Fantasy football Week 9: Five players who could flop

Fantasy football is all about avoiding land mines in the tough matchups. Looking ahead to NFL Week 9, let's break down some players who could disappoint based on their matchups.

Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix vs. Houston Texans

Nix is coming off games of 39.96 and 23.78 fantasy points against the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys, but the Houston Texans present a huge step up in class. The Texans lead the NFL in points allowed per game (14.7), yards allowed per game (266.9) and fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. This Houston secondary is going to overwhelm Denver's wide receivers, which is bad news for Nix's fantasy owners.

Minnesota Vikings RB Jordan Mason vs. Detroit Lions

The Minnesota Vikings have made it clear whom they prefer in the backfield. In Aaron Jones' second game back from injury, he played 53% of the team's offensive snaps to Mason's 35%. Mason recorded only four carries for three yards and finished with a season-low 1.6 fantasy points. Don't expect much better against a Detroit Lions defense that's given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points to RBs.

Tennessee Titans RB Tony Pollard vs. Los Angeles Chargers

It's time to relegate Pollard to the bench. Since RB Tyjae Spears returned to his full-time role in Week 6, Pollard has scored 6.7, 12.1 and 6.3 PPR points. He's averaged only 32.0 rushing yards per game in that span, and he's been out-snapped by Spears in two of the last three games. The Los Angeles Chargers haven't been great against the run, but Pollard isn't getting enough opportunities to warrant a start. 

Las Vegas Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars