2025 Fantasy Football Dynasty Risers and Fallers: Week 9 Reality Check

Rico Dowdle – The Panther Nobody Saw Coming

Remember when everyone was slobbering over Chuba Hubbard like he was the second coming of Christian McCaffrey? Yeah, well, Rico Dowdle just walked into Carolina and said, “Hold my beer.” This guy is averaging 5.3 yards per carry while Hubbard is limping along at a pathetic 2.5. Even Panthers coach Dave Canales is dropping hints about giving Dowdle more work, and when a coach starts hinting, you’d better listen.

The brutal truth? Hubbard’s calf injury isn’t his biggest problem; it’s that he’s just not that good. Dynasty owners who’ve been holding Dowdle in their taxi squads are about to look like geniuses, while everyone else is scrambling to pick him up off waivers.

Kimani Vidal – The Chargers’ Secret Weapon

While everyone was obsessing over the big-name backs, Kimani Vidal quietly exploded for 127 total yards and a touchdown in Week 8. Hassan Haskins getting hurt? Best thing that could’ve happened to Vidal’s dynasty stock. This kid had the second-highest RB usage in Week 8, and facing a Titans defense that couldn’t stop a high school JV team, Vidal’s about to feast again.

Here’s the kicker: he’s currently ranked as RB12 for Week 9. That’s not a fluke; that’s a pattern forming. Smart dynasty managers are already making moves.

The Disappointing Dynasty Fallers

Chuba Hubbard – The Great Letdown

Speaking of disappointing, can we talk about Hubbard? This guy was supposed to be the fantasy darling of Carolina, and instead, he’s getting outplayed by a guy most people couldn’t pick out of a lineup six weeks ago.

Hubbard owners need to face facts: it’s Dowdle time in Carolina. The opportunity share is shifting, and unless you enjoy watching your dynasty investment crash and burn, it might be time to shop Hubbard while he still has some name recognition.

Matthew Golden – Green Bay’s Forgotten Man

Remember when Matthew Golden was supposed to be the next big thing in Green Bay? Pepperidge Farm remembers. Christian Watson came back, and suddenly Golden became about as relevant as a punter in a fantasy lineup. He hasn’t scored a touchdown or cracked 14 PPR points in any game this season.

If you’re still rostering Golden in dynasty leagues, it’s time to admit you made a mistake and move on. There’s no shame in cutting your losses: there’s only shame in holding dead weight.

Rising Stars Worth Your Attention

Oronde Gadsden II – The Chargers Tight End Takeover

While everyone was chasing the latest shiny object, Oronde Gadsden II quietly became the TE1 in Los Angeles. Since Week 6, he’s averaging 6.3 receptions on 7.3 targets for 103 yards and 0.7 touchdowns. Those aren’t fluky numbers; that’s consistent production.

Dynasty tight end is a wasteland, and Gadsden is emerging as an oasis. Smart managers are already making their moves.

TreVeyon Henderson – New England’s Hidden Gem

Henderson just rushed for a career-high 75 yards on double-digit carries, averaging 7.5 yards per carry, in New England. Let that sink in. This Patriots running game has been about as effective as a chocolate teapot, and Henderson is making it work.

He might be working his way into an even split with Rhamondre Stevenson, and for dynasty purposes, that’s golden. Henderson’s showing the kind of efficiency that makes coaches take notice.

The Fallers You Need to Worry About

Tony Pollard – Trade Block Blues

Tony Pollard reportedly being on the trade block should tell you everything you need to know about his dynasty value right now. Tyjae Spears is getting the same number of opportunities (12) and outsnapping Pollard. When your backup is matching your touches, you’re not really the starter anymore.

Quentin Johnston – The Chargers’ Cooling Star

Johnston started hot – 84.3 yards on 9.3 targets per game through four weeks. Since then? A measly 23.3 yards on 3.3 targets per game. That’s not a rough patch; that’s a full-blown collapse.

Dynasty managers who bought high on Johnston are learning a painful lesson about recency bias in fantasy football.

The Bottom Line on 2025 Fantasy Football Dynasty Risers and Fallers

Week 9 is when savvy dynasty managers separate themselves from the pack. The 2025 fantasy football dynasty risers and fallers are becoming crystal clear, and if you’re not adjusting your rosters accordingly, you’re going to regret it in December.

Buy low on guys like Vidal, Dowdle, and Harvey before their prices skyrocket. Sell high (or just sell, period) on Hubbard, Brown, and Pollard before everyone realizes they’re fantasy fool’s gold.

Dynasty leagues are won by managers who see trends before they become obvious. Right now, we’re watching several players’ fantasy trajectories shift in real-time. The question is: are you going to act on it, or are you going to wait until it’s too late?

Because I promise you, in two weeks, everyone else will have figured out what I’m telling you right now. And by then, the dynasty managers who moved quickly will already be cashing in on these 2025 fantasy football dynasty risers and fallers.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.