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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

Ben Griffin

Looking to Repeat This Week at Colonial
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Player to Avoid at Charles Schwab Challenge
Hideki Matsuyama

Needs Solid Driving Week at Charles Schwab Challenge
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of Charles Schwab Challenge
Akshay Bhatia

Lacking Driving Prowess Needed at Colonial Country Club
NFL

NFL Unlikely to Expand to 18 Regular-Season Games by 2027
Sahith Theegala

Searching For Swing at Charles Schwab Challenge
Lamar Jackson

in Attendance at OTAs This Week
Bucky Irving

Expected Back in the Summer or Fall
CFB

DJ Lagway Looking to Rebound at Baylor
CFB

Josh Hoover Tasked With Leading Indiana Back to the Playoffs
CFB

Braylon Staley the Next 1,000-Yard Tennessee Receiver?
Jalen Tolbert

Does Jalen Tolbert Have Short-Term Dynasty Appeal?
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Return Timeline Remains Unclear
Travis Etienne Jr.

Is Travis Etienne Jr. Still a Dynasty RB1 Following Change of Scenery?
Breece Hall

Extension Solidifies His Dynasty Outlook
Devin Singletary

Faces a Difficult Path to Relevance
Jordan Whittington

Does Jordan Whittington Have Any Dynasty Value Left?
Caleb Williams

Bears Want Caleb Williams to "Do Less"
Xavier Worthy

Has Xavier Worthy Become a Post-Hype Dynasty Sleeper?
DeMario Douglas

A Playing-Time Blockage Could Make DeMario Douglas a Dynasty Drop Candidate
Elijah Sarratt

Can Elijah Sarratt Emerge From the Middle Rounds of Dynasty Rookie Drafts?
Antonio Williams

a Borderline First-Round Pick in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
Joe Flacco

a Low-Cost Dynasty Handcuff with Immense Upside
Evan Mobley

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 15 Points
James Harden

Wants to Stay in Cleveland
Donovan Mitchell

Remains Committed to Cavaliers
Mikal Bridges

Cools Off in Game 4 Against Cavaliers
OG Anunoby

Active on Both Ends in Blowout Win
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads Knicks in Scoring During Series-Clincher
Jalen Brunson

Named Eastern Conference Finals MVP
Ivan Demidov

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Lane Hutson

Records Power-Play Goal in Game 3 Loss
Frederik Andersen

Enjoys Another Easy Night at the Office in Game 3
Shayne Gostisbehere

Scores First Postseason Goal
Taylor Hall

Ends Four-Game Goal Drought
Andrei Svechnikov

Scores Game 3 Winner in Overtime
Gage Jump

Athletics to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Gage Jump to Major Leagues
Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Falling Out of Favor Already in Dynasty Formats?
Roman Wilson

Worth Holding in Dynasty Leagues After Offseason Additions?
Luke McCaffrey

a Cut Candidate in Dynasty Leagues
Roman Hemby

Does Roman Hemby Have a Chance to Make Raiders Roster?
NFL

Eric McAlister Worth Drafting in Rookie-Only Dynasty Leagues?
Caleb Lohner

Impresses Sean Payton During Offseason Program
Tatsuya Imai

Two Relievers Combine to No-Hit the Rangers on Monday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder is Ruled Out for Game 4 on Monday
Michael Porter Jr.

Nets Could Trade Michael Porter Jr.
Ajay Mitchell

is Ruled Out for Game 5
Jalen Williams

is Tagged as Questionable for Game 5
Valeri Nichushkin

Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin Uncertain for Game 4
Oliver Kapanen

Sitting as Healthy Scratch Monday
Max Domi

Out Indefinitely Due to Offseason Surgery Complications
Tanner Koziol

a Long-Shot Dynasty Tight End?
Dylan Cease

Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Daniel Suarez

Wins at Charlotte in Rain-Shortened Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte
Denny Hamlin

Falls Short of Winning and Places Third at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

Places Fourth After Leading Laps at Charlotte
Kyle Larson

Strong and Consistent Day Ends in Fifth at Charlotte
Devon Toews

Logs Two Assists In Game 3 Defeat
Brett Howden

Nets 10th Postseason Goal
Mitchell Marner

Delivers Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Mark Stone

Returns With Multi-Point Effort
Valeri Nichushkin

Exits Early Sunday
Nathan MacKinnon

Hurt in Game 3 Loss
Isaiah Hartenstein

Provides Steady Production in Defeat
Chet Holmgren

Has a Quiet Offensive Night on Sunday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Held Under 20 Points in Game 4
Stephon Castle

Hands Out Six Assists in Game 4 Win
Devin Vassell

Tallies 13 Points in Game 4 Win
De'Aaron Fox

Records Double-Double as Spurs Even Series
Victor Wembanyama

Sets Tone Early as Spurs Force a Pivotal Game 5
Jamal Murray

Earns First Career All-NBA Selection
Kevin Durant

Becomes First Player to Make All-NBA Team With Five Franchises
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Victor Wembanyama Lead All-NBA First Team
Taylor Hall

Enjoying Life in Carolina
Mark Stone

Returns to Action Sunday
Cale Makar

Rejoins Avalanche Lineup Sunday
Dylan Cease

Removed From Sunday's Start With Hamstring Discomfort
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Exits Sunday's Game Early with Elbow Contusion
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Sunday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Place Edward Cabrera on the 15-Day Injured List
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Could Break Out of Slump
Kyle Larson

May have A Solid Day at Charlotte
Ryan Blaney

Is A DFS Risk for Charlotte Lineups
William Byron

Could have A Great DFS Performance at Charlotte
Chase Briscoe

Is A Solid Tournament Option for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

May not be Worth his Salary for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Chris Buescher

May be a Sneaky Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has Favorable Upside for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is A Strong Addition for DFS Lineups at Charlotte
Austin Dillon

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Austin Dillon for Charlotte DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott

Should Be Strong at Charlotte
Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups?
Phillip Danault

Extends Point Streak to Three Games
Josh Anderson

Nets Two Goals in Painful Loss
Jalen Chatfield

Delivers Two Assists in Crucial Win
MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
MLB

Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
CFB

Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
CFB

LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
CFB

North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
CFB

Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Robby Snelling

Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Jackson Merrill

Tweaks his Back on Wednesday, Pulled Early
RANKINGS
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1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF