NFL Fantasy Football Tips For Week 9 (2015)
Greetings fantasy football geeks. Week 9 of the National Football League features five teams on their bye weeks. The Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, and Seattle Seahawks will not play. This has left thousands of fantasy football owners scrambling to adjust their rosters. For our teams, we were forced to pick up two new defenses and kickers. Plus, we needed to pick up a replacement running back for the injured Le’Veon Bell. If you’re struggling to set your starting lineup too, we’re here to help. Our NFL fantasy football tips for Week 9 come from Craig Bennett of Heavy.com. As customary, we will give you our advice along the way.
Big Ben versus the Oakland Raiders
In total transparency, we drafted Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger earlier this season. Once he went down with an injury, we waived him and moved Los Angeles Chargers‘ quarterback Phillip Rivers to our QB1 position. In terms of Week 9, without Le’Veon Bell, the Raiders may play coverage to contain Steelers’ receivers Marcus Wheaton and Antonio Brown. This could open up running lanes for new Steelers’ back De’Angelo Williams. We would not make Big Ben as our QB1 this week.
Our Pick
Derek Carr versus the Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s hard to argue with our pick. The Derek Carr to Amari Cooper connection is known as “AC/DC.” They are two of the most impressive young players in the NFL and we don’t expect Steelers’ cornerback Ike Taylor to contain the talented young receiver.
Runningback Start of the Week
Chris Ivory v. the Jacksonville Jaguars
We know it’s the Jacksonville Jaguars. Conventional wisdom tells us that Ivory will bounce back after two bad games. Given the Jets quarterback woes (paging Tim Tebow) we expect the Jaguars to load up on Chris Ivory and try to stop the Jets’ rushing attack. Jacksonville’s defense should force the Jets’ signal-caller to push the football down the field.
Our Pick
Antonio Andrews versus the New Orleans Saints
We damn well hope so, we picked up Antonio Andrews off waivers two weeks ago. Obviously, we were desperate for a running back on our roster.
Wide Receiver Start of the Week
Michael Crabtree versus the Pittsburgh Steelers
Sure we could have gone with Julio Jones or Demaryius Thomas, but that was too simple. Michael Crabtree‘s targets are on the rise and defenses have started game-planning for Amari Cooper. But we can’t select all the skill positions players from one game for Week 9. We would look elsewhere for a WR1.
Our Pick
Julian Edelman versus Washington
The Patriots have Tom Brady and face a Washington secondary that ranks 21st against opposing wide receivers. Plus Washington is without their number one cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Julian Edelman should get double-digit targets and find the endzone.
In conclusion, with five teams of byes, Week 9 will test the depth of rosters and the ingenuity of team general managers. We hope our NFL fantasy football tips for the week help you dominate your league. Remember, set your rosters early and let us know how you did early next week.