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Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season brings a welcome break from the chaos of four-team byes, with only the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans idle. That leaves 30 teams in action, providing fantasy managers with a wider array of streaming options and lineup decisions. However, the biggest headache for many is replacing Lamar Jackson, who suffered a thumb injury that could end his season after just one snap in his return from an ankle issue.
USA TODAY Sports has broken down eight players to start and eight to sit for Week 9, offering clarity for those navigating byes and injuries.
Quarterbacks to Start
Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins (vs. Detroit Lions): Willis is finding his rhythm, scoring multiple touchdowns in three straight games while averaging 37.7 rushing yards per contest. The Lions have surrendered the most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to quarterbacks, making this a prime spot for Willis to shine in a potential shootout.
Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks (vs. Arizona Cardinals): The Cardinals have allowed 18 passing touchdowns to quarterbacks, tied for the most in the league, and give up a league-high 29.8 FPPG to the position. Darnold should capitalize with multiple touchdown passes.
Running Backs to Start
Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns (at New Orleans Saints): Judkins has been touchdown-dependent, but the Saints have allowed the most FPPG to running backs and a league-high 11 rushing touchdowns to the position. He should find the end zone.
Jonah Coleman, Denver Broncos (at Carolina Panthers): Coleman dominated Denver's backfield touches in Week 9, tallying 104 total yards and a touchdown on 15 touches. The rookie faces a Panthers defense that ranks second-worst in FPPG allowed to running backs, setting him up for another strong outing.
Wide Receivers to Start
Caleb Douglas, Miami Dolphins (vs. Detroit Lions): If Willis is a recommended start, Douglas deserves consideration too. The rookie has six receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns in two games since returning from an ankle injury, and the Lions' pass defense has been vulnerable.
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (vs. Houston Texans): Trusting McConkey carries some risk given Justin Herbert's struggles under pressure, but the Texans allow the second-most FPPG to receivers. McConkey is coming off a four-catch, 86-yard performance, one of his best this season.
Tight End to Start
Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals (at Atlanta Falcons): Gesicki has scored in five consecutive games and six of seven overall. With Joe Burrow throwing 13 touchdown passes in his last three games, Gesicki's touchdown upside remains high regardless of opponent.
Defense/Special Teams to Start
Jacksonville Jaguars (at Baltimore Ravens): The Ravens are expected to start undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano at quarterback after injuries to Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. Fagnano completed 10 of 21 passes for 91 yards with an interception and three sacks against the Bills. The Jaguars' top-ranked run defense should contain Derrick Henry while pressuring Fagnano into mistakes.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (vs. Denver Broncos): Young has regressed over the past two weeks, completing 54.4% of his passes for 372 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions during a two-game skid. He has a 64 passer rating under pressure compared to 106.3 when clean, per Pro Football Focus. The Broncos rank fifth in pressure rate, per Next Gen Stats, so Young could struggle.
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (at Carolina Panthers): Despite a banged-up Panthers secondary, Nix is hard to trust. He has thrown for exactly 222 yards in back-to-back games with two scores each, but Carolina is more vulnerable against the run, limiting Nix's ceiling.
Running Backs to Sit
Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders (at San Francisco 49ers): Jeanty received just two carries in Week 8 while Mike Washington Jr. got 25. His receiving work keeps him productive, but his uncertain rushing role makes him risky, especially against a 49ers defense allowing just 3.6 yards per carry to running backs. It's wise to wait and see if the reduced workload was punishment for trash-talking the Jets or a sign of things to come under Klint Kubiak.
Breece Hall, New York Jets (at Kansas City Chiefs): Hall is likely to return from a quad injury, but faces a Chiefs defense that has bottled up running backs. He may also split carries with Braelon Allen, who has thrived in his absence, making this an unfavorable spot.
Wide Receivers to Sit
Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals (at Seattle Seahawks): Wilson broke out with eight catches for 111 yards and a touchdown against the Cowboys, his first since Marvin Harrison Jr. was traded. However, he suffered broken ribs on that score and faces a Seahawks defense that has been excellent against receivers.
Adonai Mitchell, New York Jets (at Kansas City Chiefs): Mitchell posted seven catches for 142 yards and a touchdown in Week 8, but the Chiefs allow the second-fewest FPPG to receivers. With Omar Cooper Jr. potentially stealing targets, Mitchell is a volatile play.
Tight End to Sit
Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (at Minnesota Vikings): Kincaid scored last week for the first time since Week 2, but the Vikings have yet to allow a receiving touchdown to tight ends this season, making a repeat unlikely.
Defense/Special Teams to Sit
Minnesota Vikings (vs. Buffalo Bills): The Vikings allow a league-low 13.3 points per game, while the Bills score a league-high 33.3. Something must give, but Josh Allen is well-equipped to handle Brian Flores' pressure-heavy scheme.
Originally reported by yahoo.