Welcome to Week 9 of Money Makers and Heart Breakers, where building a Sunday main slate lineup sounds like child’s play until your expensive receiver finishes with two catches. (yes, this has happened to me) Let’s follow the volume, find the matchups, and keep our salary cap from becoming a nursery crime.
Stacks, sleepers, starts and sits, starts and sits,
Stacks, sleepers, starts and sits, starts and sits,
Find the targets, find the touches, make ’em fit,
Stacks, sleepers, starts and sits, starts and sits!
Sacks, fumbles, picks and groans, picks and groans,
Sacks, fumbles, picks and groans, picks and groans,
My bargain flex has left me crying all alone,
Sacks, fumbles, picks and groans, picks and groans!
– To the tune of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.”
Now let’s get out there and shake that money maker to break some hearts in Week 9!
More Fantasy Football Fun!: | Sneaky Starts | Fantasy Football Waiver Wire | Weekly Sleepers & Streamers | Starts & Sits | Skrip’s Week Winners | Players You Can Drop | NFL DFS | NFL Player Props | IDP Analysis | Bold Predictions | Re-Draft Trade Targets | Survivor Picks | NFL Injury Report | Dynasty Trade Targets | Dynasty Risers and Fallers | Weekly Rankings | Game Previews
Money Makers and Heartbreakers for Week 9 NFL DFS
💰 Money Maker – A player expected to outperform his salary and ownership.
💔 Heart Breaker – A popular or appealing option who may produce below expectations.
💰 Money Makers
Quarterbacks
Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
The Raiders allow the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Quarterbacks average 20.58 per game against them, making this a good spot for Purdy to improve on his one-touchdown performances in his last two outings. Las Vegas has given up a 103.2 passer rating, the third-worst in the league. Stack him with Kittle and enjoy the outcome.
- FanDuel: $8,500
- DraftKings: $6,800
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
The Dolphins are up in Week 9, and Miami allows the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing teams’ quarterbacks. This game has a 50.5-point over/under, suggesting a potential shootout. Goff is projected for approximately 300 passing yards and two touchdowns. This is a high-floor, high-ceiling week for Goff.
- FanDuel: $7,700
- DraftKings: $6,600
Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins
What are you talking about Reedy? Malik Willis? As an actual fantasy play? Look, if you want a cheaper option in the potential shootout, we have Willis. Detroit gives up the most fantasy points to opposing teams’ quarterbacks. Quarterbacks average 25.45 fantasy points per game against the Lions. Willis has multiple touchdowns in each of his past three games. Two of those are rushing touchdowns, and 5 more are passing. This is a great week to plug Willis in.
NOTE: Most of my Willis jokes are about the TV show Different Strokes, and I don’t think any of you are old enough to remember it. So, the joke is on me.
- FanDuel: $6,500
- DraftKings: $5,100
Drew Lock, Seattle Seahawks
- FanDuel: $6,300
- DraftKings: $4,000
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
- FanDuel: $7,500
- DraftKings: $6,200
Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts
- FanDuel: $6,400
- DraftKings: $4,700
Quarterback Notes: Drew Lock gets an Arizona defense allowing the second-most quarterback points and offers tournament value at $4,000 on DraftKings. Pairing him with Smith-Njigba for exposure to Seattle’s passing game. Matthew Stafford faces Washington, which allows the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, giving him rebound potential after consecutive games below 200 passing yards. Daniel Jones draws a Dallas defense, allowing the sixth-most quarterback points after surrendering three touchdown passes to Minshew last week. If Jones is playing, he is a nice tournament play in Week 9
Running Backs
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
Does anyone need reasons to play Gibbs? Gibbs handled 25 touches in Week 8 after recording 34 in Week 7. That is the kind of volume I want when spending this much salary in DFS. The Dolphins give up the sixth-most running-back fantasy points weekly. Running backs average 105 yards rushing and another 40 yards receiving against the Dolphins. He is going to get you fantasy points by land and by air in Week 9.
- FanDuel: $10,200
- DraftKings: $10,000
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
If McCaffrey is cleared for his usual role, this matchup is worth paying for. Las Vegas allows the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing teams’ running backs. The Raiders have given up a rushing touchdown in 5 straight games. Running backs average 5.31 yards per carry against the Raiders. McCaffrey isn’t going because of his hamstring; watch for this. I would pivot to Kaelon Black here. The matchup is simply too good to pass on.
- FanDuel: $8,700
- DraftKings: $8,000
Jonah Coleman, Denver Broncos
Coleman turned 15 Week 8 touches into 104 scrimmage yards and a touchdown; he also caught four of five targets. Jonah played approximately 68% of Denver’s snaps and accounted for 70% of the backfield’s opportunities. The Panthers are up in Week 9, and Carolina allows the second-most fantasy points to opposing teams’ running backs. Boom Shaka Laka baby, Coleman is the Chief Rocka in the Broncos backfield.
- FanDuel: $6,300
- DraftKings: $5,300
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
- FanDuel: $8,300
- DraftKings: $7,500
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys
- FanDuel: $7,700
- DraftKings: $7,300
Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns
- FanDuel: $6,700
- DraftKings: $5,400
Running Back Notes: Jonathan Taylor gets rebound potential against Dallas, which allows the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Dallas gave up 191 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns to Tyler Allgeier in Week 8. Unless he gets traded, Taylor is in a great spot in Week 9. Javonte Williams has handled 25 touches in consecutive games and faces an Indianapolis defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to running backs. With a great matchup and massive volume, Williams is a nice play in Week 9. Quinshon Judkins gets the most generous running-back matchup in New Orleans after managing just 25 yards last week. Against the Saints, Dylan Sampson also has a chance to produce.
Wide Receivers
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
Smith-Njigba has 39 targets over his last three games, including 11 in Week 8. Arizona allows the 10th-most fantasy points to wide receivers. Even with Drew Lock starting in Week 9, which creates some quarterback uncertainty, Smith-Njigba remains a stud in a great matchup. With Lock at the helm in Week 2, JSN posted 11 targets, 9 receptions, 155 yards, and 3 touchdowns. I wouldn’t let the quarterback change scare me off him.
- FanDuel: $9,500
- DraftKings: $9,300
Malik Nabers, New York Giants
Nabers drew 15 targets in Week 6 and nine in Week 7, with the latter representing 32% of the Giants’ targets, according to our Wide Receiver and Tight End Starts-and-Sits notes. Philadelphia allows the most fantasy points to wide receivers. Through 8 games, eleven different wide receivers have broken double-digit fantasy scores against the Eagles. Wide receivers average 183 yards and 1.3 touchdowns per game against the Eagles. Nabers to the moon could be an understatement this week.
- FanDuel: $7,800
- DraftKings: $7,300
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers
The Texans are up in Week 9. Houston allows the second-most wide receiver fantasy points per week. McConkey is a matchup-based tournament or cash option. He produced 86 receiving yards in Week 8 on 6 targets. We should expect Ladd to get another 6 or so targets this week in a much easier matchup. Ah, Laddy me boy, this is the week you find the end of the rainbow.
- FanDuel: $6,200
- DraftKings: $5,500
Mike Evans, San Francisco 49ers
- FanDuel: $7,600
- DraftKings: $6,500
Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins
- FanDuel: $5,700
- DraftKings: $4,700
Caleb Douglas, Miami Dolphins vs. Detroit Lions
- FanDuel: $5,200
- DraftKings: $4,200
Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers
- FanDuel: $6,800
- DraftKings: $7,000
Wide Receiver Notes: Mike Evans offers tournament upside against a Raiders defense that allows the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing teams’ wide receivers, provided he is healthy enough to play his usual receiving role. Malik Washington is an affordable Willis stacking partner against Detroit, which allows the fifth-most WR fantasy points, although competition limits his target ceiling. Caleb Douglas gets that same favorable matchup after catching four of six targets for 43 yards in Week 8; at $4,200 on DraftKings, he offers inexpensive tournament upside. Matthew Golden brings the strongest volume foundation, with 38 targets and a 32% target share over his last three games. New England allows the 11th-most receiver points, making Golden a strong play even if Christian Watson suits up.
Tight Ends
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Kittle drew eight and 10 targets in his two games before the bye and now faces a Raiders defense allowing the fourth-most tight-end points, 14.76 per game. He has reached at least 69 receiving yards in all but two appearances this season. The workload gives him a receiving foundation beyond touchdown hunting, and he is my preferred premium tight-end partner for Purdy. Yahoo! Sports
- FanDuel: $6,700
- DraftKings: $6,000
Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns
Fannin followed nine targets in Week 7 with 12 targets and 154 yards in Week 8. Those 21 targets over two games are why I’m interested; another 154-yard afternoon is not required. New Orleans gives up the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Remember, F is for Fannin and one of my favorite fantasy plays this week.
- FanDuel: $5,600
- DraftKings: $4,700
Greg Dulcich, Miami Dolphins
Dulcich had six targets in Week 8 and has caught at least four passes in three straight games. Detroit allows the most fantasy points to tight ends. Tight ends score 23.56 points per game against the Lions, a full 6.05 points more than the second most generous defense. That is a huge matchup advantage attached to an actual receiving role.
- FanDuel: $4,900
- DraftKings: $3,100
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions
- FanDuel: $5,700
- DraftKings: $5,100
Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams
- FanDuel: $5,000
- DraftKings: $3,000
AJ Barner, Seattle Seahawks
- FanDuel: $5,000
- DraftKings: $3,800
Tight End Notes: Sam LaPorta gets rebound potential against Miami, which allows the third-most tight-end fantasy points and has surrendered six touchdowns to the position. After just 53 yards over Detroit’s last two games, this matchup makes him a good Goff stacking partner in tournaments. Colby Parkinson drew six targets in each of Weeks 6 and 7 and faces Washington, which allows the second-most fantasy points to opposing teams’ tight ends. That is, if Parkinson is healthy. AJ Barner goes up against an Arizona defense allowing the eighth-most tight-end fantasy points, making him a matchup-based, touchdown-dependent play in Week 9. But he is still a good tournament play.
Defenses
Houston Texans
The Chargers are up in Week 9, and they allow the most fantasy points to opposing teams D/ST’s. The Texans have the best matchup on the main slate. Justin Herbert has protection and turnover issues, which gives a fantasy defense two paths to points, and a Texans lead could force more obvious passing situations. The Chargers also just plain struggle to score points, which makes it easier for a defense to have a good day against them in fantasy.
- FanDuel: $5,000
- DraftKings: $3,500
Dallas Cowboys
Indianapolis allows the second-most opposing D/ST points, at 9.38 per game, putting Dallas in play despite its own defensive limitations. The Cowboys are approximately six-point favorites, creating a path to pressure opportunities if Indianapolis must chase the game. The Colts’ offensive line is porous, having allowed 14 sacks in the past 3 games. Danny Jones will be limping around for his life.
- FanDuel: $4,300
- DraftKings: $3,200
New Orleans Saints
The Saints play the Browns in Week 9. Cleveland allows the third-most fantasy points to opposing D/STs, and New Orleans offers the least expensive defense in this group on both sites. The Browns give up the most sacks per game; defenses average 4 sacks per game against the Browns. The Saints will come marching straight through the Browns’ offensive line.
- FanDuel: $3,600
- DraftKings: $2,900
Check out all of our Week 9 Rankings: Flex Rankings | QB Rankings | RB Rankings | WR Rankings | TE Rankings | MOP Rankings
💔 Heart Breakers
Quarterbacks
Gardiner Minshew, Arizona Cardinals
Three touchdowns in relief against Dallas will attract attention, but Seattle is a much harder test. The Seahawks give up the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing teams’ quarterbacks. On top of the tough matchup, Michael Wilson’s rib injury adds uncertainty to Arizona’s receiving options. From we have Minshew sadness in Week 9.
Geno Smith, New York Jets
Geno has had multiple games of good production in a row. That makes him a tempting play in Week 9. The Jets play the Chiefs, and Kansas City is the third-toughest defense against quarterbacks. Matchups matter for most players, and Geno isn’t special. The matchup matters.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots
I love Drake Maye. That is correct; I am a card-carrying Drake Maye fan. I have been arrested multiple times for standing outside his house and just staring at it. If you have Drake Maye in season-long, you are playing him. In DFS, don’t. The Packers are up, and they give up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing teams’ quarterbacks. The Patriots have a lot of injuries in the receiver room. I just can’t pay up for him this week, and it hurts.
Running Backs
Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers
Jacobs had a massive 27 touches in Week 8. I love volume like that. But the Patriots are up in Week 9. New England will make Week 9 harder for Jacobs. The Patriots give up the sixth fewest fantasy points to running backs. No running back has managed over 78 yards rushing against the Patriots, and none have over 50 yards receiving.
Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
Williams has a tough matchup in Week 9. The Commanders have allowed only three double-digit fantasy-point games to running backs this season. Corum seems to be nibbling into his touches. He is another player I’ll include in my season-long lineups, but not DFS.
Rachaad White, Washington Commanders
On the other side of the ball, we have White. His receiving work can help, but this is a tough Week 9 matchup against the Rams. The Rams give up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing teams’ running backs. The Commanders offense does not inspire me to play White in Week 9.
Wide Receivers
Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals
In Week 8, Wilson had 15 targets; that volume will make him playable in season-long formats. But broken ribs and the toughest WR matchup possible make this a difficult DFS investment. I hope he plays and is productive; I love the Michael Wilson story. Banged-up ribs and the toughest matchup there is make me say stay away.
Adonai Mitchell, New York Jets
Mitchell had a great game in Week 8: Nine targets and 142 yards. That was last week; this is this week. The Chiefs are up, and they give up the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing teams’ wide receivers. So, we take the tough matchup and the carousel of targets for the Jets, and we avoid.
Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions
Williams is having a great season. His downfield role provides tournament upside; the Patriots exposed the Dolphins with deep balls last week. So there is hope. But hope is not a strategy, and typically teams get up on the Dolphins and run. The Dolphins also struggle to defend short intermediate passes, so Jamo is only a tournament play for me in Week 9.
Tight Ends
Hunter Henry and Eli Raridon, New England Patriots
The Packers give up the fewest fantasy points to tight ends. The Patriots tight ends tend to play well in easy matchups. To top that off, Henry has a foot injury. Even if active, he needs convincing practice progress before I’d trust his normal workload. If he is out, Raridon inherits the same tough matchup. Yuck.
Isaiah Likely, New York Giants
With JJ McCarthy, he isn’t seeing the volume he had consistently. The Eagles are up in Week 9. They give up the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing teams’ tight ends. If Likely is lined up wide often, maybe, just maybe, there is a chance. But this looks more like a Malik Nabers game to me.
Oronde Gadsden, Los Angeles Chargers
I hate spelling this guy’s last name; I get it wrong every time. I simply don’t like that second D. Speaking of D’s, the Chargers play the Texans in Week 9, and the Texans’ D gives up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing teams’ tight ends. He isn’t heavily involved in the offense, the matchup is tough, and his last name is weird to spell; there is literally nothing to like here.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 9 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!
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