We have learned a lot in the first eight weeks of the season, so we can use that to inform our lineup decisions. The best way to do so is to focus on the matchup, consider the game script and compare your thoughts with FantasyPros’ expert consensus rankings (ECR).
You’ll find three fantasy football booms to start and three busts to bench for Week 9. By this point in the season, we have a good sense of player projections. With that in mind, let’s make those lineup decisions easier for you in Week 9.
- Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups
- Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Fantasy Football Week 9 Start/Sit Advice
Fantasy Football Boom Starts
Keon Coleman (WR – BUF) vs KC
Keon Coleman started off the 2025 NFL season with a bang, catching eight out of 11 targets for 112 yards and a touchdown in a Week 1 comeback win against the Ravens. Since then, Coleman has combined to record only 155 yards in six games.
But I’m firing him up against the Chiefs in a game that should come down to the wire. Coleman is getting heavily criticized in the media this week, so look for him to bounce back in this pivotal AFC matchup.
Kareem Hunt (RB – KC) @ BUF
Kareem Hunt has once again been a touchdown machine for the Chiefs, finding the end zone five times in eight games so far. With Isiah Pacheco sidelined, expect Hunt to take on a larger role for Kansas City.
Look for rookie Brashard Smith to continue to be used as a gadget player, while Hunt gets most of the volume. We’ve seen the Bills get gashed on the ground at times, such as when they gave up 170 yards to Bijan Robinson in Week 6.
Colston Loveland (TE – CHI) @ CIN
Colston Loveland was the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft for a reason. This is an athletic tight end with the ability to win downfield. While he had a modest Week 7 with only three catches for 38 yards, we could see him build on that against the Bengals.
Not only is Cincinnati allowing the most receiving yards to tight ends this season, but the Bears also have a banged-up wide receiver room. With that in mind, take a shot on a Loveland spike week here.
Fantasy Football Bust Sits
Troy Franklin (WR – DEN) @ HOU
Troy Franklin made me proud after featuring him as a boom in this column last week, catching six out of eight targets for 89 yards and two touchdowns against the Cowboys.
However, this is a much more difficult spot against the Texans, who rank sixth in receiving yards allowed to wideouts this season. Franklin is a boom-or-bust option, and this looks like one of his bust weeks.
Chuba Hubbard (RB – CAR) @ GB
Chuba Hubbard is falling out of favor in Carolina. While the coaching staff gave him a chance to split carries with Rico Dowdle once he returned from injury, that’s likely to change.
Simply put, Dowdle has been much more effective than Hubbard this season, so expect the Panthers to feature the more effective player. Add in the fact that it’s a tough week against the Packers, and you can see why Hubbard should not be anywhere near your starting lineup.
T.J. Hockenson (TE – MIN) @ DET
T.J. Hockenson is one of the biggest fantasy busts of the season, currently TE26 in fantasy points per game. With J.J. McCarthy back in action, expect Hockenson to be used to block quite often against a tough Lions front.
I’d easily start Colston Loveland over Hockenson this week. There’s no reason for Hockenson to be on your roster right now.
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