Start:

  • Jonnu Smith, TE, Tennessee Titans

Tennessee looks to be without starting TE Delanie Walker once again, which opens the door for another strong performance from Jonnu Smith. With 9 receptions, 142 yards and one score over the last two weeks, Jonnu Smith is a very viable starter this week. His match up against the Panthers isn’t ideal, but new starting QB Ryan Tannehill has shown that Smith is one of his go-to targets. If you roster Delanie Walker or any TE on a BYE, look no further than Jonnu Smith. 

  • David Montgomery, RB, Chicago Bears

Coming off of a monster performance last week in the loss vs the Chargers, David Montgomery looks to continue his strong play against the Eagles this week. The Eagles rank 6th in the league against opposing running backs, but Montgomery just logged his most snaps yet in any game. Matt Nagy knows he needs Montgomery on the field, especially if they want to establish any presence on the ground. Tarik Cohen will still be a factor in the passing game, but as long as the Bears aren’t down big early, Montgomery will be the Bears RB you want. 

Sit:

  • LeSean McCoy, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

With four straight games of less than 10 Fantasy Points (.5 PPR), there is no way you can trust McCoy in fantasy. It seems as though Matt Moore will remain the starter in week 9 against the Vikings, which doesn’t help McCoy’s value whatsoever. The Vikings defense has been sturdy against the run, ranking 5th in the league against opposing RB’s, but their secondary has struggled heavily. WIth this in mind, McCoy should remain on your bench in week 9. 

  • Peyton Barber/Ronald Jones II, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With a match up against the Seahawks in Seattle, the Bucs will be leaning on the passing game to produce points. Tampa Bay holds the 5th highest pass percentage when on the road, which shows how their play calling has been this year. Expect the Seahawks to jump out to an early lead, with Jameis having to air it out to make it close in the second half. 

Love:

  • Josh Jacobs, RB, Oakland Raiders

With four straight games with over 15 carries, Josh Jacobs has a solidified floor each and every week. His week 9 matchup offers enticing fantasy value, as the Lions rank 31st against RB’s. His current fantasy projection is 16.5 points (.5 PPR) which is already high, but expect to see a lot of Jacobs this week. Expect Jacobs to total over 100 yards and at least one touchdown here against the struggling Lions defense. 

  • Amari Cooper, WR, Dallas Cowboys

In a primetime match up against the reeling Giants, I love Cooper against the 3rd worst defense against opposing WR’s. Cooper has totaled over 12.4 points in all but two performances this year, one of which he got hurt early in the game. Expect Cooper to exceed his projection at 12.6, with around 100 total yards and a touchdown. 

Hate:

  • Mark Ingram, RB, Baltimore Ravens

It’s tough to have faith starting anyone against the Patriots, as their defense has been historic so far this season. Mark Ingram has been great so far this year for the Ravens, but his snap and touch count per game has been on the decline the last four weeks. With a lower projection of 10.8, I still can’t see Ingram getting to double digits unless he falls into the end zone. If anyone will score on the ground this week, it will be Lamar Jackson.

  • Dwayne Haskins, QB, Washington Redskins

With Haskins being named the week 9 starter and a match up against the Bills in Buffalo, the question of Haskins fantasy value becomes relevant. Although he definitely has the skills to produce, this week won’t be it. The Bills have one of the best defensive units in the league, ranking 5th against QB’s. Stay away from Haskins for now, as there are many better QB options on the waiver wire.