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Isaiah Likely Looking to Establish Connection with J.J. McCarthy
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely is looking to bounce back after a disappointing Week 7 performance. In quarterback J.J. McCarthy's first start with the Giants, Likely caught just two of four targets for 12 yards in the 27-21 overtime win over the Houston Texans. Prior to that outing, Likely had been enjoying a career season, hauling in 39 of 59 targets for 383 yards and five touchdowns through six games. While some worry that Likely had a better connection with backup Jameis Winston than with McCarthy, fantasy managers should expect him to produce in Week 9. However, another poor performance could raise concerns about his fantasy production moving forward.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Blake Corum in Must-Start Territory Amid Four-Game Touchdown Streak?
Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum is a borderline must-start fantasy option for Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. That's a rare declaration to make about a No. 2 running back facing the NFL's third-best run defense, but Corum has consistently shown that he's up for the task. Despite playing fewer than one-third of the offensive snaps this season in his role behind Kyren Williams, the 25-year-old has logged 48 touches over the last four games, including 17 carries in Week 7 and 11 carries in Week 8. During the span of his last four games, he ranks as the overall RB10 in PPR leagues, one spot ahead of Williams. Game script certainly helped Corum get more touches, touchdowns, and fantasy points, but now that he has proved that he deserves to carry the ball consistently, his higher volume total should be here to stay. He's also headed into a projected positive game script, which should prompt this prominent Rams offense to be even more run-heavy. All in all, Corum remains a very intriguing fantasy running back who is bordering on must-start territory in leagues with at least 10-12 teams. This week, he ranks as the overall RB23 in RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Addison Has High-Upside Matchup In Week 9
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison showed signs of life in Week 8 against the Detroit Lions, seeing a significant increase in targets and downfield opportunities despite another disappointing showing from the Minnesota offense. Addison caught three of his eight targets for 66 yards, and he also saw 173 air yards, the fifth-most among all NFL receivers in Week 8. There are even more signs that Minnesota may be turning it around offensively. In Week 9, Kyler Murray will be sidelined with a strained hamstring (or perhaps a soft benching), and Jordan Addison already has a proven track record with on-again, off-again starter Carson Wentz. In four games with Wentz in 2025, Addison averaged 7.5 targets, 5.3 receptions, and 77.3 yards per game (including two touchdowns). Add that strong connection to their incredible matchup against the Buffalo Bills this week, who have allowed the 5th-most fantasy points to WRs this season, and it's as optimistic an outlook Addison has had in quite some time. With this plus matchup and his solid history with Wentz, Addison is a solid WR3 option this week and lands at WR34 in RotoBaller's Week 9 WR Rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyren Williams Maintains Steady RB1 Value for Week 9 at Washington
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams isn't the flashiest name in fantasy football, but his consistent production keeps him in the mid-range RB1 conversation for Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. Although he has certainly shared some volume with Blake Corum this year, Williams remains the undisputed No. 1 running back in a very prominent Rams offense. Through eight games, he ranks as the overall RB5; if he keeps it up, that would be the best fantasy finish of his career. He has shown an ability to run the ball and catch passes, and he has continued to demonstrate a nose for the end zone with seven touchdowns total (and at least one touchdown in six of his eight games). Williams should be started regardless of matchup at this point, but it is at least worth pointing out how much the Commanders' run defense has improved in 2026. Through Week 8, Washington has allowed the third-fewest rushing yards and the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs. With all that being said, Williams still checks in as RotoBaller's RB6 this week, and any matchup concerns should be canceled out by the projected positive game script.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
J.K. Dobbins Has Become Droppable After Losing Starting Job
Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins has lost his starting job and is a drop candidate across all fantasy leagues. In eight games, Dobbins has totaled 94 carries for 306 yards and three touchdowns, along with eight receptions for 27 yards. In 2026, Dobbins is averaging 3.3 yards per carry, the lowest mark of his NFL career by far. With R.J. Harvey (knee) on injured reserve, many expected a 50/50 split between Dobbins and rookie Jonah Coleman. That was the case in the first half of Week 8's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, but Coleman took every backfield touch in the second half and was far more productive than Dobbins. The rookie back appears to have taken the starting job from Dobbins, and with Harvey expected to return later in the season, Dobbins is only a handcuff and can be dropped in most leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Puka Nacua's Scoring Rampage Should Continue in Week 9
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been fantastic in fantasy football lately, and that trend should continue in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. In five games since returning from injury, Nacua has 51 catches, 491 yards, and three touchdowns. He ranks as the overall WR2 in PPR leagues during that span, and as the overall WR6 over the course of the full season (including the two weeks he missed). While the Commanders' secondary has actually improved by a significant amount this year, managers should continue to start Nacua while giving absolutely no consideration to which team he's playing. He has established himself as a matchup-proof, must-start receiver, and his volume share is now higher than ever with Davante Adams (hamstring) on injured reserve. As a superstar alpha receiver in one of the NFL's most prominent offenses, Nacua enters Week 9 as the overall WR2 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cowboys Remain "Hopeful" That George Pickens Will Play Sunday
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) is hopeful to play in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts. Pickens has been battling shoulder and hamstring injuries, but he practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and is expected to play on Friday, according to head coach Brian Schottenheimer. After his breakout 2025 season, Pickens has regressed, totaling 39 receptions for 533 yards and two touchdowns in eight games, averaging 10.6 half-PPR fantasy points per game. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says the team needs to get Pickens the ball more in Week 9, and a favorable matchup against the Indianapolis secondary should put him in a smash spot if healthy. Fantasy managers should monitor Pickens' Friday practice status. If he's able to play, he should be started in all formats in Week 9.
Source: Tommy Yarrish
Source: Tommy Yarrish
Enticing Matchup Awaits Rhamondre Stevenson in Week 9
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has been a serviceable RB2 in his lead-back role this season, and he should continue to be a borderline must-start fantasy running back in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. He has shouldered the workload in New England this season with TreVeyon Henderson (illness) battling injuries, poor performance, and now an illness. Stevenson ranks as the overall RB17 so far in PPR leagues with 367 rushing yards, 212 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. This week, he gets a very enticing matchup against the Packers, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points and the second-most rushing touchdowns to running backs in 2026. Stevenson, who had 19 carries and three receptions last week, should continue to be heavily involved on the ground and through the air, especially if Henderson, who has missed back-to-back practices, isn't able to play in Week 9. He ranks as the overall RB17 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cam Skattebo Trending Towards Missing Sunday's game
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (hamstring) is trending towards missing the Week 9 divisional clash against the Philadelphia Eagles. Skattebo suffered a hamstring injury on his final big run in Week 7 against the Houston Texans and, despite a bye week to recover, doesn't appear likely to play on Sunday. In six games, excluding his benching in Week 6, Skattebo has totaled 98 carries for 418 yards and two touchdowns, along with 11 receptions for 76 yards. With the second-year back trending in the wrong direction and Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hamstring) already on injured reserve, veteran Devin Singletary is expected to handle the bulk of the work against Philadelphia. With Skattebo day-to-day and working off to the side at practice, fantasy managers should expect his return in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders.
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Deshaun Watson Not Expected to Play Sunday
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (concussion) is not expected to play in Week 9 against the New Orleans Saints. After finishing the Week 8 game, Watson was placed in concussion protocol on Wednesday and has not practiced this week. With Watson not expected to suit up against the Saints, second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders is slated to start. In seven career starts, Sanders has completed 116 of 196 passes for 1,353 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions, along with 20 carries for 170 yards and a touchdown. While this slightly affects the Browns' top playmakers, including KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, and Harold Fannin Jr., who didn't practice on Thursday, Sanders should still be able to use these weapons against a struggling Saints defense. If Watson is out in Week 9, fantasy managers should expect him to return in Week 10 against his former team, the Houston Texans.
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Chris Olave's Fantasy Value Trending Down After Recent Struggles
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave has slipped down the fantasy ranks after three-straight lackluster performances. In seven games this season, Olave has hauled in 49 of 71 targets for 636 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 14.3 half-PPR fantasy points per game. However, since Week 5, Olave has recorded only 14 receptions for 145 yards and one touchdown, a steep decline from his incredible four-game stretch to begin the season. Now, rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) is ramping up toward a return, which could reduce Olave's target share moving forward. Tyson had an incredible training camp, and with his high draft capital and immense talent, he will take targets away from Olave. While the fifth-year receiver is sure to continue amassing fantasy points, his struggles, along with Tyson's eventual return, should negatively affect Olave's value moving forward.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brian Robinson Downgraded to Out for Week 9
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 9's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. After being listed as a limited participant in Wednesday and Thursday's practices, Robinson was ruled out and will miss his third straight game due to a hamstring injury. In six games this season, Robinson has totaled 53 carries for 211 yards and four touchdowns, along with five receptions for 30 yards. With Robinson out, third-string back Khalil Herbert will take on a larger workload behind star back Bijan Robinson. With the former Commanders and 49ers back at practice ahead of Week 9, fantasy managers should expect Robinson to return in Week 10 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Source: Marc Ralmondi - ESPN
Source: Marc Ralmondi - ESPN
Derrick Henry Denies Plans to Leave Ravens Before Trade Deadline
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry denied trade rumors following the 33-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. When asked postgame about a possible trade for the veteran running back, Henry said, "I have not mentioned me going anywhere else. I'm saying, 'Let's go back to work. Let's try to get better and turn this thing around.'" Speculation has grown since Lamar Jackson's injury. Jackson was placed on injured reserve and cannot return until Week 14 at the earliest. Henry had just 17 carries for 57 yards and no touchdowns in Week 9 and has not surpassed 60 total yards in a game since Week 5. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor rumors surrounding Henry, but with the Ravens still in the mix at 4-5, it's hard to imagine they would move on from one of their best offensive players.
Source: Jeff Zrebiec - The Athletic
Source: Jeff Zrebiec - The Athletic
Bhayshul Tuten Finds End Zone While Battling Injuries
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten rushed for 29 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries in his team's 33-10 win against the hosting Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football. Tuten came into this one nursing a foot and ankle injury that caused him to log three straight DNPs in preparation for Week 9's clash, so it's no surprise to see him post his worst output of the campaign despite scoring his seventh all-purpose touchdown. The Virginia Tech product saw his last touch of the contest with 3:02 remaining in the third quarter, as backfield mates Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Ameer Abdullah salted away the clock over the final frame. It may not be the results fantasy managers were expecting - particularly on a rainy night. Still, as long as he escaped Thursday's outing without a setback, he should be all systems go after a mini-bye. It'd be good news too, as Jacksonville will line up against a more vulnerable Tennessee Titans rush defense for their next contest.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Justice Hill Breaks Free for Long Score in Relief
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill tallied 85 rush yards and a touchdown on his nine carries in a 33-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football. He also caught all three of his targets for seven yards. Hill was scarcely used in the first half, totaling just four touches. Then Jacksonville's defense dominated most of the second half before the eighth-year pro entered in relief and made his mark. Midway through the fourth quarter with the game out of reach, he took a handoff right and cut up the crease, untouched as he raced down the sideline for a 65-yard touchdown. Hill is good for a nice PPR performance every once in a while, and is always a threat to score with the ball in his hands. That said, he doesn't get consistent enough work to matter weekly for fantasy. Even with the addition of quarterback Jacoby Brissett expected to stabilize the Ravens' offense moving forward, Hill would be difficult to trust as anything more than a low-floor flyer for owners. Baltimore will square off with the Los Angeles Chargers the next time they take the field in Week 10.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Derrick Henry Disappoints Again Amid Ravens' Struggles
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry rushed for 57 yards on 17 carries in Thursday's 33-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was not targeted in the passing game. Henry was able to salvage his day with a short touchdown run in Week 8, but wasn't as fortunate this time out, marking the third time in his last four appearances that he hasn't surpassed six fantasy points in PPR formats. Even more concerning, the veteran's efficiency is way down, as he's averaging 1.2 fewer yards per tote (4.0) than a season ago. For what it's worth, Jacksonville is one of the league's more formidable rush defenses, and quarterback Joe Fagnano isn't built to carry the team on his back. Hopefully Baltimore's offense will see better days ahead, as former Arizona Cardinal QB Jacoby Brissett is slated to take over signal-caller duties when the team next takes the field. That will be a home clash with the Los Angeles Chargers - an enticing matchup for the 32-year-old.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Parker Washington Quiet but Productive on TNF
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington recorded 61 receiving yards and a touchdown on 2-of-7 receiving in his team's 33-10 win over the hosting Baltimore Ravens. Washington and quarterback Trevor Lawrence struggled to connect on a rain-soaked Thursday night in Week 9. Still, the former put together a fine fantasy outing with a 50-yard touchdown late in the first half. Washington was given a free release off the line and made a nifty fake to break free of his coverage before scampering to the house. The 24-year-old has fallen off a bit from his early-season production. However, game script and other factors have played a part in the diminished output. Even amid a stretch of down games, he's still Lawrence's preferred target. Washington will get another favorable draw their next time out against the Tennessee Titans on the road. He'll retain his high-end WR2 appeal.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Zay Flowers Vanishes in Primetime Loss
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers caught three of six passes for six yards in Thursday night's 33-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He added 17 rushing yards on three carries. That's two straight duds for Flowers. Granted, the conditions weren't optimal, but quarterback Joe Fagnano and company couldn't get anything going, as Flowers led the team in receptions and targets, and no Ravens pass catcher eclipsed 19 receiving yards. Fortunately for owners, the next time the former first-round pick takes the field, it will be under new direction, with the newly acquired Jacoby Brissett leading the charge. While Brissett may have just been benched by his former team, he presents as a more competent passer and stabilizer for Baltimore's fantasy options. Flowers should regain some of his upside in the Ravens' second straight primetime outing against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tucker Kraft Will Continue to Be a Strong TE Play in Fantasy-Friendly Offense
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft heads into Week 9 tied for the eighth-most receptions (15) at his position over the last three games on 20 total targets. He has also had two TDs over this span. Kraft tore the ACL in his left knee in November 2025, and only played on 66% of snaps in his first game back, Week 1. Since then, he has been very involved on an average snap share of 85.1% and has had a team target share of 15.7%. This target share is productive on a team that has the third-most pass attempts (39) per game and the second-most passing yards (271). The Packers boast a high-powered offense and strong passing attack, but the run game has been inefficient and ineffective, which will continue to force QB Jordan Love to throw to his talented trio of pass catchers. Kraft has averaged 13.6 fantasy points per game over the past three, and his fantasy success, along with the Packers' high pass volume, will likely continue through their Week 9 matchup against the New England Patriots and beyond. Kraft will remain a mid-tier TE1 and an important part of Green Bay's passing game.
Source: TEAMRANKINGS
Source: TEAMRANKINGS
Brandon Aiyuk Owes 49ers Nearly $13 Million in Bonus Forfeiture
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk owes the team roughly $13 million in bonus forfeiture, which is a potential complication in his efforts to secure his release by reporting to the 49ers' facility on Friday, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. The NFL Management Council and the NFL Players Association are both involved in trying to resolve the situation. The sides could reach an agreement to pay back the money, or it could go to arbitration. The 28-year-old missed the entire 2025 campaign due to a torn ACL that he suffered in 2024, and the 49ers placed him on the left-team list late last year. If this goes to arbitration, it will delay Aiyuk's attempt to return to the NFL by forcing his release from the 49ers. It was already more of a long shot that Aiyuk would retain any kind of fantasy football value for the rest of the 2026 season, and this news makes it even more unlikely. The former first-rounder from Arizona State had back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons in the Bay Area before his season-ending knee injury in 2025, but it remains to be seen what kind of shape he is in if/when he eventually gets another shot with a new organization.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Jordyn Tyson Limited in Practice Again on Thursday
New Orleans Saints rookie first-round tight end Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Thursday for the second straight day, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. However, Underhill added that Tyson does not look limited as he tries to convince the coaching staff that he is ready to come off Injured Reserve to make his NFL debut in Week 9 on Sunday against the visiting Cleveland Browns. The Saints are not going to rush the 22-year-old back, though, and they may require him to put in a full practice before they seriously consider activating the young pass-catcher from IR. If Tyson is active this weekend for his first NFL game, he will be an extremely risky option as a fantasy starter in his first game, which could come with a strict snap count. But eventually, Tyson is expected to develop into the Saints' WR2 across from Chris Olave, which makes him stash-worthy in most fantasy football leagues. When he returns, it will knock Devaughn Vele's fantasy stock down as a potential flex option in deeper fantasy leagues. Tyson has major upside, but his floor also remains low due to a lengthy injury history from his college days.
Source: NewOrleans.Football
Source: NewOrleans.Football
More News About Isaiah Likely
