🦃 BLACK FRIDAY - SAVE 50% WITH CODE THANKS
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.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

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

Xavier Worthy

Expected to Play in Week 12
Alvin Kamara

to Suit Up for Clash with Falcons
Kenneth Walker III

Should Be Active Vs. Titans
Chris Godwin

Bucs to Manage Chris Godwin's Workload in Week 12
Bucky Irving

Likely Back in Week 13
Joe Burrow

Trending Toward Playing on Thanksgiving
Nic Dowd

Out Against Lightning
Jake Evans

Good to Go Saturday
Gavin Brindley

to Sit Out at Least Two Games
Thomas Chabot

Available Against Sharks
Roman Josi

Returns From 12-Game Absence
Jake Walman

Out Saturday
Kawhi Leonard

Expected to Return on Sunday
J.T. Miller

Won't Play Against Mammoth
Brenton Strange

Activated Off Injured Reserve, Will Play vs. Arizona
Chris Godwin

Expected to Play in Week 12
Kawhi Leonard

Sidelined for Saturday's Game Against Hornets
Joe Burrow

Won't Be Activated This Week
Tre Mann

Dealing With Ankle Soreness
Jaden Ivey

Could Make Season Debut Soon
Tobias Harris

Listed as Questionable for Saturday
Aaron Gordon

Expected to Miss Time With Hamstring Injury
Matas Buzelis

Leaves Friday's Game Early With Ankle Issue
Gabriel Vilardi

Has Two Goals in Losing Effort
Jordan Staal

Provides Two Goals in Friday's Win
Matt Boldy

Amasses Three Points in Impressive Road Win
Filip Gustavsson

Shuts Out Penguins Friday
Josh Doan

Pots Two Goals Friday Night
Alex Tuch

Tallies Four Assists in Big Win
Vinnie Hinostroza

Suffers Serious Injury Friday
Aaron Gordon

Won't Return to NBA Cup Meeting with Houston
Travis Kelce

Open to Returning in 2026?
Onyeka Okongwu

Could Miss Matchup With Pelicans
Brandon Aiyuk

49ers, Brandon Aiyuk Headed for a Divorce Soon?
D'Angelo Russell

Ruled Out Against Pelicans
Trey Hendrickson

Ruled Out for Week 12
Tre Jones

Cleared to Play Friday with Planned Minutes Limit
Jaden McDaniels

Cleared to Face Phoenix
Coby White

Ruled Out for Friday's Game Against Miami
Jarrett Allen

Ruled Out on Friday
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Doubtful as Grizzlies Face Mavericks
Adolis García

Rangers Non-Tender Adolis Garcia on Friday
Jaylon Tyson

Returning Versus Indiana
Darius Garland

Cleared to Play on Friday, Expected to See Limited Action
Marvin Bagley III

to Miss Friday's Game Against Raptors
Auston Matthews

Doubtful for Saturday
Rashod Bateman

Ruled Out for Week 12
Alexandre Sarr

Ruled Out for a Second Straight Game
Roman Josi

Could Return Saturday
Samuel Honzek

Out for Six Months After Surgery
Chris Godwin

Officially Questionable for Week 12
Sion James

Expected to Play Through Groin Issue Saturday
Jalen Chatfield

Available for Friday's Matchup
Andrew Wiggins

Labeled as "Day-to-Day"
Nico Sturm

Activated From Injured Reserve
Jason Zucker

Available Friday
Connor Hellebuyck

to Miss 4-6 Weeks
Jaylen Warren

Cleared From Injury Report Ahead of Week 12
Brian Thomas Jr.

Ruled Out for Week 12
Kenneth Walker III

Listed as Questionable for Week 12
Trey Benson

Ruled Out For Week 12
Josh Jacobs

Officially Questionable to Play in Week 12
Darius Slayton

Cleared to Return From Hamstring Injury in Week 12
Daniel Jones

"Good to Go" for Week 12
CFB

Beau Pribula Expected to Start Against Oklahoma
Dan Hooker

An Underdog At UFC Qatar
Arman Tsarukyan

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Ian Machado Garry

A Favorite At UFC Qatar
Belal Muhammad

Looks To Bounce Back
Alonzo Menifield

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Volkan Oezdemir

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Myktybek Orolbai

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Jack Hermansson

Makes His Welterweight Debut
Kyoji Horiguchi

Returns To The UFC
Tagir Ulanbekov

Set To Open Up UFC Qatar Main Card
Elly De La Cruz

Played Through Partially Torn Quad to End 2025
Tarik Skubal

Tigers "Doubtful" to Trade Tarik Skubal
Raisel Iglesias

Returning to the Braves on One-Year Deal
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Continue Fall Run at RSM Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Looking to Bounce Back at RSM Classic
Tom Hoge

Looking to Regain Form at RSM Classic
Joe Highsmith

Searching for Turnaround at RSM Classic
Adam Hadwin

Looking to Build on T11 Finish in Bermuda
Austin Eckroat

Searching for Momentum at RSM Classic
Joel Dahmen

Trying to Find Form at the RSM Classic
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Doubtful to Play Against Western Kentucky
Michael Thorbjornsen

Hopes to End 2025 Campaign With Another Solid Finish
Andrew Novak

Looks to End 2025 Season on High Note at RSM Classic
Harry Higgs

Teetering for PGA Tour Card in 2026
PGA

Nico Echavarria has the Potential to Contend at the RSM Classic
Sam Stevens

Finishing Out Year in Georgia
Seamus Power

Playing Better at the Right Time
Beau Hossler

Roller Coaster Comes to Saint Simons Island
Quade Cummins

The Time is Now for Quade Cummins in Georgia
Austin Cook

Needs a Win at the RSM Classic
Cameron Champ

on the PGA Tour Card Bubble
Grayson Rodriguez

Shipped to Angels
Taylor Ward

Orioles Acquire Taylor Ward From Angels
Shota Imanaga

Accepts Cubs Qualifying Offer
Brandon Woodruff

Returning to Milwaukee in 2026
Denny McCarthy

Looking For Another Solid Finish at RSM Classic
Si Woo Kim

Looking To Use Current Momentum to Flip Script at RSM Classic
Mackenzie Hughes

a Good Bounce-Back Candidate at RSM Classic
Harris English

Making 14th Start at This Week's RSM Classic
Konnor Griffin

Could Compete for Starting Shortstop Job in 2026
Gleyber Torres

Accepts Tigers Qualifying Offer
CFB

Sam Leavitt Set to Enter Transfer Portal?
Jose Altuve

Undergoes Foot Surgery
Alex Bregman

Red Sox Going for Either Alex Bregman or Pete Alonso?
CFB

James Franklin to be Virginia Tech's Next Head Coach
CFB

Fernando Mendoza the Clear Heisman Trophy Favorite?
CFB

Beau Pribula Has Chance to Face Oklahoma on Saturday
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated
Islam Makhachev

Claims UFC Welterweight Belt
Zhang Weili

Gets Outclassed

RANKINGS

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