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Let's start on a positive note here. Only two teams have Week 9 byes: the Steelers and Titans. While Tony Pollard and Jaylen Warren will certainly be missed, the number of must-start options sitting out this week isn't as long as in previous weeks.
Ravens Shoring Up Their Offense
Lamar Jackson is on IR after thumb surgery, and Tyler Huntley is out for the season after turf toe surgery. That pushed undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano into emergency starting duty on Thursday Night Football.
That is not likely to be permanent.
Baltimore is finalizing a trade for Arizona's Jacoby Brissett, who, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, is expected to debut in Week 10 against the Chargers. Once he arrives, Zay Flowers and the passing game should get a safer floor, with the hope for more as Brissett has supported high-end fantasy producers in Cardinals tight end Trey McBride and receiver Michael Wilson.
A more effective offense matters for the rushing attack, too. Derrick Henry's upside still depends on game script. SI.com's Patricia Traina advised that Henry, a reported Giants trade target, appears to be off the market: "Baltimore's push to stay in the playoff race makes any possibility of the Giants trading for Henry unlikely."
With a new coaching staff in a still-competitive AFC North, that makes sense. Baltimore was 4-4 and two games behind the Steelers (6-2) entering Thursday night. With the trade deadline less than a week away, Henry seems locked in with a team still pushing to compete.
Trade Deadline Could Reshape Fantasy Rosters
Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Tony Pollard remain names to monitor as the November 10 deadline approaches.
The Broncos, Bengals, Giants, and Vikings have all been mentioned as potential landing spots for running backs; Pittsburgh, Kansas City, and San Francisco are looking for help at wide receiver.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Colts have received plenty of calls on Taylor and Downs. Still, the belief around the league is that, barring an offer that blows them away, Indianapolis plans to wait until after Sunday's game against Dallas before revisiting offers and potentially making deals ahead of Tuesday's deadline.
The Jets reportedly have no interest in trading either Hall or Wilson. The Titans, who are said to be interested in fielding a potent enough offense to assess what they have in QB Cam Ward, might be reluctant to move on from Pollard.
That said, fantasy managers looking to roll out any of these players in their lineups this week (Pollard notwithstanding) need to watch developments closely, likely right up through Sunday's kickoffs.
QB Issues Have a Ripple Effect on Fantasy Lineups
With Kyler Murray (hamstring) ailing, Carson Wentz has been named the Vikings starter for Monday night's game against the Bills. Seattle is preparing to start Drew Lock in place of injured Sam Darnold, Philadelphia is turning from Tanner McKee to Joe Milton III, and Arizona has moved to Gardner Minshew II.
Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson entered the league's concussion protocol Tuesday, and Shedeur Sanders is taking first-team reps ahead of the Browns' Week 9 matchup against the Saints.
Meanwhile, the Chargers have fallen to 0-7, with Justin Herbert's struggles continuing.
What happens to the pass catchers attached to these quarterbacks matters for us.
For the Vikings, Justin Jefferson's past success with Wentz at quarterback and a favorable matchup against Buffalo's defense are reasons for optimism. It's worth noting that Murray is being characterized as week-to-week.
In Seattle, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the only receiver of interest, and he has history with Lock. In a Week 1 relief appearance and a Week 2 start, he hasn't missed a beat: eight receptions, 122 yards, and a touchdown against the Patriots, mostly with Lock, and nine receptions, 155 yards, and three touchdowns in Arizona, all with Lock.
Milton, who brings athleticism, a big arm, and volatility to the table, is the fourth QB to throw a pass for 2-6 Philadelphia. Saquon Barkley (hamstring/back) and DeVonta Smith (hamstring) both missed Wednesday practice, so lower expectations until Friday. Assuming Smith is out, Makai Lemon merits starting consideration against the Giants.
While Minshew demonstrated his capabilities after taking over for Brissett against a generous Dallas defense, he'll face a tougher test against the Seahawks this week. Still, McBride and Wilson retain their value.
According to Footballguy Cecil Lammey, Sanders can work underneath routes, so expect plenty of targets for TE Harold Fannin Jr., projected TE8. Sanders' chemistry with rookie receiver KC Concepcion Jr. also can't be denied, making Concepcion a WR3/flex option in Week 9.
The Chargers rank near the bottom of the NFL in key efficiency metrics, but a healthy Ladd McConkey delivered a WR27 performance against the Rams and remains their only playable receiver.
New Backfield Leaders Are Emerging
Denver's Jonah Coleman is becoming a priority fantasy asset, while Arizona's Tyler Allgeier is positioned for more work after Jeremiyah Love suffered another ankle injury.
Although Denver is reportedly looking to acquire Taylor, Coleman has taken over as the lead back until a change is made. This week against the Panthers, his Footballguys projection calls for an RB5 finish.
With James Conner still out, Love hitting IR, and Bam Knight in the concussion protocol, Allgeier is primed for massive work. Arizona has a tough matchup against Seattle, but Chicago's D'Andre Swift just ran in three touchdowns against the Seahawks.
For Seattle, with Zach Charbonnet and rookie Jadarian Price both back, Emanuel Wilson didn't get a touch last week. The rotation against Chicago looked very much like last season's, with Price in the Ken Walker III role and Charbonnet playing himself. Remember, Walker and Charbonnet finished as RB22 and RB25, respectively, last year.
In New York, Hall is trending toward returning alongside Braelon Allen, with coach Aaron Glenn noting "both guys will play." That muddies the touches after Allen's stellar bell-cow run and leaves both in a frustrating split-back situation. Think RB2/flex-level outcomes.
Watch Giants RB Cam Skattebo, too. With the second-year back dealing with a tender hamstring, Devin Singletary could be thrust into a prominent role against an Eagles defense struggling lately.
New Receiving Options Offer Midseason Help
Whether it's due to injuries or simply taking advantage of opportunities, a number of pass catchers have jumped onto the fantasy radar. Ryan Flournoy, Adonai Mitchell, DeMario Douglas, Keenan Allen, Treylon Burks, Antonio Williams, and tight end Chig Okonkwo are earning lineup consideration heading into Week 9.
With George Pickens working through a sore shoulder, Flournoy has played a more prominent role in the Cowboys' offense and has been WR14 over the last three games. Even with Pickens healthier, he has earned more opportunities.
With Garrett Wilson in the concussion protocol, Mitchell could be the Jets' top downfield threat this week, and Omar Cooper Jr. could see more work, too.
The Patriots could be without A.J. Brown again, but Douglas is viable regardless. The team opened the practice window for Mack Hollins' return from IR; he would also merit consideration if activated, and Brown is out against the Packers.
Allen has become the most reliable fantasy asset in the Colts' receiving corps. He's WR36 on the season but WR21 over the last three games.
In Washington, Terry McLaurin's season-ending knee injury opened the door to more opportunities for Burks, Williams, and Okonkwo, all of whom showed up in last week's win over the Eagles. They remain streaming options, but the opportunities will persist.
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