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Kev Mahserejian gives his bold predictions for Week 9 of the NFL season to give fantasy football managers something to consider when setting lineups.
Bold predictions are always meant to be taken with a grain of salt, but ideally, they are not a bunch of takes thrown like you-know-what at a wall with the hope of sticking.
These predictions come with backing to make them somewhat substantiated with the obvious caveat that it's playing into a range of outcomes that seem likely but are not guaranteed.
Most of all, it's just fun and should not change your process too much on a week-to-week basis. If you enjoy them or have questions, feel free to follow me on Twitter (@RotoSurgeon) for more!
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Darren Waller Bounces Back, Sees 12+ Targets
Unfortunately, Henry Ruggs' incident occurred this past week and the Raiders still have to play a football game. In the grand scheme of things, football matters very little but for the sake of a *fantasy* article, we have to treat it just like any other absence.
With Ruggs out, the Raiders' offense loses its deep threat which, in turn, will make things difficult on players who relied on spacing. Whether that be Bryan Edwards, Hunter Renfrow, or whomever else we are yet to find out but one thing is for certain and that is Darren Waller getting his.
Waller is an absolute mismatch due to his size and speed. He has been used sparingly compared to past seasons with the Raiders' addition of talent but now, the looks shift back to him. Waller was already TE4 in PPG but should go off now two weeks removed from an injury that held him out of W7. He has not seen double-digit targets since Week 1 but expect that to change immediately.
Robby Anderson Comes Alive With First 15+ Point Game
Bill Belichick is notorious for removing an offense's best option out of the game. That is likely NOT Robby Anderson thanks to his egregious season thus far. Wild guess, it's D.J. Moore but with Christian McCaffrey nearing a return, the Panthers' offense might have new life.
Assuming D.J. Moore is doubled, the Patriots will be more focused on their favorite hobby, rattling Sam Darnold (assuming he plays) rather than worrying about his unproductive weapons. McCaffrey will likely be limited if active while Anderson could wind up open downfield a few times.
Anderson has been as bad at catching the ball as Darnold has been throwing him the ball but given that Anderson has a long history of being an above-average WR, we can't just think the Monstars stole his talent. He has seen at least 7 targets in 4 of the past 5 games and is one of the league's leaders in unfulfilled air yards with 470. The potential for fantasy production is there, it just has not clicked.
Am I saying start him confidently after all of this year's disappointments? No. However, should you start him in a pinch due to BYEs and injuries? Yes. Trust him one more time for your 'ol pal Kev.
Tyler Conklin Finishes as a Top-5 TE
Tyler Conklin is TE16 in PPG but is presented a solid opportunity in Week 9. While the Vikings' identity is Dalvin Cook, his health this season has been questionable. The Vikings may be coming off of a bye but with high-ankle issues, you never know how they heal and Cook could still be limited or even exit early.
The Baltimore Ravens' pass defense is not as daunting as past years and in a matchup against their offense, Kirk Cousins will be forced to throw more often. Also, no one gives up more fantasy points to TEs than Baltimore. Not that this stat typically matters but when C.J. Uzomah looks like prime Tony Gonzalez, you know there is an issue.
The Ravens have given up 20+ points to opposing TEs in 3/7 games while there has only been 1 game where the Ravens gave up fewer than double-digits and that was against an injured T.J. Hockenson. Fire up Conklin in DFS or if you need a TE streamer.
Jordan Love Scores 20+ Fantasy Points
Over/Under on this game is 48 and the Chiefs are only favored by single-digits despite Aaron Rodgers' absence. While Jordan Love is no Aaron Rodgers, he does possess the necessary ability to score fantasy points. He has a big arm, athleticism, and most importantly, a great, healthy team around him facing the league's 31st ranked defense.
The Packers are not going to change their identity too much with Rodgers out. They will continue to play through Davante Adams and their RBs to make it as easy as possible for Love. While throwing often isn't ideal for a younger QB in his first start, when you have the league's best WR out there, a little leeway is provided.
Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon will likely see a season-high in combined work whether that be through the ground or air. Coach LeFleur's #1 goal will be to mitigate mistakes and rushing along with dump-offs is the easiest way to accomplish that.
With all that said, Love has the necessary tools in an even matchup to his current abilities for acquiring fantasy production. His weapons can help drive him down to the red zone while his legs may be useful in finishing once there. He is start-able in leagues if desperation strikes and options are limited.
Jalen Hurts Runs for at least 100 Yards
Jalen Hurts obviously possesses incredible traits but lacks the passing acumen to cut it as a franchise QB. Nevertheless, in a matchup against the worst rush defense in the NFL, he has an advantage. With Miles Sanders out for the next couple of games, Hurts is going to be relied on more to attack, and given his uncertain status as the starter moving forward, he will likely risk hits to move the chains and create chunk plays.
Last week sans Miles Sanders for the first time, Hurts rushed for 71 yards on 7 attempts in a game that was won by halftime. This game should be much closer and rely on Hurts' wheels significantly more often as it may not be as easy working JAGs like Boston Scott and Jordan Howard for chunk yardage.
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