It’s Halloween weekend, and that means one thing for fantasy football. Some players will deliver treats for your fantasy lineup while others will trick you into thinking they were worth starting. Here are the players to pay attention to for Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 9.
Last week’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em could have been better. Starting Bo Nix and Mark Andrews were biggest successes. However, Geno Smith mustered a whole lot of nothing and caused Jaxon Smith-Njigba to be disappointing as well.
Note: This article is for players who are considered flex options or for matchup-specific reasons. You won’t see players like Saquon Barkley and Justin Jefferson on here because they should be starting all the time.
Fantasy Football 2024: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 9
Quarterbacks
Start: Joe Flacco
It’s the Joe Flacco Show in Indianapolis for the time being, and he gets a great matchup right out of the gate. The Vikings defense has conceded an average of 286 yards and two touchdowns through the air. In each of his first three starts this year, Flacco has thrown multiple touchdown passes. If you’re in a bad quarterback situation this week, Flacco can be the one to bail you out.
Sit: Jameis Winston
For the first time since the wildcard loss to the Texans last year, the Browns have a competent quarterback in Jameis Winston. Despite his strong performance against Baltimore, the Chargers concede just 193 yards per game in the air. The defense gets even better on the road which makes it tough to start Winston this week. Jim Harbaugh has created a “No-Fly Zone” with his secondary, so expect that continue against Cleveland.
Read More: Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings Week 9
Running Backs:
Start: Brian Robinson
Brian Robinson gets another favorable matchup this week against a Giants defense that is the sixth-worst in run defense. Najee Harris and Saquon Barkley both ran for over 100 yards in the last two games against Brian Daboll’s defense. Let’s not forget Robinson totaled 133 yards on the ground in Week 1 against this same defense. Sunday is a chance for history to repeat itself for the Commanders.
Sit: Raheem Mostert
De’Von Achane has taken over as the lead back in Miami, and Raheem Mostert is feeling the effects of it. While he’s only played in three games this season, Mostert is very touchdown dependent. Starting him and hoping he scores a touchdown is similar to taking candy from a baby. It might feel good at first, but you’ll quickly regret it. Besides, if this matchup with the Bills is anything like the last one, Miami won’t be running the ball much.
Start: James Conner
James Conner has been a consistent RB2 for several years in the NFL. The Bears secondary is one of the best in the league which means the Cardinals will run the ball a lot on Sunday. Chicago has allowed several running backs to accumulate 65+ yards and find the endzone which sets up Conner well. The opportunity for volume in this matchup is there, and Conner has received 15+ carries in all but two games… both ended in losses for Arizona.
Read More: Fantasy Football Lessons for Week 9
Wide Receivers:
Start: Tank Dell
This may be the only week you get WR1 numbers from Tank Dell. Stefon Diggs is out for the year, and Nico Collins is eyeing a Week 10 return. Sauce Gardner hasn’t been his best this year which gives Dell an advantage. C.J. Stroud is going to look his way consistently Thursday night to get the passing game going. Despite poor performances in Weeks 1-8, Dell is someone to start solely based on upside.
Sit: Diontae Johnson
Diontae Johnson owners are going to be happy he’s out of Carolina, but the Ravens might not be the glorious landing spot they were hoping for. He’s currently slated as the WR3 behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman and will be the WR2 at best. On top of that, he’s learning a new offense. Receivers have struggled this season in their first game with a new offense (Amari Cooper, Davante Adams, DeAndre Hopkins), so it’s reasonable to expect Johnson to follow in their footsteps.
Start: Josh Downs
Josh Downs had his best game of the season last week and getting Flacco as the quarterback makes him even more appealing. In the three games Flacco started in 2024, Downs averaged eight receptions for 72 yards with touchdowns in two of them. Given how bad the Vikings’ pass defense has been, it’s even more of a reason to play Downs in the flex for Sunday Night Football.
Read More: Fantasy Football Week 9 Wide Receiver Rankings
Tight Ends:
Start: Cade Otton
Cade Otton is the new top target in Tampa Bay with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin injured. While he may not find the endzone twice every game like he did in Week 8, Otton is going to see targets all over the field. The Chiefs have struggled this year against tight ends which makes Otton even more appealing. Otton is a must-start at least until Evans returns.
Read More: Metrics That Matter From Week 8
Start: Evan Engram
Evan Engram doesn’t have the most favorable matchup against the Eagles, but he still has some upside. With Christian Kirk out for the year and Brian Thomas Jr. questionable, Trevor Lawrence is going to look Engram’s way quite often. While Engram hasn’t done much to warrant a start this year, this is the week to play him if you need a tight end. He has more value in PPR leagues but can still get the job done in standard leagues.
Main Photo Courtesy of Troy Taormina – Imagn Images
