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FFL: Week 9 | NFL: Week 9

TE Strength of Schedule

Tue Jun 11 11:11am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

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Bowers could have big year one


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the tight end position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to tight ends last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the tight ends with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the tight ends that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  TE SOS  
1. Cincinnati Bengals 186.39
2. Miami Dolphins 193.98
3. Philadelphia Eagles 196.38
4. Washington Commanders 197.75
5. Houston Texans 198.15
6. Pittsburgh Steelers 199.18
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 199.68
8. New York Giants 201
9. Dallas Cowboys 201.18
10. Los Angeles Rams 201.38
11. Buffalo Bills 201.39
12. Chicago Bears 201.66
13. Arizona Cardinals 201.76
14. New York Jets 202.56
15. Jacksonville Jaguars 202.86
16. Baltimore Ravens 203.04
17. Denver Broncos 203.95
18. Los Angeles Chargers 204.02
19. Atlanta Falcons 204.25
20. Cleveland Browns 204.59
21. New Orleans Saints 205.62
22. Seattle Seahawks 205.73
23. San Francisco 49ers 206.80
24. Indianapolis Colts 206.89
25. Detroit Lions 207.92
26. New England Patriots 208.23
27. Kansas City Chiefs 210.92
28. Tennessee Titans 211.44
29. Green Bay Packers 212.07
30. Minnesota Vikings 212.23
31. Carolina Panthers 213.66
32. Las Vegas Raiders 213.81


A rookie led fantasy tight ends in scoring last year and the top rated rookie tight end this year gets the easiest fantasy schedule for tight end. Brock Browers and the Raiders have the most favorable schedule for tight ends. Sam LaPorta showed last year that a rookie can make an immediate fantasy impact, so don’t discount Browers to have big-time success in year one. He certainly looks the part of an elite tight end.

Another rookie with a good chance to start has the second easiest schedule for tight ends. Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders will compete with Tommy Tremble to start, but should emerge and be the top pass-catching tight end. He is looking like a good late-round gamble for fantasy teams.

The Vikings, Packers and Titans round out the top-five most favorable schedules for tight ends. T.J. Hockenson would be looking like a great pick if he wasn’t returning from a major injury. He is no sure thing to play early in the year. But once he is healthy, he could help fantasy teams in a big way once again.

Green Bay is likely to have Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft split a lot of the work at tight end, hurting both their value. They could produce some big games along the way, though, making them decent No. 2 fantasy tight ends this season. Both produced well in an expanded role last year.

Lastly, Chin Okonkwo didn’t quite have the breakout season many hoped last year, but he wasn’t bad by any means. Maybe he gets a few more chances this year and has some bigger games along the way with this favorable schedule. He is another decent tight end to grab as your backup.

The teams that top the list for toughest fantasy tight end schedules are teams that haven’t really utilized the tight end much in recent seasons. The Bengals have the toughest schedule followed bye the Dolphins. Mike Gesicki is the starter for the Bengals, but probably isn’t worth the risk with this schedule and the Bengals recent track record with tight ends.

Miami uses their tight ends to block more than anything in their offense. They have the occasional big game, but Jonnu Smith is going to be a risky weekly fantasy play. He would have looked much better landing with a different team.

There are a couple big-time fantasy tight ends that have unfavorable schedules. Dallas Goedert has the third toughest schedule. Goedert can be a little hit or miss to begin with in this offense, so this schedule gives him a little more concern. You might want to pass on him come draft day and go with another elite tight end with a better schedule and more consistency.

Dalton Schultz is the other elite tight end with a top-five unfavorable schedule. Schultz had a big first season with the Texans, becoming a favorite target of C.J. Stroud. He should get the targets this year. But he has a challenging schedule and more to compete with for targets, so his consistency might be a little off this year compared to last. 

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy tight ends. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the tight ends with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big-money contests.

  TE PLAYOFF SOS  
1. Atlanta Falcons 175
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 182.37
3. Philadelphia Eagles 184.73
4. Arizona Cardinals 187.67
5. Jacksonville Jaguars 187.77
6. New England Patriots 189.83
7. Miami Dolphins 190.37
8. New Orleans Saints 191.3
9. Los Angeles Rams 192.17
10. Pittsburgh Steelers 192.43
11. Cincinnati Bengals 196.1
12. Detroit Lions 196.12
13. Houston Texans 196.2
14. Indianapolis Colts 198.97
15. Buffalo Bills 199.63
16. Kansas City Chiefs 203.03
17. New York Jets 204.13
18. Carolina Panthers 205.7
19. Baltimore Ravens 205.9
20. Green Bay Packers 207.7
21. Chicago Bears 213.73
22. New York Giants 214.27
23. Seattle Seahawks 214.72
24. Cleveland Browns 214.97
25. Dallas Cowboys 215.8
26. Las Vegas Raiders 219.4
27. Washington Commanders 220.13
28. Denver Broncos 220.8
29. Minnesota Vikings 221.72
30. Tennessee Titans 223.73
31. San Francisco 49ers 225.53
32. Los Angeles Chargers 228.53


The Titans and Vikings are the only two teams with the most favorable fantasy schedule for tight ends during the regular season and playoffs. Hockenson is the intriguing one because he might not be fully healthy until late in the season. So while he might not be a huge fantasy factor for the regular season, Hockenson might be a difference maker in the playoffs.

Okonkwo is looking like a player worth grabbing as a No. 2 fantasy tight end, especially if you have an established starter ahead of him. Okonkwo has a high fantasy ceiling for the coming year because of a schedule that could facilitate a breakout season for him.

The Chargers actually have the best fantasy playoff schedule for tight ends. Donald Parham is the likely starter and has some potential in an offense looking for playmakers in the passing game. This could be his best season to date, making him an intriguing late-round gamble.

George Kittle is the biggest name on the list for top-five favorable fantasy tight end playoff schedules. He is going to produce big and could be even better down the stretch with a schedule setup for success.

The Falcons have the most challenging playoff schedule for fantasy tight ends. This is not good news for Kyle Pitts. He is already a polarizing fantasy player, so this schedule won’t do him any favors to get in good graces with more fantasy owners. Many think he could finally turn things around this year with a new coaching staff in place, but nothing is certain with this situation. Pitts could be a boom or bust pick once again.

The Eagles are the only team on both the top five most difficult fantasy schedules for tight ends for the regular season and playoffs. Goedert is looking like a player you might want to let someone else grab come draft day. There are a lot of good, young options at tight end this year. Going with one of those guys over Goedert might be the play on draft day.

Trey McBride is a favorite for many fantasy owners this year for a breakout season. He had a huge finish to last year and is shooting up draft boards. We wouldn’t avoid him come draft day because he has the fourth toughest fantasy playoff schedule. It is a little bit of a concern, but not a huge red flag for the talented tight end. Maybe just prepare for his numbers to dip a tad during the playoffs.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Patrick Mahomes Nov 2 6:30pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Monday's Week 9 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Winfield popped up on the injury report on Friday due to a foot issue. That is concerning considering Winfield missed time earlier in the season due to a foot injury. However, head coach Todd Bowles said that Winfield will be fine for Monday's game. The absence of Winfield would be a significant hit to an already struggling Bucs secondary. Regardless of Winfield's status, the Bucs defense isn't an ideal streaming option against Patrick Mahomes.

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Lamar Jackson Nov 2 5:50pm ET
Lamar Jackson

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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Wil Lutz Nov 2 5:40pm ET
Wil Lutz

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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Michael Wilson Nov 2 5:40pm ET
Michael Wilson

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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Trey McBride Nov 2 5:40pm ET
Trey McBride

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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Adam Trautman Nov 2 5:30pm ET
Adam Trautman

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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Marvin Harrison Jr. Nov 2 5:20pm ET
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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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Lil'Jordan Humphrey Nov 2 5:20pm ET
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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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Jaleel McLaughlin Nov 2 5:10pm ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

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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Jamaal Williams Nov 2 5:10pm ET
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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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Courtland Sutton Nov 2 5:10pm ET
Courtland Sutton

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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Austin Ekeler Nov 2 5:00pm ET
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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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Christian Kirk Nov 2 5:00pm ET
Christian Kirk

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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D.J. Chark Nov 2 4:40pm ET
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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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Jalen McMillan Nov 2 4:30pm ET
Jalen McMillan

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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Bucky Irving Nov 2 4:20pm ET
Bucky Irving

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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Sterling Shepard Nov 2 4:00pm ET
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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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Javonte Williams Nov 2 3:50pm ET
Javonte Williams

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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Ezekiel Elliott Nov 2 3:40pm ET
Ezekiel Elliott

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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Bo Nix Nov 2 3:40pm ET
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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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