NFL Week 9 Predictions: Gauging Fantasy Football Stock of Top Players

Fantasy football owners cannot deal with another performance like the one Drew Brees put on against the St. Louis Rams last week. 

Brees' performance totally killed what was an otherwise awesome Halloween weekend for me. 

After we've seen top fantasy players like Chris Johnson, Philip Rivers and—yes—Brees disappoint, it's time to take a look at the stock for the top guys in Week 9.

Quarterbacks

Aaron Rodgers 

The MVP-favorite will be fine against the Chargers. While it will be more difficult for him to reach that magical 110 passer rating for the eighth consecutive game on the road, the Chargers secondary will be no match for Green Bay's spread system.

Tom Brady

Brady was utterly confused and consistently pressured against the Steelers in defeat last week. The Giants pose a similar threat, and come into Foxborough with a league leading 26 sacks. 

However, Brady has won 31 regular season games in a row at home. Bill Belichick will devise a quick-passing scheme to limit New York's pressure.

No worries for Brady's owners, despite the fact he's tapered off from his epic start to the season. 

Michael Vick

You can't expect as much out of Vick anymore, since Andy Reid is finally realizing the luxury he has in LeSean McCoy.

The Eagles will run the football more than ever. However, against a susceptible Bears secondary—which is allowing 272 yards through the air in each game—Vick should take a few shots down the field.

He's still the most dangerous running quarterback in the league. Can't forget about that.

Running Backs

Arian Foster 

It looks like Andre Johnson is going to be out for at least another week with his nagging hamstring injury. That, of course, means tons of Arian Foster on Sunday. 

Foster battled an early season hamstring injury of his own, but has bounced back nicely and has really returned to form in the last two weeks. 

He can do it all and is the focal point of Houston's potent offense. The Browns have an underrated defense, but it won't matter. Foster will receive more than 20 touches and will make the most of them against a Cleveland team that is ranked 26th against the run. 

Matt Forte 

Outside of Aaron Rodgers, Matt Forte is my MVP this season.

Sure, the Bears are only 4-3 right now. However, without him, I'm not sure they'd have more than one or two wins.

He leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage (1,091) and is as frightening a receiver as he is a runner. 

This game against Philly in prime time looks like a shootout to me. While other teams would rush to throw the football if they get behind, the Bears will run Forte to keep them in the game.

Fred Jackson 

Essentially, everything that applies to Forte also applies to Jackson.

Usually, I'd say the Bills offense is far and away better than the Bears. However, Ryan Fitzpatrick will be limited against Darrelle Revis and company this weekend. 

That provides all the more reason why I believe Jackson will once again be the focal point on Sunday. Don't be shocked to see Chan Gailey throw a few new wrinkles the Jets' way, either.

Wide Receivers

Wes Welker

I'd be stunned if Welker didn't go this weekend. He's a tough little bugger.

By his standards, he's been shut down in the Patriots' last two games. Teams have really pressed him at the line and disrupted his short routes. I think the Giants will do the same. 

This isn't the beginning of the demise of Welker. I just think that teams have found a way to limit his productivity.

The Giants secondary isn't nearly as talented as the Steelers', but expect them to institute a similar game plan for the Patriots slot receiver. 

It's hard to bet against him, but I don't see a huge game for Welker.

Mike Wallace

Wallace has been extremely reliable for fantasy owners this year. He's matured his game and become a possession receiver, as well as one of the league's best deep threats.

He'll be tested against the Ravens. However, all he needs to do is catch one pass and he's got the potential to turn in another huge day.

Greg Jennings

Jennings is still Aaron Rodgers' favorite target and the main, big-play receiver on the league's best offense.

Against the Chargers, I see no reason why he won't have another Jennings-esque, six catch, 100-yard performance with a touchdown.