Best 65 PPR running backs for fantasy football in Week 9

Could a Running Back Win MVP This Year?

This might finally be the year we see a running back take home the MVP award. Jonathan Taylor has certainly made a strong case, scoring three more touchdowns last week. He’s on track for an eye-popping 30 total touchdowns and 2,244 total yards, with nine games still left in the season. Plus, his team currently boasts the best record in the league at 7-1. The last running back to grab the MVP title was Adrian Peterson back in 2012. He racked up 2,314 yards and 13 touchdowns over 16 games, crossing the 2,000-yard threshold. Taylor’s rushing pace now sits at 1,806 yards, and assuming the Colts don’t rest their starters, he has an extra game to pad those stats.

Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets

Quinshon Judkins, Bucky Irving, Ratchard White, Sean Tucker, Saquon Barkley, Breece Hall, Isaiah Davis

This week, with Isaiah Pacheco likely sidelined, Kareem Hunt will step in as the lead back against a Bills defense that, frankly, hasn’t been great against running backs. They’ve surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points per game to running backs and the seventh-highest expected points added (EPA) per rushing attempt. They also allow 5.5 yards per carry—second only to the Giants at 5.7 yards.

Now, Hunt isn’t quite the player he used to be. But he’s shown he can still be effective near the end zone, with five touchdowns across eight games. If he can also add some rushing and receiving yards, he could be a solid fantasy option this week.

Pacheco suffered a knee injury during the Week 8 matchup against the Commanders. He’s dealing with an MCL sprain and, according to reports, has been hurt “every week.” They’ve got a crucial game against the Bills, but thankfully, they have a bye week right after. This means Pacheco might avoid playing in those games right after. Meanwhile, Kareem Hunt will likely take the lead, with Brashard Smith backing him up.

Skatebo was on track for Rookie of the Year honors, but a severe ankle dislocation from last week’s game against the Eagles cut his promising season short. Now, Tyrone Tracy steps into the primary role, while Devin Singletary will back him up. The team might consider adding another player, but at 2-6, it seems playoff hopes are pretty faint.

Irving didn’t play the last four games due to shoulder and foot injuries. They opted not to place him on IR, although it was a possibility. He was given a bye this week, with hopes of returning against the Patriots in Week 10.