NFL Fantasy Start Em, Sit Em: 20 Players to Start or Sit in Week 9

NFL Fantasy Start Em, Sit Em: 20 Players to Start or Sit in Week 9

We're headed to Week 9 of the NFL season. There's still time to get back into playoff contention. You just have to make the right moves.

Here are 20 players to start or sit in fantasy for Week 9.

Quarterbacks To Play in Week 9

1. Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings

2. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

3. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons

Last week, Sam Darnold added two passing touchdowns for the first time in a couple of weeks. He'll get to face Indianapolis, which is low-tier defense.

I also like Bo Nix against Baltimore. I'm not saying Denver will win that game, but quarterbacks have had success against Baltimore's defense all season long.

Plus, fading Dallas' defense with Kirk Cousins wouldn't be such a bad idea, either.

Click here for the latest NFL odds for across Week 8

Quarterbacks To Sit in Week 9

4. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks

5. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

Geno Smith was more frustrated than we've ever seen him with Seattle. He completed 21 of 29 passes but only threw for 212 yards against Buffalo, the second straight game with no more than 212 yards passing. I'll pass on him this week against the Rams.

Meanwhile, it was fun to see Tua Tagovailoa back in action. But he's got a difficult matchup against Buffalo. Don't forget he threw three interceptions before injury in Week 2.

Running Backs To Play in Week 9

6. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

7. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

8. Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals

While Alvin Kamara hasn't scored a touchdown in back-to-back weeks, don't even think about benching him against Carolina this weekend.

Hopefully, we will see a lot of running from both sides in that game. After all, Chuba Hubbard has a really good matchup against a poor Saints run defense.

Finally, Chase Brown has added at least one touchdown in two of his last three games. Against the Raiders, I'd like to think his usage will increase.

Running Backs To Sit in Week 9

9. Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

10. Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In a PPR, Bucky Irving is better. But overall, don't expect Irving to add many rushing yards against the Chiefs. He's also earned no more than three targets in any game but the last one. Seven targets could be more expected with fewer reliable receivers. But we've got to wait and see.

On the other hand, White will do worse than Irving. Yes, White has added three touchdowns in the last two weeks but those touchdowns likely won't be there against the Chiefs this weekend.

Wide Receivers To Play in Week 9

11. Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts

12. Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns

13. Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears

Josh Downs owners can get excited! Anthony Richardson has been benched for Joe Flacco. Downs is a must-play every week from here on out.

Meanwhile, Cedric Tillman has seen 21 targets in the last two weeks. He's a legitimate WR. 2 right now, even against the Chargers, thanks to Jameis Winston.

Lastly, Keenan Allen saw seven targets in Week 8 against Washington. He only caught two balls, but I'm happy to know Caleb Williams is throwing him the ball. Completions should be easier to come around against Arizona.

Wide Receivers To Sit in Week 9

14. Diontae Johnson, Baltimore Ravens

15. Marvin Harrison, Arizona Cardinals

The Ravens are super good on offense, but somebody else always performs. I'm not ready to gamble a WR spot with Diontae Johnson this week.

Conversely, I'm not buying Marvin Harrison just yet. In the previous four weeks, he had received fewer than 50 yards. Show me consistency!

Tight Ends To Play in Week 9

16. Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

17. Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

Since Godwin and Evans are out, Cade Otton has become the go-to man for Baker Mayfield in the Buccaneers offense. He's seen 20 targets over the last two games and has accumulated 181 yards. It's rare to see that with tight ends these days.

I'm also excited about Sam LaPorta's revival. After six catches on six targets, LaPorta is starting to get more involved in the Lions' offense, which is great to see.

Tight Ends To Sit in Week 9

18. Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens

19. Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans

20. Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams

You don't want to be playing Isaiah Likely against this Denver defense. He's earned no more than 4.7 fantasy points in three consecutive games.

On the other hand, I get the hype around Schultz with Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins out. But he's got no touchdowns throughout the entire season. Without touchdowns, he's useless.

Meanwhile, Colby Parkinson should no longer be on your team. He's done absolutely nothing all year. Cut him and move on.