Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, Minnesota running back Dalvin Cook and Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott are always good fantasy plays. But this week, they’ll be better than usual because they have great matchups.
But you might want to stay away from guys like Carson Wentz and Le’Veon Bell this week because they have tough matchups. Meantime, the Falcons, Bengals, Chargers and Saints have their bye this week.
With that in mind, here are 10 last-minute fantasy football thoughts for Week 9:
10. Don’t even think about playing Brandon Allen
The Denver quarterback will be taking his first regular-season snap in place of the injured Joe Flacco. Denver’s offensive line already has allowed 26 sacks. That number likely will grow because Cleveland’s Myles Garrett (tied for the league lead in sacks with 10) will be chasing Allen all day.
9. There’s hope for Le’Veon Bell
Although Bell has been a dud to this point for the Jets, that should change against the lowly Dolphins. Bell is averaging just 3.2 yards per carry and has 349 rushing yards on the season. Playing behind a terrible offensive line, he hasn’t rushed for more than 70 yards in a game. But he’ll top that mark against Miami.
8. Mason Rudolph is in trouble
Pittsburgh has allowed a league-low seven sacks, and the Steelers will do everything they can to protect their rookie quarterback. But the Colts aren’t going to make it easy on Rudolph. Indianapolis defensive end Justin Houston has been hot, recording four sacks in the past three games, and the Colts have 10 sacks over that same span.
7. Deshaun Watson will look different, but result will be same
The Houston quarterback took an accidental kick to the area around his left eye in last week’s victory against Oakland. He said he’ll be wearing a clear visor on his helmet Sunday against Jacksonville on Sunday. Watson said the visor is just a precaution. Look for him to be as productive as he was against Oakland when he threw three touchdowns.
6. Carson Wentz might be in for a tougher day than Mitchell Trubisky
Although Trubisky might be the worst starting quarterback in the league, he might be all right against the Eagles and their suspect pass defense. But his Philadelphia counterpart, Wentz, might not be so lucky. That’s because the Eagles will give rookie Andre Dillard his third career start at left tackle. You can bet the Bears will try to get Khalil Mack matched up against Dillard as often as possible. Wentz has thrown for at least one touchdown in 11 consecutive games. That streak could be in jeopardy.
5. Forget about LeSean McCoy
The Kansas City running back has been a disappointment and hasn’t carried more than 12 times in a game this season, although he is averaging 5.2 yards per carry. But McCoy’s average will drop this week against a strong Minnesota defense. The Vikings have allowed only one rushing touchdown this season.
4. Derrick Henry has a great matchup
The Tennessee running back should be in for a big day against Carolina. Henry is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry, but he should top that mark against Carolina. The Panthers are allowing 135.1 rushing yards per game.
3. Dak Prescott will light up the Giants again
If it seems like the Dallas quarterback always plays well against the Giants, it’s because he does. In his past five games against the Giants, Prescott has averaged 310.4 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and zero interceptions. And New York’s secondary has been terrible all season.
2. Dalvin Cook will run wild
The Minnesota running back is the league’s leading rusher with 823 yards. He should pad that lead against Kansas City. The Chiefs are No. 30 in rushing yards allowed. Plus, Cook no longer is the sole focus of opposing defenses since Kirk Cousins has started playing like a real quarterback.
1. Bucs are perfect matchup for Russell Wilson
The Seattle quarterback will enhance his case for Most Valuable Player against Tampa Bay. The Seahawks will rely on Wilson more than usual in this game. Although the Seattle coaching staff loves to talk about the importance of running the ball, that will be difficult against a Tampa Bay defense that excels against the run. However, Tampa Bay’s secondary is terrible, and Wilson should have a field day as a passer.
Pat Yasinskas has covered the NFL since 1993. He has worked for The Tampa Tribune, The Charlotte Observer and ESPN.com and writes for numerous national magazines and websites. He also has served as a voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
