Start ‘Em/Sit ‘Em Week 9.
Start ‘Em
Devin Funchess, WR
The Kelvin Benjamin trade just sent Funchess’ value off the charts. With Benjamin gone, Funchess should be the one to take over as Cam Newton’s new number one. This week against the Falcons, Funchess should be able to take advantage of a struggling defense and his new top role. His ceiling should now be a solid WR2 and low-end WR1.
Lamar Miller, RB
Miller had a solid week against the Seahawks last week and looks to keep the momentum going against one of the weaker defenses in the league. D’onta Foreman, the rookie behind Miller, was completely shut out giving Miller a clear spot as the number one. With two scores off last week and a matchup against a team ranked in the bottom half against rushing defense, Miller should produce RB1 numbers. Unless the rookie quarterback continues his magnificent passing touchdown numbers.
Jack Doyle, TE
Doyle proved himself last week against a Bengals defense that most thought would keep him in check. This week, the matchup is a favorable one as the Texans have struggled against tight ends this season. With Doyle being targeted at least 7 times the last four weeks, this should be a chance to produce TE1 numbers. Especially after a week where Jimmy Graham caught two touchdowns.
Eagles D/ST
The Broncos offensive struggle this season is becoming more of a storyline and now they have finally decided to switch to Brock Osweiler. If I were on the Eagles defense I would be cheering to the heavens right now. It’s been proven that Osweiler struggles in the NFL and now he has to face one of the hottest teams in the league. The Eagles should win this one and should have a strong defensive presence in this game. They have potential to be the number scoring defense this week.
Jared Goff, QB
Originally we had Deshaun Watson here but unfortunately, Watson’s remarkable rookie season came to an end when he tore his ACL during Thursday’s practice. Goff has been a completely different quarterback this year. He faces off against a Giants defense without Janoris Jenkins and a lot of turmoil.
Sit ‘Em
Andy Dalton, QB
The Bengals as a whole have a tough matchup this week as they go up against one of the top defenses in the league, the Jaguars. With Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye playing lights out on the perimeters, it’s expected for Dalton to have to make some tough decisions since A.J. Green will probably be covered all game. With that in mind, it’s hard to trust the red rifle. Already struggling and going up against a tough matchup makes Dalton remain on the bench or on the waiver wire this week.
LeGarrette Blount, RB
The Jay Ajayi trade does not take away from Blount fantasy value in a dream world but there’s just not enough information to make a decision on which one to start. If Blount becomes just a goal-line running back he would lose his RB1 ceiling and could go down to a flex or low-end RB2. The point is that’s it is still pretty unclear. This upcoming week probably won’t provide enough answers either but if the Eagles felt like they needed an improvement then sitting Blount is probably best.
Joe Mixon, RB
This is basically the same as what is under Andy Dalton. A struggling offense goes against a top defense. Not to mention that Mixon has some of the worst run blocking in the league. Expect Mixon to find very little success in fantasy this week. Maybe even take a look at dropping him if you could pick up other values.
Kelvin Benjamin, WR
This is purely based on the timing of the trade. Benjamin at this point is a 50/50 to play and I wouldn’t take the risk starting him. It will probably take him about a week to get settled with the playbook and if he does play Thursday it will be very limited. In the future, I actually really like this situation, just not for Thursday.
Buccaneers D/ST
After struggling the last few weeks, Drew Brees and the Saints should find some solitude in this matchup. The Buccaneers are the 29th ranked defense and now go against one of the best offenses in football. This defense has not allowed less than 17 points since week one. If you’re streaming this week you can find much better options such as the Eagles or the Rams.