QBs to Start in Week 9
Panthers’ Cam Newton (vs. Buccaneers): I usually don’t put guys of Cam Newton’s caliber in my picks, but his match up this week is likely the best one he’ll get this year. Newton takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have struggled all year stopping the pass. The Buccaneers have allowed 20 passing touchdowns this season, which is the most in the NFL.
Rams’ Jared Goff (vs. Saints): This week we get a possible NFC Championship game preview between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints. I believe the QBs will reign supreme in this game, putting up monster numbers. Jared Goff should be in for another impressive performance. The Saints have allowed an average of 24.7 points per game to opposing QBs (third most in NFL).
Redskins’ Alex Smith (vs. Falcons): Alex Smith definitely isn’t a guy I’d start every week, but this week I’d make an exception on playing him. With a few top fantasy QBs like Carson Wentz, Andrew Luck and Andy Dalton out with bye weeks, Smith becomes a viable fill-in option. The Atlanta Falcons allow the second most points per game to opposing QBs.
Other QBs I Like: Browns’ Baker Mayfield (vs. Chiefs), Vikings’ Kirk Cousins (vs. Lions), Raiders’ Derek Carr (vs. 49ers)
QBs to Sit in Week 9
Bears’ Mitchell Trubisky (vs. Bills): Mitchell Trubisky is a tricky QB to gauge this year. He hasn’t played particularly well, but is putting up respectable numbers in fantasy football. I think his streak of 20 or more points ends this week against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills just allowed Tom Brady to only muster up 13.8 points in Week 8.
Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger (vs. Ravens): I know I’ll get backlash for saying to bench Ben Roethlisberger, but hear me out. Roethlisberger has been notorious for being a different QB on the road, throwing 53 less touchdowns and 15 more interceptions on the road than at home. The thing is, he’s played in one more game on the road, playing in 103 games at home, while playing 104 games on the road. You pair all of that with the fact he is facing a tough Baltimore Ravens defense, I’d look elsewhere for QB if possible.
