NFL Predictions Week 9: Fantasy Guide, Odds Projections and Expert Tips

The ninth week of the 2016 NFL season got underway Thursday night when the Atlanta Falcons battered the rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. There are 12 games remaining on the week's slate, which means plenty of gaming opportunities—both of the fantasy and more traditional varieties.

We'll take a look at some of the top fantasy plays of the week. We'll make our picks based on factors like past performances, matchup, projected player role and injuries, where applicable.

First, though, let's take a look at the remaining games and the odds—courtesy of Odds Shark—along with our picks against the spread.

NFL Week 9

Day, Time (ET)	Game	Line	Projection
Sun., 1 p.m.	Detroit at Minnesota	MIN -6	DET
Sun., 1 p.m.	Jacksonville at Kansas City	KC -7	KC
Sun., 1 p.m.	Dallas at Clevelan	DAL -7	DAL
Sun., 1 p.m.	NY Jets at Miami	MIA -3.5	MIA
Sun., 1 p.m.	Philadelphia at NY Giants	NYG -2.5	NYG
Sun., 1 p.m.	Pittsburgh at Baltimore	BAL -2.5	PIT
Sun., 4:05 p.m.	Carolina at Los Angeles	CAR -3	CAR
Sun., 4:05 p.m.	New Orleans at San Francisco	NO -3.5	NO
Sun., 4:25 p.m.	Tennessee at San Diego	SD -4	SD
Sun., 4:25 p.m.	Indianapolis at Green Bay	GB -7.5	IND
Sun., 8:30 p.m.	Denver at Oakland	OAK -1.5	DEN
Mon., 8:30 p.m.	Buffalo at Seattle	SEA -7	BUF

Week 9 Fantasy Hot Plays

Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

Roger Steinman/Associated Press

Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott seems to have secured his spot as the starting signal-caller for the Dallas Cowboys—even though veteran Tony Romo appears ready to return.

"You want to be very mindful of what you've got going," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said of his team's quarterback decision on his weekly radio show on 105.3 The Fan (h/t Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). "Right now, we've got a lot of chemistry going, and that's got to be really recognized if you're making that decision."

Prescott also deserves a spot on your fantasy team this week, as he and the Cowboys have a date with the hapless Cleveland Browns.

The Browns allow an average of 421.5 yards of offense per game (last in the NFL), and Pro Football Focus rates them 27th in overall defense. Prescott and fellow rookie Ezekiel Elliott should have an opportunity to pile up fantasy points.

Last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, Prescott produced 287 yards passing and 38 yards rushing with three combined touchdowns and an interception. He should be in line for similar numbers this week.

If you've been streaming your quarterbacks this season or are dealing with one on bye this week—Kirk Cousins, Tom Brady and Andy Dalton are some examples—then don't hesitate to plug Prescott into your lineup.

Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers

After trudging through a couple of disappointing seasons, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams has finally found his way. He has become a popular target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and has developed into a top-tier fantasy producer.

Over the past two weeks, Adams has racked up 25 receptions for 206 yards and two touchdowns.

Adams explained that part of his recent success can be attributed to his versatility and knowledge of the offense, per Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official website:

"

I know the whole offense. I could get in and play any position. Well, I'm not going to get in and play line. I can play slot, I can be outside. I can come out of the backfield. It’s just a matter of what they want me to do.

"

This week, Adams gets to go up against one of the more questionable secondaries in the NFL. He and the Packers host the Indianapolis Colts, who allow an average of 287.8 yards passing per game and are rated dead last in both overall defense and pass coverage by Pro Football Focus.

Adams is a must-start player in all formats this week and should be a dominant performer in points-per-reception leagues.

Waiver-Wire Steal: Charcandrick West, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

If you have Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West on your bench or have an opportunity to grab him off the waiver wire, make the move to start him. The Chiefs have placed Jamaal Charles on injured reserve and will also be without running back Spencer Ware.

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs officially ruled Ware out for Week 9 with a concussion:

With Ware out of the lineup, West should handle the load for Kansas City. He's in position to have a big week—both because of his role in the Chiefs' run-oriented offense and because of his matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jacksonville allows an average of 124.7 yards per game on the ground, 27th in the NFL.

In addition, the Chiefs are starting backup Nick Foles at quarterback, per CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora:

With Foles under center, the Chiefs could lean even more on West and the running game. Expect the 25-year-old to have a quality fantasy outing in Week 9.

Sleeper: Duke Johnson Jr., RB, Cleveland Browns

If you're a regular participant in PPR leagues, you're probably already familiar with Browns running back Duke Johnson Jr. The Miami product is averaging 5.0 yards per carry and has already produced 34 receptions.

Johnson, who has reached the end zone just once, isn't a full-blown fantasy star, though. This is in part because he shares backfield duties with Isaiah Crowell.

However, this week could present an opportunity for Johnson to shine. If Cleveland can keep the game close early, he can take advantage of Dallas' run defense, which Pro Football Focus rates 28th overall.

If Cleveland falls behind, Johnson's role in the passing game will give him PPR value. Last week against the New York Jets, he racked up six receptions and 106 combined rushing and receiving yards. He could have even better numbers this week.