Fantasy

Fantasy Football Rankings & Tiers. Week 9

by Dwain McFarland

2 years ago

It is time to make those tough lineup decisions for Week 9 of the fantasy football season.

Below you’ll find positional rankings, player analysis, betting totals, and implied points for every game on the slate.

Find all of our positional rankings here.

Fantasy Football Rankings & Tiers – Week 9

Last updated: 12 pm, Saturday, November 5th. Please refer to our Rankings page for updates!

Quarterback

Tier	Pos Rank	Player	Opp	Game Total	Spread	Team Total	PPG
1	QB1	Josh Allen	at NYJ	47.5	-13.0	30.25	28.1
1	QB2	Jalen Hurts	at HOU	45.5	-14.0	29.75	25.2
1	QB3	Patrick Mahomes II	vs TEN	46.5	-12.5	29.50	25.0
2	QB4	Lamar Jackson	at NO	48.0	-3.0	25.50	23.1
2	QB5	Kyler Murray	vs SEA	50.5	-2.0	26.25	20.2
3	QB6	Joe Burrow	vs CAR	42.5	-7.5	25.00	23.3
3	QB7	Tua Tagovailoa	at CHI	45.5	-5.5	25.50	19.3
3	QB8	Justin Herbert	at ATL	49.0	-3.0	26.00	17.9
3	QB9	Geno Smith	at ARI	50.5	2.0	24.25	18.2
3	QB10	Kirk Cousins	at WAS	43.5	-3.5	23.50	18.0
4	QB11	Justin Fields	vs MIA	45.5	5.5	20.00	16.0
5	QB12	Tom Brady	vs LAR	42.5	-3.0	22.75	15.4
5	QB13	Aaron Rodgers	at DET	49.5	-3.5	26.50	14.5
5	QB14	Marcus Mariota	vs LAC	49.0	3.0	23.00	16.9
5	QB15	Trevor Lawrence	vs LV	48.0	1.5	23.25	16.2
5	QB16	Jared Goff	vs GB	49.5	3.5	23.00	17.2
5	QB17	Derek Carr	at JAC	48.0	-1.5	24.75	14.6
6	QB18	Andy Dalton	vs BAL	48.0	3.0	22.50	16.4
6	QB19	Taylor Heinicke	vs MIN	43.5	3.5	20.00	19.3
6	QB20	Matthew Stafford	at TB	42.5	3.0	19.75	13.0
6	QB21	Sam Ehlinger	at NE	39.5	5.5	17.00	7.5
6	QB22	Mac Jones	vs IND	39.5	-5.5	22.50	11.3
6	QB23	Zach Wilson	vs BUF	47.5	13.0	17.25	13.3
6	QB24	PJ Walker	at CIN	42.5	7.5	17.50	9.4
6	QB25	Davis Mills	vs PHI	45.5	14.0	15.75	12.2
6	QB26	Ryan Tannehill	at KC	46.5	12.5	17.00	12.0

Tier 2 – Kyler Murray

Murray registered a season-high 26.6 fantasy points last weekend thanks to 326 passing yards and three TDs. The fourth-year QB leads the NFL in dropbacks (363) and is seventh in rushing attempts (52).

The Cardinals have trailed by four-plus points on 75% of plays – the most in the NFL – which has kept passing plays high. In addition, Arizonas’ defense allows a TD on 27% of drives – the fourth-most – which creates an environment that will likely continue to produce pass-heavy game environments.

Unfortunately, the efficiency wasn’t there until DeAndre Hopkins’ return. Over the last two games, Murray averaged 7.0 and 7.4 yards per attempt after eclipsing 6.0 once in the first six.

Arizona and Seattle have the highest game total, and the Cardinals have a top-five team total. However, the Seahawks have been much better in coverage over the last four games, ranking third in PFF coverage grade (77.3), so Murray might need to use his legs more to hit a big ceiling performance.

Murray’s performance is trending in the right direction, and he is capable of a QB1 overall performance on any slate. As a result, he is my No. 5 QB for Week 9.

Tier 3 – Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert is averaging 14.3 fantasy points over the last three contests. During that stretch, the Chargers have been without Keenan Allen, and Joshua Palmer missed Week 7. As a result, Herbert’s ADOT is only 6.1 yards, and his yards per attempt sit at 5.5 without his downfield options.

Mike Williams won’t play this weekend. Allen and Palmer are also questionable, and Allen is trending in the wrong direction.

The Falcons allow the second-most fantasy points per game through the air in non-overtime play (22.1), but Herbert needs weapons to exploit the matchup.

Herbert ranks two spots below expert consensus as the QB8.

Additional QB Notes & Movers:

Tier 4 – Justin Fields has a tier to himself, thanks to his 10.5 rushing attempts per game over the last four contests. The Dolphins have the offense to push the Bears to throw more, and they have the third-worst coverage grade per PFF (50.6). In addition, Miami is the No. 2 man-coverage unit (41%), which could also invite Fields to use his legs more. The second-year QB has recent finishes of QB12, QB9, QB5 and QB5 and is a top-12 option with upside again this weekend.

Running back

Tier	Pos Rank	Player	Opp	Game Total	Spread	Team Total	PPG
1	RB1	Austin Ekeler	at ATL	49.5	-3.0	26.25	25.0
1	RB2	Derrick Henry	at KC	46.5	12.5	17.00	20.8
1	RB3	Alvin Kamara	vs BAL	47.5	2.5	22.50	19.5
1	RB4	Josh Jacobs	at JAC	48.0	-2.0	25.00	20.1
2	RB5	Aaron Jones	at DET	49.5	-3.5	26.50	16.1
2	RB6	Travis Etienne Jr.	vs LV	48.0	2.0	23.00	12.7
2	RB7	Kenneth Walker III	at ARI	49.0	2.0	23.50	12.6
2	RB8	Dalvin Cook	at WAS	43.5	-3.0	23.25	16.0
2	RB9	Joe Mixon	vs CAR	42.5	-7.5	25.00	14.6
3	RB10	Rhamondre Stevenson	vs IND	40.5	-5.5	23.00	16.7
3	RB11	Leonard Fournette	vs LAR	42.5	-3.0	22.75	16.6
3	RB12	Dameon Pierce	vs PHI	45.5	14.0	15.75	15.4
3	RB13	Miles Sanders	at HOU	45.5	-14.0	29.75	14.5
3	RB14	D'Onta Foreman	at CIN	42.5	7.5	17.50	7.4
3	RB15	Deon Jackson	at NE	40.5	5.5	17.50	8.2
3	RB16	Antonio Gibson	vs MIN	43.5	3.0	20.25	13.1
4	RB17	D'Andre Swift	vs GB	49.5	3.5	23.00	16.3
4	RB18	Raheem Mostert	at CHI	45.5	-4.5	25.00	10.0
4	RB19	Cordarrelle Patterson	vs LAC	49.5	3.0	23.25	14.7
4	RB20	Jamaal Williams	vs GB	49.5	3.5	23.00	15.3
4	RB21	James Conner	vs SEA	49.0	-2.0	25.50	10.1
4	RB22	David Montgomery	vs MIA	45.5	4.5	20.50	10.4
4	RB23	Devin Singletary	at NYJ	46.0	-11.5	28.75	11.1
4	RB24	Michael Carter	vs BUF	46.0	11.5	17.25	10.0
4	RB25	Kenyan Drake	at NO	47.5	-2.5	25.00	7.8
4	RB26	Khalil Herbert	vs MIA	45.5	4.5	20.50	12.3
5	RB27	AJ Dillon	at DET	49.5	-3.5	26.50	8.1
5	RB28	Brian Robinson Jr.	vs MIN	43.5	3.0	20.25	6.7
5	RB29	Tyler Allgeier	vs LAC	49.5	3.0	23.25	8.1
5	RB30	Eno Benjamin	vs SEA	49.0	-2.0	25.50	10.3
5	RB31	Damien Harris	vs IND	40.5	-5.5	23.00	9.1
5	RB32	Clyde Edwards-Helaire	vs TEN	46.5	-12.5	29.50	13.5
5	RB33	Darrell Henderson Jr.	at TB	42.5	3.0	19.75	8.1
5	RB34	Rachaad White	vs LAR	42.5	-3.0	22.75	5.4
5	RB35	Nyheim Hines	at NYJ	46.0	-11.5	28.75	7.6
5	RB36	Justice Hill	at NO	47.5	-2.5	25.00	3.6
5	RB37	Isiah Pacheco	vs TEN	46.5	-12.5	29.50	4.0
5	RB38	Jeff Wilson Jr.	at CHI	45.5	-4.5	25.00	9.2
5	RB39	James Robinson	vs BUF	46.0	11.5	17.25	9.2
6	RB40	Alexander Mattison	at WAS	43.5	-3.0	23.25	6.5
6	RB41	Dontrell Hilliard	at KC	46.5	12.5	17.00	9.4
6	RB42	Caleb Huntley	vs LAC	49.5	3.0	23.25	5.4
6	RB43	Samaje Perine	vs CAR	42.5	-7.5	25.00	5.4
6	RB44	Rex Burkhead	vs PHI	45.5	14.0	15.75	7.1
6	RB45	Kenneth Gainwell	at HOU	45.5	-14.0	29.75	4.3
6	RB46	JaMycal Hasty	vs LV	48.0	2.0	23.00	3.6
6	RB47	Jerick McKinnon	vs TEN	46.5	-12.5	29.50	6.1
6	RB48	Phillip Lindsay	at NE	40.5	5.5	17.50	7.3
6	RB49	Ronnie Rivers	at TB	42.5	3.0	19.75	5.0
6	RB50	Malcolm Brown	at TB	42.5	3.0	19.75	2.4
6	RB51	Travis Homer	at ARI	49.0	2.0	23.50	2.2
6	RB52	Sony Michel	at ATL	49.5	-3.0	26.25	3.3
7	RB53	Boston Scott	at HOU	45.5	-14.0	29.75	2.8
7	RB54	James Cook	at NYJ	46.0	-11.5	28.75	4.3
7	RB55	Ty Johnson	vs BUF	46.0	11.5	17.25	0.8
7	RB56	Ameer Abdullah	at JAC	48.0	-2.0	25.00	1.8
7	RB57	DeeJay Dallas	at ARI	49.0	2.0	23.50	1.6
7	RB58	Keaontay Ingram	vs SEA	49.0	-2.0	25.50	4.1
7	RB59	Avery Williams	vs LAC	49.5	3.0	23.25	2.5
7	RB60	Brandon Bolden	at JAC	48.0	-2.0	25.00	4.4
7	RB61	Craig Reynolds	vs GB	49.5	3.5	23.00	5.1
7	RB62	Dare Ogunbowale	vs PHI	45.5	14.0	15.75	2.4
7	RB63	Zamir White	at JAC	48.0	-2.0	25.00	0.5
7	RB64	Zack Moss	at NE	40.5	5.5	17.50	3.4
7	RB65	Spencer Brown	at CIN	42.5	7.5	17.50	2.7

Tier 2 – Aaron Jones

Over the first four games, Jones averaged 40% of the Packers' rushing attempts. However, that number spiked to 59% over the last four games.

Week	Snaps	Rush Att	Routes	Targets	TPRR	SDD Snaps	i5 Att	LDD Snaps	2MIN Snaps	PPR
1	61%	28%	65%	15%	18%	50%	0%	43%	83%	10.6
2	59%	39%	63%	13%	17%	50%	0%	67%	40%	32.0
3	63%	48%	59%	12%	18%	67%	0%	75%	100%	7.7
4	62%	46%	39%	13%	27%	67%	0%	58%	100%	14.5
5	73%	65%	63%	9%	12%	57%	0%	100%	100%	10.0
6	56%	45%	53%	9%	15%	42%	0%	57%	100%	7.4
7	74%	62%	71%	29%	38%	80%	100%	86%	86%	28.6
8	67%	66%	54%	19%	26%	88%	0%	80%	73%	19.7
YTD	64%	49%	58%	15%	21%	60%	33%	70%	84%	16.3

This development makes Jones a low-end RB1 option thanks to his 58% route participation and 21% TPRR on the season. He continues to bogart almost all of the passing-down work.

The expanded rushing workload for Jones has come in all game scripts, not just trailing situations. This change is a performance-related issue, which makes sense, given how well Jones has played.

Jones and A.J. Dillon's underlying rushing data and ranks versus 46 RBs with at least 50 attempts:

Player	PFF Rush Grade	Missed Tackles Forced / Attempt	Average Yards After Contact	10-Plus Yard Rush Attempts
Aaron Jones	90.9 (3rd)	0.40 (1st)	3.78 (10th)	17% (6th)
A.J. Dillon	76.5 (18th)	0.10 (41st)	2.98 (26th)	8% (34th)

The Packers have the fourth-highest team total this weekend against a Lions defense that allows the most (26.1) fantasy points per game on the ground in non-overtime play. Detroit opponents average 155 yards and 1.9 TDs per game.

Jones is in a SMASH spot this weekend and is a top-six RB.

Tier 3 – Miles Sanders

Sanders and the Eagles are double-digit favorites on BetMGM and carry the second-highest team total for Week 9. The veteran back is still splitting time with Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell, averaging 14.4 rushing attempts for 81.25 yards in games when all three play.

The committee caps his touch total, but the Eagles could run the ball over 50% of plays, and the Texans are fresh off of a game where they couldn’t stop Derrick Henry despite a Titans passing attack that didn’t register 75 yards in the air.

Houston’s opponents average 32.6 rushing attempts for 184 yards and 1.4 TDs per game in non-overtime play.

Sanders upgrades to a high-end RB2 for Week 9, and his current rushing-yardage prop is 79.5 at BetMGM.

Tier 3 – Leonard Fournette

Fournette draws a tough matchup on the ground against the Rams, who have the second-highest PFF run defense grade (82.7). However, the Buccaneer lead RB’s biggest fantasy performances have come via the passing game this year, and his TPRR explodes to 24% against zone coverage.

The Rams run the most zone in the NFL (86%), and opposing RBs have a 24% TPRR (2nd).

Fournette has sneaky top-six upside this weekend.

Tier 3 – Dameon Pierce

Pierce and the Texans are 14-point dogs, which could present a challenging game script to an RB restricted to early-down work. However, last week Pierce took over 100% of the passing-down work.

That led to a season-high 59% route participation, and the rookie has a 24% TPRR. This game will tell us if he has every-down upside moving forward.

Pierce ranks as the RB12 despite a tough matchup thanks to a new upside in the passing game.

Tier 3 – D’Onta Foreman

Chuba Hubbard (ankle) will miss another game, opening up the door for an every-down workload for Foreman. Over the last two games, he has had RB17 and RB5 finishes.

The Panthers have kept those games close, allowing Foreman to remain involved on the ground. However, he has also taken over the two-minute offense, which can protect his fantasy value in trailing game scripts.

Week	Snaps	Rush Att	Routes	Targets	TPRR	SDD Snaps	i5 Att	LDD Snaps	2MIN Snaps	PPR
7	54%	58%	42%	10%	20%	50%	0%	36%	100%	16.5
8	68%	68%	55%	3%	5%	100%	67%	27%	79%	29.8

The Panthers are 7.5-point underdogs at Cincinnati, so those two-minute snaps could come in hand if Carolina must pass more. Foreman has also taken over all of the short-yardage work (SDD), which correlates highly with goalline duties and TD opportunities.

Foreman is a high-end RB2.

Tier 3 – Deon Jackson

Jonathan Taylor (ankle) won’t play on Sunday, and Frank Reich indicated Jackson would lead the way despite the arrival of Zack Moss. We have two data points with Jackson as the primary option in Weeks 5 and 6. He finished as the RB25 and RB1.

Week	Snaps	Rush Att	Routes	Targets	TPRR	SDD Snaps	i5 Att	LDD Snaps	2MIN Snaps	PPR
5	58%	50%	49%	11%	16%	75%	0%	56%	83%	13.2
6	67%	71%	56%	19%	29%	100%	50%	60%	42%	28.1

From an efficiency perspective, Jackson wasn’t special in either game – for the season, he ranks below the NFL average in missed tackles forced per attempt (13%) and average yards after contact (2.37). He is slightly above average in attempts of 10-plus yards (13%).

In Week 6, most of his points came via the passing game with 10 targets (29% TPRR), despite sharing time with Philip Lindsay – who will be active – on pass downs. The Patriots are a man-heavy defense, which typically depresses the likelihood of RB targets.

Temper expectations of a Week 6 repeat performance, but volume is king for RBs, and Jackson projects as a high-end RB2.

Tier 3 – Antonio Gibson

J.D. McKissic (neck) will not play this weekend and will see a specialist. This news is huge for Gibson, who should take over all the passing down work and spell Brian Robinson Jr. on 35-45% of rushing plays.

Gibson demonstrated an ability to demand targets over his first two seasons (23% TPRR), which has continued in 2022 – with a mouth-watering 32%.

Week	Snaps	Rush Att	Routes	Targets	TPRR	SDD Snaps	i5 Att	LDD Snaps	2MIN Snaps	PPR
5	32%	19%	28%	11%	33%	29%	0%	0%	0%	6.9
6	26%	17%	25%	19%	57%	0%	0%	20%	0%	8.3
7	39%	26%	36%	13%	33%	33%	0%	38%	0%	16.7
8	36%	32%	33%	24%	54%	17%	0%	0%	7%	20.7
YTD	43%	40%	33%	13%	32%	37%	75%	12%	5%	13.1

However, his route participation has been limited (33%), with McKissic leading the way in long-down-distance (LDD) situations (87%) and the two-minute offense (87%).

The Commanders play a pass-funnel Vikings defense that deploys zone coverage the second most (83%), inviting additional passes to the RBs and TEs underneath.

The third-year RB could see double-digit targets in this contest and projects as a high-end RB2 with big-time RB1 upside.

Tier 3 – D’Andre Swift

Swift told reporters this week he might not be 100% this season despite Duce Staley saying they expect more and he is trending positively. The only thing we know is Swift isn’t 100%, and his role over the last three games is extremely concerning.

Week	Snaps	Rush Att	Routes	Targets	TPRR	SDD Snaps	i5 Att	LDD Snaps	2MIN Snaps	PPR
1	67%	54%	66%	8%	12%	50%	0%	100%	0%	26.5
2	51%	21%	57%	15%	24%	0%	0%	93%	100%	16.7
3	41%	21%	49%	11%	18%	10%	0%	71%	44%	7.6
8	54%	26%	57%	15%	24%	38%	0%	88%	82%	14.3
YTD	30%	18%	33%	7%	19%	13%	0%	52%	39%	16.3

Swift continues to dominate passing downs but is struggling to reach even 25% of the Lions’ rushing attempts, and Jamaal Williams is bogarting all of the scoring totes inside the five-yard line. This role is more in line with a Nyheim Hines or J.D. McKissic type of player, which is an RB4 profile, not a low-end RB1.

We know the third-year back is talented and is a must-start when healthy, but right now, he can be benched for Deon Jackson, D'Onte Foreman and Antonio Gibson.

Consider Swift as a mid-range RB2, thanks to all the byes, but expect more of a high-end RB3 output.

Additional RB Notes & Movers:

Tier 4 – Michael Carter led the Jets backfield last weekend, playing 56% of the snaps and handling 44% of the rushing attempts. Unfortunately, the backfield turned into a three-way committee with James Robinson and Ty Johnson involved. Robinson helped handle the rushing workload (31%), and Johnson took over the long-down-distance snaps (92%). However, James Robinson was downgraded to questionable on Saturday due to a knee injury. If he can't play, Carter moves into Tier 3. The Jets are double-digit underdogs, so the backs could get involved in the passing game against a heavy zone team. Carter is a low-end RB2.

Wide Receiver

Tier	Pos Rank	Player	Opp	Game Total	Spread	Team Total	PPG
1	WR1	Tyreek Hill	at CHI	45.5	-4.5	25.00	22.5
1	WR2	Justin Jefferson	at WAS	43.5	-3.0	23.25	21.2
1	WR3	Stefon Diggs	at NYJ	46.0	-11.5	28.75	24.8
1	WR4	Cooper Kupp	at TB	42.5	3.0	19.75	24.5
1	WR5	DeAndre Hopkins	vs SEA	49.0	-2.0	25.50	27.1
1	WR6	Davante Adams	at JAC	48.0	-2.0	25.00	17.0
2	WR7	Jaylen Waddle	at CHI	45.5	-4.5	25.00	18.1
2	WR8	A.J. Brown	at HOU	45.5	-14.0	29.75	19.3
2	WR9	Tee Higgins	vs CAR	42.5	-7.5	25.00	14.6
2	WR10	Amon-Ra St. Brown	vs GB	49.5	3.5	23.00	15.7
2	WR11	Chris Olave	vs BAL	47.5	2.5	22.50	14.8
2	WR12	Chris Godwin	vs LAR	42.5	-3.0	22.75	12.0
2	WR13	Mike Evans	vs LAR	42.5	-3.0	22.75	16.4
2	WR14	Tyler Lockett	at ARI	49.0	2.0	23.50	14.1
2	WR15	DK Metcalf	at ARI	49.0	2.0	23.50	12.3
3	WR16	DJ Moore	at CIN	42.5	7.5	17.50	12.2
3	WR17	Tyler Boyd	vs CAR	42.5	-7.5	25.00	13.5
3	WR18	Terry McLaurin	vs MIN	43.5	3.0	20.25	12.7
3	WR19	Gabe Davis	at NYJ	46.0	-11.5	28.75	13.6
3	WR20	Michael Pittman Jr.	at NE	40.5	5.5	17.50	15.4
3	WR21	Christian Kirk	vs LV	48.0	2.0	23.00	13.5
3	WR22	JuJu Smith-Schuster	vs TEN	46.5	-12.5	29.50	13.3
3	WR23	DeVonta Smith	at HOU	45.5	-14.0	29.75	13.1
3	WR24	Jakobi Meyers	vs IND	40.5	-5.5	23.00	15.9
4	WR25	Allen Lazard	at DET	49.5	-3.5	26.50	14.0
4	WR26	Joshua Palmer	at ATL	49.5	-3.0	26.25	9.4
4	WR27	Adam Thielen	at WAS	43.5	-3.0	23.25	12.0
4	WR28	Garrett Wilson	vs BUF	46.0	11.5	17.25	11.1
4	WR29	Rondale Moore	vs SEA	49.0	-2.0	25.50	11.0
4	WR30	Romeo Doubs	at DET	49.5	-3.5	26.50	9.6
4	WR31	Darnell Mooney	vs MIA	45.5	4.5	20.50	7.7
4	WR32	Curtis Samuel	vs MIN	43.5	3.0	20.25	12.7
4	WR33	Drake London	vs LAC	49.5	3.0	23.25	9.8
4	WR34	Devin Duvernay	at NO	47.5	-2.5	25.00	11.4
4	WR35	Allen Robinson II	at TB	42.5	3.0	19.75	8.1
5	WR36	Terrace Marshall Jr.	at CIN	42.5	7.5	17.50	6.2
5	WR37	Kalif Raymond	vs GB	49.5	3.5	23.00	5.9
5	WR38	Zay Jones	vs LV	48.0	2.0	23.00	10.4
5	WR39	Hunter Renfrow	at JAC	48.0	-2.0	25.00	6.5
5	WR40	Marquez Valdes-Scantling	vs TEN	46.5	-12.5	29.50	8.4
5	WR41	Parris Campbell	at NE	40.5	5.5	17.50	9.1
5	WR42	Alec Pierce	at NE	40.5	5.5	17.50	9.6
5	WR43	Julio Jones	vs LAR	42.5	-3.0	22.75	7.8
5	WR44	Mecole Hardman	vs TEN	46.5	-12.5	29.50	10.6
5	WR45	Isaiah McKenzie	at NYJ	46.0	-11.5	28.75	10.0
5	WR46	Mack Hollins	at JAC	48.0	-2.0	25.00	10.9
5	WR47	Robert Woods	at KC	46.5	12.5	17.00	7.4
5	WR48	Chase Claypool	vs MIA	45.5	4.5	20.50	9.8
5	WR49	Marvin Jones Jr.	vs LV	48.0	2.0	23.00	7.8
5	WR50	Demarcus Robinson	at NO	47.5	-2.5	25.00	5.0
5	WR51	K.J. Osborn	at WAS	43.5	-3.0	23.25	7.3
5	WR52	Tyquan Thornton	vs IND	40.5	-5.5	23.00	7.3
5	WR53	Phillip Dorsett II	vs PHI	45.5	14.0	15.75	2.8
6	WR54	Sammy Watkins	at DET	49.5	-3.5	26.50	6.0
6	WR55	DeAndre Carter	at ATL	49.5	-3.0	26.25	6.5
6	WR56	Kadarius Toney	vs TEN	46.5	-12.5	29.50	2.2
6	WR57	Christian Watson	at DET	49.5	-3.5	26.50	4.5
6	WR58	Olamide Zaccheaus	vs LAC	49.5	3.0	23.25	7.6
6	WR59	Tre'Quan Smith	vs BAL	47.5	2.5	22.50	7.3
6	WR60	Van Jefferson	at TB	42.5	3.0	19.75	0.0
6	WR61	Denzel Mims	vs BUF	46.0	11.5	17.25	5.5
6	WR62	Braxton Berrios	vs BUF	46.0	11.5	17.25	5.2
6	WR63	Chris Moore	vs PHI	45.5	14.0	15.75	5.8
6	WR64	Kendrick Bourne	vs IND	40.5	-5.5	23.00	4.0
6	WR65	Nick Westbrook-Ikhine	at KC	46.5	12.5	17.00	3.5
6	WR66	Elijah Moore	vs BUF	46.0	11.5	17.25	4.5
6	WR67	Dante Pettis	vs MIA	45.5	4.5	20.50	5.1
6	WR68	Ben Skowronek	at TB	42.5	3.0	19.75	7.8
6	WR69	Mike Thomas	vs CAR	42.5	-7.5	25.00	2.6
6	WR70	Marquez Callaway	vs BAL	47.5	2.5	22.50	5.1
6	WR71	Khalil Shakir	at NYJ	46.0	-11.5	28.75	4.6
6	WR72	Robbie Anderson	vs SEA	49.0	-2.0	25.50	5.4
6	WR73	Rashid Shaheed	vs BAL	47.5	2.5	22.50	9.8
6	WR74	Damiere Byrd	vs LAC	49.5	3.0	23.25	7.6
6	WR75	Laviska Shenault Jr.	at CIN	42.5	7.5	17.50	6.6
6	WR76	Dee Eskridge	at ARI	49.0	2.0	23.50	2.0
6	WR77	Equanimeous St. Brown	vs MIA	45.5	4.5	20.50	4.7
6	WR78	James Proche II	at NO	47.5	-2.5	25.00	1.8
7	WR79	Trent Sherfield	at CHI	45.5	-4.5	25.00	3.8
7	WR80	Quez Watkins	at HOU	45.5	-14.0	29.75	2.9
7	WR81	Greg Dortch	vs SEA	49.0	-2.0	25.50	7.0
7	WR82	N'Keal Harry	vs MIA	45.5	4.5	20.50	6.4
7	WR83	Shi Smith	at CIN	42.5	7.5	17.50	2.3
7	WR84	Samori Toure	at DET	49.5	-3.5	26.50	6.1
7	WR85	Cam Sims	vs MIN	43.5	3.0	20.25	1.4

Tier 1 – DeAndre Hopkins

Hopkins has WR8 and WR2 finishes in his first two games back. He has 14 (50%) and 13 (32%) targets and rarely leaves the field, as he and Kyler Murray are making music.

The Cardinals haven’t been a heavy play-action team this year (27th), but that has ramped up over the last two games, and 44% of Hopkins’ targets have come on play-action. Play-action targets have been worth 18% more than non-play-action targets over the previous three seasons.

The Seahawks' coverage unit has improved over the last four games. They are the third-toughest unit, per PFF, with a coverage grade of 77.3. Seattle utilizes the fourth-most zone coverage, often leading to fewer targets for No. 1 WRs.

However, Hopkins is one of the exceptions to the rule. While his targets have come down slightly against zone looks, he has maintained high TPRR marks.

	2019	2020	2021	2022
Man TPRR	26%	29%	24%	33%
Zone TPRR	25%	25%	16%	36%

The Cardinals have the fifth-highest team total in a matchup with the best game total on the slate.

Hopkins is a top-six WR this weekend.

Tier 2 – Chris Godwin

Godwin averages 10.3 targets in the four games where he has played on 85% of the passing dropbacks. However, he has averaged only 68 yards with zero TDs as Tampa Bay’s offense has struggled to find a groove.

The 26-year-old WR has eclipsed the 90% route participation threshold in his last three games.

Week	Routes	TPRR	Targets	ADOT	Air Yards	EZ Tgts	3rd/4th Down Targets	PA Targets	PPR
1	34%	30%	11%	0.7	1%	0%	0%	33%	6.5
4	89%	22%	19%	5.7	15%	0%	27%	0%	12.5
5	54%	22%	12%	5.7	10%	0%	25%	0%	12.3
6	91%	28%	31%	11.7	47%	0%	40%	0%	15.5
7	92%	26%	27%	6.0	20%	0%	46%	8%	11.5
8	92%	18%	21%	3.6	9%	0%	22%	13%	13.5
YTD	60%	24%	16%	6.5	13%	0%	22%	6%	12.0

Historically, Godwin has been a 1.90 to 2.20 yards per route player, but that number sits at 1.74 in 2022. Godwin still isn’t a year removed from his January ACL surgery, which is likely part of the challenge. As we move closer and closer to the one-year mark, we could see Godwin’s efficiency metrics improve.

The Rams allow the sixth-fewest points to opposing pass catchers (49.6), but they utilize zone coverage more than any other NFL team (86%). Godwin has a 12% TPRR and 0.65 YPRR against man coverage this season but has a 29% TPRR and 2.19 YPRR against zone.

Godwin is a SMASH play as a high-end WR2 against the Rams.

Tier 3 – JuJu Smith-Schuster

Smith-Schuster has back-to-back top-eight finishes, and the Chiefs matchup against a Titans defense that allows the fourth-most points to pass catchers in non-overtime play (64.0).

The Chiefs’ slot WR has seen his playing time fluctuate, missing the WR2 83% route participation threshold in five of seven games.

Week	Routes	TPRR	Targets	ADOT	Air Yards	EZ Tgts	3rd/4th Down Targets	PA Targets	PPR
1	80%	25%	21%	10.3	26%	0%	14%	25%	13.9
2	79%	10%	9%	1.7	2%	0%	11%	0%	4.0
3	79%	21%	23%	8.4	25%	0%	20%	29%	13.9
4	73%	23%	21%	5.6	13%	0%	27%	14%	9.6
5	88%	17%	18%	7.3	19%	33%	0%	14%	6.3
6	91%	11%	15%	6.6	16%	0%	11%	60%	22.3
7	64%	28%	23%	8.6	23%	0%	36%	14%	25.4
8	0%	0%	0%	0.0	0%	0%	0%	0%	0.0
YTD	80%	19%	18%	7.5	18%	5%	18%	23%	13.6

His TPRR (19%) is below historical WR3 levels (21%), but his 2.09 YPRR is at a WR2 level.

Like Gabriel Davis, the Chiefs' offense boosts Smith-Schuster’s value, but he has a lot of boom-bust to his game – as we have seen this season, with two top-10 finishes and two finishes outside the top 60. Per usual, the Chiefs offer one of the best team totals on the slate in Week 9.

Smith-Schuster is a low-end WR2 in a week with six teams on bye but profiles more as a boom-bust WR3 option.

Additional WR Notes & Movers:

Tier 3 – D.J. Moore climbs out of WR4 territory up to WR16 thanks to a condensed target tree with Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey no longer on the team. The talented WR has a 38% target share over the last two games. The Bengals allow the third-fewest fantasy points to pass catchers (43.7) per game, but Moore should still be busy as a mid-range WR2.
Tier 4 – Garrett Wilson is an every-down WR after the Elijah Moore fallout. He leads the Jets in target share (21%) and YPRR (1.76) and offers big-play potential. The Bills are a stingy pass defense, but the Jets will likely need to throw often as double-digit dogs. Wilson is a low-end WR3 with upside.
Tier 4 – Joshua Palmer cleared the concussion protocol. Keenan Allen (hamstring) sounds doubtful, and Mike Williams is out. The Chargers have a great matchup against the Falcons, who allow 69.6 points per game to pass catchers in non-overtime play (second-most). Palmer is a mid-range WR3.
Tier 5 – Terrace Marshall Jr. erupted with a 26% target share in Week 8 and makes an excellent fill-in option if challenged with bye weeks. With Robbie Anderson out of the picture, the former second-round NFL pick participated in 95% of routes over the last two games. He is a WR4 with upside that could earn a long-term spot on your roster.

Tight end

Tier	Pos Rank	Player	Opp	Game Total	Spread	Team Total	PPG
1	TE1	Travis Kelce	vs TEN	46.5	-12.5	29.50	21.0
2	TE2	Zach Ertz	vs SEA	49.0	-2.0	25.50	12.3
2	TE3	Dallas Goedert	at HOU	45.5	-14.0	29.75	11.4
3	TE4	Darren Waller	at JAC	48.0	-2.0	25.00	7.9
3	TE5	Kyle Pitts	vs LAC	49.5	3.0	23.25	8.4
3	TE6	Isaiah Likely	at NO	47.5	-2.5	25.00	5.7
3	TE7	Taysom Hill	vs BAL	47.5	2.5	22.50	11.7
3	TE8	Gerald Everett	at ATL	49.5	-3.0	26.25	9.9
3	TE9	T.J. Hockenson	at WAS	43.5	-3.0	23.25	12.2
3	TE10	Hayden Hurst	vs CAR	42.5	-7.5	25.00	9.0
3	TE11	Evan Engram	vs LV	48.0	2.0	23.00	9.1
4	TE12	Robert Tonyan	at DET	49.5	-3.5	26.50	8.7
4	TE13	Tyler Higbee	at TB	42.5	3.0	19.75	9.6
4	TE14	Mike Gesicki	at CHI	45.5	-4.5	25.00	8.6
4	TE15	Dawson Knox	at NYJ	46.0	-11.5	28.75	7.5
4	TE16	Tyler Conklin	vs BUF	46.0	11.5	17.25	10.1
4	TE17	Cade Otton	vs LAR	42.5	-3.0	22.75	5.1
5	TE18	Noah Fant	at ARI	49.0	2.0	23.50	5.7
5	TE19	Juwan Johnson	vs BAL	47.5	2.5	22.50	6.8
5	TE20	Brock Wright	vs GB	49.5	3.5	23.00	3.7
5	TE21	Hunter Henry	vs IND	40.5	-5.5	23.00	5.0
5	TE22	Will Dissly	at ARI	49.0	2.0	23.50	7.5
5	TE23	Cole Kmet	vs MIA	45.5	4.5	20.50	4.5
5	TE24	Logan Thomas	vs MIN	43.5	3.0	20.25	7.4
6	TE25	Foster Moreau	at JAC	48.0	-2.0	25.00	7.1
6	TE26	Austin Hooper	at KC	46.5	12.5	17.00	3.1
6	TE27	Tommy Tremble	at CIN	42.5	7.5	17.50	3.8
6	TE28	Jelani Woods	at NE	40.5	5.5	17.50	6.3
6	TE29	Kylen Granson	at NE	40.5	5.5	17.50	4.7
6	TE30	Jordan Akins	vs PHI	45.5	14.0	15.75	6.6
6	TE31	Mo Alie-Cox	at NE	40.5	5.5	17.50	6.1
6	TE32	Brevin Jordan	vs PHI	45.5	14.0	15.75	1.9
7	TE33	James Mitchell	vs GB	49.5	3.5	23.00	2.4
7	TE34	Ian Thomas	at CIN	42.5	7.5	17.50	3.0
7	TE35	Jonnu Smith	vs IND	40.5	-5.5	23.00	4.4
7	TE36	Chigoziem Okonkwo	at KC	46.5	12.5	17.00	2.6
7	TE37	Noah Gray	vs TEN	46.5	-12.5	29.50	3.3
7	TE38	Colby Parkinson	at ARI	49.0	2.0	23.50	5.3
7	TE39	C.J. Uzomah	vs BUF	46.0	11.5	17.25	2.3

Tier 3 – Taysom Hill

Hill registered season-highs in snaps (36%), rushing attempts (31%), route participation (34%) and targets (18%) in Week 8. The Saints lost Mark Ingram II during the game, which might have led to the enhanced role, but it could continue, given the lackluster depth chart behind Alvin Kamara.

Over the last four games, Hill averages two pass attempts, 6.8 rushing attempts and 0.75 targets per game. That is a total of ~9.5 opportunities per game, and last week he had 13 in an expanded role.

Hill is a top-seven TE for Week 9.

Additional TE Notes & Movers:

Tier 1 – Mark Andrews doesn’t play until Monday night and is battling shoulder and ankle injuries. If Andrews can't go, Isaiah Likely becomes a top-six option.
Tier 3 – Gerald Everett has a great matchup against the Falcons, and the Chargers will be without Mike Williams and possibly Keenan Allen. He is a mid-range TE1 option.
Tier 4 – Tyler Higbee pass blocked on 24% of his passing snaps last weekend. The Rams are struggling to find answers on the offensive line, which might not change. Higbee is now a mid-range TE2.

Dwain McFarland