Week 9 of the 2020 fantasy football season is now in the rear-view mirror. It was one that featured many household names at the top of the leaderboard, but quite a few unfamiliar ones as well.
As always, we’ll get you up to date with the week’s studs and duds, along with all the injury updates and best players to target in free agency. But first, let’s quickly check in on Dalvin Cook fantasy owners:
Exactly what we expected. Now, let’s recap:
Quarterbacks
Stud: Kyler Murray (389 total yards, 4 total TDs, 1 FUML 37.92 fantasy points)
For the second straight week, Murray posted 37-plus fantasy points and four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing). Murray completed a season high 80.8 percent of his passes while tossing three touchdowns to three different receivers. His 106-yards on the ground were his highest output of the season, although he did lose a fumble that was returned for a touchdown on the first drive of the game. It was perhaps his best overall game of the year and will look to continue his success next week against Buffalo.
Dud: Tom Brady (209 yards, 3 INTs, 2.36 fantasy points)
Woof. It was that kind of night for Brady and Co. Even with his top three receivers at his disposal, Brady and the Tampa Bay offense couldn’t get anything go in Sunday night’s 38-3 loss to the Saints. New Orleans constantly pressured Brady throughout the night, causing him to miss open receivers and throw three interceptions. He didn't get much help either, as receivers ran wrong routes and dropped passes, including Rob Gronkowski in the end zone. He’ll look to get back on track against Carolina next week.
Injuries: Kyle Allen, Ben Roethlisberger (Covid-19)
Allen’s ankle injury looked awfully similar to the one Dak Prescott suffered, but it has since been reported the fracture is not too severe. He will still need surgery to repair the ankle dislocation, which is expected to require a four-month recovery — ending his season.
Roethlisberger was placed on the Steelers Covid-19/Reserve list on Tuesday after being deemed “high-risk” close contact with a positive individual. He will not be allowed back in the facility (except for rehab) until Saturday after he self-isolates and tests negative for five days.
Waiver Wire: Tua Tagovailoa (283 total yards, 2 TDs, 21.41 fantasy points)
Rostered: 28.0 percent
After a shaky first start, Tua bounced back in a big way on Sunday. In a duel with Murray, Tua completed over 71 percent of his passes while throwing for 248 yards and two scores, while adding another 35 yards on seven rushing attempts. Tua drove Miami down the field to put the Dolphins in position for a go-ahead field goal and is now 2-0 on the year for the Dolphins. He has a date with the Los Angeles Chargers next week who have allowed the sixth most fantasy points to quarterbacks this year.
Running Backs
Stud: Dalvin Cook (252 total yards, 2 TDs, 39.2 fantasy points)
Another dominant performance from Cook, who now has well over 400 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns in two games since returning from the Vikings’ bye week. Cook’s first score came from five-yards out while he then broke off a long 70-yard touchdown run to secure the Vikings win in the fourth quarter. He could have had a bigger night, but was stopped on the one-yard line on a second-and-goal. Cook broke off a serious of explosive plays, including receptions of 29 and 17 yards. He has scored at least one touchdown in every game this year and now leads the NFL in rushing. He gets a much tougher task next Monday night against the Bears.
DALVIN COOK 70-YARD TD
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 8, 2020
He’s special.
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/4NcgDJhsFQ
Dud: JaMycal Hasty (13 total yards, 3.3 fantasy points)
Hasty looked to be in line for his fair share of work Thursday night, but saw just six total touches in San Francisco’s 34-17 loss to Green Bay. As the 49ers quickly went down 21-3 before halftime, Hasty watched as Jerick McKinnon operated as the lead back. He’ll be tough to trust going forward as the 49ers backfield gets healthy.
Injuries: Christian McCaffrey, David Johnson, David Montgomery, Justin Jackson, Damien Harris
McCaffrey dominated in his first game back, but was hurt late in the game on a tackle near the sideline. He was visibly in pain, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said McCaffrey is “very much in doubt” for Week 10 after injuring his shoulder. Head coach Matt Rhule added on Monday that he is “day-to-day”, but after sitting out Wednesday’s practice he is not expected to play this week.
Johnson left Sunday's game after a hit from Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack . He was ruled out with a concussion and will enter leagues protocol. A similar situation for Montgomery, who exited the Bears’ game against the Titans early. He has also entered the league’s concussion protocol.
Jackson did not receive a touch before leaving Sunday’s game on the first drive. He never returned with a knee injury as the Chargers leaned on Kalen Ballage in his absence. Harris was off to impressive start Monday night before leaving with a chest injury. The injury occurred in the second half after a crushing blow, in which Harris eventually was taken to the locker room.
Waiver Wire: Gus Edwards (34 total yards, 1 TD, 9.4 fantasy points)
Rostered: 18.8 percent
With Mark Ingram still out of the lineup, Edwards has constantly seen double digit carries. He’s averaged 2.1 yards per carry or less in two of those three games, but has also found the end zone in three straight contests. If Ingram is out Week 10, he has a strong chance to find the end zone and more running room against a poor Patriots’ front seven.
Jordan Wilkins (38 total yards, 5.8 fantasy points)
Rostered: 12.9 percent
As Jonathan Taylor continues to struggle, Wilkins has seen a larger role in Indianapolis’ offense. After totaling 21 touches in Week 8, Wilkins lead the Colts with 11 carries in Week 9, also adding two receptions. If he hasn't already, Wilkins appears to be on the verge of taking over Taylor as the top dog in the Colts backfield.
Wide Receivers
Stud: Richie James (9 catches, 184 yards, 1 TD, 33.4 fantasy points)
With the 49ers’ top four pass catchers out, James exploded onto the scene Thursday night. He hauled in nine of his 13 targets for 184 yards and a touchdown after posting just 15 catches and 295 yards over his first two seasons combined. His night was highlighted with a 41-yard fourth quarter touchdown, but he could find his way back down the depth chart as San Fran’s pass catchers get healthy.
Richie James gets loose for the 41-yard @49ers TD.
— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2020
James has racked up 169 yards tonight. #FTTB
: #GBvsSF on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
: https://t.co/W5bCPYgMfo pic.twitter.com/BAS04MjCUo
Dud: Adam Thielen (2 catches, 38 yards, 5.8 fantasy points)
As the Vikings ran the ball all afternoon with Dalvin Cook, Thielen saw limited work through the air. He only was able to haul in two-of-five targets, one at least going for 30-yards. Minnesota is committed to the run game, but they might be forced to air it out more next week against Chicago, hopefully meaning more action for Thielen.
Injuries: Laviska Shenault Jr, Preston Williams
Shenault limped off on the Jaguars’ second drive of the game and never returned with a hamstring injury. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Laviska Shenault has a “chance” to suit up for Week 10.
Williams looked to have a strong connection with Tua, catching four passes for 60 yards, which included a 40-yard touchdown. However, his day ended early as he was carted off with a foot injury. The initial fear is his season is in danger, but we’ll wait and see.
Waiver Wire: Allen Lazard (Injured Reserve)
Rostered: 42.6 percent
After not playing since Week 3, Lazard should be suiting up in the coming weeks. Prior to his core muscle surgery, Lazard scored over 18.0 fantasy points in two of his first three games. He’s averaged over 15.0 yards per reception so far this season while hauling in a score in two games. He was the clear second option behind Davante Adams and should slide back into that role when he returns.
Tim Patrick (4 catches, 29 yards, 1 TD, 12.9 fantasy points)
Rostered: 23.1 percent
Patrick’s yards-per-reception tied his lowest on the season this week, but he made up for it by finding the end zone for the third time this season. Since Week 2, he’s eclipsed 100 yards or scored a touchdown in four-of-five games. With Drew Lock averaging over 40 throws the last three games, Patrick has strong upside.
Michael Pittman Jr. (4 catches, 56 yards, 9.6 fantasy points)
Rostered: 5.1 percent
With T.Y. Hilton sidelined, Pittman saw a season high in targets (seven) and yards (56). It was just his second game back from a four week stint on the IR, so his involvement in the passing game was encouraging. With Hilton and Jack Doyle likely out for Thursday’s game against the Titans, the rookie will look to build on his success and become a long-term factor in the Colts offense.
Tight Ends
Stud: Travis Kelce (10 catches, 159 yards, 25.9 fantasy points)
Kelce continues to just dominate the tight end fantasy position. His 25.9 points this week bring his season total too 168.9, 57.5 points higher than the next closest tight end (Darren Waller). Kelce has now scored 20-plus fantasy points in five of six games, while going over 100 yards on 12 targets for the second straight week. Following his Week 10 bye, Kelce is locked in as TE1 in fantasy no matter who he plays.
Dud: Rob Gronkowski (1 catch, 2 yards, 1.2 fantasy points)
After three straight games with double digit fantasy points and a score, Gronkowski fell back into his early season ways this week. Gronk saw six targets as the Bucs were forced to pass all night, but hauled in just one while dropping another in the end zone. it was a nightmarish game for Gronk and the entire Tampa Bay offense.
Injuries: Noah Fant
Fant left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury, limping to the sidelines following a 32-yard catch. He eventually returned, but head coach Vic Fangio said Monday that Fant aggravated his lingering ankle injury. Fangio added he expects Fant to be “OK,” but it’s a situation to monitor as the injury caused him to miss time earlier this season.
Waiver Wire: Jacob Hollister (5 catches, 60 yards, 11.0 fantasy points)
Rostered: 0.1 percent
Out of all Seahawk tight ends, it was Hollister who saw the most playing time, targets, and receptions in Sunday's loss to the Bills. Hollister saw a season-high seven targets, hauling in five of them for 60 yards. Three of his targets came in the red zone, but he failed to convert any into scores. It’s worth keeping an eye on Hollister in Seattle’s now pass heavy offense.
Jordan Reed (1 catch, 3 yards, 1.3 fantasy points)
Rostered: 37.1 percent
Reed played a limited role in San Fran’s Week 9 loss as it was his first action since Week 3 when he landed on the injured reserve with a knee injury. With George Kittle out for the foreseeable future, Reed provides the 49ers a receiving threat from the tight end position. He hauled in two touchdowns earlier in the year when filling in for Kittle, so his playing time and production should ramp up here in the following weeks.
Patriots Player of the Week
Jakobi Meyers (12 catches, 169 yards, 28.9 fantasy points)
After successfully calling Damien Harris last week, we once again nailed the Patriots Play of the Week for Week 9. Meyers was the Patriots best receiver on the field against the Jets Monday night, hauling in 12-of-14 targets for a career high 169 yards - not a bad way to spend his 24th birthday. He’s now been the Patriots leading receiving in three straight weeks while piling up 30 total targets in that stretch. He’s showed off an impressive chemistry with quarterback Cam Newton and has cemented a role in New England’s offense.
That is all for this week’s recap. Leave a comment below or reach out on Twitter @iambrianhines if you have any questions about your fantasy team!