Welcome to Week 9, and welcome to Quick Grades, your weekly companion for start/sit clarity. We’ve combined consensus rankings and projections with The Primer’s matchup analysis to assign letter grades for every fantasy-relevant player, then added concise notes to illuminate the reasoning. Treat the grade as your default stance and the note as your context check.
Let’s make your weekly lineup calls easy. In general, A means start with confidence, C is matchup-dependent, and F is a bench. Scroll for every position’s call, plus key notes that explain the “why” behind the grade. Prefer a curated view of only your roster? Sync your team for a personalized My Primer experience.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Rankings & Start/Sit Grades
To keep this fast and scannable, we’re leading with the overall Week 9 rankings. Below that, you’ll find each position (QB, RB, WR, TE, DST, K) broken out with letter grades and quick notes. Use the rankings for a top-down view, then jump to the position sections for the grades behind each call.
Week 9 Start/Sit Rankings
Week 9 Quarterback Start/Sit Grades
Caleb Williams (QB)
Caleb Williams has finished as the QB20 or lower in weekly scoring in three of his past four games. He’s the QB14 in fantasy points per game. During that stretch, he hasn’t managed more than 25 rushing yards in any game. Among 45 qualifying passers, Williams is one of the most inaccurate quarterbacks in the league, ranking 15th in yards per attempt, 39th in highly accurate throw rate, 41st in catchable target rate, and having the fifth-highest off-target rate. If the Bears don’t continue winning, don’t be surprised if we see Tyson Bagent this season. Cincy should act as a one-week cologne to cover Caleb Williams‘ smelly play on the football field. Since Week 4, the Bengals have allowed the third-highest yards per attempt, the fifth-most passing yards per game, the most passing touchdowns, and the second-highest success rate per dropback.
Joe Flacco (QB)
Joe Flacco is dealing with a shoulder injury. He had only one practice session this week (a limited practice on Thursday), but he sounds like he’ll suit up this week. During every interview I could find, he said that he felt good and had the candor of a player who’s gonna give it a go for Week 9. In two of his three starts with Cincy, he has been a QB1 in weekly fantasy scoring (QB6, QB7). Since Week 6, among 37 qualifying quarterbacks, Flacco ranks eighth in passing yards per game, seventh in highly accurate throw rate, 17th in catchable target rate, and 14th in passer rating. Flacco should flirt with QB1 production again this week. Since Week 4, Chicago has allowed the 12th-highest yards per attempt, the fifth-highest CPOE, and the seventh-highest success rate per dropback.
Bo Nix (QB)
The last two games for Bo Nix have dramatically helped his full-season totals as he’s now the QB7 in fantasy points per game. As a passer, his numbers are still rough to look at. Among 45 qualifying passers, Nix ranks 32nd in yards per attempt, 27th in highly accurate throw rate, 40th in catchable target rate, and he has the 11th-highest off-target rate. I don’t want to play Nix this week unless I’m out of other options. Since Week 4, Houston has been a shutdown pass defense, allowing the second-lowest yards per attempt and CPOE, and the lowest passing yards per game and success rate per dropback. Nix will have to display some 2024 magic this week to overcome this matchup.
C.J. Stroud (QB)
C.J. Stroud has had encouraging QB1 outings in two of his last three games (QB1, QB11), but he’s still the QB16 in fantasy points per game, and that’s how he should be viewed this week as a QB2 in fantasy. Among 45 qualifying passers, Stroud ranks 27th in yards per attempt, 24th in highly accurate throw rate, 26th in catchable target rate, and he has the seventh-highest off-target rate. Despite losing Patrick Surtain, Denver will still field one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. Since Week 4, they have held passers to the seventh-fewest yards per attempt, the sixth-fewest passing yards per game, the lowest CPOE, and the second-lowest success rate per dropback.
Jaxson Dart (QB)
Since Week 4, Jaxson Dart has been the QB6 in fantasy points per game. Over the last two weeks, his rushing production has dropped off with only 5.5 rushing attempts and 14 rushing yards per game after starting his NFL career with at least 54 rushing yards in each of his first three games. Dart has scored on the ground in four of five games. I don’t see his rushing touchdown equity going away, though. Among 45 qualifying passers, he ranks 28th in yards per attempt, 37th in highly accurate throw rate, ninth in hero throw rate, and 24th in catchable target rate. Dart should have another strong game in Week 9. The 49ers’ pass defense has been struggling. Since Week 4, they have allowed the sixth-most yards per attempt, the fourth-most passing yards per game, the ninth-highest passer rating, and the fifth-highest success rate per dropback. During that stretch, San Francisco also ranks dead last in pressure rate, so Dart should have time to deal from the pocket.
Week 9 Wide Receiver Start/Sit Grades
Wan’Dale Robinson (WR)
Since Week 4, Wan’Dale Robinson has had a 22.9% target share, 54.2 receiving yards per game (1.69 yards per route run), and a 23.7% first-read share as the WR44 in fantasy points per game. In those five games, he has four red zone targets and five deep targets. This week, he’ll face a 49ers’ secondary that, since Week 6, has utilized single high at the seventh-highest rate (60.6%). Since Week 4, against single high, has tied for second on the team with a 19% target per route run rate against single high with 2.06 yards per route run. Robinson should have a banner week against a secondary that, since Week 4, has allowed the third-most receiving yards per game and fourth-most PPR points per target to slot receivers.
Jauan Jennings (WR)
Over the last two weeks, Jauan Jennings has retaken his WR1 in the 49ers’ offense. While the box scores haven’t been great, the market share usage has been there. Since Week 7, he has had a 24.1% target share with a 35.3% air-yard share while averaging 38 receiving yards (1.46 yards per route run) with a 38.9% first-read share. In those two games, he had one red zone target and three deep targets. Jennings is a strong flex play this week against a secondary that, since Week 4, has allowed the 12th-most PPR points per target and receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.
Alec Pierce (WR)
Alec Pierce has excelled as the team’s downfield threat as the WR47 in fantasy points per game with two top-36 weekly finishes (WR34, WR22). Pierce has a 17.5% target share with a 45.4% air-yard share (21.0 aDOT), 64.3 receiving yards per game (2.37 yards per route run), and a 20.9% first-read share. Pierce is a very strong flex play this week, and it all comes down to the coverage structure for Pittsburgh and their issues with defending the deep ball. Pierce leads the team with nine deep targets. Since Week 4, Pittsburgh has allowed the 12th-most deep passing yards per game and the ninth-highest passer rating to downfield targets. This week, he faces a Steelers’ secondary that has the third-highest single high rate in the NFL (63%). Against single high, Pierce has a 29.5% target share, 4.33 yards per route run, and a 33.3% first-read share. Pierce should crush this week against a secondary that, since Week 4, has allowed the second-most receiving yards per game and fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers.
Josh Downs (WR)
Josh Downs is the WR46 in fantasy points per game, earning a 16.8% target share with 36.6 receiving yards per game (1.84 yards per route run) and an 18.9% first-read share. He is tied for second on the team with seven red zone targets while also seeing three deep targets. This week, he faces a Steelers’ secondary that has the third-highest single high rate in the NFL (63%). Against single high, he is third on the team with a 23% target per route run rate, 1.84 yards per route run, and 0.37 fantasy points per route run. Downs is a strong flex play this week against a Steelers’ secondary that, since Week 4, has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards per game and the seventh-most PPR points per target to slot receivers.
Ladd McConkey (WR)
Ladd McConkey has turned it on since Week 5 as the WR6 in fantasy points per game. Since Week 5, he has had a 26.5% target share with 73.5 receiving yards per game, 2.01 yards per route run, and a 26.7% first-read share. Since Week 5, he has led the team with eight red zone targets and five deep targets. McConkey has had his issues with two high coverage during this hot streak, though, which will be a problem this week. Tennessee has the third-highest two-high rate in the NFL (59.9%). Since Week 5, against two high, McConkey has had a 24% target per route run rate (second on the team), but he’s only turned that into 1.25 yards per route run. McConkey should still be second in line for targets this week behind Keenan Allen. Toss out Tennessee’s numbers against slot receivers this season, as Roger McCreary was dealt. Samuel Womack III (career 67.6% catch rate and 106.6 passer rating) is set to take over as the new starting nickel for Tennessee. McConkey should have no issues getting open this week against him.
Chimere Dike (WR)
Last week, Chimere Dike was a full-time player with an 86% route share, a 21.1% target share, 93 receiving yards (2.51 yards per route run), and a 23.8% first-read share (second on the team). Across the last two games, he has one red zone target and two deep targets. Since Week 6, Los Angeles has utilized two high at the third highest rate (66.7%). Since Week 7, against two high, Dike has a 21% target per route run rate (second on the team) and 2.18 yards per route run. Strong numbers for the rookie. The Bolts have allowed the tenth-most PPR points per target to slot receivers this season. Dike is a solid flex play for Week 9.
Quentin Johnston (WR)
On most teams, I’m sitting Quentin Johnston this week. There’s a small avenue that could allow him to pay off in fantasy this week, but there’s also a mountain of recent evidence stacked against him that screams to sit him. Since his return to the lineup in Week 7, he hasn’t been the same player, only seeing a 6.3% target share with 15 receiving yards per game, 0.38 yards per route run, and a 6.8% first-read share. Those numbers are astronomically different than his pre-hamstring injury market share and production numbers. Even if I believed he was fully healthy right now, the coverage matchup is horrible for him this week. Tennessee has the third-highest two-high rate in the NFL (59.9%). Against two high, Johnston has only a 14% target per route run rate and 0.92 yards per route run. The only avenue that Johnston has this week to produce against Tennessee is with his downfield usage. He leads the team with ten deep targets. Since Week 4, Tennessee has allowed the second-highest deep completion rate and deep passer rating. Johnston is a dice roll flex only this week.
Elic Ayomanor (WR)
Elic Ayomanor is the WR59 in fantasy points per game, having surpassed 50 receiving yards in a game only twice this season. He hasn’t had a red zone target since Week 3. Ayomanor has a 16.4% target share, 1.12 yards per route run, and a 21.6% first-read share. He has only four red zone targets and seven deep targets this season. Since Week 6, Los Angeles has utilized two high at the third highest rate (66.7%). Against two high, Ayomanor has only an 18% target per route run rate and 0.75 yards per route run. Sit Ayomanor this week. Since Week 4, Los Angeles has held perimeter wide receivers to the 12th-fewest PPR points per target.
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Week 9 Running Back Start/Sit Grades
TreVeyon Henderson (RB)
I feel like I’m getting the label of being a “TreVeyon hater.” I don’t think that’s deserved at all. I have just tried to stay objective regarding the data and Henderson’s usage. I loved Henderson as a prospect, but it has been rocky so far. I know everyone will look at last week’s stat line of ten carries and 75 rushing yards and be over the moon for Henderson’s outlook this week with Rhamondre Stevenson out. Ok, let’s pop open the hood and look at last week’s game. Last week, Henderson played only 21.5% of the snaps with an 8.8% route share (only three routes). He did have three red zone carries to Stevenson’s two. With his ten carries last week, Henderson forced only one missed tackle (10% missed tackle rate) with 1.50 yards after contact per attempt. He had 6.0 yards before contact per attempt, which is insane, so basically Henderson got what was blocked and little else. That has been the case for the rest of the season as well. This season, Henderson has only an 8% missed tackle rate and 1.68 yards after contact per attempt. Among 40 qualifying backs, he ranks 36th and 39th in those categories. I don’t think Henderson will have the backfield all to himself this week, but he could lead the way. The Falcons are a nice matchup for him. Since Week 4, Atlanta has allowed the third-most rushing yards per game and the fifth-most yards after contact per attempt while also having the sixth-lowest stuff rate.
Ashton Jeanty (RB)
Ashton Jeanty is the RB17 in fantasy points per game, averaging 18 touches and 75.9 total yards. He ranks 12th in snap share, fourth in opportunity share, and tenth in red zone touches. Among 60 qualifying backs, Jeanty ranks tenth in missed tackle rate and 21st in yards after contact per attempt. Jeanty has a tough matchup this week that he’ll need all the volume he can muster to overcome, as his offensive line won’t be helping him much. Since Week 4, the Raiders have the eighth-lowest yards before contact per attempt. Since Week 4, Jacksonville has allowed the 12th-fewest rushing yards per game, the ninth-lowest explosive run rate, and the eighth-fewest yards after contact per attempt.
Travis Etienne Jr. (RB)
Travis Etienne is the RB20 in fantasy points per game, averaging 15.9 touches and 84.8 total yards. He is tenth in snap share, 19th in weighted opportunities, and 17th in red zone touches among running backs. Among 60 qualifying backs, Etienne ranks 19th in explosive run rate and 26th in yards after contact per attempt. The Raiders have toughened up as a run defense and present a sizable obstacle for Etienne this week. Since Week 4, the Raiders have allowed the fifth-lowest explosive run rate, the tenth-fewest rushing yards per game, and the fourth-lowest yards before contact per attempt. Etienne is a volume play that you hope gets into the end zone this week.
Kareem Hunt (RB)
Kareen Hunt will lead the backfield this week with Isiah Pacheco sidelined. He has averaged 8.8 touches and 37.7 total yards this season as the RB40 in fantasy points per game. Hunt has three top-24 weekly finishes this season already (RB22, RB8, RB12). Hunt hasn’t been impressive on a per-touch basis, with only a 10% missed tackle rate and 2.16 yards after contact per attempt. He could still have a strong fantasy day in Week 9 just based on volume and touchdown equity that he has in the offense. Hunt is tied for 15th in the NFL in rushing attempts inside the five-yard line. Since Week 4, Buffalo has allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game, the tenth-highest explosive run rate, and the second-highest missed tackle rate.
Kenneth Walker III (RB)
Since Week 4, Kenneth Walker has been the RB42 in fantasy points per game. The lack of a red zone role and touchdowns is crushing him. Since Week 4, he has averaged 14.8 touches and 74.8 total yards with a 43.1% snap rate, a 28.1% route share, and a 3.4% target share. He has only eight of 23 red zone running back rushing attempts in that span and zero touchdowns. Walker is fourth in explosive run rate and seventh in missed tackle rate, and it hasn’t mattered because Seattle has utilized him as the back in between the 20s. Walker will have to rip a long run to get in the end zone, but that could happen this week. Since Week 4, Washington has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards per game, the 11th-highest explosive run rate, the eighth-highest success rate, and the third-highest yards after contact per attempt.
Zach Charbonnet (RB)
Since Week 4, Zach Charbonnet has been the RB25 in fantasy points per game, which has been driven by four touchdowns in that span. During that stretch, he has averaged 12.8 touches and 46 total yards with 15 of 23 red zone running back rushing attempts. Since Week 4, he has had a 53.1% snap rate, a 43% route share, and a 5.9% target share. Charbonnet has a 14% missed tackle rate and 2.15 yards after contact per attempt. He is a borderline RB2 and, at the very least, a strong flex play with his red zone role. Since Week 4, Washington has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards per game, the 11th-highest explosive run rate, the eighth-highest success rate, and the third-highest yards after contact per attempt.
Week 9 Tight End Start/Sit Grades
T.J. Hockenson (TE)
T.J. Hockenson has been a massive disappointment as the TE24 in fantasy points per game. He has only one game this season where he has finished as a TE1 (TE5). Hockenson has seven red zone targets and zero deep targets this season. He has a 16.4% target share with 31.7 receiving yards per game (1.13 yards per route run), and a 15.6% first-read share. He could flirt with TE1 production this week against a defense that has allowed the 13th-most receiving yards per game and the 11th-highest yards per reception to tight ends.
Cole Kmet (TE)
Cole Kmet will be back this week. He could see his snaps and routes cut into more this week by Colston Loveland, but it’s also possible that he resumes his role as the leading tight end for the team, which would make him a deep streaming option this week. In Weeks 1-6, Kmet had a 63.4% route share, a 10.5% target share, 23.2 receiving yards per game (0.98 yards per route run), and an 8.9% first-read share. In those five games, Kmet had two red zone targets and three deep targets. Cincy has allowed the second-most receiving yards per game and the most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Theo Johnson (TE)
Since Week 4, Theo Johnson has been the TE11 in fantasy points per game, drawing an 18.8% target share with 32.6 receiving yards per game (1.22 yards per route run) and a 22.6% first-read share. In those five games, he has had five red zone targets and a deep target. Johnson is best left on the bench this week. San Francisco has allowed the tenth-fewest receiving yards per game and the 13th-fewest yards per reception and schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends.
Oronde Gadsden II (TE)
Since taking over as a full-time starter in Week 6, Oronde Gadsden II has been the TE3 in fantasy points per game. Across the last three weeks, he has had a 17.8% target share with 103 receiving yards per game (2.94 yards per route run), and a 23.8% first-read share. Since Week 6, he has had six red zone targets and three deep targets. Tennessee has the third-highest two-high rate in the NFL (59.9%). Since Week 6, against two high, Gadsden ll has been third on the team with a 23% target per route run rate and leading the way with 2.84 yards per route run. Keep your expectations in check for the talented rookie this week against a defense that has held tight ends to the eighth-fewest yards per reception, the ninth-fewest receiving yards per game, and the seventh-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game.
Week 9 Defense / Special Teams Start/Sit Grades
Rank
Grade
Name
Team
Position
Opp
Kickoff
1
A+
Los Angeles Rams
LAR
DST
vs NO
Sun 4:05pm ET
2
A
Los Angeles Chargers
LAC
DST
@ TEN
Sun 1:00pm ET
3
A-
Green Bay Packers
GB
DST
vs CAR
Sun 1:00pm ET
4
B+
Detroit Lions
DET
DST
vs MIN
Sun 1:00pm ET
5
B+
Denver Broncos
DEN
DST
@ HOU
Sun 1:00pm ET
6
B+
New England Patriots
NE
DST
vs ATL
Sun 1:00pm ET
7
B
Jacksonville Jaguars
JAC
DST
@ LV
Sun 4:05pm ET
8
B
Seattle Seahawks
SEA
DST
@ WAS
Sun 8:20pm ET
9
B
Baltimore Ravens
BAL
DST
@ MIA
Thu 8:15pm ET
10
B-
Houston Texans
HOU
DST
vs DEN
Sun 1:00pm ET
11
B-
San Francisco 49ers
SF
DST
@ NYG
Sun 1:00pm ET
12
C+
Chicago Bears
CHI
DST
@ CIN
Sun 1:00pm ET
13
C+
Indianapolis Colts
IND
DST
@ PIT
Sun 1:00pm ET
14
C
Atlanta Falcons
ATL
DST
@ NE
Sun 1:00pm ET
15
C
New York Giants
NYG
DST
vs SF
Sun 1:00pm ET
16
C-
Washington Commanders
WAS
DST
vs SEA
Sun 8:20pm ET
17
C-
Cincinnati Bengals
CIN
DST
vs CHI
Sun 1:00pm ET
18
D+
Kansas City Chiefs
KC
DST
@ BUF
Sun 4:25pm ET
19
D
Buffalo Bills
BUF
DST
vs KC
Sun 4:25pm ET
20
D
Las Vegas Raiders
LV
DST
vs JAC
Sun 4:05pm ET
21
D-
Minnesota Vikings
MIN
DST
@ DET
Sun 1:00pm ET
22
D-
Pittsburgh Steelers
PIT
DST
vs IND
Sun 1:00pm ET
23
F
Dallas Cowboys
DAL
DST
vs ARI
Mon 8:15pm ET
24
F
Tennessee Titans
TEN
DST
vs LAC
Sun 1:00pm ET
25
F
Arizona Cardinals
ARI
DST
@ DAL
Mon 8:15pm ET
26
F
Carolina Panthers
CAR
DST
@ GB
Sun 1:00pm ET
27
F
New Orleans Saints
NO
DST
@ LAR
Sun 4:05pm ET
28
F
Miami Dolphins
MIA
DST
vs BAL
Thu 8:15pm ET
Week 9 Kicker Start/Sit Grades
