As we reach the halfway point of the NFL season, the stakes are higher than ever in fantasy football. Every lineup decision could mean the difference between victory and defeat. That’s where our Week 9 Fantasy Football Playbook comes in. We’ve analyzed every matchup to provide you with the most accurate score projections, player rankings, and start/sit recommendations. Whether you’re fighting for a playoff spot or looking to maintain your dominance, our expert advice will guide you to fantasy glory.
Week 9 Game-by-Game Breakdown
Let’s dive into the details for each Week 9 matchup, complete with point projections and the players you need to lock into your lineups:
Texans at Jets
Projected Score: Texans 22, Jets 20
Lineup Locks: Joe Mixon, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Tank Dell, Davante Adams
The Jets’ passing game revolves around Garrett Wilson (26% target share) and Davante Adams (23% target share), but efficiency has been lacking with Adams so far. Both profile as WR2/3 options against a tough Texans secondary allowing the 6th-fewest EPA per dropback.
Cowboys at Falcons
Projected Score: Falcons 27, Cowboys 21
Lineup Locks: Bijan Robinson, CeeDee Lamb, Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Kyle Pitts, Jake Ferguson
Kirk Cousins has been boom-or-bust for Atlanta, but he draws a favorable matchup against a Cowboys defense allowing the 6th-most QB fantasy points. Fire him up as a QB1 streamer.
Dolphins at Bills
Projected Score: Bills 28, Dolphins 22
Lineup Locks: Josh Allen, De’Von Achane, James Cook, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Dalton Kincaid
The Bills’ receiving corps remains in flux, with Amari Cooper‘s role slowly growing and Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir still heavily involved. It’s a tough matchup against Miami’s elite secondary, so view all three as risky flex plays.
Raiders at Bengals
Projected Score: Bengals 24, Raiders 15
Lineup Locks: Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Brock Bowers
Jakobi Meyers, fresh off his return from injury, profiles as a solid WR3 against Cincinnati. He’s been the Raiders’ clear top target when healthy.
Chargers at Browns
Projected Score: Chargers 22, Browns 18
Lineup Locks: J.K. Dobbins, Ladd McConkey, David Njoku
The Browns receiving corps gets a boost with Jameis Winston stepping in at QB. Sophomore Cedric Tillman is coming off two huge weeks and could be in the midst of a breakout. He’s a high-upside WR3/flex against the Chargers’ stingy secondary.
Patriots at Titans
Projected Score: Titans 18, Patriots 18
Lineup Locks: Tony Pollard, Rhamondre Stevenson
Calvin Ridley exploded for 10 catches, 143 yards, and 15 targets last week but faces a much stiffer test against Patriots shutdown CB Christian Gonzalez. Ridley is a boom-bust flex play.
Commanders at Giants
Projected Score: Commanders 26, Giants 17
Lineup Locks: Jayden Daniels, Brian Robinson Jr., Malik Nabers, Terry McLaurin
Zach Ertz is coming off season highs in catches (7) and yards (77) on 11 targets, asserting himself as Daniels’ #2 option. He’s a low-end TE1 even in a tough Giants matchup.
Saints at Panthers
Projected Score: Saints 23, Panthers 18
Lineup Locks: Alvin Kamara, Chuba Hubbard, Chris Olave
Rookie Xavier Legette has shown a nose for the end zone but remains TD-dependent for fantasy value. He could have some flex appeal in a nice Saints matchup if Adam Thielen remains sidelined.
Broncos at Ravens
Projected Score: Ravens 27, Broncos 22
Lineup Locks: Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Courtland Sutton
Bo Nix took the fantasy world by storm with four TDs last week and now gets a Ravens defense allowing the 3rd-most QB fantasy points. He’s an excellent streaming option once again.
Recently acquired Diontae Johnson may have a limited role in his Ravens debut, similar to Cooper and Hopkins in recent weeks. He profiles as a risky flex play against Denver’s stingy secondary.
Jaguars at Eagles
Projected Score: Eagles 29, Jaguars 21
Lineup Locks: Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Brian Thomas Jr., Evan Engram
The Jaguars WR room is banged up, with Christian Kirk on IR and Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis nursing injuries. Davis could have WR3/flex appeal if Thomas sits, while Parker Washington and Tim Jones may see expanded roles.
Bears at Cardinals
Projected Score: Cardinals 24, Bears 24
Lineup Locks: Kyler Murray, D’Andre Swift, James Conner, DJ Moore, Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride
DJ Moore is the only consistent Bears receiver in a good Cardinals matchup. Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze remain risky flex plays until they show more volume and efficiency.
Lions at Packers
Projected Score: Lions 26, Packers 22
Lineup Locks: Jahmyr Gibbs, Josh Jacobs, David Montgomery, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jayden Reed
Sam LaPorta‘s usage is growing, but he remains TD-dependent for fantasy value and isn’t quite a “lineup lock” against a Packers defense allowing the 8th-most TE points.
Rams at Seahawks
Projected Score: Rams 23, Seahawks 23
Lineup Locks: Kyren Williams, Kenneth Walker III, Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, DK Metcalf
Geno Smith leads the NFL in most volume stats but is just 14th in fantasy points per game. He’s only a matchup-based streamer and gets a mediocre Rams pass defense in Week 9.
Colts at Vikings
Projected Score: Vikings 23, Colts 20
Lineup Locks: Aaron Jones, Jonathan Taylor, Justin Jefferson, Josh Downs, Michael Pittman Jr.
Sam Darnold is playing well in real life but hasn’t been a consistent QB1 for fantasy. He’s a low-ceiling streamer against the Colts.
With Joe Flacco back under center, Colts receivers Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr. are “lineup locks” in a smash Vikings matchup. 15 WRs have hit 11+ points against Minnesota.
Buccaneers at Chiefs
Projected Score: Chiefs 26, Buccaneers 24
Lineup Locks: Kareem Hunt, Travis Kelce
With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out, Cade Otton is a target hog and borderline “lineup lock” in a Chiefs matchup allowing the most TE production in the NFL.
Recently acquired DeAndre Hopkins’ role will grow, but he may be a few weeks from a full-time gig. He and Xavier Worthy are flex options against the Bucs’ vulnerable secondary.
Week 9 Recap
With four teams on bye and some fantasy stars sidelined by injury, Week 9 is all about finding an edge with savvy lineup decisions. As always, our Fantasy Playbook has you covered with the most in-depth look at every matchup. Remember to always check for injury updates leading up to kickoff. May your bold start/sit calls be rewarded with a victory this weekend!
