Week 9 of the NFL fantasy season is here, bringing with it a fresh set of challenges from bye weeks and evolving team dynamics. This comprehensive guide cuts through the noise to provide definitive ‘Start ’em, Sit ’em’ advice for running backs and tight ends, offering deep dives into matchups, player roles, and historical performance to help you optimize your lineup and gain a critical edge.
As the fantasy football season progresses, the stakes get higher and lineup decisions become increasingly complex. Forget the obvious choices; we’re here to dissect the more debatable situations and provide the in-depth analysis you need to navigate Week 9 successfully. This week, we’re putting running backs and tight ends under the microscope, examining critical matchups, injury impacts, and workload changes that will dictate their fantasy output.
Running Backs: Who to Trust in Week 9
The running back position is often the backbone of a fantasy roster, but identifying the reliable producers amidst injuries and inconsistent usage can be a weekly headache. Let’s break down the backs poised for big performances and those facing tough sledding.
Start ‘Em: Running Backs Poised to Deliver
Several running backs are in prime positions to excel this week, whether due to favorable matchups, increased volume, or a combination of factors. Understanding the defensive liabilities they face is key.
Tony Pollard (Dallas Cowboys vs. New England Patriots): After a decent outing against a tough Lions defense, Pollard draws a much softer matchup. The Patriots have been vulnerable to running backs, surrendering 5.2 yards per rush, seven touchdowns, and the second-most fantasy points per game to the position in their last four contests. This sets up Pollard for a high-volume, high-upside day. He’s been a consistent volume play all year and should continue that trend, making him a must-start in Week 9.
D’Andre Swift (Chicago Bears at Arizona Cardinals): Swift has been on a tear, averaging 22.6 fantasy points over his last four games. He’s now facing a Cardinals unit that has allowed seven different running backs to score 15-plus points and nearly five yards per attempt this season. With a season-high 129 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries last week, and logging 73% of Chicago’s offensive snaps, Swift is in line for continued success against a defense that has missed a league-high 61 tackles, perfect for his yards-after-contact prowess.
Kareem Hunt (Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Hunt has emerged as a goal-line specialist and volume back for the Chiefs, with over 20 carries in three straight games and four rushing touchdowns in that span. Kansas City’s new offensive style emphasizes clock grinding and heavy red-zone usage for their running backs. The Buccaneers defense is generous to backs, allowing the second-most receiving yards and third-most catches, alongside 5.0 yards per carry. This makes Hunt a strong start, especially with his role near the goal line.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers): With Cam Skattebo’s season-ending ankle injury, Tracy is back in the driver’s seat for the Giants’ backfield. His workload should be substantial against the 49ers run defense, as he will only be spelled by Devin Singletary. This projected volume makes him a surprisingly viable option for Week 9.
Chuba Hubbard (Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints): Despite a recent dip in fantasy points, Hubbard remains a play, particularly if Andy Dalton starts over Bryce Young. He played 73% of snaps and received 17 touches last week. The Saints have allowed the third-most rushing yards, second-most rushing touchdowns, and eighth-most receiving yards to running backs in the last month, presenting a favorable opportunity for Hubbard to rebound.
Other strong starting options for Week 9 include:
- Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys): A consistent threat in the Falcons’ offense.
- Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers vs. New York Giants): Always a lock, regardless of matchup.
- Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers): Facing a Steelers defense.
- Aaron Jones (Green Bay Packers vs. Indianapolis Colts): Expected to perform well against the Colts.
- David Montgomery (Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers): A solid option for the Lions’ ground game.
Sit ‘Em: Running Backs to Bench
Conversely, some running backs face daunting defensive fronts or have roles that limit their fantasy upside in Week 9. Playing it safe with these players could save your week.
Javonte Williams (Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens): Williams was a major disappointment last week and faces an even tougher matchup against the Ravens. Baltimore’s defense has not allowed a single running back to rush for more than 52 yards this season, averaging a mere 3.2 yards per rush against the position. This makes Williams a high-risk flex play at best, with a very low floor.
Bucky Irving & Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Kansas City Chiefs): The Chiefs defense has been an absolute brick wall against opposing running backs. They have allowed the fewest rushing yards by far, yielding just 3.0 yards per carry and only two rushing touchdowns all season. Historically, the Chiefs have held elite backs like Derrick Henry and Bijan Robinson to under 50 rushing yards. While Irving has shown promise with 15+ points in his last three games, and White is a key component, this matchup is brutal. It’s advisable to look for alternatives if possible, as highlighted by RosterWatch.
Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Chargers): Though Chubb saw increased snaps and touches last week, he’s still shaking off rust, averaging only 2.7 yards per carry in his first two games back. The Chargers present a tough challenge, allowing the sixth-fewest rushing yards and just one rushing touchdown to backs this season. Patience is key with Chubb; bench him until he demonstrates his pre-injury form.
Alexander Mattison (Las Vegas Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals): Mattison struggled against the Chiefs last week and faces another tough draw against the Bengals. Cincinnati limits big plays and pass-game usage to running backs, allowing explosive runs at the seventh-lowest rate and the sixth-fewest receiving yards to the position. Avoid Mattison in this unfavorable matchup.
Other running backs with bad matchups include:
- J.K. Dobbins (Los Angeles Chargers at Cleveland Browns): Cleveland’s stout run defense makes Dobbins a risky play.
- Tank Bigsby (Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles): The Eagles have a strong defense against running backs.
- Austin Ekeler (Los Angeles Chargers at New York Giants): The Giants defense has been surprisingly good, despite their offensive struggles.
Tight Ends: Navigating the Position in Week 9
The tight end position can be a wasteland in fantasy, but identifying the rising stars and exploiting defensive weaknesses can give managers a significant advantage. Week 9 offers some interesting opportunities and pitfalls.
Start ‘Em: Tight Ends Ready to Explode
Several tight ends are trending upwards due to increased target shares, favorable matchups, or recent breakout performances. These are the players who can provide that crucial edge.
Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys): It’s finally happening! Pitts is breaking out, with 91 yards and two touchdowns last week—his first multi-touchdown game. He’s recorded 65-plus yards in four straight games and double-digit fantasy points in five of eight. Despite a tough matchup on paper, Pitts has become a must-start, solidifying his role as a consistent offensive weapon, according to NFL Fantasy analysis.
Evan Engram (Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles): With Christian Kirk out for the season and Brian Thomas Jr. (chest injury) potentially missing time, Engram is poised for a significant target share. Since returning from injury in Week 6, he’s averaged 13.4 fantasy PPG. Historically, Engram’s production surged without Kirk last season, jumping from 7.6 targets and 11.6 fantasy PPG to 10.4 targets and 19.3 fantasy PPG. Expect high volume and a safe floor with a high ceiling.
Cade Otton (Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Kansas City Chiefs): Otton has ascended to a must-start option, leading the Buccaneers with 10 targets in back-to-back games, scoring 18 and 29.1 fantasy points. With other Bucs receivers out, he’s soaking up targets. This week, he faces a Chiefs defense that has allowed the second-most yards and the most fantasy PPG to tight ends this season, making him an excellent play.
Zach Ertz (Washington Commanders vs. Seattle Seahawks): There is conflicting advice on Zach Ertz this week. While some sources suggested sitting him against a perceived tough Giants defense (Article 1), other analysis points to a highly favorable matchup against the Seattle Seahawks (Article 4). Seattle consistently struggles against tight ends, ranking as a top-10 matchup. Ertz has averaged over six targets in his past three games, positioning him for a strong bounce-back week if the matchup against Seattle’s vulnerabilities is prioritized.
Dalton Schultz (Houston Texans at New York Jets): With Nico Collins on injured reserve and Stefon Diggs now out for the season, Schultz is set to lead the Texans’ passing attack alongside Tank Dell. The Jets’ secondary is tough on wideouts, but they’ve allowed a 103 passer rating on throws to tight ends. Historically, Schultz has thrived when other top receivers are sidelined, scoring over nine fantasy points in five of six such games last season. This trend should continue.
Other strong starting options at tight end for Week 9 include:
- Sam LaPorta (Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers): Posted season highs last week and faces a Packers defense tough on receivers but vulnerable to tight ends.
- Noah Fant (Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams): A streamer option, as the Rams have struggled against tight ends recently, allowing the third-most fantasy PPG to the position.
- Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals): A reliable option in a high-powered offense.
- Dalton Kincaid (Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs): Emerging as a key target for the Bills.
Sit ‘Em: Tight Ends to Avoid
Some tight ends are best left on your bench in Week 9 due to difficult matchups, injury concerns, or diminishing roles within their offenses.
T.J. Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings vs. Indianapolis Colts): Hockenson is set to make his season debut after a torn ACL in late January. While exciting, starting players in their first game back from major injury, especially after only nine months, is risky. There are questions about usage, rust, and mental trust in the leg. It’s safer to let him prove himself before inserting him into your lineup.
Hunter Henry (New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans): Despite some recent optimism, this isn’t the week for Henry. He may be playing with Jacoby Brissett if Drake Maye (concussion) is out. More critically, the Titans have been incredibly stingy against tight ends, allowing the third-fewest yards, just two touchdowns, and the fifth-fewest fantasy PPG to the position. New England’s passing game tends to funnel outside, leaving Henry primarily as a blocking presence this week.
Isaiah Likely (Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos): Despite a recent uptick in yards, Likely has still only averaged three targets and 6.1 fantasy PPG since Week 2. The Ravens offense has many options, including recent acquisition Diontae Johnson, limiting the volume available for two tight ends. There simply isn’t enough consistent usage to trust Likely right now.
Tyler Conklin (New York Jets vs. Houston Texans): While Conklin has found the end zone recently, his floor remains dangerously low when he doesn’t score. He’s seen only four targets in each of the two games since Davante Adams’ arrival, totaling just 49 yards. The Texans present an awful matchup, allowing the fewest yards to tight ends this season and a league-low 51.2% completion rate on passes to the position. Stream elsewhere this week.
