👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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


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.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! 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.




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Michael Thorbjornsen

Brings High Upside to CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Luke List

Carrying Poor Form Into CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Tom Kim

Hoping to Build on Strong Myrtle Beach Finish
PGA

Sungjae Im Brings Upside to TPC Craig Ranch
Billy Horschel

Looking for Turnaround at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Jameson Williams

a High-Ceiling Buy for Risk-Tolerant Dynasty Managers
Adam Hadwin

Difficult to Trust at TPC Craig Ranch
Chase Brown

a Short-term Dynasty Buy Whose Value Could Extend Beyond 2026
Tony Finau

Looking for Consistency at TPC Craig Ranch
J.K. Dobbins

Becoming an Underpriced Starting Running Back
Luke Clanton

Searching for Form at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Rome Odunze

Has Ambiguity Among Bears WRs Created Buying Opportunity for Rome Odunze?
Aaron Rai

Withdraws From CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Wyndham Clark

Can Wyndham Clark Find Form at CJ Cup?
Marvin Mims Jr.

Dynasty Value Hurt by Lack of a Defined Role
Si Woo Kim

Looks To Stay Hot at CJ Cup
James Harden

Struggles in Eastern Conference Finals Opener
Evan Mobley

Bags Second Consecutive Double-Double
Donovan Mitchell

Produces Top Two-Way Performance in Game 1 Loss
OG Anunoby

Plays Key Role in Comeback Win
Mikal Bridges

Remains Efficient in Game 1 Against Cavaliers
Karl-Anthony Towns

Extends Double-Double Streak to Four Games
Jalen Brunson

Leads Knicks to Historic Comeback Win
Scottie Scheffler

to Defend CJ Cup Byron Nelson Title This Week
Jordan Spieth

Looking For Victory at TPC Craig Ranch
PGA

Matti Schmid Looks to Keep Recent Momentum Going at TPC Craig Ranch
Brooks Koepka

a High-Upside Play at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles Offense to Borrow From Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay in 2026?
Taysom Hill

Saints Haven't Offered a Contract to Taysom Hill
Kayshon Boutte

Working Out Away From the Team
Lamar Jackson

Expected to Return to OTAs Soon
Dalton Kincaid

Taking Part in OTAs This Week
Josh Allen

"Good to Go" for Offseason Workouts
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Exits Early on Tuesday After Being Hit By Pitch
Rashee Rice

to Miss Two Months After Clean-Up Surgery on his Knee
Dean Wade

Returns to Starting Unit Tuesday
OG Anunoby

Starting on Tuesday
Tobias Harris

May Remain in Motown
Jalen Duren

Pistons Eager to Keep Jalen Duren
Chris Kirk

Continues Search For Putting Form at TPC Craig Ranch
Dallas Mavericks

Jason Kidd Fired as Mavericks Head Coach
De'Aaron Fox

Officially Listed as Questionable for Game 2 Against Thunder
Rasmus Hojgaard

Looking to Shake Off Poor Major Showing at TPC Craig Ranch
Joel Dahmen

is of No DFS Consideration This Week in Dallas
Pierceson Coody

is Not The Fun DFS Play He Used to Be
Tank Bigsby

Is Tank Bigsby a Worthy Dynasty Stash Entering 2026?
Hunter Henry

Profiles as a Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Entering 2026
Gerrit Cole

to Make Season Debut on Friday Against Rays
Matthew Golden

Can Matthew Golden Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in 2026?
Jalen Coker

a Prime Buy-Low Dynasty Target
Dak Prescott

Remains a High-Floor Dynasty Quarterback
CeeDee Lamb

Is CeeDee Lamb's Dynasty Value Poised to Rise in 2026?
Keon Coleman

Joe Brady Likes What he's Seen From Keon Coleman
Deshaun Watson

Hitting it Off With Todd Monken?
Jacoby Brissett

Not Present for First OTA Practice
Drake Baldwin

Braves Place Drake Baldwin on Injured List With Oblique Strain
CFB

Ezavier Crowell has Immediate Opportunity at Alabama
CFB

Mark Bowman a Day 1 Impact Player for USC?
CFB

Bill Belichick Says Relationship with First North Carolina Team "Wasn't Great"
Alex Caruso

Erupts for 31 Points in Game 1 Loss to Spurs
CFB

Kemario Taylor a Breakout Candidate at Quarterback
Jalen Williams

Productive in Comeback Game
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss the Undisputed Top SEC Quarterback Entering 2026?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Records First Double-Double of Postseason
CFB

Rocco Becht The "Unifier" of Penn State's Roster
Stephon Castle

Opens Conference Finals With Double-Double
Dylan Harper

Makes Outstanding Two-Way Impact in Game 1 Win
Victor Wembanyama

Dominates Game 1 Against Thunder
Mattias Samuelsson

Picks Up an Assist in Season-Ending Loss
Rasmus Dahlin

Nets Fourth Postseason Goal
Jakub Dobes

Records 37 Saves in Game 7 Win
Lane Hutson

Contributes Power-Play Assist in Game 7 Victory
Nick Suzuki

Extends Road Point Streak
Alex Newhook

Scores Series-Clincher in Overtime
Jackson Holliday

Orioles Reinstate Jackson Holliday From Injured List on Monday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Braves Reinstate Ronald Acuna Jr. From Injured List on Monday
Jose Altuve

Astros Put Jose Altuve on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Larry Nance Jr.

is Questionable for Game 1 on Tuesday
OG Anunoby

is Probable for Tuesday's Game 1
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Set to Start Game 7
Corey Seager

Going on Injured List With Back Injury
Tage Thompson

Can Match Franchise Record With Another Multi-Point Game
Nick Suzuki

Seeks More Road Success Monday
Lane Hutson

Riding a Five-Game Assist Streak Into Game 7
Filip Gustavsson

Needs Offseason Surgery
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Reinstated and Starting on Monday Against Twins
Melquizael Costa

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 117
Arnold Allen

Bounces Back
Daniel Santos

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
MMA

Dohoo Choi Wins His Third Consecutive Fight
Malcolm Wellmaker

Suffers His Second Loss In A Row
Juan Diaz

Scores Second-Round Submission
Christian Edwards

Defeated At UFC Vegas 117
CFB

Transfer Running Back Arnold Barnes Visiting Iowa State on Monday
Modestas Bukauskas

Gets Split-Decision Win
Jhostynxon Garcia

Expected to Join the Pirates on Tuesday
Quinn Hughes

Open to Signing Extension This Offseason
Joel Eriksson Ek

Misses Second Round Due to Heel Injury
Jonas Brodin

Sits Out Round 2 Due to Toe Injury
Sam Malinski

Practices Fully Sunday
Josh Manson

Rejoins Practice
Colt Emerson

Mariners Promoting Top Prospect Colt Emerson to Major Leagues
Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Blake Snell

to Undergo Elbow Surgery on Tuesday
Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
Jeremy Lauzon

Misses Saturday's Practice
Mark Stone

Doesn't Practice Saturday
Josh Manson

Misses Practice, Considered Day-to-Day
Brent Burns

Day-to-Day Ahead of Conference Finals
Cale Makar

Considered Day-to-Day
Trevor Story

Hits the Injured List With Groin Injury
Blake Snell

Likely to Need Elbow Surgery
Kyle Schwarber

on a Heater, Hits Two More Homers to Take Major-League Lead
Clay Holmes

Suffers Fractured Fibula on Friday Night
Blake Snell

Heads to 15-Day Injured List
CFB

Julian Sayin Looking To Build Off Of Strong Debut Season
CFB

College GameDay Set for First Three Weeks
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Aiming For Ohio State Receiving Records
CFB

Keshaun Singleton Projects as Auburn's WR1
CFB

Jeremiah Cobb Impresses New Auburn Staff
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Very Likely to Start for Georgia Tech
CFB

Charles Woodson Jr. Commits to Michigan
Melquizael Costa

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Main Event
Arnold Allen

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 117
Daniel Santos

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Co-Main Event
MMA

Dohoo Choi Returns At UFC Vegas 117
Juan Diaz

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Malcolm Wellmaker

Looks To Bounce Back
Christian Edwards

Set For His UFC Debut
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF