Fantasy Football Week 9 Aftermath: Gut Checks, Lineup Fun and Waiver Wire Picks

With the playoffs quickly approaching, we take a look at the fantasy football landscape after a high-scoring Week Nine.

Week Nine Fantasy MVP

It’s a close call this week, but let’s give a shout out to Terrell Owens. The ageless wonder torched the Steelers for 141 yards and two touchdowns on 10 catches. He’s been quiet off the field, but has developed quite a chemistry with Carson Palmer on it. While the Bengals are struggling, it’s certainly not Owens’ fault.

Week Nine Fantasy LVP

After bursting on to the scene last week, LeGarrette Blount crashed back down to Earth with a 46-yard performance that featured Cadillac Williams drawing the start.

While that stat line isn’t horrible, he was as disappointing as any player in fantasy this week.

Lineup Fun

You probably won if your lineup looked like this:

QB Aaron Rodgers = 289 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, 41 rushing yards
RB Peyton Hillis = 184 rushing yards, 36 receiving yards, two touchdowns
RB Arian Foster = 127 rushing yards, 70 receiving yards, two touchdowns
RB Michael Turner = 107 rushing yards, two touchdowns
WR Terrell Owens = 10 catches, 141 yards, two touchdowns
WR Seyi Ajirotutu = four catches, 111 yards, two touchdowns
WR Jacoby Ford = six catches, 148 yards, KO return TD
TE Jacob Tamme = 11 catches, 108 yards, one touchdown

You probably lost if your lineup looked like this…

QB Chad Henne = 231 passing yards, three interceptions
RB Jonathan Stewart = 30 rushing yards, one lost fumble
RB Marion Barber = 14 rushing yards
RB Ryan Mathews = 42 rushing yards, 18 receiving yards
WR Pierre Garcon = two catches, 15 receiving yards
WR Calvin Johnson = one catch, 13 receiving yards
WR Chad Ochocinco = one catch, 15 receiving yards
TE Ben Watson = one catch, 24 receiving yards

Gut Checks

I’d be worried if…

I own Jonathan Stewart in a dynasty league. You can give him a pass for one or two weeks, but this has been ugly, regardless of injury.

I’m relying on Miles Austin for the fantasy playoffs. His production was bound to take a hit with Tony Romo out, but this looks worse than expected.

I’m expecting too much from LeGarrette Blount. While his future may be bright, it looks like Tampa is still easing him into the offense.

I have Chad Ochocinco as my No. 2 wide receiver. He’s not even start-worthy as a flex player at this point.

I expect Matt Forte to break out of his funk. It certainly looks like Marshall Faulk may be the only back to truly dominate in a Mike Martz offense long term.

I’m not looking at Steve Johnson and Ryan Fitzpatrick as legitimate starting options.

I expect anything out of Darrius Heyward-Bey. Ever.

I think Ray Rice is going to still end as a top five back as long as Willis McGahee is healthy and on the Ravens roster this season.

I was hoping Jon Kitna could be a viable option. It’s a train wreck.

I have Steve Smith (CAR) as one of my starters. His talent is undeniable, but so is the trouble in Carolina.

I own Matthew Stafford in a dynasty league. Look, he can play. There’s no doubt about it. There’s also no doubting his tendency to get injured.

A Look Back at Our Dynasty Waiver Suggestions for Week Nine

1. Troy Smith QB SF = DNP

2. Kevin Smith RB DET = 10 rushing yards, 27 receiving yards

3. Rex Grossman QB WAS = DNP

4. Toby Gerhart RB MIN = six rushing yards, three receiving yards

5. Jordy Nelson WR GB = four catches, 42 yards

A Look Ahead to Hot Names On The Week Ten Waiver Wire

1. Drew Stanton, QB, DET

This is likely Drew’s last chance to stick with the Lions if Shaun Hill can’t make it back.

2. Mike Goodson, RB, CAR

With all the injuries the Panthers are sustaining at running back, Goodson is going to get some extended playing time here in the next few weeks.

3. Donte Stallworth, WR, BAL

It’s true the Ravens are loaded at wideout, but Stallworth’s speed could add a different dimension and earn him some time here shortly.

4. Danny Ware, RB, NYG

You have to wonder what would happen if Bradshaw were to get worn down or injured. As it stands, the Giants may get some things wrapped up early and Ware could be a playoff asset down the road.

5. Tony Pike, QB, CAR

Matt Moore is out for the year and Jimmy Clausen simply doesn’t look ready. Could the Panthers throw Pike into the fire?

6. Jacoby Ford, WR, OAK

We mentioned Ford as a super sleeper way back in July and he showed off his potential with a 148-yard performance last week. While that will likely be his best game of the year, it’s hard to say what will shake out with the Oakland receivers the rest of the year. If anything, he’s earned a good look from the coaches.

7. Javarris James, RB, IND

Who knows what happens when the other Colt running backs get healthy, but anyone lining behind Manning is worth a roster spot, even if it’s just temporary.

Keep in mind the names found on this list are added to ones from previous weeks. That’s why you don’t see a player like Seyi Ajirotutu. We recommended him in our lineup advice column WEEKS AGO. For the prior week’s picks, check out the links below:

Week One
Week Two
Week Three
Week Four
Week Five
Week Six
Week Seven
Week Eight
Week Nine

Good luck this week!

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