Fri Nov 1 5:21pm ET
By HOWARD BENDER
Fantasy Writer
Last week were sitting here lamenting the losses from a previous week and now here in Week 9, we are right back to lining our pockets and building that bankroll. Last week’s DFS Pickem picks crushed and we got right back on that horse for the Pick of the Week which absolutely smashed. In fact, outside of the stinker of a Bears game where DJ Moore let us down, we hit on every pick, including the David Njoku pick in the weekly video. Now it’s time to carry that momentum into NFL Week 9 and win some more.
Once again, if you are new to the RT Sports family or haven’t played the DFS Pickem format yet, let me help steer you along properly. It’s incredibly easy to play and a great opportunity to increase your bankroll throughout the season. All you do is make your picks for players to produce more or less than their designated stat- ine and if you are right, you can earn up to 40 times your wager (minimum wager of $1). Pick correctly for two players and you will 3x your money. Three correct picks will get you a 6x return, four is 10x and so on, up to 40x for six correct picks. You should give a look at the full contest rules, but that’s the gist of it for how to play.
Here are my favorites for NFL Week 9:
Pick of the Week:
Ladd McConkey -- MORE than 54.5 receiving yards
Yes, I am well aware that the Chargers are a run-first offense and no, I am not chasing last week’s stats. But you cannot ignore the fact that as we’ve seen J.K. Dobbins slow down, Justin Herbert has thrown the football at least 32 times in each of the last three games, so they are, obviously, not afraid to pass. This play is also based in some metrics as, among wide receivers with at least 30 targets this season, McConkey has been extremely strong against man coverage. In fact, he ranks behind only Justin Jefferson and A.J. Brown in yards per route run against man coverage. Like I said, extremely strong. Couple that with the Browns running man coverage an average of 41.3-percent of the time (third-highest in the NFL) and you’ve got another big day for McCaffrey. Let’s cash in!
Other Favorite Week 9 Picks:
One final note – for those of you who also like to dabble in the NFL DFS realm, we’ve got a Beat Howard Bender contest set up in the lobby. It’s just $3 to enter for this 300-person GPP with standard payouts, but even better – if you beat me, you get your entry fee back. Just click here to get into the contest!
Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 14
The Buffalo Bills have listed tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) as questionable to suit up this Sunday on the road against the Rams in Los Angeles. Kincaid suffered a knee injury in the Week 10 win over the Indianapolis Colts and hasn't played since. The 25-year-old second-year player hadn't practiced until this week, though, signaling that he has a much better shot to suit up this weekend. Kincaid was officially limited in all three practices this week. The Bills don't kick off against the Rams until the late-afternoon window on Sunday, making Kincaid a more difficult call for starting fantasy lineups in Week 14. Although he's been a disappointment in his sophomore season in 2024, Kincaid should at least be on the map as a low-end TE1 in fantasy if he's active against the Rams. If he misses a third straight game, Dawson Knox will once again have TE1 upside.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) suffered a new injury in practice this week and was listed as limited on Friday. As a result, the Steelers designated him as questionable to play in a divisional battle this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns in Week 14. This one came out of nowhere, so fantasy managers may have to adjust last minute with the 23-year-old wideout, who has become much more interesting in fantasy since quarterback Russell Wilson took over the offense from Justin Fields. Since Week 10, Pickens has caught 20 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns on 32 targets, but fantasy managers may be forced to move him to their bench this weekend. If Pickens doesn't get cleared to play on Sunday, Calvin Austin III would likely operate as Pittsburgh's WR1, with Van Jefferson and tight end Pat Freiermuth also seeing increased roles in the passing game.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (quadriceps) has been ruled questionable to play this weekend against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Week 14. After missing the first two practices of the week, Swift practiced in limited fashion on Friday, at least giving himself a chance to play this weekend. The Bears' backfield could be dangerously thin on Sunday if Swift is out or limited, as Roschon Johnson (concussion) has already been ruled out. If Swift cannot get cleared by Sunday afternoon, Travis Homer would be in line to lead Chicago's backfield in touches, with Darrynton Evans likely being brought up from the practice squad to serve in a backup role. If Swift is cleared to suit up against the Niners, fantasy managers will want him in their lineups as an RB2. In 12 games for the Bears in 2024, Swift is averaging 12.4 half-PPR points, making him the RB23 with five total touchdowns scored.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills have listed rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) as questionable to make his return in Week 14 versus the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Coleman was limited in all three practices this week for the second week in a row, but the Bills are still uncertain if they want to throw the rookie back out there. Making things more difficult for fantasy managers considering starting the 21 year-old is the fact that the Bills don't play on Sunday until the late-afternoon window on the west coast in LA. Coleman has been a big part of Buffalo's passing attack in his first NFL season when healthy, but he hasn't played since Week 9 and could see limited snaps if he does return, making him an even more risky WR4/flex play this weekend. If Coleman misses yet another game, veteran Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins will continue to battle for bigger roles behind Amari Cooper and Khalil Shakir.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) suffered an injury on Friday which puts him in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hardman reportedly had his knee lock up on him before Friday's practice. The 26-year-old now appears to be questionable ahead of this weekend's contest. His absence doesn't mean too much for this offense considering Hardman hasn't recorded a reception since Week 11. Although, Hardman is an excellent member on special teams, so his absence would certainly hurt there.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (concussion) missed practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 14 on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. In addition to Johnson, lead running back D'Andre Swift (quadriceps) is questionable to play this weekend, meaning third-string back Travis Homer could be forced into lead-back duties at Levis Stadium on Sunday if Swift is also unable to go. Even if Swift is active on Sunday, expect the Bears to bring Darrynton Evans up from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster to give the team more depth at the position with Johnson still concussed. Johnson suffered a concussion in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions last Thursday and will now try to clear the league's concussion protocol in time for another divisional clash in Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (quadriceps) is officially listed as questionable for the Week 14 game this Sunday on the road in San Francisco against the 49ers. The good news is that Moore was able to get back on the practice field on a limited basis on Friday after not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday, but his availability for this weekend remains up in the air. Meanwhile, fellow wideout Keenan Allen (ankle) practiced in full on Friday and was removed from the final Week 14 injury report after missing Wednesday's practice. Making things more difficult for fantasy managers that have Moore rostered is the fact that Chicago's game comes in the late-afternoon window this Sunday. If Moore doesn't get the green light to suit up against San Fran, both Allen and rookie Rome Odunze, in addition to tight end Cole Kmet would have higher fantasy ceilings.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tillman suffered a concussion in Week 12 and it appears that he's still dealing with the symptoms. As a result, Tillman will miss his second straight game, but will hopefully be back in the mix next week. Both Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore will see increased fantasy value with Tillman out for at least one more game. Moore saw 14 targets last week as he hauled in eight of them for 111 yards in the loss to the Denver Broncos. Jeudy went for over 230 yards during that game, so both players should be fine options for Week 14.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (hip) is currently considered questionable ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Nabers was limited in practice on Thursday after suffering a hip flexor injury. As a result, Nabers sat out of Friday's practice session. It sounds like the team is taking it day-by-day, so fantasy managers might have to wait until closer on Sunday for more information on his status. The absence of Nabers would make Darius Slayton a much more appealing streaming option. Both Wan'Dale Robinson and Slayton would have flex appeal if Nabers is forced to sit out.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals second-year wide receiver Michael Wilson should be viewed as a risky streaming option in Week 14 in the Cardinals' home matchup versus the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson has quietly become a rosterable player in fantasy football, but he is still lacking some consistency. Wilson is solidified as the Cardinals' second wide receiver but falls behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride in the target hierarchy. Wilson made a couple of big plays in the Cardinals' last matchup against the Seahawks and has been thriving off a lack of attention from opposing defenses. Until Wilson establishes better consistency, he remains a streaming flex option and should be viewed as a risky choice in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) has been activated off the injured reserve on Friday. Lazard has been sidelined since suffering a chest injury ahead of Week 8. Before that, Lazard had 30 receptions for 412 yards and five touchdowns in seven games. The expectation is that Lazard will see a dip in production now with Davante Adams fully in the mix. Lazard will now slide in as the third option behind Adams and Garrett Wilson in this offense. The 28-year-old should be considered a low-end flex option for the Week 14 matchup with the Miami Dolphins.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride should be viewed as a high-end TE1 in Week 14 when the Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks. McBride is on a hot streak right now, posting back-to-back weeks with 12 receptions. He is the focal point of the Cardinals' passing game and has produced regardless of matchup. The only downside to McBride's season has been a lack of touchdown production. However, his target share and usage are high enough to still make him a top-three tight end in fantasy. McBride is a no-doubt starting tight end in fantasy and should be viewed that way for the rest of the season.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) says that he will suit up for Sunday's Week 14 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Smith hasn't suited up since Week 11 due to a lingering hamstring issue. However, Smith has been able to practice in full all week, so it sounds like he's ready to play again. This would be a good matchup for Smith to return against a shaky Panthers secondary. Smith should be considered a solid WR2, assuming he doesn't suffer any setbacks.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. should get WR2 consideration in Week 14 when the Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks. Harrison Jr. had a solid game last week, scoring the Cardinals' lone touchdown. He also saw his largest target share of the season, receiving 12 targets. With the Cardinals in pursuit of winning the NFC West division, it is expected that they will empty the playbook and come out swinging in this matchup. Taking more shots down the field has been something the Cardinals have needed to incorporate into this offense, and Harrison Jr. is the best option to receive those downfield shots. With Harrison Jr.'s usage increasing, managers should feel much more comfortable with him in the lineup.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Trey Benson should not be considered for starting lineups in fantasy in Week 14. The Cardinals will have a home divisional matchup with the Seattle Seahawks in what will be a pivotal game for the NFC West. Benson saw an uptick in usage before the Week 11 bye, but post-bye week, that trend has not continued. Benson has had just seven total carries over the last two weeks. With Benson's usage not at a reliable level, he remains a handcuff for James Conner but is not a fantasy starter.
From RotoBaller
According to Andy Vasquez of NJ Advance Media, New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's divisional tilt against the Miami Dolphins. The star running back was dealing with this knee injury before last weekend's game but was able to suit up. This week, Hall was unable to participate in practice on Wednesday and Thursday and was also not seen during Friday's session. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status over the weekend but should look to find an alternative option as the Iowa State product is facing an uphill battle to play. If Hall cannot play, rookie Braelon Allen would be viewed as a must-start option in all formats, as he will likely take on a hefty workload. Throughout his rookie campaign, Allen has posted a modest 3.6 yards per carry with three scores while operating as the No.2 option. However, he has a favorable matchup against Miami, which has allowed the 13th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.
From RotoBaller
According to Joe Person of The Athletic, Carolina Panthers defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (knee) is expected to suit up this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite not practicing this week and carrying a "questionable" designation, head coach Dave Canales expects the 31-year-old to be on the field. Over his past five contests, Clowney has tallied 21 tackles (12 solo) with nine assists, 2.5 sacks, and one pass deflection. If Clowney can suit up this weekend, fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect him to see his typical starting workload.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner should be viewed as a high-end RB2 in Week 14 in the Cardinals' divisional battle with the Seattle Seahawks. Conner struggled on the ground in the previous matchup with the Seahawks, recording his season-low of eight rushing yards; however, he remained productive, catching five passes for 41 yards in that game. Conner is the workhorse of this Cardinals offense, and his usage rate is among the highest of all running backs in the NFL. With the Cardinals needing to win this game to position themselves well for a playoff spot, we can expect them to rely on Conner heavily. Fantasy managers should insert Conner into their starting lineups if he isn't already there in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Troy Hill (foot) and safety Mike Edwards (hamstring) will not suit up in Week 14 to face the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Brianna Dix. Hill has been dealing with a lingering foot injury over the past two weeks but has yet to officially miss time due to it. Edwards sustained his hamstring strain during their Week 13 victory over the Carolina Panthers. As a result, fantasy managers in IDP formats should expect Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean to see most of the snaps at cornerback, while Antoine Winfield and Christian Izien will see most of the opportunities at safety.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray should be considered a high-end quarterback play in Week 14 when the Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks. This matchup will be the season's biggest game for the Cardinals as they position themselves to try to reach the playoffs. With the stakes of this game as high as they get for a regular-season matchup, we can expect the Cardinals' offense to completely empty the playbook, which would include utilizing Murray's rushing ability. Murray has struggled in his last two games, especially in their previous matchup against the Seahawks, making him due for a huge bounce-back. The offense made strides a week ago but settled for too many field goals to get the win. With the expected increase in rushing and a sense of urgency from the Cardinals, fantasy managers should trust Murray in the starting lineup.
From RotoBaller