Guest of the League
Steve Grogan Est. 2004
FFL: Week 9 | NFL: Week 9

Ex-No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell fired, accused of theft

Sat Jun 29 11:55am ET
Field Level Media

JaMarcus Russell, the first pick of the 2007 NFL Draft, has been fired from his volunteer high school assistant coaching job and accused in a lawsuit of stealing donations meant for the school, according to multiple reports.

The firing apparently came several months ago but was just confirmed by school officials in Mobile County, Ala.

"JaMarcus Russell was relieved of his volunteer coaching duties at Williamson High School during the fall of last year," Mobile County Public Schools said in a statement tod WKRG Sports on Friday.

The former Oakland Raiders quarterback also is facing a lawsuit accusing him of taking a $74,000 check intended as a donation to the school -- his alma mater -- and keeping the money for himself.

According to reports, local business owner Chris Knowles said Russell approached him to help fund new weight room equipment for the school's football team. Knowles alleged Russell deposited the money into a credit union, immediately withdrawing $55,000 for himself.

Russell, 38, has now been ordered to stay away from the campus.

"Earlier this week, it was reiterated to Mr. Russell that he is not permitted to be around the football program or on school campus," the school district said in a statement to WKRG, after Russell reportedly showed up to a school football team event.

Russell played three seasons at LSU, where he threw for 6,625 yards and 52 touchdowns before signing a six-year deal with the Raiders worth close to $68 million.

However, Russell flopped in the NFL and is considered one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history. He appeared in 31 games (25 starts) over three seasons, finishing with a 52.1 percent completion rate, 4,083 yards, 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. His record was 7-18.

After he was released before the 2010 season, Russell and the Raiders spent the next several years in disputes over the contract, with the Raiders trying to recoup some of their losses. Ultimately the Raiders paid Russell $3 million in a 2013 settlement, making a total of approximately $40 million for Russell's three years of service.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9

Player Notes
Romeo Doubs Nov 1 6:30pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs has been on a solid run of production and that should continue this week when the Packers host the Detroit Lions in Week 9. Since returning from a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team in Week 6, Doubs has double-digit fantasy points in each of his last three games. Doubs has 18 targets in his last two games and has been the most targeted Packer in the last three weeks. Of course, Doubs remaining heavily targeted in the Packers' offense is contingent on Jordan Love (groin) being able to play. Love was listed as questionable in the team's final practice report and if he doesn't play, Malik Willis will start. Doubs would take a big hit if Willis does play, where he would be a flex play. If Love starts in Week 9, fantasy managers should slot Doubs into lineups as a low-end WR3.

From RotoBaller

Keaton Mitchell Nov 1 6:30pm ET
Keaton Mitchell

Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Mitchell has yet to play this season after suffering a significant knee injury last year. However, the Ravens opened his 21-day practice window on October 23. He has been practicing this week and looks to be trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game. It remains to be seen how Mitchell would be used in the rotation. Derrick Henry has been the workhorse back and that is unlikely to change. Mitchell was fantastic when healthy last season, so he's worth stashing if available on the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Nov 1 6:20pm ET
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Bigsby has been limited in practice all week due to a lingering ankle issue. Fellow back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) has been limited in practice as well, but is hopeful to get back on the field this week. If that happens, Bigsby and Etienne would likely split up the workload in the backfield. If one back sits out then the other would see increased snaps and become a viable RB2 for this weekend. Bigsby has done well enough lately that the return of Etienne won't completely destroy his fantasy value.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Nov 1 6:20pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (knee, back) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Jackson missed back-to-back practices to open the week due to minor knee and back issues. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried as it seemed like his absence was more for rest purposes. Jackson will officially be ready to go for this weekend for a tough matchup against the Broncos secondary. Despite the tough matchup, Jackson has been playing at an MVP-type level and remains a strong QB1 for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Nov 1 6:10pm ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson has been hit and miss this season but can turn things around with a good game when the Packers host the Detroit Lions in Week 9. Watson has been entirely touchdown-dependent this season as his two best games this season have come when he scored touchdowns in Week 1 and Week 6. He did lead the team in targets last week with six against the Jaguars but could only muster four receptions for 39 yards. While Watson is one of the Packers' most dangerous deep threats, it all comes down to who is playing quarterback for the Packers in Week 9. Jordan Love (groin) was listed as questionable in the team's final practice report and if he doesn't play, Malik Willis will start. Willis at quarterback downgrades the pass-catchers across the board for fantasy, so while Watson with Love at quarterback is a dart-throw flex play, Willis at quarterback makes Watson an avoid in fantasy in Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Nov 1 5:50pm ET
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed is looking to get off his two-game run of disappointment as the Packers host the Detroit Lions in Week 9. Over the past two games, Reed has just seven targets, four receptions and 65 receiving yards against the Texans and Jaguars. Reed has a glimmer of hope in this matchup against the division-leading Lions, as the Lions are the worst defense in the entire league in giving up fantasy points and receiving yards per game to slot wide receivers. If starting quarterback Jordan Love (questionable, groin) can play against the Lions, Reed should be a locked-in fantasy starter. If the quarterback is Malik Willis, Reed should still be in fantasy lineups but is probably more of a WR3.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Nov 1 5:40pm ET
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is coming off his best fantasy output of the season with four catches on five targets for 91 yards and two touchdowns, and in Week 9 he'll get a Cowboys defense that just allowed the 49ers' George Kittle to post a 6-128-1 line in Week 8. Since logging a zero-catch performance in Week 4, the 24-year-old has had no less than five targets in the last four games, averaging around 79 yards receiving per game over that time. It feels like he's secured a solid role in this offense now, although, with a 15.95% target share, he's a distant third in the pecking order behind Drake London (26.72%) and Darnell Mooney (22.84%). Dallas has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to TEs, and while Pitts hasn't yet shed the potential for bust weeks, the former first-round draft pick still ranks as a TE1 in this matchup.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Nov 1 5:30pm ET
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers will look to improve his scoring output in Week 9 when the Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams. Myers has been accurate when given the chance in 2024. However, the Seahawks offense has been too inconsistent for Myers to provide reliable fantasy output. The Seahawks should be able to move the ball against an average-at-best Rams defense in Week 9. The question is will they be able to finish drives without turning the ball over? The offense could not get out of its own way in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills. Various penalties and mental errors cost the team several scoring opportunities. If they can eliminate those errors in Week 9 then Myers will be worth starting in fantasy. Still, there are likely more reliable options out there if you need to pivot.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Nov 1 5:30pm ET
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith checks in as a player you can play in a pinch once again in Week 9. The Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams who are No. 15 against opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. This matchup is about as middle-of-the-pack as they come. Smith currently leads the NFL in passing yards. Unfortunately, we got a good look at life without wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills and it was not pretty. Smith was limited to 212 yards and an interception. The Seahawks actually moved the ball relatively well in the first half, but they fell apart in the second half. The Rams should have no problem scoring on the Seahawks defense so Seattle will likely need to put the ball in the air. The volume will be there for Smith, but the question is whether or not the Seahawks will be effective without Metcalf who is slated to miss his second straight game. For those reasons, Smith will be a QB2 with upside this week. However, he has a great chance to throw for over 300 yards and a couple of touchdowns if the offense has adjusted to life without Metcalf.

From RotoBaller

AJ Barner Nov 1 5:30pm ET
AJ Barner

With Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) out in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams, rookie tight end AJ Barner is in position to take on the starting tight end role. Barner was a fourth-round pick by the Seahawks in 2024. He has caught all ten of his targets this season for 105 yards and a touchdown. While Barner will likely see a boost in targets with Fant and wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) out, he does not project to be relevant for fantasy. It is worth noting that Barner does have decent big-play ability. In Week 8 Barner caught two passes at 17 yards per catch. It is hard to believe that there would not be more reliable or proven assets on your waiver wire. However, if you are in a very deep league, Barner will at least be a starter in Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Jake Bobo Nov 1 5:30pm ET
Jake Bobo

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo should be the No. 3 pass catcher in Seattle's offense in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams. With both DK Metcalf (knee) and Noah Fant (groin) out, Bobo is next in line. The reality is that the targets will likely be consolidated between wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett (oblique), and running back Kenneth Walker III. However, Bobo is a quality young player that we have seen have a solid game or two over the course of his two-year career. Bobo has been buried on the depth chart behind a bevy of high-end pass catchers in Seattle. He is a large receiver who could be active around the red zone with no Metcalf or Fant to occupy that area. He could be worth a flyer in deeper leagues because he should see a handful of targets in a game that projects to have a lot of passing volume on both sides.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Nov 1 5:30pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (oblique) will look to get back into the double-digit fantasy point range in Week 9. Lockett battled an oblique injury this week, but it appears to be minor as he was a full participant in practice on Thursday and Friday. The Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams in a huge intra-divisional matchup. The whole Seahawks offense stalled against a solid Buffalo Bills defense without DK Metcalf (knee) in Week 8. They will draw a much easier matchup against the Rams this week. Additionally, the Seahawks made several mental errors that caused the game to get out of hand. They moved the ball just fine in the first half of Week 8. If they can clean up those errors, they should score points without issue in Week 9. The offense certainly runs through Metcalf, so his absence again in Week 9 will be felt. However, Lockett is going to be in a good position to push for 7 to 10 targets and deliver flex value for your fantasy team.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Nov 1 5:28pm ET
Garrett Wilson

Dynasty | Jets receiver Garrett Wilson had nine catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns in a win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: The addition of Davante Adams hasn't affected Wilson much thus far and he had two spectacular touchdown catches on the night. While there are going to be some ups and downs this year with the Jets, Wilson has been a constant contributor. For dynasty managers hoping to buy low after the Adams deal, that window slammed shut after this week's performance.

Kenneth Walker III Nov 1 5:20pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has provided a solid baseline to fantasy managers with his passing game work in 2024. When the Seahawks have a lead, Walker can deliver great rushing output. When the Seahawks trail, it is a different story. Walker has caught four or more passes in four of six games played this season. The Seahawks offense has been bipolar in 2024 so it is difficult to predict how they will perform on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams are the No. 19 defense against opposing running backs in fantasy, so this matchup is not scary. Neither team's defense has played with any consistency. Now that the Rams have a full complement of weapons, this could be a track meet. Look for the Seahawks to try and establish a presence in the running game. If they can ensure that this game remains tight, then Walker should be in good shape to provide a solid rushing and receiving baseline in Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Nov 1 5:20pm ET
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a great opportunity to have a great game in Week 8 when DK Metcalf (knee) missed the game due to an MCL sprain. The Seahawks offense delivered a total dud as it appeared that they needed Metcalf in order to function at the high level they have all season. The Los Angeles Rams present a much softer matchup in Week 9 than the Buffalo Bills did in Week 8. The Bills defense has been stifling opposing passing offenses all season but the Rams just got shredded by Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8. With Metcalf out again in Week 9, Smith-Njigba should be able to find room to operate in this game. The Rams offense is back to performing at a high-level, and the Seahawks will likely continue their pass-heavy attack. Look for Smith-Njigba to deliver high-end WR3 numbers with the potential for more upside.

From RotoBaller

Mike Macdonald Nov 1 5:20pm ET
Mike Macdonald

The Seattle Seahawks D/ST got off to a hot start in 2024. They have had a much harder time over the last few weeks against tougher opponents. The Los Angeles Rams offense is now fully healthy and is coming off a game in which they scored 30 points against an excellent Minnesota Vikings defense. The Seahawks are battling too many injuries on the defensive side of the ball to provide the same challenge as the Vikings. The Rams have a good chance to score more than 30 points once again. The Seahawks should be able to get to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the backfield and force a turnover or two. However, that should be offset by the amount of yards and points the Rams project to score. The road does not get any easier for this unit anytime soon. Unless head coach Mike Macdonald can coax more production from his defense then they should be on waivers for the next several weeks.

From RotoBaller

Jaire Alexander Nov 1 5:13pm ET
Jaire Alexander

Green Bay Packers S Evan Williams (hamstring) did not practice on Friday, Nov. 1, and was ruled out for Week 9. Also, OL Josh Myers (wrist) did not practice and is doubtful, CB Jaire Alexander (knee) did not practice but is questionable, CB Corey Ballentine (ankle), RB Josh Jacobs (ankle) and QB Jordan Love (groin) were limited and are questionable, DL Kenny Clark (toe, shoulder), DL Devonte Wyatt (ankle), OT Rasheed Walker (knee), OL Elgton Jenkins (glute) and DL Lukas Van Ness (ankle) were limited but have no designation and LB Quay Walker (concussion) practiced in full and was removed from the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Josh Jacobs Nov 1 5:10pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. Jacobs sat out during Wednesday's practice but was upgraded to a limited participant during Thursday and Friday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the weekend. Jacobs is coming off his best performance of the season as he tallied 127 yards off 25 carries and found the end zone twice. If Jacobs is unable to suit up, fantasy managers should expect Emanuel Wilson to see the majority of carries. Wilson would only be viewed as a low-end flex option as the Lions have allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs this season.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Nov 1 5:03pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Updating a previous report, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (back, knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Nov. 1, and is not on the injury report for Week 9.

Fantasy Spin: It seems like the Ravens were being cautious with Jackson this week, but he should not have any limitations during the Week 9 game. He is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues if healthy.

From TheHuddle

Marlon Humphrey Nov 1 5:03pm ET
Marlon Humphrey

Baltimore Ravens DE Brent Urban (concussion) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 1, and has been ruled out for Week 9. RB Rasheen Ali (ankle) was limited during practice but has been ruled out. CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (knee) did not practice and is listed as questionable. CB Marlon Humphrey (knee) and DT Travis X. Jones (ankle) were limited during practice and are listed as questionable. RB Keaton Mitchell (knee) fully participated in practice but is listed as questionable. CB Arthur Maulet (neck), DT Broderick Washington (knee) and CB Nate Wiggins (illness, shoulder) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report.

From TheHuddle