Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp looks to return to WR1 form after his solid return in Week 8, even though fellow wideout Puka Nacua (knee) overshadowed him. He caught five passes on eight targets for 51 yards and a receiving touchdown. Week 9 presents a solid matchup against a Seattle Seahawks defense that ranks 16th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers. Nacua's status against Seattle is uncertain, meaning more targets could be heading Kupp's way if Nacua is ruled out. Darius Slayton, Deebo Samuel Sr., and Khalil Shakir have all gone over 100 yards receiving in recent weeks against them. The Rams' offense seems to be back in peak form with all of their weapons back. Expect his target share to continue to go up each week, as history has shown when Matthew Stafford is under center. Kupp should be started with confidence in all lineups and check in as RotoBaller's WR10 in the Week 9 rankings.

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Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson is eager for increased opportunities this week as he takes on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9. Though he has been primarily used sparingly as a backup, he has established himself as the team's go-to goal-line back, showcasing his potential in that role. Last week, Johnson had a limited outing with just two carries for 6 yards, but he managed to find the end zone on a crucial goal-line carry. As he prepares for the matchup against the Cardinals, Johnson will be looking to capitalize on more red-zone opportunities. A favorable factor for him is that the Cardinals' defense currently ranks 24th in EPA per rush, indicating vulnerability against the run. This could allow Johnson to build on his solid play and become a more impactful contributor to the Bears' offense this week.

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This week, Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is a solid WR2/WR3 option. However, there is some downside to consider against the struggling Arizona Cardinals secondary, which currently ranks 30th in EPA per pass this season. Moore's season has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with inconsistent performances that have prevented him from reaching the level of reliability many anticipated, especially given the supposed improvements at quarterback. Last week, he had a quiet outing against the Washington Commanders, managing only two catches for 27 yards without finding the end zone. For the Bears to maximize their offensive potential, it's crucial that they find ways to get Moore more involved in the game plan. With the Cardinals' defensive struggles, this week presents a prime opportunity for him to break out and deliver a more robust performance for fantasy managers.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen is looking to bounce back this week as he faces a mediocre Arizona Cardinals secondary. After a frustrating performance against an improved Washington Commanders defense last week, where he led the team in targets with seven but only managed to haul in two catches for 39 yards, Allen is eager to regain his rhythm. The Bears need him to be a key contributor, especially given the Cardinals' struggles in pass defense, currently ranking 30th in EPA per pass this season. This matchup presents a prime opportunity for Allen to improve his numbers and reestablish himself as a reliable target in the Bears' offense. With his talent and the favorable matchup, fantasy managers should have their fingers crossed for a significant rebound performance from Allen this week.

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Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze has the potential for a strong performance this Sunday as he faces a vulnerable Arizona Cardinals secondary. Last week, Odunze led all Bears receivers with 41 yards against the Washington Commanders, a reflection of the team's overall struggles in the passing game. However, his six targets indicate that he is starting to carve out a role in the offense, which is often the case for rookie wideouts who gain traction as the season progresses. Given the Cardinals' defensive strugglesranking 30th in EPA per pass this seasonOdunze has a prime opportunity to capitalize on his targets. If he can continue to earn looks and leverage the matchup, he could emerge as a valuable asset for fantasy managers. This week, all eyes will be on Odunze to see if he can take advantage of the favorable conditions and elevate his game.

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Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is positioned as a solid starter this week, largely due to a favorable matchup against the Arizona Cardinals secondary. Kmet faced challenges in Week 8 against the Washington Commanders, managing only one reception for 14 yards and failing to score. His performances this season have been characterized by a boom-or-bust nature, which is often the reality at the tight end position in fantasy football. However, the opportunity for a breakout game looms large this week, especially against a Cardinals defense that ranks 30th in EPA per pass. If Kmet can capitalize on Arizona's defensive weaknesses, he could significantly contribute to fantasy lineups. With the potential for increased targets and a favorable matchup, Kmet is a player to watch closely, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers this week.

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Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is a solid yet somewhat unexciting fantasy option for Week 9 as he prepares to face the Arizona Cardinals. In his last outing, Santos had a minimal role, managing to get on the field only for one extra point, as the Bears' offense struggled significantlyparticularly in the passing gamewhich resulted in no field goal attempts. With the game's over/under set at a modest 44.5 points, it seems likely to be a low-scoring affair. Fantasy managers might find other kickers on the waiver wire who offer more upside this week, making them potentially more appealing options. However, it's important to note that Santos has been reliable and consistent when given opportunities. While more attractive alternatives may be available, if you're in a pinch, you can feel comfortable including Santos in your lineup as a backup option.

From RotoBaller

This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a compelling fantasy option as he faces off against the Arizona Cardinals. Williams is eager to bounce back after a disappointing outing against the Washington Commanders in Week 8, where he completed just ten of 24 passes for 131 yards without any touchdowns. While the growing pains of a rookie quarterback often include fluctuating performances, a mere 131 passing yards is far from ideal. Fortunately for Williams, he'll be up against a Cardinals defense that currently ranks 30th in EPA per pass this season, providing a favorable matchup. While there are certainly more reliable quarterbacks to consider this week, don't overlook the potential for Williams to surprise and finish as a QB1. His talent and the Cardinals' defensive struggles could create the perfect storm for a strong fantasy performance.

From RotoBaller

On Sunday, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift had an outstanding game against the Washington Commanders, recording 18 carries for 131 yards and a touchdown. He made a game-changing 56-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, sparking a stagnant Bears offense at a crucial moment. Swift demonstrated his ability to create explosive plays when provided with solid blocking and space to operate. Although it was disappointing that he finished without any receptions, given that Caleb Williams only completed ten passes overall, there's optimism that Swift will see more opportunities in the passing game moving forward. Additionally, it was concerning for Swift's fantasy owners to see Roschon Johnson take goal-line carries, which must be monitored. Swift will aim to maintain his momentum against a vulnerable Arizona Cardinals defense next week.

From RotoBaller

The Las Vegas Raiders face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9. Las Vegas' defense will be tasked with stopping the 11th ranked offense in points per game in 2024. They haven't been particularly effective at stopping anyone this season, and rank poorly in turnovers forced, severely limiting their upside. LV's D/ST ranks 31st in fantasy football this season, second-to-last in the NFL, and it's unlikely things will change. They typically face uphill battles, as the Raiders offense isn't good at sustaining drives and often loses the time of possession battle with opponents. Bengals QB Joe Burrow, WR Ja'Marr Chase, and RB Chase Brown will present significant challenges on Sunday. This D/ST shouldn't be started in any leagues.

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Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson could see another week of solid volume in his Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati ranks just next to the Kansas City Chiefs, who the Raiders played in Week 8, in fantasy points allowed to opposing teams' kickers. Carlson scored 10 fantasy points as he sent field goals of 32 and 54 yards and two extra point attempts through the uprights successfully. He hasn't missed an extra point so far and has converted on 88.2% of his field goal attempts to this point. He's an excellent kicker, but the problem has always been lack of opportunity. He's a risky start in fantasy lineups due to his inconsistent volume, though. Las Vegas' inability to consistently get within scoring range on offense limits his upside.

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Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker is looking to bounce back to better production after two lackluster performances in Weeks 7 and 8. He's scored just 7.7 and 5.3 PPR fantasy points in his last two games. The extra defensive attention he's drawn due to the absence of the team's current WR1 didn't benefit him in Week 7, and Week 8 he faced one of the toughest pass defenses in the league in the Kansas City Chiefs. His Week 9 opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, allow the 14th-fewest PPR fantasy points to opposing wideouts, making them significantly softer than KC's unit. Tucker is a WR4 for this week's contest, so he'll only be viable in very deep leagues.

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II was actually fringe-startable in his Week 8 loss with the Kansas City Chiefs, but that was mainly due to him authoring a garbage time drive that went for a touchdown. He faces the Cincinnati Bengals this week, though. They boast a high-powered offense that could have the game out of hand before the fourth quarter, which would give him more opportunities for meaningless scores. Still, considering his penchant for turnovers (five of them in the last two games), he's a risky player to set in lineups in 1QB leagues. In 2QB or Superflex leagues, he's a decent start. Unsurprisingly, he appears to play better when his No. 1 wide receiver, Jakobi Meyers (ankle) plays, and he's expected to play Sunday.

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Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (quad) lost his starting job to his former backup, Alexander Mattison, ahead of his Week 8 matchup. He proceeded to rush the ball two times for negative-one yard after playing just 3% of the snaps in the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He's unlikely to earn his job back. Head coach Antonio Pierce expressed his desire to continue getting White the ball, but it's unlikely he'll earn meaningful touches moving forward after such an ineffective performance. To make matters worse, he's designated as "Questionable" with a quad injury now. He's averaged just 3 yards per carry on the season. He's not startable in any leagues for now.

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Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison will keep his duties as the lead RB for the Raiders for their Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. He's been inefficient as a runner, averaging just over 3.1 yards per carry on the season. Most of his value has come from rushing touchdowns and receiving work this season. He rushed 14 times for 15 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8, though they're the toughest run defense in the NFL this year. The Bengals present an easier matchup for him as they're closer to the middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Mattison is an RB3/FLEX in PPR leagues for this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) was a full participant in practice Thursday and is expected to play in his Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Meyers continues to be one of the most underrated wideouts in football, likely because of his poor quarterback situation. He caught six passes on seven targets for 52 yards and a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8. He'll face a softer Bengals defenses that isn't quite as lockdown against receivers. He had solid production before garbage time against the Chiefs, making his game more impressive. He's an easy WR3/FLEX starter with WR2 upside in PPR fantasy leagues this week.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers remains an absolute must-start in all fantasy football leagues ahead of his Week 9 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. The rookie star has racked up 52 receptions for 535 yards and one touchdown through eight weeks of NFL action. He's the TE2 overall in full-PPR fantasy scoring. He seems to be a lock to finish top-5 at his position on the season, though the return of wideout Jakobi Meyers (ankle) could siphon a few targets away from him. With Meyers on the field, double-digit targets for Bowers becomes less likely. Regardless, he won't need many to finish as a TE1 this week, and can't be left out of fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

The New York Giants defense faces a major test in Week 9 against a high-powered Washington Commanders offense led by rookie QB Jayden Daniels, who has propelled Washington to third in the league in both points (29.5) and total yards (396.3) per game. While the Giants' defense excels in certain areas, leading the NFL with 35 sacks and ranking fifth in red-zone defense (allowing touchdowns on just 42.1% of red-zone trips), their 27th-ranked run defense (141.8 yards allowed per game) could struggle against Washington's potent third-ranked rushing attack (165.8 yards per game). Despite being 8th against the pass, the Giants will need a strong, balanced defensive effort to limit the explosive potential of Daniels and his offense.

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The New Orleans Saints D/ST struggled again in Week 8, giving up 26 points to the Los Angeles Chargers. The team did record three sacks (which matched their output over their last three games) and a safety to salvage the day but failed to crack double-digits in fantasy points for the sixth time this season. In Week 9, the Saints get a rematch against the Carolina Panthers, who delivered the Saints' highest-scoring performance in 2024. In that game, New Orleans held Carolina to 10 points, had four sacks, and picked up three takeaways. Unfortunately, New Orleans is missing some key pieces in their secondary. Paulson Adebo (leg) broke his femur last week and both Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) and Kool-Aid McKinstry (hamstring) have already been declared out. Still, until Bryce Young gives cause to do otherwise it is safe to bet against him.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (hip) logged a DNP to start the week followed by a pair of limited practices on Thursday and Friday. He will carry a questionable tag going into Week 9's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The seldom-used wideout saw an uptick in usage in Weeks 6 and 7 as injuries to Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) left New Orleans short on experienced pass catchers. He was the top receiver in Week 7, catching six of seven targets for 57 yards and a touchdown. However, he picked up a hip injury that kept him out of Week 8 entirely. Even if he is active on Sunday he will be competing for targets against Mason Tipton and recent signee Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

From RotoBaller