Week 9 Players I Hate in Fantasy Football

Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

This is a classic irresistible force meeting the immovable object matchup as Allen, the overall QB1 in fantasy points per game, faces the Minnesota Vikings, who bring the best defense in terms of limiting quarterbacks to the table. In seven games, Minnesota has given up 180 passing yards, 12 rushing yards, and 0.6 TDs per game. Allen’s unique ability to extend plays and willingness to take shots downfield give him a puncher’s chance at value, but if there was ever a week to consider your backup, this is it.

Others I Don’t Like

• Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears: Williams has played well since returning, but he hasn’t been running, which undercuts his value. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of just three teams with more INTs than TDs allowed.
• C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans: Not much has gone well for the winless Los Angeles Chargers, but they’ve given up just 208 yards and 1.1 TDs per game through the air this year.
• Geno Smith, New York Jets: Smith has put up good numbers the last two weeks. He draws a tough matchup in Week 9, though. The Kansas City Chiefs rank sixth in fantasy points allowed per game to QBs.

Running Backs

Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

With Lamar Jackson (thumb) and Tyler Huntley (toe) both out, a banged-up Joe Fagnano (ankle) will make his first NFL start. That makes Henry the most important player on Baltimore’s offense by a country mile. The problem is, the Jacksonville Jaguars know that, too, and they’re bringing a defense that’s allowed 58 rushing yards per game to RBs this season. Making matters worse, a Thursday night kickoff gives Baltimore almost no time to adjust to their new QB.

Others I Don’t Like

• D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears: Swift had 29 touches on Monday night against a hard-hitting Seattle Seahawks defense. Six days later, he faces a Bucs front that has given up 68 rush yards and 0.4 TDs per game to backs.
• Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers: Most of Jacobs’ value since returning has come courtesy of his three touchdowns, two of which were receiving. The New England Patriots have allowed five TDs to RBs this season, none through the air.
• Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams: The Washington Commanders have been solid in defending running backs this year, allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to the position.

Wide Receivers

Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers

In two games since returning from the bye, McMillan has combined for 10 receptions and 98 yards—he had topped 70 yards in four of the five games preceding the week off. Things may not improve much this Sunday. Only one team has allowed fewer TDs to receivers than the Denver Broncos, who give up 130 yards per game to the position. Oh, and Denver also has a guy named Patrick Surtain II.

Others I Don’t Like

• Garrett Wilson, New York Jets: Wideouts have done little and less versus Kansas City this season, averaging just 121 yards and 0.3 TDs across seven games.
• DJ Moore, Buffalo Bills: Yes, Jameson Williams had some success against Minnesota in Week 8, but the Vikings remain one of the toughest teams for WRs to generate value against.
• Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals: Even after taking it on the chin Monday night, Seattle’s defense still surrenders the fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts.

Tight Ends

Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills

Kincaid emerged from the fantasy version of witness protection on Sunday, catching four passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. That followed a four-game stretch in which he accounted for 11 receptions, 90 yards, and no touchdowns. He’s been as Jekyll-and-Hyde as any tight end in the NFL. Expect Mr. Hyde in Week 9. Minnesota is the only NFL team not to have allowed a touchdown to the position this season, and it has given up just 39 yards per game.

Others I Don’t Like

• Isaiah Likely, New York Giants: Although the Philadelphia Eagles’ D hasn’t done much right in 2026, they have held tight ends to 42 yards and 0.3 TDs per game thus far.
• Hunter Henry/Eli Raridon, New England Patriots: Henry (foot) may not play in Week 9, which would move Raridon into a bigger role. It may not matter. The Green Bay Packers rank second to Minnesota in fantasy points surrendered to TEs.

Defensive Teams

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Seattle couldn’t force Caleb Williams and company into many mistakes in their building. How can you trust the Bucs to do so in Soldier Field?
• Cincinnati Bengals:  The last time the Atlanta Falcons got embarrassed, they responded by routing the Packers in Green Bay. Plus, I didn’t like the way Cincinnati looked in Week 8 versus a shaky Tennessee Titans offense.
• Los Angeles Rams: No team in the NFL has turned the ball over less often than the Commanders, who also allow just 2.3 sacks per game.