Week 9 Preview

We’re approaching Week 9, which means we’re halfway through the regular season. With Baker Mayfield and Jalen Hurts both out, a big group of players is on bye week again. On the brighter side, Justin Fields gets a moment to shine and may catch a break from owner Woody Johnson. There’s also the chance that Dillon Gabriel might lose his starting spot during this bye—though that’s just a hunch for now.

The team really needs to get some quarterbacks back. There’s a decent chance that Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, and Jaden Daniels will return shortly. If both Murray and Jackson are back, they could end up facing the Cowboys and Dolphins—yes, those Cowboys and Dolphins who have had significant defensive struggles.

The Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Jets are significant teams to consider during this time.

Looking at the quarterbacks, we have Dillon Gabriel, Baker Mayfield, Jalen Hurts, and Justin Fields. Each of them has a unique situation this week.

Joe Flacco, Bengals vs. Bears

Flacco has been instrumental in reviving the Bengals’ offense, scoring 33 and 38 points against the Steelers and Jets in their last two games. These have been favorable matchups, and although he’s leaving behind some solid fantasy numbers, facing the Bears’ undermanned defense at home should help him stay in the fantasy lineup.

The Bears are one of the worst teams against quarterbacks in fantasy points allowed. After a shaky game with Spencer Rattler and Snoop Huntley, they’ve also struggled in the secondary, giving up a substantial number of touchdowns through the air, the second-most in the league.

Young injured his ankle in Week 7 and missed Week 8’s matchup against the Bills. Andy Dalton stepped in as a replacement but struggled. It’s a tough spot for whoever takes the reins this week as they head to Green Bay, hoping that Young returns sooner rather than later.

Jaden Daniels, Commander

Daniels faced a hamstring issue in Week 7 when going up against the Cowboys, resulting in him missing Monday night’s game against the Chiefs. He might make a comeback this week when they host the Seahawks.

Murray has been out for the last two games due to a midfoot sprain but had a bye week to recover. He seems set to take on that struggling Cowboys defense for Monday Night Football.

McCarthy hasn’t played since Week 3 because of an ankle injury but is expected back this week when the Vikings face off against the Lions. Meanwhile, Carson Wentz is out for the season after surgery, leaving Mas Brosmer as the backup.

Jackson missed the Week 4 game against the Chiefs due to a hamstring injury, and with a bye week in between, he’s been out for three games. He’s had minimal practice leading up to Thursday’s game against the Dolphins, but he should be nearing a return.

Purdy had a recurring toe injury during Week 4’s loss to the Jaguars and hasn’t played since. He may return against the Giants in Houston, though that’s uncertain. If he can’t go, Mac Jones will take the lead.

Game Totals

In terms of expected scoring, we have:

• Cardinals vs. Cowboys (53.5)
• Chiefs at Bills (52.5)
• Bears at Bengals (51.5)
• Colts vs. Steelers (50.5)

On the lower end:

• Broncos vs. Texans (39.5)
• Chargers at Titans (43.5)

Maximum Implied Individual Team Totals

Looking at the team totals:

• Rams (29)
• Packers (28.5)
• Ravens (28.5)
• Cowboys (28.3)
• Lions (28)

Minimum Implied Individual Team Totals

And at the bottom:

• Saints (15.5)
• Panthers (16)
• Titans (16.5)

Upcoming matchups highlight: Saints at Rams (-13.5), Panthers vs. Packers (-12.5), Chargers at Titans (-10.5), Vikings vs. Lions (-8.5).