Eight weeks of football is in the books. National tight end day was a smashing success. 15 total touchdowns were scored across the position (most since 2022). As impressive a feat as that is, something even better happened. The Caleb Williams-Jayden Daniels matchup had one of the greatest finishes in recent memory. Daniels won the game on an improbable 52-yard Hail Mary pass to Noah Brown. I am still speechless over that moment. As the clocks fall back for Week 9, it gives us DFS fanatics an extra hour to prepare for this amazing 12-game slate. I have done the research to identify my top three cash and GPP plays at the skilled positions, top positional fade, and top stacks to help YOU win big. Without further ado, it’s time to go over the Week 9 NFL DraftKings picks for the main slate.
Week 9 NFL DFS Picks for the DK Main Slate
Quarterbacks
Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI): DK $7,800 vs. JAC (Cash)
Since returning from his Week 6 bye, Jalen Hurts has posted 20+ DK in three straight games. Hurts was Week 8’s QB1 with four combined touchdowns (three rushing, one passing). A Week 9 matchup against Jacksonville puts Hurts in prime position to be QB1 for the second consecutive week. The Jaguars allow the second most DK points to QBs with 23.9 per game (per Pro Football Reference). Philadelphia is tied for the fifth-highest implied team total of 26.5 and are (-7.5) point home favorites. Hurts is my favorite dual-threat play on the slate.
Dak Prescott (QB – DAL): DK $6,300 at ATL (Cash)
Coming off of two straight losses, the Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads with a 3-4 record. This week in Atlanta is make or break. Dak Prescott is on record saying “Jump off if you want”. The Cowboys-Falcons matchup has the highest over/under of the week (52). I encourage everyone to stay in on Prescott. The Falcons give up the ninth most DK points to QBs (per Pro Football Reference). Dallas are (+3) point road underdogs but I am picking them to win this game behind a strong performance from Prescott.
Derek Carr (QB – NO): DK $5,600 at CAR (GPP)
After missing the last three games Derek Carr is back in action. New Orleans has taken a nosedive with a six-game losing streak. Carr will go overlooked this week being priced between Trevor Lawrence and Drake Maye. Carr’s matchup against Carolina is a good one. The Panthers allow the fifth most DK points to QBs with 20.9 per game (per Pro Football Reference). Carr’s affordable salary provides top 12 upside with savings to spend up at other positions.
Geno Smith (QB – SEA): DK $5,800 vs. LAR (Fade)
As the NFC West heats up this game between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks is a big one. Geno Smith has three 20+ DK scoring games on the season but I do not see such an output happening this week. On the season Los Angeles gives up the 11th fewest DK points to QBs (per Pro Football Reference). Furthermore, Smith will be without playmaker DK Metcalf for a second straight week. For $300 more DK pivot to Caleb Williams.
Running Backs
James Conner (RB – ARI): DK $6,600 vs. CHI (GPP)
Out of all the games this week the Bears-Cardinals intrigues me the most. I believe there is shootout potential and leverage to be had against the field. Most weeks James Conner is usually a contrarian pick because he is not flashy and sexier options are priced around him. Check this out, Conner leads the NFL with 54 missed tackles forced (per PFF). Conner is currently the 2024 RB13 averaging 20 touches per game. On paper, the matchup against Chicago is not ideal. The Bears are sixth against opposing RBs (per Pro Football Reference). However, Conner’s pass-catching ability makes him game script-proof. Arizona are (-1.5) point home favorites. Conner will continue to dominate as the team’s workhorse. Play him with confidence.
David Montgomery (RB – DET): DK $6,500 at GB (Cash)
America’s game of the week features the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. It is a battle of first place in the NFC North. Rain is expected which means David Montgomery will be busy toting the rock. Montgomery has had 139 carries for 646 yards and has scored seven touchdowns in nine games versus the Packers in his career (per statmuse.com). Detroit are (-2.5) point road favorites. While fellow teammate Jahmyr Gibbs has been tearing it up recently, Montgomery will have his turn this week versus a middle-of-the-pack Packers run defense.
Chase Brown (RB – CIN): DK $5,900 vs. LV (Cash)
With Zack Moss ruled out with a neck injury, Chase Brown has a huge opportunity to seize the backfield. Brown has flashed this season scoring double-digit DK points in four out of eight games. Brown’s matchup against Las Vegas is superb. The Raiders give up the ninth most DK points to RBs (per Pro Football Reference). If everything goes the way it should, Brown will finish as a top-12 RB.
Travis Etienne (RB – JAC): DK $5,900 at PHI (Fade)
Currently, Travis Etienne is questionable for Sunday’s game at Philadelphia. Etienne has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. If either Etienne or Tank Bigsby can play, the matchup is not good. The Eagles allow the fourth-fewest DK points to RBs (per Pro Football Reference). In addition, the emergence of Bigsby has the Jags RB room looking more like a committee. For $400 less DK give me Tyrone Tracy in a better matchup.
Wide Receivers
A.J. Brown (WR – PHI): DK $8,100 vs JAC (Cash)
In four games played this year, A.J. Brown has scored double-digit DK points. Brown has a wonderful chance to keep the streak going this week against Jacksonville. The Jaguars give up the fourth most DK points to WRs with 40.7 per game (per Pro Football Reference). I truly believe Brown is going to break the slate and finish as the top overall scorer. Enjoy the $700 DK discount from Lamb and make sure to get Brown in your lineup(s).
Jayden Reed (WR – GB): DK $6,400 vs. DET (GPP)
Feels like it has been a while since Jayden Reed experienced a spike week. To be exact, Reed has not scored over 15 DK points since Week 4. Jordan Love spreads the ball so much it is a challenge for Reed to see consistent targets. That could change for this week against Detroit. The Lions struggle with guarding slot WRs. They allow the eleventh most DK points to WRs (per Pro Football Reference). Green Bay are (+2.5) point home dogs which means Love will be throwing to keep up. Reed will be the main beneficiary of the Packers’ passing attack.
Jalen Coker (WR – CAR): DK $3,600 vs. NO (Cash)
Perhaps the stars are truly aligning for one Jalen Coker. Earlier this week Diontae Johnson was traded from Carolina to Baltimore. Later on in the week, New Orleans ruled out both Marshon Lattimore and Kool-Aid McKinstry. Although Bryce Young is the starter, Coker is in line for a bigger role moving forward. Last week Coker played 69% of snaps. The Saints are giving up the eighth most DK points to WRs (per Pro Football Reference). Coker will be popular in contests but he is good chalk in my opinion.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – ARI): DK $6,900 vs. CHI (Fade)
As I have stated earlier, I really like the Bears-Cardinals game. Unfortunately, Marvin Harrison Jr. is someone I do not have interest in. Last week against Miami, Harrison was the WR5 with six receptions, 111 yards, and a touchdown. The Chicago defense is a different story. The Bears surrender the sixth fewest DK points to WRs (per Pro Football Reference). For $200 less DK give me Drake London in a better game environment.
Tight Ends
Jake Ferguson (TE – DAL): DK $5,100 at ATL (Cash)
Jake Ferguson has been quiet statistically the past few weeks but that is about to change. Ferguson enters a great matchup environment against the Falcons. Last week Cade Otton finished as the TE1 with 10 targets, nine catches, 81 yards, and two touchdowns. With Dallas being top 10 in pass attempts, I expect Ferguson to finish as a top five TE play.
Sam LaPorta (TE – DET): DK $4,800 at GB (Cash)
With Jameson Williams serving his two-game suspension for PES, Sam LaPorta took full advantage of his opportunities. Against Tennessee, LaPorta finished as TE8 with 6 targets, 6 receptions, 48 yards, and a touchdown. This week LaPorta has a plus matchup versus Green Bay. The Packers allow the 11th most DK points to TEs. Jared Goff will need to hit LaPorta often to avoid the pressure from Green Bay’s defensive front. Fire up LaPorta with confidence.
Mike Gesicki (TE – CIN): DK $3,100 vs. LV (GPP)
With Tee Higgins expected to miss another game Mike Gesicki has another chance to produce. Last week against Philadelphia Gesicki was the TE13 with seven catches for 73 yards. Las Vegas surrenders the 14th most DK points to TEs (per Pro Football Reference). While many will pay up for TE this week, Gesicki is a solid play with upside.
Tucker Kraft (TE – GB): DK $4,600 vs. DET (Fade)
At a position so volatile Tucker Kraft has really been consistent scoring double-digit DK points in four out of the last five weeks. However, the matchup against Detroit is not good. The Lions allow the second-fewest DK points to TEs with 7.2 per game (per Pro Football Reference). In a better spot, I would rather play Cole Kmet for $200 less DK.
Check out all of our Week 9 Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | Flex
Top Stacks
1. Bills-Josh Allen, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman
2. Cowboys-Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson
3. Packers-Jordan Love, Jordan Reed, Romeo Doubs
4. Eagles-Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith
5. Cardinals-Kyler Murray, James Conner, Trey McBride
Make sure to check out all of our Week 9 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!