Ryan Flournoy Could Offer Deep League Value in Week 9 0mLink copied!

Nov 7, 2026, 9:34 PM ET

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams will look to bounce back after giving fantasy managers a dud last week. Williams carried the ball 24 times for 56 yards during last week's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The 24 carries were the second-most for Williams this season, but the 2.33 yards per carry won't get the job done. He also saw his touchdown streak come to an end after he scored in five straight games coming into last week's game. Fantasy managers should expect a bounce-back performance from Williams in Week 9. He'll face an Indianapolis Colts defense, which ranks 27th in the league in rushing yards allowed. Williams is ranked as Rotoballer's RB5 and is a must-start against the Colts defense this weekend.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

Nov 7, 2026, 9:20 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) recently met with the organization to discuss being reinstated. Aiyuk submitted the paperwork to be reinstated in late October, but there has yet to be a resolution. The biggest obstacle is the fact that Aiyuk owes the 49ers $13 million in bonus forfeitures. The expectation is that Aiyuk won't be reinstated until he pays back the money to the 49ers. The 28-year-old wideout hasn't played since suffering a torn ACL mid-season during the 2024 campaign. He claims to be fully healthy and ready to play again. It's unlikely that Aiyuk ever takes another snap for the 49ers, but he probably won't be able to continue his career until he pays back the $13 million.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Talk

Nov 7, 2026, 7:14 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings could try to acquire quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Minnesota is reportedly exploring the possibility of a quarterback trade after losing their first game of the season in Week 9, even though Kyler Murray (hamstring) turned in a fine performance with 210 passing yards, 35 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The run game has been a much bigger weakness for the Vikings, which explains their interest in Taylor, who already has 610 rushing yards, 202 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns through eight games this season. Florio notes that the Colts would love to get a first-round pick -- they traded their own 2026 first-rounder to the Jets last year -- but packaging Jones and Taylor together might be their only path to securing a Day 1 selection. Trading a first-rounder for Jones, who has six touchdowns and 12 turnovers this year, and Taylor may feel like a steep price, but the fact that the pick will likely be later in the first round might soften the blow. It's also worth noting that the Vikings have a pre-existing connection to Jones, as they rostered the veteran passer as a backup between his stints with the Giants and the Colts.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Mike Florio

Nov 7, 2026, 7:06 PM ET

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (hamstring) is "unlikely" to play in Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com. This report aligns with the official injury designation from the Giants, who listed Skattebo as doubtful. The 24-year-old will be inactive for the first time this season, and New York finally finds itself short-handed at the running back position after releasing Najee Harris and placing Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hamstring) on IR. Raanan reports that Devin Singletary will play the bulk of the offensive snaps for New York, and he'll occasionally be spelled by Phil Mafah. Meanwhile, Greg Desrosiers will round out the running back depth chart, presumably playing on special teams. Singletary is worth deploying as a mid-to-low RB2 in fantasy football this week.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jordan Raanan

Nov 7, 2026, 6:58 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers have placed wide receiver Christian Kirk (knee) on injured reserve ahead of Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. He will now miss at least four games. Kirk's roster spot will go to wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, who was activated from IR on Saturday. The bad injury news continues for the Niners, who enter this week without receivers Mike Evans (Achilles), Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring), De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle), and Kirk. This is Kirk's second time on injured reserve during the first half of the 2026 season. He missed the first six games of the year with a calf injury, returned to catch zero passes in his season debut in Week 7, was on a bye in Week 8, and is now back on the shelf ahead of Week 9. It's worth noting that this is a different injury than what he dealt with before, as head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that the veteran receiver is now battling a meniscus issue. Robinson and Brandin Cooks are expected as the Niners' top wide receivers in Week 9, but quarterback Brock Purdy's favorite target will presumably be tight end George Kittle.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Matt Maiocco

Nov 7, 2026, 6:53 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (ankle) has been activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. Additionally, the 32-year-old receiver no longer has an injury designation, which means that he will play this weekend versus Vegas. Robinson flashed upside when healthy this season, catching five passes for 84 yards and one touchdown between Weeks 1 and 2. He could immediately find himself in a meaningful role on Sunday, handling a significant volume share with Mike Evans (Achilles), Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring), Christian Kirk (knee), and De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) all sidelined. None of the Niners' healthy receivers are extremely appealing in fantasy football this week, but Robinson has the most value (and perhaps the highest ceiling) among the group. He can rank as a solid WR3/flex option in deeper 12+ team leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Matt Maiocco

Nov 7, 2026, 6:43 PM ET

Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant (ankle) has been activated from injured reserve. He remains listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Carolina Panthers, but Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports reports that Bryant will play this weekend. The 23-year-old played in the first four games this season and has been sidelined since Week 5. He had nine catches for 133 yards and one touchdown across the four games in which he played. The second-year receiver may have a tough time finding a path to meaningful production upon his return. At best, he'll be the No. 3 receiver behind Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton, who have been underwhelming in their own regard this year. However, Bryant could also end up operating behind Troy Franklin, at least for a short amount of time. Bryant isn't worth rostering in fantasy leagues with 14 or fewer teams.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Zac Stevens

Nov 7, 2026, 6:37 PM ET

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (calf) has been activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Green Bay Packers, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. The 33-year-old remains listed as questionable to play, but his activation would seem to indicate that he'll suit up. Hollins isn't a very flashy name in fantasy football, but his ability to operate as a reliable target for Drake Maye will give him some WR3/flex appeal in 12+ team leagues. After all, Hollins posted a solid stat line of 15 catches and 209 yards from Weeks 1-4 before being placed on IR. His return comes at a perfect time for the Patriots, who recently placed Romeo Doubs (shoulder) on IR and will also be without A.J. Brown (knee) this week. Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and Efton Chism III should be the team's top three wide receivers on Sunday, and they all have varying levels of WR3/flex intrigue in deeper formats.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Mike Reiss

Nov 7, 2026, 6:31 PM ET

Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (illness) has been added to the injury report ahead of Week 9 against the San Francisco 49ers, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com. It's important to note that Laube doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game, so he will play, barring a setback. Laube made some waves last week with a special teams touchdown, but he's not a reliable offensive contributor with just five carries, nine rushing yards, four catches, and 15 receiving yards this season. The Raiders did indicate that they want to get Laube some more opportunities out of the backfield going forward, but as long as he finds himself behind Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. on the depth chart, he'll remain off the fantasy football radar.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Ryan McFadden

Nov 7, 2026, 6:24 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles have elevated running back Elijah Mitchell to the active roster for Week 9 against the New York Giants. Mitchell had reverted to the practice squad following last week's game. The 28-year-old has suited up in two consecutive games for the Eagles, and Week 9 will be his third in a row. The veteran ball-carrier has totaled 14 carries, 45 rushing attempts, seven catches, and 26 receiving yards through his two games. His rushing workload and efficiency have been modest at best, but he has been a pleasant surprise in the passing game. Mitchell managed to log a 57% snap share and 15 touches last week, despite Saquon Barkley (hamstring, back) being active. Barkley doesn't carry an injury designation into Week 9, but we could still see the Eagles manage his workload and give Mitchell more touches. He ranks as a low-end RB3/flex option in leagues with 12+ teams.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jeff McLane

Nov 7, 2026, 5:45 PM ET

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs drew five targets in Week 8, and although he caught four of them, it amounted to just 23 receiving yards. On the bright side, the UNC product hauled in his first touchdown catch of the season, but at 5-foot-9, he's not a big end zone target, so it remains to be seen if he can continue that trend consistently going forward. The former third-rounder has never caught more than five touchdowns in a single season, however, this week's matchup with the Cowboys is one of the more favorable around, so he certainly has a shot to score in back-to-back weeks. Averaging under four catches and 42 yards per game, the 25-year-old has a low floor and a low ceiling, making him a solid but unexciting WR4/Flex play this week, with slight upside given the forgiving defense he'll be going up against.--Jarod Rupp
Source: RotoBaller

Nov 7, 2026, 5:21 PM ET

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) was a limited participant in practice all week with a hamstring issue and has been listed as questionable for Sunday's road matchup against the Colts. There is optimism that he will play, but he would likely remain second fiddle to CeeDee Lamb. Be that as it may, in a contest with a high projected total and with the Colts missing multiple starters on defense, including safety A.J. Haulcy (ankle) and cornerback Justin Walley (knee), there should be plenty of offense to support multiple receiving options in this one. The 6-foot-3 wideout owns a 39-533-2 line through eight games and projects as a high-end WR2 at RotoBaller in Week 9, but fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on his status prior to the 1 PM EST start time and have a pivot in mind in the event that the 25-year-old is ruled out.--Jarod Rupp
Source: RotoBaller

Nov 7, 2026, 5:02 PM ET

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen earned seven targets in Week 8, reeling in all seven for 67 yards. It was the fourth time in the last five games in which the veteran garnered at least seven targets, and he should be in line for a similar workload in Week 9 against a Dallas defense that has been generous to opposing wideouts. The Cowboys are yielding the fifth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers, allowing eight touchdowns and the sixth-most receiving yards to that position through eight weeks (1313; 164.1 yds/game). The Colts will be missing multiple pieces on defense in this one, so both offenses could have a chance to shine in a game with a high projected total. View the 34-year-old receiver as a borderline WR3/4 or solid Flex play in Week 9, with some upside in PPR formats.--Jarod Rupp
Source: RotoBaller

Nov 7, 2026, 4:55 PM ET

Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (neck) has been placed on injured reserve, according to Ian Rapoport. The 26-year-old suffered a serious neck injury while making a tackle during the fourth quarter of Detroit's Week 8 victory over the Minnesota Vikings and was transported to a hospital for evaluation. Campbell recorded 57 tackles across seven appearances this season after registering 176 in 2025. He was listed as a nonparticipant on Wednesday's estimated injury report before missing practice Thursday and Friday, and had already been ruled out for Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Campbell will miss at least four games, making Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons his earliest possible return, although his recovery timeline remains uncertain. In a statement Wednesday, Campbell reported full movement in his lower body and continued progress with upper-body movement. Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Trevor Nowaske are expected to help fill the void, with Barnes and Rodriguez preparing to handle Detroit's defensive calls.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Ian Rapoport

Nov 7, 2026, 4:41 PM ET

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is coming off his third straight week with double-digit targets and is currently leading the league in that statistic with 92, converting them into 60 catches for 709 yards, both of which rank third-most in the NFL; he has six TDs to boot (second most). The superstar will take on a vulnerable Indianapolis defense in Week 9 that will be missing their top three tacklers, including safety A.J. Haulcy (ankle) and cornerback Justin Walley (knee). Throw in George Pickens' (hamstring) questionable status, and Lamb could be in for another big week. The road matchup in Indy has one of the highest over/unders on the board this week (51.5), so in a game that should have plenty of scoring opportunities, it will be another week where the 27-year-old projects as a high-end WR1, ranking as the No. 4 WR overall at RotoBaller for Week 9.--Jarod Rupp
Source: RotoBaller

Nov 7, 2026, 4:30 PM ET

Atlanta Falcons running back Khalil Herbert has been signed to the active roster from the practice squad following Brian Robinson Jr.'s (hamstring) placement on injured reserve, according to Marc Raimondi. Herbert served as Bijan Robinson's primary backup in each of Atlanta's previous two games, recording six carries for 21 yards and two receptions for 22 yards. His workload remained modest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8, when he played just 10 offensive snaps and recorded four carries for 12 yards and one reception for three yards. Bijan Robinson handled 19 carries for 76 yards in that contest and has accumulated 150 rushing attempts for 780 yards through eight games. Herbert now has a more secure roster spot, but his limited involvement during Robinson's previous absences makes him a speculative insurance option.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Marc Raimondi

Nov 7, 2026, 4:19 PM ET

Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) has been placed on injured reserve, according to Marc Raimondi. The 27-year-old has missed Atlanta's previous two games and was already ruled out for Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals despite being limited in practice throughout the week, including Friday's final session. Robinson has recorded 53 carries for 211 yards and four touchdowns across six appearances, with three of those scores coming against the New Orleans Saints in Week 4. His earliest potential return is Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns, as Atlanta has a bye in Week 11. Khalil Herbert has been signed to the active roster to replace Robinson, leaving Bijan Robinson with an established backup for the coming weeks. Robinson is now primarily an injured-reserve stash.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Marc Raimondi

Nov 7, 2026, 4:05 PM ET

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones will start against the Dallas Cowboys despite being replaced in the fourth quarter of last Sunday's 42-7 loss to Jacksonville. He completed 19 of 28 passes for 144 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions before Anthony Richardson Sr. took over with the Colts trailing by 35. Coach Shane Steichen attributed the switch to the lopsided score, but Jones has thrown only five touchdowns against nine interceptions across eight games. Dallas presents one of the friendlier passing matchups, allowing 15 touchdowns through the air while ranking 30th in defensive EPA allowed per dropback. The Cowboys were exposed again in Week 8 after Gardner Minshew II replaced Jacoby Brissett late in the third quarter and threw for 188 yards and three touchdowns in Arizona's overtime win. Even so, RotoBaller's Week 9 rankings place Jones at QB27, making him a desperation option in Superflex leagues. He has taken 13 sacks over his last three starts, while right tackle Jalen Travis (thumb, hamstring) is questionable despite a full Friday practice.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Nov 7, 2026, 3:49 PM ET

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott enters Sunday's road game against the Indianapolis Colts as a strong QB1, with RotoBaller's November 7 rankings placing him at QB5. The Colts rank 12th in net passing yards allowed (211.8 per game), but have surrendered 14 passing touchdowns while intercepting only two passes. That vulnerability was clear in Week 8, when Trevor Lawrence needed just 14 attempts to throw for 210 yards and three touchdowns against Indianapolis. Prescott's recent outings have been less consistent: he threw three touchdowns against Philadelphia in Week 7, then managed 195 passing yards against Arizona, scoring his first rushing touchdown of the season. Still, he has 2,046 passing yards and 14 passing touchdowns through eight games, and Dallas averages 37.8 pass attempts per contest. The primary uncertainty concerns his receiving corps. George Pickens (hamstring) was limited in all three practices, while Jake Ferguson (ankle) sat out Wednesday and Thursday before returning in a limited capacity Friday. Both are questionable, and KaVontae Turpin (ribs) is out.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Nov 7, 2026, 3:37 PM ET

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson faces a New Orleans Saints defense surrendering 139.4 rushing yards per game, but most of that matchup benefit belongs to early-down runner Quinshon Judkins. Sampson's opportunity comes through the passing game. He caught six of eight targets for 62 yards in Cleveland's Week 8 loss to Pittsburgh, playing 39 offensive snaps (56%) while Judkins carried 11 times and Sampson only once. That workload came as the Browns trailed, so the snap advantage should not be mistaken for a takeover. Since returning from injured reserve in Week 7, Sampson has nine catches for 94 yards and seven carries for 52 yards. The Saints were off in Week 8; in their previous game, Pittsburgh backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle combined for nine catches and 81 receiving yards, highlighting the clearest route to useful production for Sampson. Shedeur Sanders is making his first start of the season, adding uncertainty to Cleveland's passing volume and checkdown opportunities. Sampson is absent from Friday's final injury report, and RotoBaller's updated Week 9 PPR rankings list him RB35. He's a fringe PPR flex, not a dependable starter.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller