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Nov 7, 2026, 6:11 AM ET

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle operated as the team's primary receiver with Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) both on the shelf in Week 7. Kittle saw a team-high 10 targets in the surprise loss to the Falcons, catching eight passes for 88 yards. The tight end now leads the team (or is tied for the lead) in targets, receiving yards, and receptions and ranks fourth at his position in PPR points per game (14.9). On Sunday, Kittle will be prominently featured in the 49ers' offense with Evans and Samuel both ruled out once again. San Francisco's Week 9 opponent, the Raiders, have given up the second-most receptions, second-most touchdowns, and fourth-most PPR points per game to opposing tight ends. Kittle is projected as a TE1 and should be locked into fantasy lineups on Sunday.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Nov 7, 2026, 6:09 AM ET

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jordan Watkins saw a season-high six targets with Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) inactive in Week 7. The latter two receivers have again been ruled out for the 49ers' upcoming game against the Raiders, as has Christian Kirk (knee). Watkins' snap share has been trending upward amid the many recent injuries to the 49ers' wide receiver corps. He led the group with a 76% snap share in each of their last two games and, since Week 4, has seen the most total snaps. While he seems to have leapfrogged Brandin Cooks and edged out Jacob Cowing on the depth chart, Watkins is still working behind Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle, and the team is likely welcoming back Demarcus Robinson (ankle) from the IR on Sunday. The on-field opportunity and soft matchup against an abysmal Las Vegas secondary make Watkins a desperation dart throw for deep league fantasy managers, but he is a bench stash at best in most leagues.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Nov 7, 2026, 5:55 AM ET

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (ankle) has been on injured reserve after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2, but was back in practice this week. Robinson was a limited participant through the week but is expected to be activated for Sunday's matchup against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders. With Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) both ruled out, Robinson will likely slot in as Brock Purdy's top wide receiver target. The Raiders are tied for the second-most touchdowns allowed to wide receivers and have given up the seventh-most receiving yards to the position group in 2026. Before his injury, Robinson had five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown on six targets. If he can't go on Sunday, then Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing, and Brandin Cooks might benefit from extra looks. With the expectation that Robinson does play, he projects as a WR4 for Week 9.--Dan Stephens
Source: Jennifer Lee Chan - NBC Sports Bay Area

Nov 7, 2026, 5:45 AM ET

San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black had his most productive game of the season in Week 7. Black saw a significant bump in usage with Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) managing an in-game injury. The rookie was on the field for almost 50% of the 49ers' offensive snaps and handled 12 carries for 63 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown against the Falcons. McCaffrey is off the injury report for San Francisco's Week 9 matchup with the Raiders, so Black's snap share will likely shrink, but he could still have an impact in a change-of-pace role. Las Vegas is allowing 5.31 yards per carry to opposing running backs and is tied for the fourth-most rushing touchdowns allowed to the position. Black projects as an RB4, so his fantasy utility in Week 9 is better suited for deep leagues, but his elite handcuff status makes him a must-stash everywhere else.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Nov 7, 2026, 5:23 AM ET

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) has no designation for this weekend after suffering a mild hamstring strain in Week 7. Despite the injury, McCaffrey still rattled off an even 100 scrimmage yards and scored a touchdown on 13 total touches in that game. With the 49ers on bye last week, McCaffrey had some extra rest ahead of the team's upcoming game against the Raiders. Las Vegas has given up at least 17 PPR points to six different running backs since Week 4. McCaffrey should see a heavy complement of receiving work once again, as both Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) have been ruled out. McCaffrey projects as an RB1 in Week 9 and should be in starting lineups everywhere. Rookie Kaelon Black would be next in line for backfield work if McCaffrey reaggravates his injury.--Dan Stephens
Source: 49ers.com

Nov 7, 2026, 5:15 AM ET

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will be without Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) for another game. Missing his top two wide receivers didn't slow Purdy down in Week 7. In the 49ers' last game, Purdy set new season highs in completions (27) and pass attempts (40) and put up his second-most passing yards (288) in a game this year. A single touchdown and two interceptions contributed to Purdy's lowest fantasy score of 2026, however. Week 9 is ripe for a rebound, with a plus matchup against the Raiders. Las Vegas has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks and the seventh-most passing yards this season. Even with the depleted receiving corps, Purdy still has George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) to lean on, and Demarcus Robinson (ankle) may be activated from injured reserve. Purdy is projected for another top-12 finish and should be in fantasy lineups this weekend.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Nov 7, 2026, 1:25 AM ET

Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White has operated as the team's lead back since Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) was placed on IR ahead of Week 6. White has scored 15.7 and 14 PPR points in two games since, catching multiple passes and finding the end zone in both games. The 27-year-old handled a season-high 11 carries for 55 yards in last week's win over the Eagles and should continue to lead the backfield in touches while Austin Ekeler mixes in. White profiles as a solid RB2 in Week 9 against the Rams, who have allowed the 12th fewest fantasy points to running backs this season, though they have also allowed the third most catches (44) to running backs, which could set White up for another productive performance. White ranks as RotoBaller's RB24 in PPR leagues for Week 9.--Kyle McCarthy
Source: RotoBaller

Nov 7, 2026, 1:25 AM ET

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (knee) was a potential breakout candidate heading into the 2026 campaign before a torn ACL in the preseason derailed his year. Now, uncertainty remains about where the Iowa State product sits in the team's receiving hierarchy. Higgins was slated to operate as the team's No. 2 pass catcher behind veteran Nico Collins this season, though he never got the chance. In the meantime, teammate Tank Dell got healthy, and the team traded for former Arizona Cardinal wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. - reuniting him with his old college quarterback, C.J. Stroud. Higgins appeared to have the tools to handle a complementary role in an NFL passing game, but now looks to be at best Houston's third option when he's healthy. It's an unfortunate outcome for a young wideout with potential, but also too early in his career to peg him as a bust or count him out. For now, owners must take a wait-and-see approach with the 23-year-old.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

Nov 7, 2026, 1:22 AM ET

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has gotten off to a strong start this season, totaling 976 passing yards and six touchdowns through the air while adding 236 rushing yards and two scores on the ground in four and a half games played. Daniels ranks as the QB5 in fantasy with 20.1 points per game and is second among quarterbacks in rushing yards on the 10th most attempts (27). The third-year quarterback heads into a Week 9 home matchup against the Rams, fresh off his first win of the season last week over the Eagles. The Rams' defense has found its form in the three games after allowing 37 points to the Bills in Week 5, allowing only 16 points per game and ranking only behind the Buccaneers in EPA/Play. Though Myles Garrett (knee) is expected to return for this game, a big boost for the Rams, they are also dealing with a few injuries in the secondary. Daniels should be able to take advantage and put up points to match Matthew Stafford on the other side and end with a productive fantasy day. Daniels ranks as RotoBaller's QB11 for Week 9.--Kyle McCarthy
Source: RotoBaller

Nov 7, 2026, 1:10 AM ET

Tennessee Titans running back Nicholas Singleton has not been a factor thus far in his rookie season, and his immediate outlook is bleak. Singleton was active for last weekend's loss to the Bengals, marking the first time in three games he'd suited up after being a healthy scratch. Even teammate Tyjae Spears (knee) missing time the last two weeks hadn't been enough for the rookie to garner a single snap. Conversely, veteran Tony Pollard has dominated work en route to a monster two-game stretch. As for Singleton, he's currently sitting on the outside looking in - behind even running mates Michael Carter and Julius Chestnut in the backfield pecking order, seemingly. The rookie appears unlikely to make an impact in redraft leagues this year and, as of now, is nothing more than a back-end bench stash in dynasty formats. Singleton is a nice blend of size and speed, so he can still succeed if given the opportunity, but his current standing in the depth chart leaves much to be desired.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

Nov 7, 2026, 12:51 AM ET

It's easy for owners to forget about Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (knee), as he's been on IR for well over a month. However, savvy dynasty managers may see an opportunity to make a move for him on the cheap. Achane was ruled out for the rest of the 2026 campaign after tearing his ACL in the first half of the team's Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Since then, backfield mate Ollie Gordon II has taken the starting job and run with it. While the Texas A&M product is a lost cause in redraft leagues, there's an opening to buy in dynasty, and that goes for contenders and rebuilders. Gordon has looked excellent working in Achane's stead, and it's fair to wonder whether there could be a controversy when the latter is healthy if the former can keep this up. Still, that's far from a certainty, and there's no reason to believe the two backs couldn't work in tandem. For now, it's worth poking around to see what he costs.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

Nov 7, 2026, 12:34 AM ET

While the Washington Commanders have not offered a recent update on injured running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin), he's still worth holding in redraft leagues. Croskey-Merritt was coming off his best outing of the campaign in a tie with the Giants in Week 5. Unfortunately, he aggravated a nagging pre-season groin injury in the draw and was placed on injured reserve later that week. In the two games since, backfield mate Rachaad White has led the charge, but he isn't nearly as effective as Croskey-Merritt. Furthermore, White has never profiled as an efficient early-down grinder, a role the latter appeared to be settling into nicely before he was shelved. For now, the second-year pro won't be back until at least Week 11, which is unideal for fantasy. However, he figures to lead the backfield in rushing upon his return, and Washington's offense has been gaining momentum under quarterback Jayden Daniels' direction. Croskey-Merritt is a worthwhile hold.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

Nov 7, 2026, 12:28 AM ET

The New England Patriots D/ST can be left on the bench or waivers in most fantasy leagues ahead of Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. The Patriots have a solid defense on paper, and they hold a respectable #11 rank in fantasy scoring at the D/ST position so far this year. However, after facing teams like the Jets, Raiders, and Dolphins in the last four weeks, their schedule gets tougher midseason with back-to-back games against the Packers and Lions. Facing the Packers this week will be a tough test for this Patriots defense. Green Bay is averaging a modest 1.4 turnovers and 21.4 points scored per game this season. Green Bay's passing attack -- led by quarterback Jordan Love, tight end Tucker Kraft, and receivers Matthew Golden and Christian Watson -- has been remarkable since Week 1, and the offense has looked more well-rounded lately with the return of running back Josh Jacobs. New England's D/ST, which has just two turnovers over the last three weeks, ranks as the #16 option in RotoBaller's Week 9 fantasy football rankings. The Patriots can be avoided in most leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Nov 7, 2026, 12:21 AM ET

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Green Bay Packers, and with a tough matchup on paper, he'll be a risky fantasy football option even if he does suit up. Henry has been a pleasant surprise with 22 catches, 255 yards, and two touchdowns over his last five games, and he could be in the mix for a larger workload than usual this week with A.J. Brown (knee) and Romeo Doubs (shoulder) both sidelined. However, he will also have to overcome a very tricky matchup, as Green Bay has allowed the fourth-fewest catches, third-fewest yards, and third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in Week 9. We also have to consider Henry's health, because even if he plays, that doesn't mean he'll be at 100%. After all, he missed two consecutive practices before returning in a limited capacity on Friday. We're intrigued about Henry's fantasy outlook for the second half of the season, but between the tough matchup and the injury factor, we'd feel inclined to sit him in Week 9, even if he does end up playing. The experts tend to agree, as Henry has fallen to TE19 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 9.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Nov 7, 2026, 12:18 AM ET

Philadelphia Eagles rookie tight end Eli Stowers has yet to make an impact for the team in 2026, but he still profiles as a nice stash in dynasty formats. Stowers missed a large chunk of this season after being placed on IR with quad and hamstring injuries, so he's feasibly a bit behind at this point. However, reports out of camp this summer were that the 23-year-old was having trouble acclimating to the speed of the NFL game. That's no surprise, really, as tight ends can be particularly slow to adapt to the speed of the pros. Although, with veteran Dallas Goedert ahead of him, playing time will be scarce. In fact, Stowers has rotated evenly with teammate Johnny Mundt and is currently in somewhat of a time share. All that said, while it may be difficult for him to provide owners value this year, the Vanderbilt product presents with strong athletic measurables for his size, and the collegiate production over his final two seasons to back it up (111/1,407/9). He's a firm hold for the time being.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

Nov 7, 2026, 12:16 AM ET

New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon can remain on the bench in fantasy football if teammate Hunter Henry (foot) ends up playing in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. Henry is listed as questionable to play Sunday, and it's fair to have some concerns about his status after he missed two practices and then logged a limited session on Friday. Still, the Patriots are leaving the door open for him to suit up, which means Raridon is an unreliable fantasy option for the time being. He had just one catch in Week 8 despite handling four targets and a 92% snap share, and a similarly uncertain volume share could await him in Week 9. However, if Henry does get ruled out, Raridon would presumably take on most of his vacated targets and jump to the mid-range TE2 tier in fantasy football. This week's matchup is another factor to consider, as the Packers have been remarkable against tight ends. Green Bay has allowed the fourth-fewest catches, third-fewest yards, and third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in Week 9. Raridon is an iffy low-end TE2 if Henry is ruled out, and he's off the Week 9 fantasy radar entirely if Henry ends up playing.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Nov 7, 2026, 12:10 AM ET

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (calf) could immediately return to the WR3/flex range in fantasy football if he is activated from injured reserve ahead of Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. Hollins was limited all week long, so even though he's listed as questionable, he is not a lock to return from IR and suit up this Sunday. Hollins played in four games before getting injured, posting 8+ PPR points in three of those four contests. He also handled at least a 70% snap share in every game, excluding the Week 4 game in which he exited early. The veteran receiver has established himself as one of Drake Maye's favorite targets, as the quarterback has repeatedly shown that he trusts Hollins as a safe outlet even when he's in trouble. That should help Hollins' Week 9 outlook, especially in a weaker wide receiver room with A.J. Brown (knee) and Romeo Doubs (shoulder) sidelined. He should also benefit from this particular matchup against the Packers, who have allowed the second-most catches and 12th-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2026. Now, the big question is whether Hollins will be activated this week. We'll gain some clarity by 4 p.m. Saturday, which is the deadline for teams playing Sunday to make their IR moves. If he does play, he can be deployed as a WR3/flex in 14+ team leagues and even some deeper 12-team formats.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Nov 7, 2026, 12:05 AM ET

New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III is a candidate to handle a large workload in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. The Patriots have dealt with numerous wide receiver injuries over the last five weeks, and Chism has capitalized on the opportunity to get more involved. Last week, he handled a career-high 88% snap share while catching five passes for 37 yards with A.J. Brown (knee) and Romeo Doubs (shoulder) sidelined. He's not a huge deep threat, but he's still capable of making big plays with his reliable hands and ability to battle through contact. He's back on the fantasy radar this week, but his outlook could depend on the status of Mack Hollins (calf), as the two receivers have very similar styles of play. As it stands, Hollins is questionable for Week 9 and has not yet been activated from injured reserve. If Hollins doesn't suit up, we'd feel a little better about rolling out Chism as a WR3/flex in 12+ team leagues. He should benefit in a decent matchup against the Packers, who have allowed the second-most catches and 12th-most fantasy points to wide receivers so far in 2026. As it stands, Chism ranks as the overall WR51 in RotoBaller's latest Week 9 fantasy football rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Nov 7, 2026, 12:00 AM ET

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas could step up as the No. 1 target for quarterback Drake Maye in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. The Patriots will be without A.J. Brown (knee) and Romeo Doubs (shoulder) again this week, and it's too early to tell whether Mack Hollins (calf) will suit up. Similar to previous weeks, Douglas finds himself in a substantially larger role as the potential top option in the pecking order. The 25-year-old has never shied away from more volume, producing to the tune of 17 catches, 250 yards, and four touchdowns over his last four games. He has posted 17.5+ PPR points in three of those four contests, and he ranked as the overall WR9 in PPR leagues from Weeks 5-8. In addition to his prominent role, Douglas is headed for a decent matchup against the Packers, who have allowed the second-most receptions and 12th-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2026. Managers should feel confident starting Douglas, who ranks as the overall WR43 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 9.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Nov 6, 2026, 11:54 PM ET

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye won't have his top two targets available against the Green Bay Packers in Week 9, but that hasn't stopped him from producing as a mid-to-high fantasy QB1 in the past. With A.J. Brown (knee) ruled out and Romeo Doubs (shoulder) on injured reserve, Maye will once again find himself throwing to a combination of DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism III, Kyle Williams, Rhamondre Stevenson, Hunter Henry (foot), and Eli Raridon. There's also a chance that Mack Hollins (calf) return from injured reserve. Those aren't the flashiest names, but Maye prevailed with 199 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown while throwing to the same group of receivers in Miami last week. Since the start of Week 4, he is the highest-scoring player in fantasy football, and he earned that ranking despite completing just six passes to Brown. The point is that Maye has a strong track record of high-end QB1 production without his top receiver available, so managers shouldn't feel concerned about starting him in Week 9. We're also not very concerned about the matchup; the Packers have allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, but that ranking is driven by their 10 interceptions, which ranks third-highest in the NFL. Maye has just one turnover over his last four games, so we're not concerned about the Packers' defense. The 24-year-old MVP runner-up ranks as the overall QB4 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 9.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller