And were back, with the Week 9 edition of the Model 284 Friday Fantasy Preview. If you are looking for a blend of numbers and subjectivity to help guide your lineup, then this is the right place for you.
Player Notes From Week 9:
Deshaun Watson and the Texans: Watson went down with an ACL injury at practice on Thursday, and will miss the remainder of the season. As a football fan, this news is hard to swallow. Watson was, in my opinion, the most exciting player in the NFL this year. On top of it, his is injury is going to tank the fantasy stock of Texans players. No one should be as affected as Will Fuller. He was bound to fall back to earth already, but this is going to force him to fall further. If you can pawn him off for some good value, pull the trigger.
Cowboys Running backs: If the suspension is upheld, there will be a dogfight in the Dallas backfield. It will most likely end up as some sort of committee, but I expect Alfred Morris will lead the way. UPDATE: Zeke’s suspension has been upheld and he will play Sunday against the Chiefs. Stash all the Dallas running backs, and I’ll have an update on their stock going forward in future weeks.
Week 9 Studs:
Aaron Jones: Jones had a monster game against the saints in Week 7, and it seems he has taken over the lead role in the Green Bay backfield. This week he will be playing the Detroit defense that is allowing the 7th least rushing yards per game, but has also given up 6 rushing TDs in 7 games. It might be tough sledding for Jones in the middle of the field, but there is big potential in the red zone. With Aaron Rodgers out, the offense should shift towards the run. Jones should get his share of the work this week, and the Pack will rely on him to help carry the team.
Larry Fitzgerald: Fitz is obviously a beast in fantasy, but people are worried how he’ll perform now that Stanton is at QB. I’m here to tell you not to worry. Larry obviously takes a hit without Palmer, but he’s still one of the best receivers of his time. He will get his numbers against most teams, especially the 49ers. You’re still starting him no matter what.
Joe Mixon: This pick has a lot more to do with my gut than most other picks I make. Mixon has mostly been a receiving back thus far through the year, and he will be playing a good passing defense this week in Jacksonville. I think this will be the week Mixon finally has a flashy game, and shows us why he would have been a first round pick if it weren’t for off the field issues.
Week 9 Duds:
Marcus Mariota: Mariota has been extremely disappointing this year. He is averaging 12.9 fantasy points per game, but missed a game due to a hamstring injury. He was also limited by injury in two bad games against the Colts and Browns. While there are reports that he is expected to be 100% this week coming off the bye, it’s not going to be easy against the Raven’s impressive defense. Baltimore is allowing 185 passing yards per game (5th fewest in the league). Even if Mariota is feeling 100%, I’m not betting on him to have a good game. It’s also important to note Delanie Walker and Cory Davis are both questionable this week.
Jay Ajayi: The move to trade for Ajayi was a huge win for the Eagles, I’m not denying that, but I’m not buying him this week. While Ajayi is an extremely talented back in a good situation, there is little chance he comes in his first week and gets most of the touches. Even if he gets the touches he needs to be a good fantasy back, the Eagles are playing the Broncos. If you own Ajayi, sit him this week, but get excited because his stock just skyrocketed.
Redskins Receivers: The Skins receivers have been bad this year, just look at the facts. Josh Doctson is leading the Redskins receivers in touchdowns, and he only has 8 catches this year. Jamison Crowder is leading the group in receiving yards with only 272, and he hasn’t scored a TD. Terrelle Pryor has been non-existent in the offense all year, and is trending in the wrong direction. The teams leading receiver is running back Chris Thompson. Oh…and they play in Seattle this week. If you can’t figure it out yourself, don’t start any of them.