Welcome to the middle of the NFL season! It’s November and football is starting to heat up. Last week saw high-scoring games, surprise performances, and a few players finally starting to break out. Now, with injuries piling up, new faces getting opportunities, and the trade deadline right around the corner, Week 9 has plenty of interesting matchups to watch. Let’s take a look at who I think will BOOM and who could BUST this week.
BOOMS:
WR, Makai Lemon ~ PHI (2-6) vs NYG (4-2-1)
Rookie Makai Lemon has seen an increase in production since the loss of starting quarterback Jalen Hurts. Over his last two games, Lemon has caught 13 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown, while seeing 17 total targets. Despite having to adjust to yet another quarterback taking charge of this Eagles offense in Joe Milton, I can see Lemon’s opportunities continuing to grow. With injuries to other key pieces like wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks, there are a lot of touches left on the board for the young receiver. Against a lackluster New York Giants defense, I can see Lemon finally putting together that breakout game on the stat sheet.
TEAM ~ Detroit Lions (5-2) @ MIA (1-6)
The Detroit Lions offense has been one of the best units in football this season, and I don’t see the Miami Dolphins being the team to slow them down. Detroit enters Week 9 averaging 29 points per game, third best in the NFL, while also leading the league in total offense. Miami has struggled to keep teams off the scoreboard, allowing nearly 26 points per game through seven games. With Jared Goff and this Lions offense firing on all cylinders, I expect Detroit to take advantage of a struggling Dolphins team and put together another big offensive performance. It’s a safe week to bet on Lions players.
QB, CJ Stroud ~ HOU (2-5) @ LAC (0-7)
C.J. Stroud has quietly put together a strong season despite the Texans sitting at just 2-5. Through seven games, Stroud has thrown 11 touchdowns to just one interception, including three games with over 300 passing yards. Coming out of the bye week, Stroud should be well rested and prepared for a winless Chargers team. Los Angeles has been solid against the pass, but with Houston’s run game struggling to find consistency, I expect the offense to once again be placed in Stroud’s hands. Look for him to come out of the bye aggressive and put together a big Week 9 performance.
RB, Jonathan Taylor ~ IND (2-6) vs DAL (3-5)
Jonathan Taylor enters Week 9 with a little more to play for than your typical Sunday. With his name continuing to float around trade rumors ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, this matchup could serve as one final showcase for teams interested in the veteran running back. And he couldn’t ask for a much better opponent, as Dallas enters the week with the worst ranked run defense in football. Whether Taylor remains in Indianapolis or not, I expect him to make the most of his opportunities and remind teams around the league exactly what he can bring to an offense.
BUSTS:
RB, Ashton Jeanty ~ LAV (4-4) @ SF (6-1)
Ashton Jeanty has struggled to find much success on the ground this season, and his workload has started to become a concern. Over his last four games, Jeanty has totaled just 73 rushing yards on 30 carries, including only two carries last week against the Jets. His involvement in the passing game has kept him productive, but with rookie Mike Washington Jr. beginning to take away touches, Jeanty’s opportunities aren’t what they once were. Against a tough San Francisco team, I’m staying away from Jeanty in Week 9.
QB, Tyler Shough ~ NO (2-5) vs CLE (5-3)
Tyler Shough has had his moments this season, but I don’t love his chances against a tough Cleveland defense in Week 9. The Browns enter this matchup allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, which could make things difficult for Shough and this Saints offense. Coming off the bye should help, but Shough has already shown some inconsistency this season. Against a defense that has done a good job limiting quarterbacks, I’m expecting a quieter day from Shough in Week 9.
TEAM ~ Washington Commanders (2-4-1) vs LAR (4-4)
The Washington Commanders offense has shown flashes this season, but this matchup against the Rams worries me. Washington enters Week 9 ranked 20th in total offense, averaging just 327.1 yards per game, while the Rams have done a good job limiting explosive plays. Los Angeles has also yet to allow a first-quarter touchdown this season, making a fast start even harder to come by. With Washington still dealing with injuries across the offense, I could see the Commanders struggling to consistently move the ball in this one.
Seattle Seahawks Backfield ~ SEA (4-4) vs ARI (3-5)
The Seahawks backfield is one I’m staying away from in Week 9, mostly because we don’t really know who the main guy is right now. Zach Charbonnet and rookie Jadarian Price both returned to the lineup last week, while Emanuel Wilson went from starting four straight games to being a healthy scratch. With multiple backs now healthy and touches likely to be spread around, it’s hard to trust any one of them to see a consistent workload. Until Seattle gives us a clearer picture of this backfield, I’m putting the entire group in the BUST category.
Leave a Reply