QBs to start in Week 9
Lions’ Matthew Stafford (vs. Vikings): Matthew Stafford didn’t put up electric numbers earlier in the season sans Kenny Golladay and he’ll be without his No. 1 option in Week 9. Fortunately for him though, he’ll get a chance to face the new-look defense of the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota is one of eight teams in the NFL to allow 2,000+ passing yards and they’ve also surrendered 17 passing touchdowns (tied for third-most in the NFL). Lastly, Stafford has historically done well on the road against the Vikings, combining for 2,246 yards and 12 touchdowns in nine games in his career.
Raiders’ Derek Carr (vs. Chargers): Derek Carr has shown some improvements in his third season under Jon Gruden, showing a willingness to throw the ball down the field. Carr is averaging 7.1 air yards per attempt this season, which is the best mark in his career in the past three seasons. After having to play in less-than-ideal weather conditions in Week 8, Carr will square off with the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers are conceding 22.59 fantasy points per game to QBs (third-most in the NFL) and they just traded Desmond King.
Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger (vs. Cowboys): After a tough-fought battle with the Baltimore Ravens, this is the week to play literally anyone in fantasy football with a pulse on the Pittsburgh Steelers. It begins with Ben Roethlisberger under center, who should have no trouble throwing the ball against the dismal defense of the Dallas Cowboys. Besides Dallas playing their fourth-string QB — which should result in more possessions for Pittsburgh — they’ve also allowed 17 passing touchdowns to QBs (tied for third-most in the NFL). Plus, they have just three interceptions on the season, tying them for the third-fewest in the league.
Other QBs to consider in Week 9: Broncos’ Drew Lock (vs. Falcons), Patriots’ Cam Newton (vs. Jets)
QBs to sit in Week 9
Giants’ Daniel Jones (vs. Washington): The NFC East is an absolute mess and somehow the 1-7 New York Giants are just 2.5 games behind the lead in the division. But a large reason why the Giants likely won’t do the seemingly impossible feat is due to the poor play from Daniel Jones. After throwing two interceptions against a stout Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, Jones will face an underrated defense of the Washington Football Team. Jones scored just 13.88 fantasy points against Washington in Week 6 and Washington has 22 sacks as a defense (sixth-most in the NFL).
Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa (vs. Cardinals): There was a ton of excitement surrounding the debut of Tua Tagovailoa in Week 8 for the Miami Dolphins. However, the rookie signal-caller wouldn’t be asked to do much while Miami’s defense and special teams hounded the Los Angeles Rams, forcing four turnovers, and scoring a punt-return touchdown. Until they open up the playbook a bit more for Tagovailoa, it’s probably worth sitting him in fantasy football, unless you are absolutely desperate at QB.
