Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Miami Dolphins
If you own Tannehill as your backup quarterback, think twice about starting him this week in Thursday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Dolphins have a quick turnaround and square off with the Cincinnati Bengals who just last week only allowed only 176 yards through the air to the Jets. Last week Tannehill was sacked six times, completed only 52% of his passes and scored under 15 fantasy points. Look for similar stats this week as it will be a long night for Tannehill and company. I would recommend playing Terrelle Pryor or Jake Locker over Tannehill this week.
Projected Statistics: 23/41 239 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions
Ben Roethlisberger, Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers
Big Ben finally makes my list of players to avoid, as he faces the New England Patriots who currently allow the second fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. While you may be in a bind for a quarterback with six teams on a bye week and other quarterbacks injured, check your options for a quarterback with a favorable matchup. Roethlisberger, who has been sacked countless times and has four fumbles, currently ranks 24th among his fellow quarterbacks and that ranking won’t improve this week. His fantasy points have taken a huge dive over the past few weeks and so will yours if you start Roethlisberger in Week 9.
Projected Statistics: 22/36, 268 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions
Danny Amendola, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
Amendola and team host The Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 9 and while the Steelers’ offense is sketchy to say the least, their defense is not as it poses a quite the challenge to wide receivers allowing them the third fewest fantasy points so far this year. By some miracle this year, Tom Brady and the Patriots are managing to win games, but the Patriots wide receivers are not likely helping you win your fantasy league. Amendola has been a grave disappointment this season and has managed less than seven fantasy points in his last two weeks of play. Brady is struggling and his targets land far too scattered each week to rely on Amendola as a fantasy option. This won’t change in Week 9.
Projected Statistics: Two receptions, 26 yards, zero touchdowns
Torrey Smith, Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens
Smith, as the Ravens top wide receiver is tough to bench. However, this week the Ravens get to play in Cleveland and Smith will be fighting for breathing room as he will be heavily blanketed by Corner Back, Joe Haden. This will allow for Joe Flacco to target other open receivers, while Smith puts up meager fantasy points. Unfortunately for Smith owners also, is that his fantasy numbers have taken a cut since the return of fellow receiver, Jacoby Jones. You may not have many viable options to play instead of Smith this week, so if you have to start him, plan on expecting WR3 fantasy points this week.
Projected Statistics: Four receptions, 63 yards, zero touchdowns
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts host the Houston Texans, whose defense offers wide receivers the least fantasy points this season. Heyward-Bey, who has only one measly touchdown, and 190 total receiving yards for the season, will face a battle in Week 9, as will Andrew Luck#. With the loss of fellow receiver, Reggie Wayne, people may be thinking that Heyward-Bey’s fantasy value will improve. While it may in the future, this week’s matchup against Houston is not the ideal week to insert Heyward-Bey into your lineup. Leave him benched until we see how his workload progresses.
Projected Statistics: Five receptions, 57 yards, zero touchdowns
Lamar Miller, Running Back, Miami Dolphins
Miller and the Dolphins host the Cincinnati Bengals for Thursday Night Football. One of the major fantasy frustrations for Miller owners is the timeshare running back committee that the Miami offense continues to play each week. Cincinnati is effective in obstructing the run game and this obstacle along with split carries for the boom or bust Miller creates a risky fantasy play most weeks. The Dolphins easily could fall behind too this week against the Bengals, forcing them to attempt more passes. If you have to start Miller, expect RB3/flex points.
Projected Statistics: 12 attempts, 61 yards, one reception, 11 yards, zero touchdowns
Steven Jackson Running Back, Atlanta Falcons
Jackson and the struggling Atlanta Falcons face dreadful competition this week as they travel to play the Carolina Panthers. Fantasy owners who had been anxiously waiting to play Jackson, endured a serious letdown last week as Jackson made his debut return from recovering from his hamstring injury he suffered in Week 2. One would like to think Jackson’s performance was that of an injured player, but supposedly he is completely healthy. The Panthers are just as capable if not more expert in hindering the rush game than the Cardinals were last week, so we can only imagine what is in store Week 9 for Jackson, who will undoubtedly offer you a dinky handful of fantasy points once again.
Projected Statistics: 8 attempts, 16 yards, two receptions, 19 yards, zero touchdowns
Trent Richardson, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
Speaking of fantasy letdowns, one who tops everyone’s list is Richardson, who has only posted double-digit fantasy numbers just once since he has been with the Colts. Richardson and the Colts play in Houston in Week 9 and Richardson will more than likely share the field with fellow running back, Donald Brown, who surprising has more fantasy points in the last three weeks of play than Richardson. With only two touchdowns total for the season, Richardson is not a feasible fantasy option unless you are desperate. If you have to play him, hopefully the rest of your team will pick up the slack.
Projected Statistics: 12 attempts, 33 yards, one reception, 9 yards, zero touchdowns
Pierre Thomas, Running Back New Orleans Saints
Thomas and the Saints travel to play the New York Jets this week. While the Jets have their offensive issues, their run defense ranks third among other defenses and it severely limited both the Bengals running backs last week to a total of six fantasy points. Most weeks Thomas is an ideal play, however he has yet to rush for one touchdown. The Jets stingy run defense will make sure once again that Thomas won’t find the end-zone. He’s a flex option at best if you must start him this week.
Projected Statistics: 13 attempts, 45 yards, three receptions, 31 yards, zero touchdowns
Scott Chandler, Tight End, Buffalo Bills
Tight ends are far and few in Week 9 with so many players out this week. If you are targeting Chandler to plug and play beware as it will be a challenging week for him. The Bills already have a troubling quarterback situation and playing the Kansas City Chiefs this week doesn’t propose a friendly matchup for Chandler. The Chiefs allow the fewest points for opposing tight ends at an average of 3.4 points per game. Chandler is a decent play some weeks, however, Week 9 is one of those weeks to let him sit.
Projected Statistics: Three receptions, 43 yards, zero touchdowns