RBs to start in Week 9
Steelers’ James Conner (vs. Cowboys): Once again, starting anyone in fantasy football that can breathe against the Cowboys has been a successful ploy this season. There’s no reason to believe that James Conner won’t run rampant against a Dallas defense that can’t stop the pass or the run. The Cowboys have given up a league-high 1,109 rushing yards to RBs so far and eight rushing touchdowns (tied for third-most in the league).
Cardinals’ Chase Edmonds (vs. Dolphins): The last time we saw the Arizona Cardinals, Kenyan Drake got injured in a shootout with the Seattle Seahawks. While he helped the Cardinals hand the Seahawks their lone loss, Chase Edmonds proved he might be the most explosive back in Arizona. With Drake ruled out, Edmonds should see a healthy workload against a run-susceptible defense of the Dolphins. Miami’s defense has surrendered 26.33 fantasy points per game (seventh-most in the NFL) and 4.9 yards per attempt to RBs (fourth-worst in the NFL).
Chiefs’ Clyde Edwards-Helaire (vs. Panthers): If you’re someone who took Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round of your fantasy football drafts, then you’re probably disappointed in his production. Especially in the touchdown department, where he’s scored just two touchdowns all season and continues to have other members of the Kansas City Chiefs find the end zone. Nevertheless, if there is a week he can have better success on the ground, it’s this week versus the Carolina Panthers. The defense of the Panthers has allowed nine rushing touchdowns (tied for second-most in the NFL) and a league-high 58 receptions to RBs.
Other RBs to consider in Week 9: Patriots’ Damien Harris (vs. Jets), 49ers’ Jamycal Hasty (vs. Packers), Chargers’ Justin Jackson (vs. Raiders)
RBs to sit in Week 9
Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott (vs. Steelers): Hear me out, it’s not the most ideal decision to bench your first-round pick in someone like Ezekiel Elliott. But with the current quarterback situation and the lackadaisical performance from Elliott so far, he’s on the brink of being bench-able in certain weeks. While you’re likely starting him, I’m listing him due to his awful matchup against a stingy run defense of the Steelers. Pittsburgh’s run defense had their first 100-yard rusher last week against the Ravens in J.K. Dobbins, but Dallas doesn’t exactly have Lamar Jackson at QB without Dak Prescott under center.
Saints’ Latavius Murray (vs. Buccaneers): Latavius Murray has actually seen a consistent share of touches despite being the No. 2 option behind Alvin Kamara. Murray has seen 10+ touches in five out of the first seven games for the New Orleans Saints. Even though he’s been a solid flex option this season in fantasy football, he may not see much success on the ground in Week 9 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay is giving up a league-low 3.2 yards per attempt to RBs and only one RB has eclipsed 50+ rushing yards on the Buccaneers (Christian McCaffrey).
