The byes take away Eagles, Rams, Browns, and Bengals receivers, which certainly limits depth but leaves most of the top tier untouched (apologies to Tyler Boyd, Travis Fulgham, Cooper Kupp, and Robert Woods). Ideally, the newly healthy players (which also potentially includes Allen Lazard and Sammy Watkins) and return of Antonio Brown will help make up for their absences.
WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
As good as the rankings look through about the top 36 or so, their drop-off is just as striking. Matchups are mostly to blame, as guys like Marquise Brown (@ Colts), Christian Kirk (vs. Dolphins), Emmanuel Sanders (@ Buccaneers), Darius Slayton (@ Washington), and whoever starts for the Colts (vs. Ravens) are all in tough spots. Given that all see inconsistent targets on a week-to-week basis, it’s tough to count on them in PPR leagues, though undoubtedly at least a few will be in lineups.
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:Quarterback | Running back | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Of course, whenever there are bad matchups, there are also good ones. Tim Patrick and Jerry Jeudy (@ Falcons) both jump into the top 36 this week, and John Brown (vs. Seahawks) isn’t far behind. Mike Williams (vs. Raiders), Chase Claypool (@ Cowboys), Marvin Jones (@ Vikings), and Brandin Cooks (@ Jaguars) are all in play despite being known primarily as “big-play guys.” Given their matchups, the odds of a big play or two are higher than usual this week, so even if they catch just a handful of passes, they could easily produce starting-caliber number with their yards and touchdowns.
WEEK 9 DFS TOURNAMENT LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel
Some high-target, low-floor PPR specials this week include Darnell Mooney (@ Titans), N’Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers (@ Jets), Randall Cobb (@ Jaguars), Laviska Shenault (vs. Texans), Curtis Samuel (@ Chiefs), and Russell Gage (vs. Broncos). You could also make a case for Sterling Shepard (@ Washington) and Corey Davis (vs. Bears) to fall into this category because of their tough matchups, but Shepard especially seems like a “safe” play after posting at least six catches in each of his three full games this year.
WEEK 9 DFS CASH LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel
Note: Check back all week leading up to kickoff, as we’ll continue to update our WR PPR rankings based on the latest news and injuries.
MORE WEEK 9 DFS: Best stacks | Best values | Lineup Builder
Week 9 Fantasy WR PPR Rankings
These rankings are for full-point PPR leagues
WEEK 9 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start ’em, sit ’em
