The following is an excerpt from the latest edition of Yahoo’s Fantasy Football newsletter, “Get to the Points!” If you like what you see, you can subscribe for free here.
Questions right at the start can make even the best fantasy managers nervous. Here’s a signal report to help you prepare for week 9.
✅ Green light
Vikings WR Josh Downs
Downs has been the separation king all year long, and the Vikings, who delight in lightning strikes, are weak against long passes. All the Downs coaches (and coach Michael Pittman Jr.) were thrilled when Joe Flacco was given the starting quarterback job.
TE Travis Kelce vs. Buccaneers
He often brings a little extra juice to primetime games, with Tampa Bay’s defense scoring tight end touchdowns like they’re Halloween candy.
Saints offense against Panthers
With key players, particularly QB Derek Carr and the offensive line, recovering here and there, Carolina’s leaky offense could take a sad turn and improve. Chris Olave’s buy low window will slam shut on Sunday.
RB James Cook vs. Dolphins
He had a field day (three touchdowns) last time out in Miami, and the Dolphins haven’t modified their front seven since then (28th in run defense DVOA).
Ravens QB Bo Nix
He does something with his legs almost every week, tiring an injury-riddled Baltimore defense on mid-range and deep routes.
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🫤 yellow light
Cardinals QB Caleb Williams
Although the matchup is favorable, Williams has yet to provide a solid fantasy floor. The no-show against Washington last week was staggering, and most of the metrics measured are below league average.
RB JK Dobbins (Browns)
He started well with two smash games, but was a turtle after that (3.16 YPC, modest 2 touchdowns). The time to acquire the Browns was early this year. They will continue to be our legitimate enemies. If Dobbins returns any fantasy value this week, it should come from significant volume.
WR Khalil Shakir vs. Dolphins
He’s coming off a strong game, but Buffalo’s receiving room is crowded and Miami’s slot coverage has been good all year. This is not the time to chase last week’s points.
QB Kyler Murray vs. Bears
He hasn’t been consistent all year, but now figures to have a Chicago pass defense that ranks sixth in DVOA. This game might have a hard time reaching a total of 44.5.
🛑 Red light
Ravens RB Javonte Williams
It’s easy to break through the Baltimore defense through the air, and you should be concerned that all of the regular rushers on Denver’s offense, including Bo Nix, have had more success than Williams this year. Sean Payton isn’t afraid to mess around. Audric Estime is worth keeping on the roster.
WR Diontae Johnson vs. Broncos
Fantasy managers wanted him to leave Carolina, but Baltimore’s wide receiver room was already loaded with talent. I expect Johnson to be a slow rookie, but there’s no guarantee he’ll get WR3 value for the rest of the season.
WR One Dale Robinson vs. Commanders
Daniel Jones tends to struggle at home, and Robinson is probably the third most talented receiver in a low-return passing game (with Darius Slayton in and Malik Nabors on screens). Even Robinson’s best games rarely include a touchdown.
