The Denver Broncos defense/special teams has surprisingly been a top-five fantasy unit through eight weeks of 2024, but managers should lower their expectations in Week 9 against the high-powered Baltimore Ravens on the road. Denver's D has allowed the third-fewest points per game (15.0), but Baltimore's offense has put up 30.3 points per game, the most in football. The game will likely be decided by whether the Broncos' defense can stop a Ravens ground game that leads the league with 200 rushing yards per game. Denver's defense and play-calling has been mighty impressive this year, but they'll have a tall task on their hands in slowing down both quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. We certainly wouldn't recommend Denver's D/ST in DFS against a Ravens offense that has been the third-worst matchup for defensive units this year.

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Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz will be looking for a bounce-back performance in Week 9 versus the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9 after making just four extra points the week prior in a 28-14 win over the Carolina Panthers. Lutz certainly has it in him in a Broncos offense that has looked much more efficient in the last few weeks under rookie QB Bo Nix. The 30-year-old veteran kicker has missed just one of his 18 field-goal tries and is a perfect 16-for-16 on extra points in eight weeks in 2024 to make him the No. 5 fantasy kicker in overall points. Lutz always has bust potential in fantasy, but the opportunity is certainly there going up against a Ravens defense that is tied for the 11th-most fantasy points allowed to kickers per game. Baltimore's struggling defense gives Lutz a safer floor as a streaming option in deeper fantasy leagues.

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson would be a risky flex play in Week 9 when the Cardinals host the Chicago Bears. Wilson has recently put together some solid fantasy performances, including a five-catch, 31-yard, and one-touchdown game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. Although he is becoming more involved in the Cardinals' passing offense, he remains a touchdown-dependent fantasy player. With the Cardinals facing the stout Bears defense, there may be fewer scoring opportunities for the offense, which could limit production. However, Wilson is still capable of delivering a solid fantasy outing. He would be a risky flex option for managers in Week 9.

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Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride remains a must-start in fantasy lineups heading into Week 9 against the Chicago Bears. McBride is putting together one of the best fantasy seasons we have seen from a Cardinals tight end in quite some time. He ranks in the top five tight ends in fantasy this season, despite not having caught a touchdown pass yet. McBride is the focal point of the Arizona Cardinals' passing game and their go-to player on critical third downs. With quarterback Kyler Murray throwing to McBride, there is a high expected volume nearly every week. There is no reason not to start Trey McBride moving forward.

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Denver Broncos tight end Adam Trautman came out of nowhere to catch all four of his targets for 85 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers, but fantasy managers shouldn't be tricked into thinking he's a good TE2 streaming option as the Broncos head on the road to take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9. Before last Sunday's impressive performance, Trautman had just two catches for 32 yards in the first seven weeks. In addition to Trautman, TE Lucas Krull caught both of his targets for 18 yards. The 27-year-old is rostered in 0% of Yahoo leagues despite his big Week 8 stat line and the fact that a struggling Ravens defense has allowed the eight-most half-PPR fantasy points to the position this year. It's a long shot that Trautman will stand out for fantasy managers a second straight week.

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. ranks as a mid-tier WR2 when the Cardinals host the Chicago Bears in Week 9. Harrison Jr. finally got back into the mix in the Week 8 win over the Miami Dolphins, recording six catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. This performance came against the Dolphins, who rank in the top five for opposing fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. Although Harrison Jr. is currently second in targets behind Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, he remains an important piece of their passing offense. The Bears rank in the top ten in fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, but this may be misleading, as Harrison Jr. will have a size advantage over the Bears' cornerbacks. He should be back in fantasy managers' starting lineups heading into Week 9.

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There's a reason Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey is rostered in 0% of Yahoo Leagues. He has caught only 19 passes for 177 yards with no touchdowns on 27 targets in eight games this season. With that being said, he has played more lately and has six catches for 34 yards on nine targets the last two games with Josh Reynolds (finger) still on Injured Reserve. Humphrey caught four passes for 22 yards on six targets, which was second on the team behind Courtland Sutton, in the Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers. He also played the second-most snaps among Denver's wideouts behind Sutton. The 26-year-old is a desperation, boom/bust flex play in the deepest of fantasy leagues, although there's boom potential in Week 9 versus a Baltimore Ravens secondary that is allowing the most passing yards per game in 2024.

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Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin has more total touchdowns (three) than backfield mate Javonte Williams in eight games in 2024, but that doesn't mean he's a recommended fantasy play heading into a Week 9 road date against the Baltimore Ravens. McLaughlin had eight carries for a team-high 47 yards while catching his lone target for a nine-yard touchdown reception (his second of the year) in last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. The 24-year-old's 56 scrimmage yards were a season-high in an excellent matchup, proving exactly why he has such low fantasy floor. Denver's offense has improved of late, but McLaughlin just isn't getting enough volume to be considered as more than an RB4/flex in deeper fantasy leagues. McLaughlin will also be facing a Ravens defense that has allowed the fewest rushing yards per game this year at 69.9.

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New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (groin) won't play on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. The veteran was doubtful, so most had already assumed he wouldn't be on the field for the divisional clash. But with Kendre Miller (hamstring) landing on the Injured Reserve list, Alvin Kamara should see more than his usual allotment of carries, which makes him an even bigger threat against a Panthers defense that has struggled all year. There's also a chance Taysom Hill and Jordan Mims get some action out of the backfield, giving them some value for those in need of a desperation streaming option.

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Can Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton stack back-to-back big games in Week 9 against the Baltimore Ravens after catching a season-high eight of 11 targets for a season-high 100 receiving yards in last Sunday's 28-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers? We think so. He'll be a strong WR3/flex option for fantasy managers this Sunday against a Ravens defense that has allowed the second-most half-PPR fantasy points to receivers per game this year and the most passing yards per game. The 29-year-old got the squeaky-wheel treatment after not seeing a single target in the Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints. With quarterback Bo Nix playing the best football of his first NFL season, look for him to target Sutton early and often against a shaky Ravens secondary in a game in which the Broncos may need to open it up through the air to keep up on the scoreboard.

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Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. was elevated off the practice squad ahead of Sunday's NFC East meeting with the New York Giants. The promotion to the main roster doesn't mean fantasy managers should rush to add the 25-year-old. Instead, it could mean Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) won't be on the field in Week 9. Of course, there is still time for Robinson to turn it around and play. But if Robinson isn't available, Austin Ekeler would draw a favorable matchup versus a Giants defense that has struggled against opposing running backs in the last few weeks, with Jeremy McNichols likely to get his scraps out of the backfield.

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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (collarbone) was placed on the Injured Reserve list on Saturday. The wideout was already in line to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, so the latest move is just a formality. Kirk will officially finish the year by catching 27 passes for 379 yards and one touchdown. But after totaling eight touchdowns in 2022-23, his production has significantly declined over the last few seasons. With the injury and decrease in statistical output, his fantasy value will likely take a substantial hit entering 2025-26, no matter what uniform he is wearing. At any rate, to fill the void, the Jaguars elevated Austin Trammell and Elijah Cooks from the practice squad, although Brian Thomas Jr. (chest), who is questionable for Week 9 against the Eagles, should continue to lead the way offensively, barring further injury.

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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (groin) was activated from the injured reserve list on Saturday. The veteran wideout has been sidelined since the preseason because of a groin injury. However, even though there is potential for Chark to get work versus the Cleveland Browns, fantasy managers may want to pump the brakes before putting him in the lineup, especially with Quentin Johnston (ankle) back in the mix after missing time with an ankle injury.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) is questionable for Monday night's encounter with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bucs are hurting, with Chris Godwin (ankle) and Mike Evans (hamstring) on the shelf. To make matters worse, Bucky Irving (toe) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring) may be sidelined for Week 9. With that in mind, McMillan has a chance to see more attention from Baker Mayfield versus the Chiefs, especially if Irving or Shepard don't play. Yet, if McMillan can't suit up, Trey Palmer, Ryan Miller, and Cade Otton would draw starting fantasy consideration.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (toe) is questionable for Monday night's matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. He missed a few practices throughout the week and returned for a limited session on Saturday. The 22-year-old has played relatively well this season, amassing 395 yards and three touchdowns off 76 carries, adding 20 catches for 164 yards. While Irving should continue to split time out of the backfield with Rachaad White, the injuries to Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle) could continue to get him more attention from Baker Mayfield. Fantasy managers will be taking a chance by keeping him in the starting lineup, considering the Bucs and Chiefs will meet well after all of the Week 9 games have been played. But if he's out there, he's at least a flex option, especially for those participating in PPR formats.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is questionable for the Week 9 meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle) are on the shelf, so there are opportunities for others to get involved. However, Shepard may not be one of them, with the veteran wideout missing a few practices throughout the week after tweaking his hamstring in Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. If Shepard plays, he could be rostered for streaming purposes, although he'll be a risky option for fantasy managers. But if he doesn't, Cade Otton, Jalen McMillan, and Trey Palmer would be the favorites to see more attention from Baker Mayfield.

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Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams didn't take advantage of a plus matchup in the Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers, rushing 17 times or 44 yards, although he did have a season-high 21 touches. Meanwhile, Jaleel McLaughlin led in rushing and scored again. Williams' best game of 2024 came the week prior against the New Orleans Saints, when he scored his first two touchdowns of the year. Denver's offense has improved under rookie QB Bo Nix of late, but Williams' big Week 8 performance could prove to be more of an outlier. The Broncos could be forced to pass often against Baltimore's strong defense this weekend, although Williams has been plenty involved in the passing attack in 2024, catching at least three passes in each of the last four weeks. He's in play as an RB3/flex in fantasy against a Baltimore defense that has been more vulnerable on the ground recently.

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Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott won't play on Sunday versus the Atlanta Falcons. He didn't travel with the team, with the Cowboys declaring him inactive due to disciplinary reasons. The 29-year-old hasn't been productive during the 2024-25 campaign, totaling only 149 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, meaning there aren't many who will be directly impacted by the news. Rico Dowdle (illness) will be back in the mix after missing Sunday night's meeting with the 49ers, so he'll lessen most of the blow caused by Elliott's absence. Dalvin Cook, elevated off the practice squad on Saturday, should also get some work in Week 9, although not enough to be relevant in most fantasy formats.

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Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix heads into a Week 9 showdown on the road against the Baltimore Ravens after throwing for a season-high 284 yards and three touchdowns to take advantage of a cushy matchup versus the Carolina Panthers. Facing the Ravens on the road surely won't be an easy task, but Nix does line up for another plus matchup from a fantasy perspective, as Baltimore's struggling defense has allowed the third-most fantasy points to QBs in 2024 and the most passing yards per game (291.4). Nix and Denver's offense started the year off very slow and inconsistent, but they've found their footing as Nix continues to show improvement in his first year. The 24-year-old from Oregon is suddenly the QB10 in overall fantasy scoring after eight weeks and has thrown just one interception in the last six weeks after throwing four in his first two games in the league.

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Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo projects to be a risky option heading into Week 9 when he faces the New England Patriots. The 25-year-old has yet to eclipse double-digit PPR points this season and has averaged a mere 5.0 PPR points per game. However, he did a season-high five targets last weekend but could only bring in two of them. However, with wide receiver Tyler Boyd (shoulder) listed as questionable, Okonkwo could emerge as the No.3 option in the passing attack behind Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Even though he could see a modest workload, he is best off leaving out of your lineup given his inconsistencies this season.

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