X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 9 Start/Sit: Monday Night Football Matchup Analysis

Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em for MNF - Week 9. Monday Night Football matchups analysis and fantasy start/sit advice for Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys

As bad as the Tennessee Titans (3-4) have been, they're currently second in the AFC South - sitting just one loss behind the division-leading Houston Texans. As bad as the Dallas Cowboys (3-4) have been, they're currently third in the NFC East - sitting just two losses behind the division-leading Washington Redskins... As bad as these two teams have been, we might actually have a good game on our hands as a direct result of wretchedness.

The Cowboys come into this game 3-0 at home while the Titans are a less than impressive 1-3 away from Nashville. Both of these teams rank in the Top-10 in run rate (percent of RB-designed runs - 44.8% in Tennessee and 41.6% for Dallas), the Cowboys have allowed the second-fewest points per game (17.6) while the Titans have held opponents to the third-fewest (18.1), and both of these offenses have been laughable. This one should have an old school feel -- defense and rushing -- so if you're looking for a fantasy explosion, I hate to be the bearer of bad news.

There are a few players worthy of consideration, however. Likewise, for the players to avoid. With that in mind, let's take a few minutes to break down some of the meaningful fantasy football matchups from this Week 9 Monday Night Football showdown between the Titans and Cowboys. Because... Well... Sometimes you have no choice but to play the hand you're dealt.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys

Date and Start Time: Monday, November 5th at 8:15 p.m. EST
Game Spread: DAL -5
Over/Under: 40
Notable Injuries and Status:

Offensive and Defensive Rankings (per game):

Titans Cowboys
Passing Yards 30th 29th
Rushing Yards 19th 4th
Pass Defense 9th 3rd
Run Defense 19th 9th

 

Must Starts

Top Players That You Should Have In Your Lineup

Ezekiel Elliott (RB, DAL)

Alex Collins found the end zone twice on the ground against the Titans in Week 6 - the only two touchdowns Tennessee has surrendered to the running back position all season (tied for the fewest). LeSean McCoy ran for 85 yards on the Titans in Week 5 - the most rushing yards they've allowed all season (McCoy is also the only individual back to put up 100 scrimmage yards on this Titans defense). In other words, this is not the most ideal matchup here for Elliott. However, only Todd Gurley has received more carries per game than Elliott's 18.9 and Marlon Mack joins Gurley as one of the two backs to have put up more rushing yards per game than Zeke this season. The Titans have allowed opposing backs to pick up 4.1 yards per carry -- which is middle of the pack -- and unless you play in a four-team league, you're starting Zeke based on talent alone.

Cowboys DST

This Titans offense has averaged 15.1 points per game (third-fewest), 280.9 yards per game (third-fewest), and they're in the Top-10 in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing DSTs. The Cowboys are at home in a game with the second-lowest opening point total of the week (42 - currently at 40), and while they don't accrue many takeaways, the inept Titans offense should be enough to produce a respectable fantasy performance from this Cowboys unit.

 

Must Sits

Players To Avoid Putting In Your Lineup

Marcus Mariota (QB, TEN)

San Francisco 49ers third-string, undrafted rookie quarterback Nick Mullens tossed as many touchdown passes Thursday night (three) as Mariota has compiled on the season, Mariota's 171.7 passing yards per game are good for the second-fewest among QBs with at least 100 attempts (only Josh Allen has put up fewer), and among those 34 QBs to have attempted 100 passes, Mariota's 11.3 fantasy points per game rank 32nd. He's been dreadful. The lone positive comes to us in the form of Mariota's 30.8 rushing yards per game (six-most at the position) - Dallas has allowed 20.6 yards per game on the ground to opposing QBs (seventh-most). However, the Cowboys have shut down opposing aerial attacks allowing just 217.4 passing yards per game (third-fewest) to go with just eight passing TDs on the season (tied for the fewest)... The rushing productivity isn't nearly enough to justify a start outside of the deepest of, most desperate of situations.

Derrick Henry (RB, TEN)

Henry found the end zone for the first time this season in Week 7, but he's yet to put up more than 65 scrimmage yards in a game and the 46 scrimmage yards a game he's averaged land him 49th at the running back position. Oh, and at 3.25 yards per carry, he sits 82nd. Dallas has limited opposing RBs to just 3.5 yards per carry (second-fewest) and the three rushing TDs they've surrendered are tied for the seventh-fewest. Henry hasn't been good, the Cowboys run D has been good... No thanks.

Corey Davis (WR, TEN)

Davis is probably the most physically gifted receiver on this Titans team, but he's put up 62 receiving yards (or less) in six of seven games. His 28.7-percent target share is good for sixth at the receiver position, but his 0.81 fantasy points per target are tied for 118th and his 53.6-percent catch rate ranks 91st among WRs with at least 10 grabs. He's been relegated to a WR3/flex option when combining his inconsistencies with the play of QB Marcus Mariota, and when you add in the Cowboys being one of the toughest matchups to be had for receivers this season, it's probably best to steer clear of Davis this week if possible.

Cowboys Wide Receivers Not Named Beasley or Cooper

I imagine this Cowboys passing game will look a bit better than it has thus far, but there's still plenty to be desired. Allen Hurns, Michael Gallup, and Deonte Thompson all saw their fantasy values decrease when the 'Boys added Amari Cooper, and frankly, their value was virtually nonexistent prior to the deal. It'll be interesting to see how this situation plays out in Dallas, but this week? It's probably wise to look elsewhere.

Geoff Swaim (TE, DAL)

Swaim has put together a couple of nice games, but he's been far too inconsistent. He's also listed as doubtful and the Titans are one of just two teams to have not allowed a touchdown to the tight end position... There are far safer streaming options this week.

 

Solid Options/Sleepers

Which Players Will Have Solid Games and Which Could Surprise?

Sleeper - Dak Prescott (QB, DAL)

After five-straight sub-200 yard passing performances (going back to last season) Prescott has gone over 200 in three of his last four (averaging 229.8 over that stretch) with six passing touchdowns (just two interceptions), two rushing TDs, and two Top-10 fantasy QB weeks (he's put up 20 fantasy points per game over that four-game stretch). At 15.6, Tennessee has allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing QBs, but they've also managed to allow two passing TDs in four of their seven contests. Prescott re-enters the streaming conversation this week with six teams on bye.

Solid Option - Dion Lewis (RB, TEN)

Lewis finds himself in the RB2/flex conversation this week, but truth be told, it's extremely difficult to trust him at this point. I guess he's more like a "Mushy PPR Option". Lewis is coming off his best game in a Titans uniform and he's also seen 4.7 targets in the passing game - the Cowboys have been generous to opposing RBs through the air (6.6 receptions and 49.1 receiving yards per game). Lewis seems likely to finish the night around 75 scrimmage yards (he's averaged 68 on the season), and again, with six teams on bye, he's a guy you may have to plug in and just hope for the best.

Sleeper - Tajae Sharpe (WR, TEN)

Sharpe has seen 15 targets over the Titans last three, that number is 17 for Corey Davis. I'm not ready to proclaim Sharpe as the Titans wide receiver to own (they're all lousy options at this point), but the extra attention he's received in recent weeks is definitely worth noting. He's also been the most productive of the bunch with his 13.9 yards per reception, 9.3 yards per target, and 1.2 fantasy points per target pacing the Titans receiving corps.

Solid Option (PPR) - Cole Beasley (WR, DAL)

It seems logical that the addition of Amari Cooper will decrease Beasley's 20.9-percent target share. Cooper should also draw the type attention that no other Cowboys receiver has warranted to this point in the season which could open things up for Beasley to operate over the middle. Beasley is averaging 11.4 fantasy points per game (PPR) and a four-catch, 60-yard performance here definitely isn't out of the question.

Solid Option - Amari Cooper (WR, DAL)

Speaking of Cooper, his first game in his new threads comes against a Titans secondary which has been... Meh. Cooper had the bye week to familiarize himself with the playbook, and while he won't be fully up to speed, I'd imagine Dak (and this Cowboys coaching staff) will be anxious to play with their shiny, new toy. I'm not expecting a monster debut, but I won't be the least bit surprised to see him exceed the 46.7 receiving yards he averaged over his six games in Oakland to begin the 2018 season.

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Shea Langeliers

Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Wilyer Abreu

Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Signing With Rockets
Atlanta Hawks

Caris LeVert Joining Pistons
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF