Week Nine of the NFL Season means there is a mere four weeks left until the Fantasy football playoffs. Is your team ready to make a run?
As the fantasy playoffs begin to creep up on us, where does your team stand? Worried about your depth moving forward? Stick with The Pug to guide you to a fantasy championship!
This is what we learned last week….
The NFL Trade Deadline was active, and had fantasy implications
One of the most active NFL trade deadlines in recent memory certainly left its mark on the fantasy world. The trade of running back Jay Ajayi shocked the football world. The Pug believes Ajayi’s stock rises with the move, as the Eagles offensive line is leaps and bounds better than the Dolphins o-line. Be cautious this week however, as the Eagles will likely use him sparingly as he catches up on the playbook, which he should have down following the Eagles bye week (week 10). Trade for him if you can, as his value is low right now.
The Carolina Panthers shipped wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin to the Buffalo Bills, a move that once again gives the Bills a number one receiver. This move doesn’t scream fantasy excitement to the Pug, as the Bills, despite their success this season, do not exactly light up the passing stats. Benjamin has always been a solid red zone target, which is probably the reason the Bills went after him. Not saying Benjamin looses value, but without a touchdown, his weekly production could be questionable.
The San Francisco 49ers took another stab at obtaining their quarterback of the future by nabbing Jimmy Garoppolo. Fact is, this guy has zero fantasy value in non-dynasty league. There is a solid chance he doesn’t even play for the 49ers this season, and if he does, they are still the 49ers…..
And now for week nine….
Must Starts
Eddie Lacy- RB- Seattle Seahawks- The Seahawks made their presence felt before the trade deadline, dealing for left tackle Duane Brown. This improves their offensive line tremendously. Add to that the Seahawks are on note this week saying they are going to give Lacy more carries, and this could be a week for the former fantasy star to shine once again.
Will Fuller V- WR- Houston Texans- In case you have been under a rock, this guy has made the entire Houston offense better. Well him and the current Rookie of the Year Deshaun Watson. Fuller has made DeAndre Hopkins return to form by taking some of the pressure off him, and against a weak Colts secondary, look for Fuller to log his 5th straight game with over ten fantasy points.
Aaron Jones- RB- Green Bay Packers- There are many factors leaning in favor of Jones this week. The first being the Packers offensive line is healthy. The next being the Detroit Lions, their opponent this week, have been friendly to opposing running backs. Detroit is giving up the 7th most points to opposing running backs this season. With Ty Montgomery essentially an afterthought in the backfield, Jones could see 20+ touches no problems. Jones could be in for a huge week.
Players To Avoid
Bilal Powell- RB- New York Jets- Although coincided a weapon for the Jets, Powell has been fairly ineffective as of late. Add to that Matt Forte appearing healthy and barking for more usage, and Powell’s value goes down. Dont be surprised if Powell fails to hit five points against the Bills defense.
Michael Thomas- WR- New Orleans Saints- Although Thomas has been widely inconsistent this season, look for this to be one of his better games. The Buccaneers secondary hasn’t been able to stop anyone this season, and this game won’t be any different. Look for Thomas to shine in this division contest.
Kareem Hunt- RB- Kansas City Chiefs- The absolute darling of fantasy football in the early goings has seemingly come back to Earth as of late. Even though the Cowboys are in the middle of the pack with rushing defense, this game could easily turn into a good ol’ fashioned shootout. Also game tape is out now and teams may be figuring out a way to keep Hunt from running all over them.
Waiver Wire Gems
Robbie Anderson- WR- New York Jets- He has had touchdowns in each of the last two weeks, and broke the century mark in his last contest. Anderson is worth a look as a flex option especially in PPR formats, as the Jets may spend more games than not playing catch up.
Kenyan Drake- RB- Miami Dolphins- With the departure of Jay Ajayi, Drake might be a gift from the fantasy football gods themselves. This guy has potential to receive 20+ carries right away. Beware however as Damien Williams might steal his goal line touches. If you have any holes in your lineup at the running back position, Drake is a must-add.
