Week 9 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Flex, PPR Advice for Fringe Fantasy Football Stars

The 2025 NFL season started out feeling dramatically different, but after eight weeks, it seems like the usual suspects are back in contention—with a couple of new additions, obviously.

Things have been far more unpredictable in fantasy football, where injuries and bye weeks have left many managers reliant on second-tier stars. The trend will continue in Week 9, as the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off.

Here you'll find some start/sit advice for the best and worst plays among fringe starters in point-per-reception (PPR) leagues.

Running Back

AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh

Chargers RB Kimani Vidal

Start: Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers

With Najee Harris out for the year and Omarion Hampton sidelined, Kimani Vidal has emerged as a reliable starter for the Los Angeles Chargers. In the process, he's also rewarded fantasy managers handsomely.

Last Thursday against the Minnesota Vikings, for example, Vidal logged 127 scrimmage yards, one reception and one touchdown.

While Vidal's PPR floor is low, he's a strong matchup-based play in most formats. This week, he'll be matched up against a Tennessee Titans team that has surrendered the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs.

Sit: Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

Alvin Kamara hasn't been utilized as a receiver as much in Kellen Moore's offense has he has been used by the New Orleans Saints in the past. He averaged 4.9 catches per game in 2024 but is averaging 3.4 receptions this season.

While Kamara's PPR floor is still respectable, he's worth avoiding in poor matchups. Last week, for example, he caught two passes but totaled a mere 45 scrimmage yards.

This is a good week to look elsewhere, as the Saints will visit the Los Angeles Rams, who have surrendered the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs. Managers looking to replace Kamara this week should target New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., who is available in over half of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Wide Receiver

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Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter

Start: Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Hunter hasn't been the instant gamechanger that most expected him to be. He's served as a respectable receiver and cornerback for the Jacksonville Jaguars—which is an impressive feat—but he hasn't truly shined at either spot.

The good news for fantasy managers is that Hunter did finally top 100 receiving yards and score his first touchdown in Week 7—the Jags were on bye in Week 8.

Hunter is finally starting to become a go-to target in Jacksonville, and he has a favorable matchup this week against the Las Vegas Raiders. Las Vegas has surrendered the third-most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

Sit: Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills

Like Hunter, 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman has largely struggled to meet expectations. He's had bright moments for the Buffalo Bills, but they haven't come consistently.

Coleman has topped 100 yards once this season and has failed to reach 50 yards in every other game.

This week, Coleman and the Bills will face a Kansas City Chiefs defense that has surrendered the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers. Managers seeking a fill-in should target New England Patriots wideout Kayshon Boutte.

Boutte has found the end zone in three straight games and is available in 60 percent of Yahoo leagues and 70 percent of ESPN leagues.

Tight End

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Falcons TE Kyle Pitts

Start: Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons

It's hard to know what to make of the Atlanta Falcons, who have beaten some good teams but got routed once again in Week 8. It's also hard to know what to make of tight end Kyle Pitts, who is only occasionally featured in Atlanta's game plan.

With receiver Drake London out on Sunday, Pitts racked up nine catches and 59 yards. While he's not going to get that volume every week, he's seen seven or more receptions in back-to-back games, and he should be trustworthy in Week 9.

The Falcons are set to face the New England Patriots, who have a terrific overall defense but have surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing TEs.

Sit: Evan Engram, Denver Broncos

As the Denver Broncos have started to feature young playmakers like Troy Franklin, RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant, the fantasy stock of Evan Engram has started to slip.

Engram has seen four or more receptions in five straight games but has failed to reach 50 yards in any of them. He's unlikely to shine this week against a Houston Texans defense that has surrendered the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

Managers looking to replace Engram this week or long-term should consider Saints tight end Juwan Johnson. The Rams have surrendered the 11th-fewest fantasy points to TEs, but Johnson has logged five receptions and 50-plus yards in consecutive games and in four of his eight 2025 outings. He's rostered in 32 percent of Yahoo leagues and 33 percent of ESPN leagues.

*Fantasy roster and scoring information from FantasyPros.