It’s truly baffling to think that we only have seven regular-season games left in the fantasy football season! This year has been a wild ride from start to finish — and it’s far from over. We’ve seen just about everything imaginable: veteran quarterbacks who have been in the league for over fifteen years continuing to post fantasy-relevant numbers, and a wave of standout rookies already leaving their mark on the league. Their early success has made keeper and dynasty formats even more intriguing, as fantasy managers scramble to lock in tomorrow’s stars today.
Compared to the offensive fireworks we’ve seen over the past month, this week wasn’t quite as explosive from a scoring standpoint. Still, sixteen teams managed to put up more than twenty points — not too shabby given some of the tough matchups on the slate. Hopefully, a few of those points found their way onto your roster. As we turn the page to a crucial Week 9, every lineup decision matters just a little bit more. The playoff push is officially on.
Starts
QB – C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (vs. Denver)
It was a painfully slow start to the season for the third-year quarterback, but Houston QB C.J. Stroud is finally heating up at just the right time. Through the first three weeks, Stroud averaged fewer than 200 passing yards per game and posted a disappointing 2:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio — numbers that made him completely unstartable in most formats. However, over the past month, he’s reminded everyone why he was such a breakout star just last year.
Across his last four starts, Stroud has averaged 256 passing yards per game while posting a sharp 9:2 TD-to-INT ratio. That’s legitimate QB1 production, and it’s coming with more poise, confidence, and command of the Texans’ offense. He’s also fresh off one of his best performances of the season, throwing for 318 yards and two touchdowns against a tough 49ers defense — a game that showed he can deliver even in difficult matchups.
This week, Stroud faces a challenging Denver Broncos defense, but there’s good news for his fantasy outlook: star cornerback Patrick Surtain II is out, leaving a major hole in Denver’s secondary. That absence should create exploitable matchups for the Houston WRs (whoever they may be), and Stroud has shown he can capitalize when his weapons get separation. With the Texans’ offense trending upward and bye weeks thinning out options, Stroud is absolutely worthy of a start this week. In standard leagues he’s a strong streamer, and in deeper leagues he’s a must-start with top-10 potential.
RB – Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers (@ Tennessee)
With fellow running back Omarion Hampton still sidelined on IR, Kimani Vidal has made the most of his expanded opportunity in the Chargers’ backfield. After a quiet showing in Week 7, Vidal has turned heads in two of his last three games, combining for an impressive 241 rushing yards on 41 carries and adding a touchdown in Weeks 6 and 8. That kind of workload shows the coaching staff’s growing trust in him, and it’s translating into dependable fantasy production.
While the Chargers’ rushing attack has been inconsistent at times this season, the matchup this week sets up perfectly for Vidal to continue his momentum. The Titans have struggled mightily against the run, giving up the fifth-most rushing yards in the league and a staggering 14 rushing touchdowns — the most of any defense this season. That weakness in the trenches should play directly into the Chargers’ game plan, especially if they build an early lead and look to control the clock in the second half.
Fantasy managers should feel confident slotting Vidal into their lineups as a solid RB2 this week. His combination of volume, efficiency, and goal-line potential makes him a strong play against a defense that simply can’t stop the run. Expect the Chargers to lean on him heavily once again — and for Vidal to reward those who trust him in Week 9.
WR – Chimere Dike, Tennessee Titans (vs. Los Angeles Chargers)
I typically avoid recommending players from struggling offenses, but Titans' WR Chimere Dike is making it impossible to ignore him any longer. Watching the Titans game last week, it was hard not to notice how frequently his name was called — he was seemingly involved in every key passing play. Dike finished the day with seven receptions on eight targets for 93 yards, building on the strong momentum he established in Week 7, when he caught all four of his targets for 70 yards and a touchdown. That kind of back-to-back consistency is exactly what fantasy managers look for in emerging wide receivers.
The chemistry between Dike and quarterback Cam Ward continues to develop, and it’s becoming clear that Ward trusts him as his go-to option. While the matchup against the Chargers isn’t ideal, game script could play heavily in Dike’s favor. The Titans have spent much of this season playing from behind, forcing them into pass-heavy situations — and that means more targets coming Dike’s way.
Even in a less-than-perfect offensive environment, Dike’s growing target share and reliable hands make him a valuable fantasy asset moving forward. He should be viewed as a strong flex option this week, with the potential to climb into WR3 territory if this upward trend continues. As long as the Titans are throwing, Dike will be in the mix — and right now, he looks like one of the few bright spots in an otherwise stagnant offense.
TE – Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints (@ Los Angeles Rams)
It’s been yet another frustrating year for fantasy tight ends. Outside of a few elite names, the position has been wildly inconsistent — even the top performers have had their fair share of duds. Case in point: the No. 2 fantasy tight end in the league finished Week 8 with zero catches. That’s the kind of volatility we’ve come to expect in 2025.
Because of that, I always chase volume — and that brings me to Juwan Johnson. The Saints’ tight end has quietly become one of the most consistently targeted players at his position. In five of eight games, Johnson has seen seven or more targets, something very few tight ends can claim this year. He’s also turned those opportunities into real production, hauling in 10 of his last 15 targets for 131 yards over the past two weeks. That’s steady, reliable usage in an otherwise unpredictable fantasy landscape.
Looking ahead, Johnson faces a middle-of-the-pack matchup against the Rams. Los Angeles has done an average job defending tight ends, but game script could tilt things in Johnson’s favor. If the Rams get out to an early lead — as expected — the Saints will likely lean heavily on the passing game, giving Johnson even more chances to produce.
Given his recent target volume, steady hands, and red-zone involvement, Johnson should be considered a top-10 tight end play for Week 9. In a fantasy season where dependable options at the position are scarce, he offers a rare blend of opportunity and upside that makes him worth trusting in your lineup.
Defense – Los Angeles Chargers (@ Tennessee Titans)
Just two weeks ago, the Chargers’ defense hit rock bottom, putting up negative five fantasy points against the Colts. That capped off a brutal three-game stretch in which they allowed 27 or more points in every contest. However, this unit finally showed signs of life in Week 8 with an impressive bounce-back performance against QB Carson Wentz and the Vikings — holding them to just 10 points while recording five sacks and forcing a key turnover. It was the kind of dominant outing fantasy managers have been waiting to see from a defense loaded with talent.
This week, the Chargers are in prime position to keep the momentum going. They face a Tennessee Titans team that has struggled mightily on offense, scoring only 110 total points across eight games — the second-fewest in the league. The Titans also lead the NFL in turnovers, a stat that should have fantasy managers salivating. That combination of low scoring output and frequent giveaways creates an ideal opportunity for a strong defensive fantasy performance.
On paper, this is one of the most favorable matchups of the week. The Chargers’ pass rush should feast on a Titans offensive line that has allowed consistent pressure, and the secondary has the playmakers to capitalize on mistakes from rookie quarterback Cam Ward. With both matchup advantage and recent momentum on their side, the Chargers should be viewed as a top-five defensive play for Week 9.
If you’ve been streaming defenses or looking for a reliable unit to plug in, this is the one. The Chargers have the talent, the matchup, and the motivation to deliver another high-end fantasy outing.
Sits
QB – Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (@ Minnesota Vikings)
Every fantasy season, there are always a few quarterbacks who thrive in real-life football but fall short of consistent fantasy production — and this year, Lions' QB Jared Goff fits that description perfectly. While he’s been efficient enough to keep the Lions competitive, his week-to-week fantasy output has been frustratingly inconsistent.
Yes, Goff has shown flashes of his old ceiling, such as his Week 2 performance against Chicago where he exploded for 334 yards and five touchdowns. However, those games have been the exception rather than the rule. Outside of that outlier performance, Goff hasn’t thrown for more than 260 yards in a single game, and three of his seven starts have ended with fewer than 210 passing yards. He’s scored under 15 fantasy points in four of those contests — numbers that simply don’t cut it in most fantasy formats.
Part of the problem is Goff’s lack of mobility. With fewer than 30 rushing yards on the entire season, he brings little to no value on the ground, making him completely dependent on passing efficiency and touchdown volume to stay fantasy-relevant. Unfortunately, that’s a risky formula heading into this week’s matchup against a tough Minnesota defense. The Vikings have allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards in the league and have done an excellent job limiting big plays through the air.
Given Goff’s road struggles, lack of rushing upside, and the strength of Minnesota’s secondary, he’s an easy sit for Week 9. The Lions may still win the game behind their strong running attack, but fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a more reliable quarterback option this week. Save Goff for a softer matchup down the road — he’s simply too risky to trust right now.
RB – Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers (@ Green Bay Packers)
Back in 2011, quarterback Matt Flynn came off the bench in Week 17 and threw for 480 yards and six touchdowns — a performance that earned him a big contract and plenty of hype heading into the following season. Of course, he never came close to replicating that success again. I’m not saying Carolina RB Rico Dowdle is Matt Flynn, but the situation feels similar: a brief flash of brilliance followed by a quick return to reality.
During his two-game breakout stretch earlier this year, Dowdle combined for an impressive 389 rushing yards and a touchdown while filling in for the injured Chuba Hubbard. He looked explosive, decisive, and capable of handling lead-back duties. However, since Hubbard’s return, Dowdle’s role has been scaled back significantly. Over the last two weeks, he’s logged 25 carries for 133 yards and has failed to find the end zone. The production isn’t bad in real football terms — but it’s not enough to warrant a fantasy start.
The real issue here is the Panthers’ backfield distribution. With both Dowdle and Hubbard healthy, Carolina appears committed to a full-blown running back committee, splitting touches almost evenly. That kind of timeshare limits the upside for both players, making it difficult to trust either one as a reliable fantasy option.
Until one back clearly separates himself or an injury reopens the door for consistent volume, fantasy managers should keep Dowdle on the bench. His brief hot streak was fun while it lasted, but in this offense, the opportunity just isn’t there. For now, consider both Panthers’ running backs nothing more than depth stashes in standard leagues.
WR – Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals (@ Chicago Bears)
If you had Tee Higgins starting in Week 8, you were probably happy—but also just one play away from frustration. He finished the game with a single catch for a 44-yard touchdown, marking back-to-back weeks with a score. While the touchdowns are flashy, they don’t tell the full story. Don’t let this streak fool you into automatically putting him into your lineup this week.
It’s been a fairly subpar season for Higgins, especially with QB Joe Burrow sidelined. Over eight games, he has recorded more than five catches in just two contests. He has also surpassed 60 receiving yards only twice. Those numbers suggest that relying on Higgins for steady fantasy production is risky at best.
The matchup this week only adds to the concern. Higgins faces the Chicago Bears, a defense that has been stout against the pass this season, allowing the sixth-fewest passing yards in the league. With a tough secondary and his boom-or-bust tendencies, Higgins is far from a safe option.
Fantasy managers should view him as a high-risk, low-floor play this week. Unless you’re in a deep league or desperate for a wide receiver, there are better, more reliable options available. Higgins might provide excitement, but he’s not a dependable choice for consistent fantasy scoring.
TE – Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (@ Denver Broncos)
Coming out of the bye week, Houston TE Dalton Schultz looked like a must-add player after a huge Week 7 performance. He hauled in 9 catches on 10 targets for 98 yards, making him a popular waiver-wire pickup. Many fantasy managers were hoping he had found a steady rhythm, especially with star wide receiver Nico Collins sidelined.
However, Week 8 told a very different story. Despite QB CJ Stroud completing 30 passes for 318 yards in that game, Schultz was largely absent from the action, finishing with only 2 catches for 24 yards. Even with Collins out, Schultz’s target share was just 8%, a far cry from what fantasy managers had hoped for.
Looking at his season as a whole, Schultz has surpassed 40 receiving yards in only two games. Week 8 was arguably his biggest opportunity to shine, yet he fell flat when it mattered most. This inconsistency makes him extremely risky to start, and it’s clear that Schultz cannot be trusted as a reliable fantasy option moving forward.
Unless you are desperate in a deep league or streaming tight ends, it’s wise to look elsewhere. Schultz may flash occasionally, but the floor is too low for most lineups.
Defense – Baltimore Ravens (@ Miami Dolphins)
I’m a big fan of streaming defenses on a weekly basis, but the challenge is that some defenses get inflated projections due to matchups—even when they’re far from reliable. This week, the Ravens fall into that category. Simply put: do not start them.
First, the Dolphins are coming off their best game of the year, which makes facing them even more dangerous. Second, the Ravens themselves have not shown any consistent ability to generate fantasy points. They’ve allowed 37 or more points in four of their seven games and they rank fifth in the league for passing yards allowed per game. On top of that, they’ve only recorded nine sacks through seven games, showing that their pass rush is far from dependable.
At first glance, this matchup might look appealing on paper, but a closer look reveals that the Ravens cannot be trusted under any circumstances. Their inconsistency, combined with a high-powered Dolphins offense, makes them a high-risk start with very little upside. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a defense that offers both reliability and the potential for turnovers or sacks.
