Written by Justin Sablich at New York Times.com
The Sablich brothers have provided award-winning fantasy football advice for The New York Times since 2010. See their weekly player rankings and visit 5thDownFantasy.com for more fantasy analysis. You can also ask them questions through their Twitter account,@5thdownfantasy.
Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott (DAL at Browns) — It is difficult to imagine the Cowboys taking the starting job away from Prescott after he has led them to six consecutive victories and is third in the N.F.L. in adjusted yards per pass.But just in case Tony Romo does return as the starter, get Prescott in as many fantasy lineups as you can, while you can. Prescott gets the coveted Browns fantasy matchup this week. Last week, the Jets’ Ryan Fitzpatrick was the first quarterback not to pass for at least two touchdowns against Cleveland, which has allowed the fourth most fantasy points to the position this season. Meanwhile, Prescott is coming off his best fantasy performance yet against a stingy Eagles defense, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for one more.
Colin Kaepernick (SF vs Saints) — His on-field performance has not helped the 49ers win any more games since he took over as the team’s starting quarterback, but that doesn’t mean he can’t help your fantasy team in Week 9. With another brutal bye week to deal with, you could do worse than rolling the dice with Kaepernick against the Saints, who have given up the 10th most fantasy points per game to the position this season. His added value as a runner should keep his floor relatively high, with rushing yards of 66 and 84 in his two starts this season.
Sleepers: Sam Bradford (MIN) vs. Lions; Case Keenum (STL) vs. Panthers
Proceed With Caution: Derek Carr (OAK) vs. Broncos
Running Backs
Devontae Booker (DEN at Raiders) — Another appealing matchup awaits the rookie, as the Raiders have given up the most yards per carry in the A.F.C. (4.9) through eight weeks, and have allowed at least one touchdown to the position in all but two games. Booker has been solid since taking over the lead back role, finding the end zone in each of the last two games, but his first true breakout game has yet to emerge. This could be the week.
Carlos Hyde (SF vs. Saints) — If the 49ers can keep pace with the Saints offense, Hyde should see numerous opportunities to produce against a defense that has, incredibly, yielded nine 10-plus fantasy point performances to opposing backs through eight games (six of them 15-plus) and the second most fantasy points to the position. Hyde had six touchdowns through his first five games, but has dealt with a shoulder injury that kept him out of Week 7 before the team’s bye week; make sure he is good to go on Sunday.
Ezekiel Elliott (DAL at Browns) — I know, he’s a must-start every week. But take special note of this matchup against Cleveland. Outside of DeMarco Murray, the Browns have yet to face an elite back like Elliott, and have still yielded the third most fantasy points to the position. He might be worth the high price in DFS formats this week.
Sleeper: Derrick Henry (TEN) at Chargers; Terrance West (BAL) vs. Steelers
Proceed With Caution: Frank Gore (IND at Packers), Isaiah Crowell (CLE vs. Cowboys)
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