Week 7 of the NFL season was summarized by many unexpected high-scoring performances. Both D’Onta Foreman and Tony Pollard scored over 30 fantasy points in relief of Ezekiel Elliott. Alvin Kamara, who had not scored a touchdown going into this week, scored three against Las Vegas. Lastly, Christian McCaffrey proved he is the best running back in fantasy football as he caught, ran, and threw for a touchdown showing off his elite versatility in the process.
Week 9 will hopefully bring another entertaining slate of games headlined by what should be a divisional dogfight between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals. In this article, I will try to pinpoint some of the best performances and pickups for the week to help you set your lineup.
Quarterback:
Start of the Week: Justin Herbert LAC
Justin Herbert and the LA Chargers offense had been rolling up to the bye, and he is a big reason why they are in the early playoff race. Herbert plays the Atlanta Falcons this week in a game with one of the highest over/under totals of the week at 48.5. The Falcons are allowing the second most points per game to opposing quarterbacks, so the Chargers’ passing game should have a field day.
HM: Aaron Rodgers GB, Trevor Lawrence JAC
Waiver Priority: Jimmy Garoppolo SF
Jimmy Garoppolo has quietly been highly consistent since he took over the starting job. The San Francisco quarterback has scored between 16 and 19 points in each of his last four games. The 49ers do have a bye next week, but after they have a potential shootout against the LA Chargers. If you have the spot and need a quarterback in week 10, Garoppolo needs to be at the top of your priority list.
HM: Marcus Mariota ATL, Andy Dalton NO
Running Back:
Start of the Week: Miles Sanders PHI
Miles Sanders has been relatively up and down this season despite getting a healthy workload. However, Sanders and the Philadelphia Eagles are playing the Houston Texans on Thursday Night. Houston just gave up over 200 rushing yards to Derrick Henry, and no one will be surprised if the Eagles pound the rock in a game that will likely be a blowout. Start Miles Sanders with confidence this week, and this is his best matchup of the season.
HM: Travis Etienne JAC, Raheem Mostert MIA
Waiver Priority: Jaylen Warren PIT
Jaylen Warren is owned in less than 5% of leagues, and if you are in a deeper league, you need to get him immediately. He is clearly more efficient than Najee Harris, and it is only a matter of time before he starts to take over that backfield. Jaylen Warren is the type of guy, who we would all look back on as someone who was a major league winner and should be added everywhere where there is room.
HM: Rachaad White TB, Kyren Williams LAR
Wide Receiver:
Start of the Week: Keenan Allen LAC
Keenan Allen has not been himself for most of the season due to a nagging hamstring injury. However, he is playing a very weak Atlanta Falcons secondary who are giving up the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. This could be Keenan Allen’s breakout week, especially with Mike Williams dealing with an injury, and he should be started confidently.
HM: Chris Godwin TB, Davante Adams LV
Waiver Priority: Rondale Moore ARI
Rondale Moore broke out this week as he caught seven passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. The former second-round pick is starting to become the clear wide receiver two for the Arizona Cardinals, and he is only owned in 45% of leagues. Moore is a must-own, no matter the format, as he will continue to get peppered with targets.
HM: Donovan Peoples-Jones CLE, Joshua Palmer LAC
Tight End:
Start of the Week: Zach Ertz ARI
Zach Ertz takes this spot again as he plays against another poor defense in the Seattle Seahawks. Ertz is quietly one of the most consistent fantasy football tight ends as he has scored over 10 fantasy points in seven of eight games. Start Zach Ertz with confidence as he plays a team who gives up the most fantasy points to tight ends in the NFL.
HM: George Kittle SF, Dallas Goedert PHI
Waiver Priority: Greg Dulcich DEN
Greg Dulcich showed the world what he can do this week as he has his third straight game with over 10 fantasy points. While this might not be the most efficient of offenses, the former UCLA Bruin can definitely carve out a role in Denver. Dulcich is a must add, as he could be a star down the stretch.
HM Waiver Priorities: Evan Engram JAC, Tyler Conklin NYJ
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