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Raiders wideout Denarius Moore (26 catches, 419 yards, 4 TD) has collected at least eight targets in every healthy game this season. (US PRESSWIRE)
Piggy-backing off the success of The Fantasy Blog's smartphone-friendly cheat sheets for standard-scoring and points-per-reception leagues back in August...
...Here's an all-encompassing, iPhone-friendly cheat sheet full of Week 9 insight and predictions:
Standard Scoring
Weekly Specials
Miscellaneous Items
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Houston's Arian Foster, easily the No. 1 tailback in fantasy circles, is on pace for 1,682 total yards and 23 touchdowns this season.
The following countdown touts my view of the 100 most valuable fantasy assets from this point forward (Weeks 9-16) from a standard-scoring standpoint.
My definition of "most valuable" is simple: Obviously, I'd rather have Larry Fitzgerald over the Bears D/ST in a 1-for-1 trade. But when comparing the two assets, relative to their intra-positional standing, the Chicago D/ST grades out higher. (Interestingly, the Bears and Cardinals meet Week 16.)
There's a similar rationale with kickers: I project San Fran's David Akers, the NFL record-holder for most field goals in a season (44), to average the most points per game among kickers for Weeks 10-16. But that doesn't mean I'd necessarily want him over Titus Young in a straight-up swap.
With delicate matters like fantasy rankings—especially ones that can be mocked by the general public, before and after the fact—it's all about perspective.
The Big Board
Group A: 1-25
1. RB Arian Foster, Texans
2. QB Aaron Rodgers, Packers
3. RB Ray Rice, Ravens
4. QB Drew Brees, Saints
5. QB Tom Brady, Patriots
6. QB Peyton Manning, Broncos
7. WR A.J. Green, Bengals
8. WR Calvin Johnson, Lions
9. QB Robert Griffin III, Redskins
10. RB Adrian Peterson, Vikings
11. RB LeSean McCoy, Eagles
12. TE Rob Gronkowski, Patriots
13. RB Matt Forte, Bears
14. WR Victor Cruz, Giants
15. QB Matt Ryan, Falcons
16. WR Roddy White, Falcons
17. RB Frank Gore, 49ers
18. RB Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
19. WR Demaryius Thomas, Broncos
20. RB Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks
21. RB Chris Johnson, Titans
22. RB Darren McFadden, Raiders
23. QB Eli Manning, Giants
24. WR Brandon Marshall, Bears
25. QB Matthew Stafford, Lions
Quick Hitters
**Arian Foster is on pace for 1,682 total yards and 23 touchdowns this season. He also has the Patriots, Colts and Vikings for the fantasy playoff period of Weeks 14-16. That makes him the very definition of an "untouchable" trade commodity...short of a three-for-one blockbuster that involves a top-seven quarterback, top-10 rusher and top-12 receiver.
**As the rankings might attest, I have zero concerns about Calvin Johnson (41 catches, 638 yards, one TD) or LeSean McCoy (638 total yards, five TD) moving forward. In fact, McCoy might have been a spot or two higher if the Eagles' quarterbacking situation had more November/December clarity.
Group B: 26-50
26. RB Ryan Mathews, Chargers
27. WR Reggie Wayne, Colts
28. WR Percy Harvin, Vikings
29. WR Wes Welker, Patriots
30. RB Trent Richardson, Browns
31. WR Marques Colston, Saints
32. D/ST Chicago Bears
33. TE Jason Witten, Cowboys
34. QB Tony Romo, Cowboys
35. RB Alfred Morris, Redskins
36. RB Fred Jackson, Bills
37. WR Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
38. WR Mike Wallace, Steelers
39. WR Jordy Nelson, Packers
40. WR Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers
41. WR Julio Jones, Falcons
42. RB Stevan Ridley, Patriots
43. RB Willis McGahee, Broncos
44. QB Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
45. QB Cam Newton, Panthers
46. WR Andre Johnson, Texans
47. RB Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants
48. TE Tony Gonzalez, Falcons
49. WR Miles Austin, Cowboys
50. TE Jimmy Graham, Saints
50a. RB Reggie Bush, Dolphins
Quick Hitters
**The Bears' No. 32 ranking may seem a tad high, but consider this: In standard-scoring leagues, Chicago (11.7 PPG) is crushing its closest competitor (Houston) by more than four full fantasy points. And from a five-week sample, the differential is essentially the same.
**Top-10 quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (1,987 yards passing, 14 TD) has had only one clunker this season (Week 5 against Philly)—an impressive feat considering that neither Mike Wallace nor Antonio Brown have approached their fantasy ceilings. Of equal importance, Big Ben has an attractive schedule for Weeks 14 (San Diego), 15 (Dallas) and 16 (Cincinnati).
Group C: 51-75
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In his last three road games, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (1,987 yards passing, 14 TD) boasts averages of 342 yards passing and two touchdowns.
Another weekend of NFL action, another chance for unattainable perfection in the futures market.
Week 9 Fantasy Locks
The Mission: To be informative, enlightening and 100 percent accurate each NFL weekend.
The Realistic Goal: To be informative, somewhat enlightening and accurate for 67 percent of the calls.
Quarterback: 275 Total Yards and/or 3 TD
1. Drew Brees vs. Philadelphia
2. Aaron Rodgers vs. Arizona
3. Peyton Manning @ Cincinnati
4. Matthew Stafford @ Jacksonville
5. Ben Roethlisberger @ N.Y. Giants
6. Robert Griffin III vs. Carolina
7. Andrew Luck vs. Miami
8. Michael Vick @ New Orleans (assuming he's the starter—HA!)
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The following countdown details start-or-sit scenarios for Week 9, factoring in competitions at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end, along with two flex-slot battles.
For the most part, the rushing and receiving conundrums were broken down with standard-scoring leagues in mind.
But as routinely stated on The Fantasy Blog, it's hard to make rational decisions about wideouts and tight ends without factoring in receiving targets.
Enjoy the show!
18,337 reads
Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (46 catches, 459 yards, 4 TD) has middling averages of 3.3 catches and 54 yards at home this season.
Here are my top 25 tight ends for Week 9 (standard-scoring leagues).
This countdown identifies the weekend's best bets for catches, total yards, touchdowns and targets—a stat that must always factor into lineup strategies with receivers and tight ends.
NOTE: The Patriots, 49ers, Rams and Jets are all on byes.
Week 9: Top 25 Tight Ends
1. Jason Witten @ Atlanta
2. Jimmy Graham vs. Philadelphia
3. Owen Daniels vs. Buffalo
4. Tony Gonzalez vs. Dallas
5. Antonio Gates vs. Kansas City
6. Brandon Pettigrew @ Jacksonville
7. Heath Miller @ N.Y. Giants
8. Greg Olsen @ Washington
9. Jermaine Gresham vs. Denver
10. Brent Celek @ New Orleans
11. Martellus Bennett vs. Pittsburgh
12. Dwayne Allen vs. Miami
13. Jacob Tamme @ Cincinnati
14. Brandon Myers vs. Tampa Bay
15. Scott Chandler @ Houston
16. Jared Cook vs. Chicago
17. Kyle Rudolph @ Seattle
18. Dennis Pitta @ Cleveland
19. Logan Paulsen vs. Carolina
20. Jermichael Finley vs. Arizona
21. Marcedes Lewis vs. Detroit
22. Zach Miller vs. Minnesota
23. Robert Housler @ Green Bay
24. Joel Dreessen @ Cincinnati
25. Benjamin Watson vs. Baltimore
Quick Hitters
1. Jason Witten may be riding high from setting an NFL single-game record for catches by a tight end (18), but his career track record against the Falcons is not optimal. In three games against Atlanta, Witten has averaged 3.67 catches, 41 yards and zero scores.
2. Owen Daniels has been a model of consistency for points-per-reception league owners. Through seven games, Daniels has crossed the PPR-elite threshold (among tight ends) of six catches, 85 yards and/or one touchdown six times.
3. There are only so many ways to frame Antonio Gates' season (21 catches, 238 yards, two TD) in a positive light. But I can still spin future goodness from the past: In Gates' last three home games against the Chiefs (2007-09—going wayyyyyyyy back), he boasts per-outing averages of seven catches, 88 yards and one touchdown.
4. I wanted to reward Tony Gonzalez (46 catches, 459 yards, four TD) with a No. 2 ranking on this Gronkowski-free weekend, but Gonzo's home averages for the year—3.3 catches, 54 yards, 0.33 TDs—are too mediocre for my liking.
5. Brent Celek's lofty ranking includes fond recollections of his second career breakout game (in 2009), but really this is the first time I've deemed him "fantasy relevant."
In Week 2 of that year, with Kevin Kolb subbing in for an injured Donovan McNabb in Philly, Celek rolled for eight catches against the Saints (a career high at the time) and 104 yards.
The following Sunday against the Chiefs, under the watchful eye of doubters everywhere, Kolb-to-Celek accounted for another outing of eight catches and 104 yards—but with one touchdown.
Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.
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In his last six outdoors games on grass, Lions receiver Calvin Johnson boasts per-outing averages of 7.8 catches, 148 yards and 0.67 touchdowns.
Here are my top 50 wide receivers for Week 9 (standard-scoring leagues).
This countdown simply identifies the weekend's best bets for catches, total yards, touchdowns and receiving targets—a stat that must always factor into lineup strategies with receivers, tight ends and running backs.
NOTE: The Jets, Rams, Patriots and 49ers are all on byes.
When it comes to crafting a weekly listing of elite wide receivers, simply follow the trail of quarterbacks primed for Week 9 glory...or the wideouts with great track records against middling pass defenses.
Regarding injuries, Jordy Nelson (hamstring) and Dez Bryant (hip) shall remain off the board for now, although I'm reasonably confident they'll play on Sunday.
Week 9: Top 50 Receivers
1. Calvin Johnson at Jacksonville (81 and sunny for Sunday)
2. Reggie Wayne vs. Miami
3. Roddy White vs. Dallas
4. Marques Colston vs. Philadelphia
5. A.J. Green vs. Denver
6. Brandon Marshall at Tennessee
7. Mike Wallace at N.Y. Giants
8. Demaryius Thomas at Cincinnati
9. Jeremy Maclin at New Orleans
10. Victor Cruz vs. Pittsburgh
11. Andre Johnson vs. Buffalo
12. Larry Fitzgerald at Green Bay
13. Vincent Jackson at Oakland
14. Miles Austin at Atlanta
15. Denarius Moore vs. Tampa Bay
16. James Jones vs. Arizona
17. Julio Jones vs. Dallas
18. Percy Harvin at Seattle
19. Dwayne Bowe at San Diego
20. Antonio Brown at N.Y. Giants
21. Hakeem Nicks vs. Pittsburgh
22. DeSean Jackson at New Orleans
23. Malcom Floyd vs. Kansas City
24. Cecil Shorts vs. Detroit
25. Steve Johnson at Houston
26. Steve Smith at Washington
27. Torrey Smith at Cleveland
28. Eric Decker at Cincinnati
29. Sidney Rice vs. Minnesota
30. Brian Hartline at Indianapolis
31. Randall Cobb vs. Arizona
32. Josh Gordon vs. Baltimore
33. Titus Young at Jacksonville
34. Lance Moore vs. Philadelphia
35. Mike Williams at Oakland
36. Anquan Boldin at Cleveland
37. Andre Roberts at Green Bay
38. Nate Washington vs. Chicago
39. Santana Moss vs. Carolina
40. Darrius Heyward-Bey vs. Tampa Bay
41. Brandon LaFell at Washington
42. Davone Bess at Indianapolis
43. Golden Tate vs. Minnesota
44. Emmanuel Sanders at N.Y. Giants
45. Justin Blackmon vs. Detroit
46. Kendall Wright vs. Chicago
47. Leonard Hankerson vs. Carolina
48. Earl Bennett at Tennessee
49. Kenny Britt vs. Chicago
50. Donnie Avery vs. Miami
Quick Hitters
1. In his last six outdoors games on grass (dating back to last season), Calvin Johnson boasts stellar averages of 7.8 catches, 148 yards and 0.67 touchdowns. Of equal importance, he collected double-digit targets each time.
2. I may not love Percy Harvin's matchup against the Seahawks, but I am encouraged by the following trend: For the season, he has developed a pattern of one game of single-digit targets...then two games of double-digit targets. Within that sturdy rationale, Harvin is apparently due for seven catches, 11 targets, 97 yards and maybe a touchdown.
3. On paper, Vincent Jackson (29 catches, 626 yards, five TD) has a sweet matchup with the Raiders. But of his last seven encounters with Oakland (when playing with San Diego), he only crossed the 60-yard threshold once. He also had five games of 32 yards or less. Ugh.
4. Worried about A.J. Green's fantasy viability after his one-catch, eight-yard clunker against the Steelers? Well, don't be. Green currently has a streak of at least one TD in six straight games...and in only his second pro start last year, he busted the Broncos for 10 catches, 124 yards and one touchdown.
5. Check this out: In the Falcons' odd-numbered games this season (1, 3, 5, 7—all on the road), Julio Jones easily trumped teammate Roddy White in the fantasy realm. But for the even-numbered games (2, 4, 6—all at home)...the reverse holds true.
White's road averages: 4.5 catches, 62 yards, zero scores
White's home averages: 7.3 catches, 114 yards and 1.33 TD
Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.
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The following countdown touts the top 10 waiver-wire pickups for 12-team leagues heading into Week 9.
Obviously, free-agent quarterbacks like Alex Smith, Russell Wilson, Brandon Weeden and Sam Bradford are the likeliest candidates for most points on a weekly basis, but I would also place an equal or higher priority on landing possible dynamos at receiver, running back and tight end.
I would also favor a strategy of grabbing or stashing a bye-week kicker like Greg Zuerlein, David Akers or Stephen Gostkowski after one of your fellow owners dumps them in order to avoid taking a zero in the kicker slot.
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Steelers tailback Jonathan Dwyer (331 total yards) has rushed for 100-plus yards in his last two games.
Here's my listing of the top 30 free agents (12-team, standard-scoring leagues) heading into Week 9. This countdown ideally values long-term viability over one week of superb stats.
Obviously, free-agent quarterbacks like Alex Smith, Russell Wilson, Brandon Weeden and Sam Bradford are the likeliest candidates for the most points from Sunday to Sunday.
That said, I would also place an equal or higher priority on landing possible dynamos at receiver, running back and tight end ahead of a quarterback who may only draw one or two fantasy starts from this point forward.
I would also favor a strategy of grabbing or stashing a bye-week kicker like Greg Zuerlein, David Akers or Stephen Gostkowski after one of your fellow owners dumps them in order to avoid taking a zero in the starting kicker slot.
For an in-depth slideshow of the top 10 waiver-wire pickups, click here.
Top 30 Free Agents
1. WR Titus Young, Lions
2. RB Jonathan Dwyer, Steelers
3. WR Cecil Shorts, Jaguars
4. RB Donald Brown, Colts
5. WR Andre Roberts, Cardinals
6. RB LaRod Stephens-Howling, Cardinals
7. RB Daniel Thomas, Dolphins
8. QB Brandon Weeden, Browns
9. QB Alex Smith, 49ers
10. WR Danny Amendola, Rams
11. RB Vick Ballard, Colts
12. QB Russell Wilson, Seahawks
13. TE Dustin Keller, Jets
14. QB Sam Bradford, Rams
15. K Justin Tucker, Ravens
16. RB Joique Bell, Lions
17. WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, Raiders
18. RB Kendall Hunter, 49ers
19. RB Mike Goodson, Raiders
20. TE Scott Chandler, Bills
21. TE Jermaine Gresham, Bengals
22. RB Jacquizz Rodgers, Falcons
24. RB Shane Vereen, Patriots
24. D/ST Miami Dolphins
25. WR Rueben Randle, Giants
26. RB Daryl Richardson, Rams
27. K Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots (Friday pickup after Wednesday drop)
28. RB Peyton Hillis, Chiefs
29. TE Brandon Myers, Raiders
30. WR Justin Blackmon, Jaguars
Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.
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Ravens tailback Ray Rice (769 total yards, 5 TD) has per-outing averages of 123 total yards and 0.5 touchdowns in his last six games against the Browns.
Here are my top 40 running backs for Week 9 (standard-scoring leagues).
This countdown doesn't lean on a particular stat. It's merely an educated best guess of which rushers will tally the best combination of total yards and touchdowns for the NFL's ninth weekend.
NOTE: The Rams, Jets, Patriots and 49ers are all on byes.
Top 40 Backs For Week 9
1. Arian Foster vs. Buffalo
2. Ray Rice @ Cleveland
3. LeSean McCoy @ New Orleans
4. Matt Forte @ Tennessee
5. Marshawn Lynch vs. Minnesota
6. Darren McFadden vs. Tampa Bay
7. Adrian Peterson @ Seattle
8. Ryan Mathews vs. Kansas City
9. Jamaal Charles @ San Diego
10. Reggie Bush @ Indianapolis
11. Doug Martin @ Oakland
12. Alfred Morris vs. Carolina
13. Trent Richardson vs. Baltimore
14. Rashad Jennings vs. Detroit
15. Ahmad Bradshaw vs.Pittsburgh
16. Fred Jackson @ Houston
17. Willis McGahee @ Cincinnati
18. Chris Johnson vs. Chicago
19. Felix Jones @ Atlanta
20. BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs. Denver
21. Mikel Leshoure @ Jacksonville
22. Michael Turner vs. Dallas
23. Isaac Redman @ N.Y. Giants
24. C.J Spiller @ Houston
25. Jonathan Stewart @ Washington
26. Pierre Thomas vs. Philadelphia
27. Donald Brown vs. Miami
28. Alex Green vs. Arizona
29. LaRod Stephens-Howling @ Green Bay
30. Daniel Thomas @ Indianapolis
31. Jacquizz Rodgers vs. Dallas
32. Michael Bush @ Tennessee
33. Joique Bell @ Jacksonville
34. Vick Ballard vs. Miami
35. Rashard Mendenhall @ N.Y. Giants
36. Felix Jones @ Atlanta
37. Justin Forsett vs. Buffalo
38. Mike Goodson vs. Tampa Bay
39. Ronnie Brown vs. Kansas City
40. DeAngelo Williams @ Washington
Quick Hitters
1. Among tailbacks, Arian Foster (736 total yards) is the NFL leader in rushes (168), rushing touchdowns (nine) and total TDs (10). He also had a bye week to physically and mentally recharge for this Sunday's shakedown against the Bills, who have already surrendered 150 combined rushing yards five times.
2. In his last six games against the Browns (dating back to 2009), Ray Rice has per-outing averages of 123 total yards and 0.5 touchdowns. Of equal importance, the "worst" performance during that span was 92 total yards.
3. I've rightfully taken my share of hits for (wrongfully) recommending Reggie Bush over Doug Martin last week. But it won't scare me off from choosing Bush (639 total yards, three TD) over Martin (767 total yards, four TD) for any future Sundays—like this one. The Colts, Bush's Week 9 opponent, have allowed 110-plus combined rushing yards in five of their seven games.
4. In career games of 20-plus touches, Jacksonville's Rashad Jennings is a perfect 3-for-3 in racking up 100 total yards (with two total touchdowns). Please keep this in mind...since I don't anticipate Maurice Jones-Drew (foot injury) returning to the Jags lineup this season.
5. I need a few more days to settle on a ranking for Jamaal Charles, despite his three-game track record against the Chargers (87 total yards, one TD). Perhaps I'll figure Charles out...before Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel does.
6. Ryan Mathews (494 total yards, one TD) has a superb track record against Kansas City, with career averages of 99.5 total yards and 0.6 TDs. But there is one thing that drives fantasy owners batty:
How does a star back catch 91 balls for 740 yards over a three-year span—without notching at least one receiving TD?
Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.
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In his last six home games (including the playoffs), Saints QB Drew Brees touts per-outing averages of 352 yards passing and 3.7 touchdowns.
Here are my top 25 quarterbacks for fantasy Week 9.
This countdown doesn't lean on a particular stat. It's merely an educated early guess of which signal-callers will have the best combination of total yards (passing/rushing) and total touchdowns for the NFL's ninth weekend.
Regardless of how these rankings shake out every week, they shouldn't supersede two important factors that go into regular lineup consideration:
1. Always play your healthy superstars.
2. Always ride your gut instinct over a certain guru's analysis.
NOTE: The Jets, 49ers, Rams and Patriots are all on byes.
Top 25 QBs For Week 9
1. Drew Brees vs. Philadelphia
2. Aaron Rodgers vs. Arizona
3. Peyton Manning @ Cincinnati
4. Matthew Stafford @ Jacksonville
5. Robert Griffin III vs. Carolina
6. Ben Roethlisberger @ N.Y. Giants
7. Andrew Luck vs. Miami
8. Michael Vick @ New Orleans
9. Matt Ryan vs. Dallas
10. Tony Romo @ Atlanta
11. Eli Manning vs. Pittsburgh
12. Cam Newton @ Washington
13. Carson Palmer vs. Tampa Bay
14. Andy Dalton vs. Denver
15. Josh Freeman @ Oakland
16. Matt Schaub vs. Buffalo
17. Philip Rivers vs. Kansas City
18. Jay Cutler @ Tennessee
19. Ryan Fitzpatrick @ Houston
20. Brandon Weeden vs. Baltimore
21. Joe Flacco @ Cleveland
22. Matt Hasselbeck vs. Chicago
23. Blaine Gabbert vs. Detroit
24. John Skelton @ Green Bay
25. Russell Wilson vs. Minnesota
25a. Matt Moore/Ryan Tannehill @ Indianapolis
25b. Matt Cassel @ San Diego
25c. Christian Ponder @ Seattle
Quick Hitters
1. I'm not super confident in Peyton Manning's road matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. But if I've learned anything from the classic movie Bull Durham, you NEVER mess with a streak. And Manning has absurdly notched four straight games of 300 yards passing and three TDs—the longest run of his Hall of Fame career. Think about that for a second.
2. In his last six home games (including the playoffs), Drew Brees touts per-outing averages of 352 yards passing and 3.7 touchdowns. On the flip side, the Philadelphia Eagles defense has registered just two sacks since Week 4 and has surrendered 28 points per game in the last two outings. Ouch.
3. How's this for a scheduling quirk: Excluding the NFC playoffs, Matthew Stafford is set to play his seventh straight road game on grass this Sunday (at Jacksonville), with all seven outdoor games occurring in different venues.
In this era of domed stadiums and FieldTurf, doesn't that seem a little strange? For what it's worth, Stafford boasts per-outing averages of 332 yards passing and 2.17 touchdowns in the six road tilts.
4. Given the lack of injuries to elite quarterbacks (ALWAYS a good thing) and dearth of high-end QBs on Week 9 byes (excluding Tom Brady), Ben Roethlisberger (1,987 yards passing, 14 TDs) is not necessarily a lock to start in the vast majority of 12-team leagues.
