF’s elusive rating (minimum 15 carries). With only the rushing equity to float his value, he’s a touchdown-or-bust RB4. Minnesota has been a stonewall against rushing attacks. Minnesota ranks eighth in rushing yards per game, 12th in EPA per rush, and 11th in explosive run rate allowed. They have held running backs to the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game.

Antonio Gibson: Since Brian Robinson‘s return Gibson has averaged 11.6 touches and 69 total yards per game. He’s seen a 17.6% target share (five targets per game), averaging 33% of the snaps. In the part-time role, Gibson has seen his explosive play-making ability return. Since Week 6 among 43 running backs (minimum 15 carries), he’s 13th in yards after contact per attempt, 13th in breakaway run rate, and 22nd in PFF’s elusive rating. He has finished as the RB24, RB16, and RB11. Gibson is an RB3 with a rough assignment in Week 9. McKissic getting ruled out bumps up his ceiling and floor.

Josh Jacobs: Jacobs is the RB5 in fantasy as he gobbles up the fifth-highest snap share and second-highest opportunity share. He’s tenth in weighted opportunities. Jacobs has averaged 20.4 touches and 118.3 total yards. Jacobs is tenth in yards after contact per attempt, third in missed tackles forced, and ninth in PFF’s elusive rating (minimum 15 carries). Jacksonville is a middle of the road matchup. Over their last three games, they are 18th in rushing yards per game, 27th in EPA per rush, and 17th in explosive run rate allowed. They have given up the sixth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Some of that is due to their vulnerability to pass-catching backs. They have allowed the second-most receptions and third-most receiving yards to backs. Jacobs remains a strong RB1.

Travis Etienne: Over the last two games, Etienne has been freed. He’s a full-time bell cow averaging nearly 80% of snaps with 21 touches and 140.5 total yards. He finished as the RB8 and RB7 in fantasy. Etienne is 22nd in yards after contact per attempt, tenth in breakaway rate, and 25th in PFF’s elusive rating (minimum 15 carries). He’s an RB1 again this week against Vegas. The Raiders are tenth in rushing yards per game, ninth in EPA per rush, and eighth in explosive run rate, but they are ninth in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs. This comes from Las Vegas’s inability to stop backs through the air. The Raiders are 31st in DVOA, giving up the third-most receptions, third-most receiving yards, and seventh-highest yards per reception. Etienne has a 9.8% target share and is 20th in yards per route run. He has three receptions in half of his games this season.

Kenneth Walker: Since taking over as the starter, Walker has been the RB5 in fantasy. Walker continues to perform like a stud, ranking 18th in yards after contact per attempt, eighth in missed tackles forced, second in breakaway rate, and 14th in PFF’s elusive rating (minimum 15 carries). Since Week 6, while he’s only drawn a 5.6% target share, he’s garnered a 43.1% route run rate. Last week with Travis Homer back, it was still at 46.3%. Since Week 5, the Cardinals are 23rd in rushing yards per game and 27th in explosive run rate allowed. Arizona remains 32nd in DVOA against receiving backs with the ninth-most receiving yards and eighth-highest yards per reception allowed. Walker is a top-five running back.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire: In Week 7, Edwards-Helaire played a season-low 27% of the snaps with only six carries for 32 yards (one touchdown). He hasn’t seen a target in his last two games. It’ll be interesting to see what Kansas City does coming out of the bye with their running back rotation, but Edwards-Helaire looks on the wrong end of the usage trend. He still handled all the red zone work, but that could also change in Week 9. Tennessee hasn’t given an inch to running backs all season. They rank top-two in rushing yards per game, EPA per rush, and explosive run rate. Edwards-Helaire has seen his rushing metrics slip as he’s 36th in juke rate, 41st in yards created per touch, and 33rd in evaded tackles. Edwards-Helaire is a touchdown-or-bust RB3/4.

Isiah Pacheco: In Week 7, Pacheco played a season-high 30% of the snaps with eight rushing attempts for 43 yards. He was still a zero in the passing game as McKinnon soaked up the target share and routes. Pacheco is 27th in yards after contact per attempt and 14th in breakaway run rate in his limited playing time. Pacheco hasn’t seen a red zone touch since Week 4. With a rough match-up on the ground and his role up in the air, Pacheco is a deep league flex or RB4 at best.

Week 9 TE Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 9
1 A+ Travis Kelce KC TEN
2 A Zach Ertz ARI SEA
3 A Dallas Goedert PHI HOU
4 B Gerald Everett LAC ATL
5 B+ Tyler Higbee LAR TB
6 B- Kyle Pitts ATL LAC
7 C+ Robert Tonyan GB DET
8 C Taysom Hill NO BAL
9 C Isaiah Likely BAL NO
10 C Evan Engram JAC LV
11 C Hayden Hurst CIN CAR
12 C- Dawson Knox BUF NYJ
13 C- Darren Waller LV JAC
14 D+ Cade Otton TB LAR
15 D Mike Gesicki MIA CHI
16 D T.J. Hockenson MIN WAS
17 D Tyler Conklin NYJ BUF
18 D Noah Fant SEA ARI
19 D Juwan Johnson NO BAL
20 D- Hunter Henry NE IND
21 D- Cole Kmet CHI MIA
22 D Will Dissly SEA ARI
23 F Logan Thomas WAS MIN
24 F Brevin Jordan HOU PHI
25 F Foster Moreau LV JAC
26 F Brock Wright DET GB
27 F Jordan Akins HOU PHI
28 F Jonnu Smith NE IND
29 F Kylen Granson IND NE
30 F Tommy Tremble CAR CIN
31 F Austin Hooper TEN KC
32 F O.J. Howard HOU PHI
33 F James Mitchell DET GB
34 F Mo Alie-Cox IND NE
35 D Johnny Mundt MIN WAS
36 F Jelani Woods IND NE
37 F C.J. Uzomah NYJ BUF
38 F Ian Thomas CAR CIN
39 F Chigoziem Okonkwo TEN KC
40 F Mark Andrews BAL NO
41 F Noah Gray KC TEN
42 F Armani Rogers WAS MIN
43 F Colby Parkinson SEA ARI
44 F Adam Trautman NO BAL
45 F Josh Oliver BAL NO
46 F Geoff Swaim TEN KC
47 F Durham Smythe MIA CHI
48 F Tre’ McKitty LAC ATL
49 F Mitchell Wilcox CIN CAR
50 F Trey McBride ARI SEA
51 F John Bates WAS MIN
52 F Dan Arnold JAC LV
53 F Kyle Rudolph TB LAR
54 F Josiah Deguara GB DET
55 F Ko Kieft TB LAR
56 F Marcedes Lewis GB DET
57 F Parker Hesse ATL LAC
58 F Ryan Griffin CHI MIA
59 F Jesper Horsted LV JAC
60 F MyCole Pruitt ATL LAC
61 F Quintin Morris BUF NYJ
62 F Chris Manhertz JAC LV
63 F Jack Stoll PHI HOU
64 F Nick Vannett NO BAL
65 F Trevon Wesco CHI MIA
66 F Tyler Davis GB DET
67 F Devin Asiasi CIN CAR
68 F Hunter Long MIA CHI
69 F Brycen Hopkins LAR TB
70 F Richard Rodgers LAC ATL
71 F Cole Turner WAS MIN
72 F Giovanni Ricci CAR CIN
73 F Luke Farrell JAC LV
74 F Kendall Blanton LAR TB
75 F Nick Boyle BAL NO
76 F Tommy Sweeney BUF NYJ
77 F Grant Calcaterra PHI HOU
78 F Stephen Anderson ARI SEA
79 F J.P. Holtz NO BAL
80 F Shane Zylstra DET GB
81 F Kevin Rader TEN KC
82 F Jacob Hollister MIN WAS
83 F Jared Pinkney LAR TB
84 F Jordan Franks KC TEN
85 F Kenny Yeboah NYJ BUF
86 F Jeremy Ruckert NYJ BUF

Notes

Gerald Everett: With the wide receiver room banged up, Everett should see a bump in work. He’s managed a 15.5% target share (15th) and eight red zone targets (fourth) this season. Everett is 14th in PFF receiving grade and 15th in yards per route run. Only 34.9% of his target volume has come against zone coverage. Everett should be considered a decent TE1 with upside. Atlanta has allowed the eighth-highest catch rate, second-most receptions, and third-most receiving yards to tight ends.

Kyle Pitts: Pitts is coming off a week where he saw his highest snap share (74.6%) since Week 2 and a season-high in targets (nine). Pitts is like London in that it’s not a talent problem but a volume issue. Pitts is second in target share (26.7’%) and first in target per route run rate (33.3%) among tight ends. He’s second in deep targets and 12th in red zone targets. Pitts is ninth in PFF receiving grade and eighth in yards per route run (minimum 15 targets). Pitts has two top-12 fantasy tight-end finishes in his last three games. The Chargers are 23rd in DVOA, allowing the eighth-most receiving yards and third-highest yards per reception. Pitts is a TE1.

Mike Gesicki: Since Week 5, Gesicki has seen a 14.3% target share with a 64.1% route run rate. He’s finished as a top-ten tight end in two of his last four games. Overall he’s 22nd in PFF receiving grade and 27th in yards per route run (minimum ten targets). He’s become a staple in the red zone with eight looks (fourth) inside the 20 and six of them coming in the last three games. Chicago is 15th in DVOA against the position allowing the 12th-highest catch rate but the eighth-lowest yards per reception and the tenth-fewest receptions. Gesicki is a low-end TE1.

Cole Kmet: Kmet’s season has been pretty putrid. He’s only managed 20 targets (31st) in this low-volume passing offense. He’s 38th in PFF receiving grade and 46th in yards per route run (minimum ten targets). Kmet has only three red zone targets, two of which came last week. That said, if there was ever a week to consider streaming him based on the matchup, it’s Week 9. Miami is 26th in DVOA, giving up the highest catch rate, third-most receptions, and fifth-most receiving yards to tight ends. Kmet is a matchup-based streamer and TE2.

Hayden Hurst: Hurst is the TE14 in fantasy with a 14.3% target share (17th) and 78.1% route participation mark (ninth). Hurst remains the ugly volume champion. He’s second in routes run, ninth in targets, and 16th in slot snaps among tight ends. Hurst has been a Burrow favorite inside the 20-yard line ranking seventh in red zone targets (seven). He’s 25th in PFF receiving grade and 35th in yards per route run (minimum ten targets). The Panthers have been friendly to tight ends, ranking 29th in DVOA with the sixth-highest catch rate and tenth-highest yards per reception allowed. Hurst is a TE1.

Robert Tonyan: Tonyan is the TE15 in fantasy points per game with a 15.5% target share (16th) and 58.3% route participation (26th). His usage has massively ticked up over the last three games. Against Buffalo, he handled an 84% route rate, and in Week 6 against the Jets, he sat at 69%. Tonyan is 30th in PFF receiving grade and 13th in yards per route run while drawing five red zone targets (12th). Tonyan should smash this week. The Lions are 32nd in DVOA against the tight end position. Detroit has allowed the fifth-highest catch rate, ninth-most receiving yards, seventh-highest yards per reception, and fourth-most receiving touchdowns to tight ends. Tonyan is a top-shelf TE1 in Week 9.

CTAs

Week 9 D/ST Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 9
1 A+ Philadelphia Eagles PHI HOU
2 A Buffalo Bills BUF NYJ
3 A New England Patriots NE IND
4 A- Tampa Bay Buccaneers TB LAR
5 B+ Cincinnati Bengals CIN CAR
6 B+ Green Bay Packers GB DET
7 B Baltimore Ravens BAL NO
8 B Kansas City Chiefs KC TEN
9 B- Miami Dolphins MIA CHI
10 B- Minnesota Vikings MIN WAS
11 C+ Jacksonville Jaguars JAC LV
12 C+ Indianapolis Colts IND NE
13 C Los Angeles Rams LAR TB
14 C Arizona Cardinals ARI SEA
15 C New York Jets NYJ BUF
16 C- Los Angeles Chargers LAC ATL
17 C- Washington Commanders WAS MIN
18 D+ New Orleans Saints NO BAL
19 D Seattle Seahawks SEA ARI
20 D Carolina Panthers CAR CIN
21 D Atlanta Falcons ATL LAC
22 D- Las Vegas Raiders LV JAC
23 D- Tennessee Titans TEN KC
24 F Chicago Bears CHI MIA
25 F Detroit Lions DET GB
26 F Houston Texans HOU PHI

 

Week 9 K Start/Sit Grades

Rank Grade Name Team Week 9
1 A Justin Tucker BAL NO
2 B+ Tyler Bass BUF NYJ
3 B+ Harrison Butker KC TEN
4 B Evan McPherson CIN CAR
5 B- Ryan Succop TB LAR
6 C+ Daniel Carlson LV JAC
7 C+ Jake Elliott PHI HOU
8 C+ Jason Myers SEA ARI
9 C Younghoe Koo ATL LAC
10 C Nick Folk NE IND
11 C Wil Lutz NO BAL
12 C Jason Sanders MIA CHI
13 C Mason Crosby GB DET
14 C Greg Joseph MIN WAS
15 C Michael Badgley DET GB
16 C- Matt Gay LAR TB
17 C- Matt Prater ARI SEA
18 C- Riley Patterson JAC LV
19 C- Ka’imi Fairbairn HOU PHI
20 D+ Cairo Santos CHI MIA
21 D Chase McLaughlin IND NE
22 D Dustin Hopkins LAC ATL
23 D Randy Bullock TEN KC
24 D Greg Zuerlein NYJ BUF
25 D Cameron Dicker LAC ATL
26 D Eddy Pineiro CAR CIN
27 D- Joey Slye WAS MIN

 

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