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Tyler Higbee a Risky Week 9 Option Despite Enticing Matchup
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee has an enticing matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 9, but his recent track record keeps him off the fantasy football radar in most leagues. Higbee has had several opportunities to produce over the last few weeks, including Week 7 as the Rams' No. 1 tight end against a Raiders defense that struggles to cover the position. Instead, he has contributed just three catches over his last two games. Even with players like Colby Parkinson (rib), Terrance Ferguson (ankle), and Davante Adams (hamstring) missing time, Higbee has not produced like many fantasy managers initially expected. That pattern may continue in Week 9, especially with Parkinson, who is listed as questionable, in the mix to suit up. The matchup is undeniably encouraging, as the Commanders have allowed the second-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2026. However, Higbee's frustrating track record against subpar defenses over the last two weeks makes him avoidable on Sunday, even if Parkinson doesn't end up playing. He ranks as the TE20 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Matthew Stafford Remains a Strong QB1 Option Against Washington
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has maintained QB1 value despite the absence of Davante Adams (hamstring), and he should continue to rank as a top-10 option for Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. Although the veteran quarterback hasn't had one of his primary receivers available, he has still been able to produce at a high level for fantasy football thanks to his advanced passing skills and a supporting cast headlined by superstar Puka Nacua. The 38-year-old routinely gets the Rams into scoring position, and he's now up to 15 touchdowns this season (plus eight turnovers). It seems unlikely that he'll replicate last season's QB3 finish, but he is still the QB10 in scoring this year. He'll also benefit from this week's matchup against the Commanders, who have allowed the fifth-most passing touchdowns and ninth-fewest interceptions to opposing quarterbacks. He ranks as the overall QB10 in RotoBaller's Week 9 fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joshua Palmer Ruled Out vs. Vikings Monday Night
The only Bills player ruled out for Monday night at Vikings will be WR Joshua Palmer, according to head coach Joe Brady. Several players will be questionable, including Dion Dawkins and Alec Anderson.
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) November 7, 2026
Fantasy analysis coming soon
Saints Release Kendre Miller
The New Orleans Saints released running back Kendre Miller on Saturday, a source told Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. It is a bit of a surprising move, as Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) remains on Injured Reserve after not having his 21-day practice window opened by the Saints this week. The 24-year-old Miller will finish the year with the Saints having carried the football a career-high 57 times for 159 yards (2.8 yards per attempt) and two rushing touchdowns, adding nine receptions on 13 targets for 37 yards through the air in six games played. He had a 20-carry outing in Week 6 against the Giants with Etienne sidelined, but outside of that, Miller did not move the needle much in fantasy while sharing backfield work with veteran Alvin Kamara. With Etienne out again in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Kamara and Audric Estime will be the team's primary RBs, with one of Jarquez Hunter or Zamir White coming up from the practice squad, with CJ Donaldson (shoulder, concussion) injured. Miller should receive some interest on the open market for RB depth elsewhere.
Source: NewOrleans.Football - Nick Underhill
Source: NewOrleans.Football - Nick Underhill
Deshaun Watson Cleared From Concussion Protocol, Remains Questionable
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (head) has been cleared from the NFL's concussion protocol on Saturday but remains questionable for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints in Week 9, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Browns already announced on Friday that second-year QB Shedeur Sanders will start against the Saints, but Watson will make the trip and could be active as Sanders' backup. The 31-year-old Watson did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday before getting in a limited practice on Friday, which gives him a chance to suit up this weekend. The three-time Pro Bowler has led Cleveland to a 5-3 record through the first eight weeks in 2026, but he leads the NFL in sacks taken (33) and has not thrown a touchdown pass in the last three games. The Browns have not given Watson a vote of confidence by saying that he will be their starter after Week 9, so if Sanders comes in and shows out in New Orleans, the team could have a QB controversy on their hands. Watson came into Week 9 as the QB17 overall in fantasy scoring with 1,806 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions in his eight starts.
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
Jordyn Tyson Should be "Good to Go" to Face Browns
New Orleans Saints rookie first-round wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) plans to make his NFL debut on Sunday against the visiting Cleveland Browns in Week 9, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. New Orleans listed Tyson as questionable on their final injury report for the week on Friday. Tyson, the eighth overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, has yet to play this year due to a lingering hamstring injury, but he "should be good to go" this weekend. The Saints will need to officially activate the 22-year-old pass-catcher from Injured Reserve on Saturday. Tyson was limited in all three practices this week after the Saints opened his 21-day practice window, which suggests he could be limited in terms of his workload on Sunday in his NFL debut against Cleveland. The rookie's return will be bad news for Devaughn Vele going forward, as Tyson is eventually expected to become the team's WR2 across from Chris Olave. Tyson should now be rostered in most fantasy football leagues, but leaving him on your bench is the smart play in Week 9.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Kenny Gainwell More Than Just a Handcuff Going Forward?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell has emerged as an intriguing waiver wire target, and he appears to be more than just a handcuff going forward. The Bucs have leaned on the run game the last two weeks, allowing both Bucky Irving and Gainwell to carve out substantial standalone value in fantasy football. After logging just 19 carries through the first six weeks of the season, Gainwell has exploded with 39 carries over his last two games, partly due to game script and weather. While Tampa could certainly scale back the rushing attempts this week against the Bears, Irving should remain a fringe RB1 while Gainwell continues to be an RB3/flex option. As a result, fantasy managers should consider picking up Gainwell ahead of Week 9. He is no longer just a handcuff with appeal to Irving's managers, but is now a legitimate option for fantasy lineups in leagues with 12+ teams. Although he remains available in 52% of leagues, managers should make a move to pick him up now, because his roster share will soar if he turns in another big performance on Sunday night.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Devin Singletary an Intriguing Week 9 Streamer with Potential for Stable Role
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary has emerged as an intriguing streaming option for Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he has the potential to carve out standalone value over the rest of the season. The Giants recently released Najee Harris and lost Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hamstring) to injured reserve, leaving Singletary in the No. 2 running back role. Now, Cam Skattebo (hamstring) is doubtful for Week 9, putting Singletary in line to earn the start. He could feast in a high-volume role against a banged-up Eagles squad, so there's a realistic opportunity for him to finish this week as an RB2 in fantasy football. However, his upside spans beyond this week. The Giants have reportedly been exploring the trade market for a running back, but if they don't bolster their backfield ahead of the trade deadline, Singletary would be solidified as the No. 2 ball-carrier for the rest of the season. Skattebo has yet to prove he can be an every-down back, so there's an opportunity for Singletary to carve out standalone value as a low-end RB3/flex week after week. The 29-year-old should be a priority addition for fantasy managers; not only should he earn the start this week, but he could be a solid lineup option in 12+ team leagues for the rest of the season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Patriots Optimistic A.J. Brown Will Return After Week 11 Bye
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle, knee) will miss a second straight game in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers due to a knee injury that has hampered him during his career, but the Patriots are optimistic that the star wideout will return after their bye in Week 11, according to Kinnu Singh of Bleacher Report. It has been a disappointing year for Brown, as he landed on Injured Reserve after suffering a high-ankle sprain in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. After returning in Week 6, Brown played two games before popping up on the injury report with a knee issue that has knocked him out of the last two games. The quick turnaround may have put additional stress on his troublesome knee. Singh points out that the Los Angeles Rams were interested in acquiring Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason as well, but they were scared off by medical concerns about his knee. In just three games played in 2026, Brown has caught only nine passes for 101 yards and no touchdowns, while averaging just 8.3 yards per catch. The 29-year-old three-time Pro Bowler should remain stashed in most fantasy football leagues, but managers are beginning to run out of patience.
Source: Bleacher Report - Kinnu Singh
Source: Bleacher Report - Kinnu Singh
Myles Garrett Officially Activated Off Injured Reserve
The Los Angeles Rams announced on Saturday that they officially activated star pass-rusher Myles Garrett (knee) from Injured Reserve. Garrett was placed on IR by the Rams after he had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee following the team's season-opening loss in Australia to the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. The 30-year-old All-Pro defensive end did not look like himself in his debut for the Rams, but hopefully, he is now back to his elite pre-injury form, which would be a massive boost to an already strong defensive front in L.A. It is bad news for a banged-up Washington Commanders' offense this Sunday in Week 9. Because of Garrett's extended absence, the Rams could take it easy on him and limit the number of defensive snaps that he plays this weekend, which will make him riskier as a starting defensive lineman in IDP fantasy formats. Still, the NFL's single-season sack leader will provide a big boost alongside fellow star pass-rusher Aaron Donald.
Source: TheRams.com - Stu Jackson
Source: TheRams.com - Stu Jackson
Oronde Gadsden Off the Streaming Radar in Week 9 vs. Texans
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden is coming off his biggest performance of the season. The 23-year-old caught all five of his targets for 52 yards and finished Week 8 as the TE14. Gadsden has disappointed this season, but his recent performance could jump-start his season. However, Gadsden enters Week 9 as RotoBaller's PPR TE32 in an intriguing matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans defense has allowed the third-most 20-plus-yard passing plays and the ninth-most yards per reception. Gadsden will need to stack good fantasy performances to earn managers' trust. He should be viewed as a TE3 and is not a reliable streaming option in Week 9.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Mike Washington Jr. Worth Adding in Most Leagues as Role Grows
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. should be a priority addition for fantasy football managers entering Week 9. Washington maintained a steady role through the first half of the season, and his volume took off last week against the Jets, as he tallied 25 carries for 83 rushing yards on a 60% snap share. While we do expect his volume to cool down a little bit going forward, he should still maintain a sizable role alongside Ashton Jeanty. He is no longer just a handcuff, but also has some standalone value as a potential RB3/flex in deeper leagues. The rookie lacks pass-catching upside, but he is a particularly impressive runner who should earn more goal-line opportunities going forward. Washington remains available in 53% of redraft leagues, giving fantasy managers an opportunity to pick up a potential RB3/flex midseason.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tre' Harris a Desperation Dart Throw in Deeper Leagues in Week 9 vs. Texans
Los Angeles Chargers wideout Tre' Harris saw his slight breakout pause in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams. Harris caught all three targets for 31 yards in his limited role. The 24-year-old can likely point to Ladd McConkey's return as the reason. McConkey has been the focal point of the offense when healthy and has been Justin Herbert's favorite target. As a result, Harris enters Week 9 as RotoBaller's PPR WR63 in an intriguing matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans defense has allowed the third-most 20-plus-yard passing plays and the ninth-most yards per reception. Harris is a big-play receiver who could slip loose against a Texans defense consistently giving up chunk plays. The Ole Miss product likely won't see consistent volume, but the Texans' big-play defense allows Harris to be a deep league dart throw for managers.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Quentin Johnston an Uninspiring Deep-League Desperation Option
Los Angeles Chargers wideout Quentin Johnston has had a disappointing season through the first half of the year. Johnston is the PPR WR85 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 4.4 points per game. As a result, Johnston enters Week 9 as RotoBaller's PPR WR59 despite an intriguing matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans defense has allowed the third-most 20-plus-yard passing plays and the ninth-most yards per reception. In addition, Johnston will likely avoid being shadowed by Derek Stingley Jr. The Texans have mainly kept Stingley on one side of the field rather than having him shadow opposing wide receivers. Johnston is a desperation dart throw this week for managers who are battling injuries and bye weeks. However, he will need to connect with Justin Herbert on a few big plays to be fantasy-viable on Sunday.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Ladd McConkey Offers Safe WR2 Floor in Week 9 vs. Texans
Los Angeles Chargers wideout Ladd McConkey has become the only fantasy-relevant player on the Chargers roster. The 25-year-old has posted solid outings when healthy, and sees enough volume to provide a safe floor for managers to bank on. McConkey enters Week 9 as RotoBaller's PPR WR24 in an intriguing matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans defense has allowed the third-most 20-plus-yard passing plays and the ninth-most yards per reception. In addition, McConkey likely won't be shadowed by Derek Stingley Jr. on Sunday. McConkey has been moved around the formation and mainly deployed out of the slot this season, while Stingley mainly lines up on perimeter receivers. The Georgia product should be viewed as a WR2 who provides a safe floor in Week 9.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Khalil Shakir Back at Practice on Saturday
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (personal) is back at practice on Saturday after being a non-participant on Friday due to a personal issue, according to Sal Capaccio of WGR 550. Shakir will most likely be removed from the team's final Week 9 injury report on Saturday and play on Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings. The 26-year-old will be a risky WR4/flex option going into the primetime game on the road against one of the best defenses in the league. Through eight weeks, the Vikings' defense has allowed the third-fewest half-PPR points to opposing receivers, with only the Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs allowing fewer. Shakir is a reliable weapon for quarterback Josh Allen in the passing attack in Buffalo, but he has always had a relatively low floor for fantasy football managers, and he has yet to have a 100-yard receiving game in 2026. He is averaging 13.1 yards per catch in seven games this season on 27 catches (38 targets) for 354 yards and only one touchdown. Shakir has never had more than four touchdown receptions in his four NFL campaigns coming into this year.
Source: WGR 550 - Sal Capaccio
Source: WGR 550 - Sal Capaccio
Keaton Mitchell Off Deep-League Radars in Week 9 vs. Texans
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell has slid off fantasy radars after having encouraging fantasy performances earlier in the year. Mitchell hasn't surpassed six fantasy points in his last three outings, with Kimani Vidal getting more work. Vidal has been given more carries over the last three games, causing Mitchell to see his fantasy value diminish. As a result, Mitchell enters Week 9 as RotoBaller's PPR RB50 in a tough matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans defense has allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards and the 11th-fewest rushing yards per carry. In addition, the Texans are coming off their bye week, giving them an extra week to prepare for the Chargers offense. Mitchell should be viewed as a desperation flex option in deeper leagues, but left on benches if possible.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Will Kimani Vidal Lead the Chargers Three-Man Backfield in Week 9?
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal has slowly become more involved in the Chargers' backfield each week. The 25-year-old led the team in rushing yards and snaps played in Week 8. With his gradual emergence, the Chargers have shifted to a three-man committee in their backfield. Vidal enters Week 9 as RotoBaller's PPR RB44 in a tough matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans defense has allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards and the 11th-fewest rushing yards per carry. In addition, the Texans are coming off their bye week, giving them an extra week to prepare for the Chargers offense. Despite Vidal's emergence, he hasn't established himself as a standalone fantasy asset. Instead, he's made the Chargers backfield useless for fantasy managers taking carries from Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell. Vidal should be out of fantasy lineups and should be viewed as a low-end handcuff running back.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jordyn Tyson a Priority Addition in Redraft Leagues
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) should be a priority waiver wire target for fantasy football managers ahead of Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns. While it's still unclear whether Tyson will actually be activated from injured reserve before Sunday's game, managers should get ahead of the waiver wire scrum and add Tyson now, if it's not too late. The 22-year-old rookie projects as New Orleans' No. 2 receiver and is already rostered in 58% of leagues, but there are still opportunities for managers to pick him up in shallower leagues. Tyson is a 2026 first-round pick, and he has the potential to immediately contribute as a WR3/flex option in his NFL debut, whether it be this week or next week. He should offer an immediate spark to both fantasy managers and the 2-5 Saints.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Omarion Hampton Difficult to Trust in Week 9 vs. Texans
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton has seen his role diminish in the backfield each week. Hampton recorded the lowest snap percentage in the Chargers' backfield, his lowest of the year in Week 8. Kimani Vidal has gradually emerged as the lead back, turning the backfield into a three-man committee. As a result, Hampton enters Week 9 as RotoBallers PPR RB32 in a tough matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans' defense has allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards and the 11th-fewest rushing yards per carry. In his limited role, Hampton needs to score touchdowns to be fantasy-relevant. He should be viewed as a low-end flex play with a low floor in Week 9.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Does Lamar Jackson Have a Shot to Return This Season?
The Ringer's Tom Pelissero reports that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's (thumb) odds of playing again in 2026 depend on his recovery from right-thumb surgery and whether veteran QB Jacoby Brissett can keep the Ravens in the playoff picture. Jackson injured his right thumb on the first offensive snap of the Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills, and he was expected to miss the rest of the season. However, even though the 29-year-old two-time MVP has been placed on Injured Reserve, the Ravens have not completely closed the door on his return this year. Baltimore is currently 4-5 and in last place in the AFC North after their blowout loss on Thursday night to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but if Brissett can keep them afloat late into the regular season, perhaps Jackson will have a shot at making a return if the Ravens have a shot at the postseason. The likelihood of Jackson producing again for fantasy managers in 2026 is still very remote, though. The four-time Pro Bowler has become a much bigger injury risk as a top-flight QB1 in fantasy going into the 2027 season after also playing in only 13 games last year due to various injuries.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
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