TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

10 Fantasy Football Lineup Busts for Week 9

You've read about all the sleepers, waiver wire pickups and starter suggestions based on matchups. Now let me burst some bubbles and tell you who I think is going to bust big time in Week 9.

This isn't to troll or spread hate - that's what those political sites are for. Think of this as a public service for fanboys and truth deniers who insist that everything is going to be alright, when it's clearly not. If you don't believe me, just ask the general public on Twitter. They know everything.

Warning: while the picks made in this article are completely serious, you may find sarcastic humor laced throughout. If you don't have any sense of humor whatsoever, turn back now before you get all worked up.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

Editor's Note: New users that sign up on FantasyAces, make a $20 deposit, and enter any game will receive our full season NFL (or NBA) Premium Pass for free, a $59.99 value. Just email [email protected] with your new FantasyAces username - and boom, that's it! We will email you with your Premium pass.

 

Week 8 Recap

Another Halloween weekend come and gone and the hangover remains. The candy hangover I mean. You can't get rid of that stuff when your kids bring home pillowcases full of the stuff. Let's see who tricked fantasy owners last week as predicted on our patented candy scale of goodness:

MOAR!!!


Jordan Howard (RB, CHI) 153 YDS, 1 TD

 

Hey, it's free candy...

Kelvin Benjamin (WR, CAR) 2 REC, 73 YDS
Jeremy Maclin (WR, KC) 3 REC, 43 YDS, 1 TD
Antonio Gates (TE, SD) 4 REC, 33 YDS, 1 TD

 

Old Lady Johnson's trying to poison us!

Matthew Stafford (QB, DET) - 240 YDS, 1 TD
Jameis Winston (QB, TB) 180 YDS, 2 TD
Mark Ingram (RB, NO) - 5 YDS, 1 BENCHING
LeSean McCoy (RB, BUF) DNP
Latavius Murray (RB, OAK) 48 YDS
Jack Doyle (TE, IND) 2 REC, 36 YDS

A couple of players pulled out touchdowns in otherwise disappointing performances, but overall I'm content with the Circus Peanut-level of my bust picks. Let the second half of the season commence!

 

Top 10 Busts for Week 9

Cam Newton (QB, CAR) - Lately, Newton has been fired up about the "cheap shots" he takes, leaving some to question whether Newton is focused on himself more than winning. This isn't the place for that debate, but it can be said that Newton may have a tough time proving his doubters wrong this week. The Rams defense has been stout at home against the pass, allowing an average of 244 YPG through the air and surrendering just two passing TD. Newton isn't taking goal-line plunges as frequently with Jonathan Stewart doing the honors instead. You can keep Newton inserted for standard league lineups as a low-end QB1, but fade him in daily this week. Or else.

Trevor Siemian (QB, DEN) - I know you're thinking that a guy who has no business starting in fantasy leagues can't be considered a bust. The strategy of streaming quarterbacks off the waiver wire is picking up steam, however, so there are a few fantasy players who may take a chance on him based on matchup alone. Let me take this moment to repeat what I've said before in case you are tempted to use Siemian in any way - the Raiders pass defense isn't that bad. Sure, they're in the bottom 10 on the season, but since Week 2 they've only allowed one 300-yard passer (Philip Rivers). Khalil Mack has four sacks in the last three games and is starting to resemble his Pro Bowl form of last season. There are better value plays at QB this week than Siemian. Just not in Houston.

Frank Gore (RB, IND) - After being decimated by Ezekiel Elliott in Week 6, Green Bay's run defense has returned to its dominant form. They limited Devonta Freeman to 35 yards last week after holding Jordan Howard to 22 yards the week before. The Colts are not known for putting up big rushing yards as it is, so expect an extremely disappointing week for the lone remaining offensive player from the greatest college football team of all time - the 2001 Miami Hurricanes (that's pure fact).

Jay Ajayi (RB, MIA) - As a longtime disgruntled Dolfan, it's easy to pick against my own team because it keeps expectations low. Ajayi has been more than just a pleasant surprise, he's been a revelation. Expecting him to rip off another huge game is just too much to ask. Realistically, this matchup will be far tougher than Ajayi has faced in his last two games. The Jets are fifth in rushing defense, having allowed 548 yards on the ground over eight games. I'll reluctantly admit there's a chance he is good the rest of the season, but I'm still tempering expectations for Week 9. If I'm wrong, I'll sprint to the front of the bandwagon.

Jordy Nelson (WR, GB) - His performance in Week 8 (94 yards and a TD) gave his fantasy owners a reason to breathe a sigh of relief after two lackluster games. It may not last long, however, as Nelson could have a tough day being shadowed by Vontae Davis. Oddly enough, even though the Colts rank near the bottom is passing yards allowed, they also allow the seventh-fewest fantasy PPG to WR. Nelson has remained a fantasy asset due to his six touchdowns scored, but only five TDs have been scored by receivers all season against the Colts. There's always a chance, but Nelson is best faded in daily leagues.

Golden Tate (WR, DET) - The Golden Child has stepped up his game as of late, hauling in 21 catches for 300 yards in the last three games. The Lions have to travel to Minnesota this weekend, however, where the Vikings have been unbeatable. Xavier Rhodes and a suddenly revived Terrence Newman could give the whole Detroit receiving corps fits, so expect Tate's resurgence to hit a temporary bump in the road. Not a hit, a bump.

Jordan Matthews (WR, PHI) - Matthews remains the top receiver in Philly, which isn't necessarily a good thing. He's been solid all year, mostly coming out of the slot. Last week Matthews saw season highs with 11 catches on 14 targets and scored his third touchdown of the year. The Giants have Dominique-Rodgers Cromartie waiting for him though, in a divisional game that could prove low-scoring. Torrey Smith sure would have looked good in an Eagles jersey, wouldn't he?

Torrey Smith (WR, SF) - He's still in San Fran, unfortunately, and that alone will keep him as a bust for the rest of 2016. Some will jump on this matchup since the Saints are notoriously bad at defending the pass. Well, don't look now but the Saints are down to 16th in fantasy points allowed to WR, giving up just five TD on the year. Delvin Breaux is back and should help an improving secondary. Good news for 49ers fans - you might beat Cleveland at something!

Travis Kelce (TE, KC) - Kelce has been a tease for fantasy owners. Some weeks he looks like he is earning his moniker of "mini-Gronk," some weeks he disappears. While Jacksonville's offense seems to have disappeared completely in the offseason, their defense against the tight end has actually been good. There should be little need for the Chiefs to go aerial with Alex Smith on the shelf and an opposing offense that poses little challenge. Kelce will get his share of targets, but won't go deep in this one. The same can't be said for his other TV appearances. (When does Travis Kelce have time to do a reality dating show and why didn't I know about this sooner?)

Jimmy Graham (TE, SEA) - He already fulfilled bust status last weekend in what was supposed to be a happy homecoming in New Orleans. Instead, he fell flat with three catches for 34 yards. A bounce back game might be in order, but it won't happen this week. Buffalo has only given up one TD to a tight end. Moreover, Seattle's offense just isn't in sync and it's clear Russell Wilson isn't 100%. They could try mixing things up on offense, but that isn't Pete Carroll's style.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Chase Brown

Working on Extension With Bengals
Dorian Finney-Smith

Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith Will Not Play Thursday
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Listed as Questionable for Thursday
Onyeka Okongwu

Will Not Play Thursday
Jalen Johnson

Questionable Thursday Against Houston
Michael Penix Jr.

Hopes to be Ready for Week 1
Isaac Paredes

Not a Lock for Opening Day Lineup?
Dalton Kincaid

Doesn't Need Offseason Surgery
Josh Allen

Undergoes Foot Surgery
Josh Allen

on Crutches, Wearing Walking Boot
Corbin Carroll

a Top Fantasy Outfielder After Joining 30-30 Club
Jonah Tong

Won't Pitch in the World Baseball Classic
CFB

Michigan RB Bryson Kuzdzal Withdrawing from Transfer Portal
James Reimer

Stops Avalanche Wednesday Night
Tim Stützle

Tim Stutzle Collects Two Points Against Avalanche
Ondrej Palat

Enjoys Multi-Point Debut With Islanders
Zach Werenski

Has Fifth Multi-Point Outing of the Month
Travis Konecny

Questionable for Thursday
Rasmus Ristolainen

Doesn't Finish Wednesday's Loss
Blake Coleman

Out Until Olympic Break
Aaron Gordon

Out Thursday
Isaiah Hartenstein

Available Thursday
Russell Westbrook

Questionable to Play Thursday
Zach LaVine

Returns From Two-Game Absence
Paul George

Expected to Play Against Kings
Joel Embiid

Probable Thursday
Steven Adams

Undergoes Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
Egor Demin

Won't Play Versus Denver
Cam Thomas

Resting on Thursday Night
Aaron Judge

Appears to be Past his Elbow Issues
Bo Nix

Expected to Resume Training in 4-6 Weeks
Dan Vladar

Returns to Flyers Crease
Denton Mateychuk

Back in Action Wednesday
Stephen Halliday

Unavailable Versus Avalanche
Ross Colton

Won't Play Wednesday
Devon Toews

Still Out Wednesday
Simon Holmstrom

Expected to Return Wednesday
Ryan Pulock

a Game-Time Call Wednesday
Michael Penix Jr.

Thinks he'll be Ready by April
Evan Carter

Establishes a Goal to Steal 30 Bases
Edouard Julien

Traded to the Rockies
Cleveland Browns

Browns Hiring Todd Monken as Next Head Coach
Jack St. Ivany

to Miss Up to Eight Weeks After Surgery
Cody Glass

Exits Early Tuesday Night
Anton Lundell

Expected to Be Available Thursday
Jordan Kyrou

Jake Neighbours Knocked Out of the Lineup Tuesday
Elias Lindholm

Hurt in Tuesday's Win
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Exits With Injury Tuesday
Ondrej Palat

Devils Send Ondrej Palat to the Islanders
Collin Murray-Boyles

Listed as Questionable for Wednesday's Game
Jock Landale

Available for Wednesday's Tilt
Kel'el Ware

in Danger of Missing Another Game
Sahith Theegala

Off to Much Better 2026 Start
Davion Mitchell

Iffy for Wednesday
Gary Woodland

an Intriguing Option at Torrey Pines This Week
Norman Powell

Questionable Wednesday
Tyler Herro

Remains Out Wednesday
CJ Abrams

Giants Offer "Aggressive Pitch" for CJ Abrams
Andrew Putnam

Hopes to Keep Momentum Rolling This Week
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic to Be Re-Evaluated in One Week
Matthieu Pavon

Seeks to Return to 2024 Form at Torrey Pines
Luke List

Still Looking For Birdies at Torrey Pines
Jake Knapp

Faces Stiff Challenge at Farmers Insurance Open
Rasmus Hojgaard

Needs to Play Better at Torrey Pines
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Could Struggle at Farmers Insurance Open
J.J. Spaun

A Steady Option At Farmers Insurance Open
Andrew Novak

Looking For More Success At Torrey Pines
Denny McCarthy

A Wild Card At Farmers Insurance Open
Max Homa

Looks To Keep Resurgence Going At Torrey Pines
Joe Highsmith

Struggling Heading Into Torrey Pines
Wyndham Clark

Looks To Carry Momentum Into Farmers Insurance Open
Tony Finau

Aims To Turn Things Around At Torrey Pines
Darius Garland

Won't Be Available Wednesday
Akshay Bhatia

Looks to Bounce Back at Torrey Pines
Paul Goldschmidt

Yankees Expressing Interest in Re-Signing Paul Goldschmidt
Bo Bichette

Won't Play in World Baseball Classic
NFL

Bill Belichick Won't be First-Ballot Hall of Famer
Carlos Correa

Won't Play for Puerto Rico in World Baseball Classic
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Continue Incredible Run at Torrey Pines
Jason Day

has a Good Chance to Keep Momentum This Weekend
Keegan Bradley

has Good Course History at Torrey Pines
Billy Horschel

Isn't a Great DFS Option at Torrey Pines
Aaron Rodgers

Mike McCarthy Says he Wants Aaron Rodgers to Return
Will Zalatoris

Has a Shot to Challenge at the Farmers Insurance Open
Drake Maye

Expected to be Fine for Super Bowl
Tennessee Titans

Titans Set to Hire Brian Daboll as New Offensive Coordinator
Buffalo Bills

Bills Promote Joe Brady to Head Coach
CFB

Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi Signs with Michigan
CFB

Darian Mensah Reaches Settlement with Duke, Expected to Land at Miami
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Not Drawing Interest on Open Market?
Shedeur Sanders

Named as Pro Bowl Replacement
Framber Valdez

Among Many High-End Pitchers on Free-Agent Market
Jose Altuve

Won't Participate in World Baseball Classic
Harrison Bader

Agrees With Giants on Two-Year Deal
Paddy Pimblett

Drops Decision
Justin Gaethje

Becomes the New Interim-Lightweight Champion
Song Yadong

Suffers Unanimous Decision Loss
MMA

Sean O'Malley Gets Back In The Win Column
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Extends His Win Streak
Derrick Lewis

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Officially Hire Mike McDaniel as Offensive Coordinator
Nathan Eovaldi

Doesn't Expect Any Limitations in Spring Training
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Dominates in NFC Championship Game Win
Matthew Stafford

Plans to Return in 2026
CFB

Arthur Smith to Become Ohio State's Offensive Coordinator
Bo Nix

Sidelined for 12 Weeks With Broken Ankle
Jose Altuve

to Mainly Play Second Base
Yu Darvish

Considering Retirement
Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Finalizing Deal to Make Mike McCarthy Their Head Coach
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez Signs Seven-Year Extension With Guardians
Gunnar Henderson

is Fully Healthy Heading into Spring Training
Tyreek Hill

Dolphins Expected to Release Tyreek Hill

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP