Ohhhhhh man. Â Another week and another 6 teams on bye. Â That makes 20% of players gone. So it’s kinda like Tehol’s weekly Writer’s League lineup.
Luckily my one really bad team was the only one hit with terrible byes last week, but this week… Man… Lots of tough cookies. Â Guru is already talking smack because my 8-0 boys have James Starks at RBÂ Eddie Royal in there in my flex. Â Spoiler alert! Â Neither are recommendations below. Â Slim Pickens on the wire. Â Plus ally of the JB world Justin Blackmon went on a Jessie Pinkman bender. Â It’s all coming to an end. Â But I must maintain the faith, visualize a redonkulous upset, and hope my path to perfection stays true.
Looking back to last week’s picks, behold the power of Andre Ellington!  Knew a big game was a-comin’.  Then, man, talk about the roughest injury to me all year with Brandon Gibson getting hurt early in the 1st quarter after scoring last Sunday’s first TD.  Looked like he had a huge game a-comin’ too, but then blew out his knee for the season.  Still calling that a win since he got the TD.  But after those wins, three pretty brutal losses with Michael Vick getting hurt again (shocker), Roy Helu not getting junk time love, and Rueben Randle decided to dress up for Halloween as a ghost a little early.  For my bench calls, Blackmon was held in check and that probably didn’t help his psyche.  Just let him score once, SF, you’re enabling him now!  Then Jordan Cameron wasn’t huge but still gives me a loss, then 3 more bad ones with Harry Douglas, Lamar Miller, and Darren McFadden all having surprise big games.  Depressing.  Where’s the blue ice?!  Here’s who I like in week 9 and their % started in ESPN and Yahoo, respectively (NOTE – these are not always recommendations for 1-for-1 swaps, just guys I like who are understarted and guys I hate overstarted):
POSSIBLE STARTERS
Myles White (0.0%, 0%)Â He’s probably only a handcuff for James Jones owners (like me!), but if Jones is out Monday night (which is looking more-and-more like the case), I have a sneaking suspicion that White has a nice PPR game. Â The Packers constantly have 3 WRs producing, and with no TE, White will get targets yet again coming off a 5 for 35 game. Â Available in virtually all leagues, he’s perfect if you have Jones then can slip him in, or if you’re really deep and need a guy who will play.
Marlon Brown (2.5%, 4%) The Browns have been pretty good against the pass the year, and that obviously all starts with Joe Haden, who will be blanketing Torrey Smith all game. Â Haden is already laying down the smack, and if he ever needed to bring his A+ game rather than just the A game, it’ll be this Sunday. Â Brown is consistently getting looks even if it is very ho-hum, but I have a feeling on this one playing opposite Smith. Â Nice deep league fill-in.
Josh McCown (1.2%, 7%)Â Random anecdote – I was looking at QBs start % on ESPN and Donovan McNabb is started in 0.1 of ESPN leagues. Â Wow. Â Anyway – McCown I think has been over looked this week as a bye week fill-in in deep 1 QB or any 2 QB leagues and I see him having a really serviceable game. Â Hey, it still counts if a dump off to Matt Forte goes for 50 yards! Â Tall targets in Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett will make any QB thrust into a starting role feel comfortable. Â And if you need him like I do in one league, I’m actually feeling pretty comfortable too.
Terrelle Pryor (40%, 18.8%)Â Pryor’s actually been a really consistent fantasy QB despite some inconsistent real life play, and in a matchup against one of the league’s worst D’s coming into Oakland, this should be another solid game for an underrated fantasy play. Â Like him more than both QBs listed as benches below.
Le’Veon Bell (30.3%, 66%) As I mentioned in this week’s DraftKings picks, despite an offensive line that that is falling apart faster than space stations in Gravity, the Patriots can’t stop the run between the tackles and that’s right where Tomlin wants it, if you know what I mean.  In a tough week of byes, there’s virtually no scenario where Bell should be on a team’s bench.
SON OF A BENCH
Tom Brady (68.4%, 57%)Â Bye weeks are rocking a lot of good options, but while Brady is playing… he ain’t a good option. Â His struggles are well documented and blogged about, and while I tend to stick with the fantasy “studs”, I’d play both Pryor, and yes, even McCown over him. Â Avoiding at all costs.
Matt Ryan (63.5%, 68%)Â Same avoidance to Ryan, as the Shermanator goes against my really tough Panthers D today. Â The Panthers are giving up the second fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs, and if their D is on like it was against the Giants last month, they won’t stop comin’ at ya. Â Again, rather Pryor and McCown.
Fred Jackson (62.4%, 72%)Â Listen, FJax has been a godsend and a stalwart on two of my teams, but in one I’m actually benching him for Ryan Mathews. Â Ugh, I don’t love the move, but I definitely don’t like FJax this week. Â C.J. Spiller is coming back, and while that means little to noting to FJax’s fantasy value, it’s all about a tough matchup against the Chiefs. Â I’m still rolling Jackson out there say over the two deep WRs I listed above for a flex, but like Bell more, like Mathews more, and that should give you an idea of how down I am on him.
Vincent Jackson (82.7%, 90%) I’m doubling up on the Jacksons this week and hoping to get a VJax call right this time! Â Like his twin FJax, I’m not benching him over my deep league play WRs above, but I do think this is a really bad game and you should weigh your options. Â Richard Sherman is going to be all over him, and the Seahawks will be ready to bounce back after surviving a scare to the Rams. Â Don’t think they let the scrub Bucs get even close.
Danny Amendola (48.2%, 52%)Â People love to love Amendola… and I get the love. Â So much love! Â Maybe I’m just in a loving mood because I’m picking up an hour of sleep this morning! Â But despite feeling warm and fuzzy inside, I’m not big on Amendola’s prospects to even get through an NFL game. Â He’s the Michael Vick of fantasy WRs. Â Half the time he gets hurt during the game, and the other half he’s terrible anyway. Â Ok, so maybe I’m jaded about Vick. Â I’d look to other options.
If you have any last second decisions, shoot some comments below or tweet me @jbgilpin – and remember I’m going to be a little slower getting to them but I’ll get to everything well before kickoff!  Good luck in week 9!
Who ya got at flex, Steve smith or sproles or witten? Standard league
@Zandy: hmmmm tough one… Probably Smith
@JB Gilpin: or lance Moore with colston out?
@Zandy: Nah still like Smiff more
Always love the write ups. Need your help this week for sure.
Super heavy TD League and bye week hell. Currently holding James Jones in my flex spot. Possible FA pickups:
M. Tolbert
M. Brown
K. Wright
L. Moore (could see more action if Colston doesn’t dress)
Should I ride w/ Jones or drop him for one of the above, and if so which one?
Thanks again!
@Baren: Thanks man! Might roll dice on Tolbert. I don’t think Jones plays and Tolbert has best shot at TD.
Rank for non-ppr at Flex:
P. Thomas
G. Tate
B. Bolden
@E: I’d go in that order
Need two….
Foster
Stacy
Richardson
Also, stay on the RGIII bandwagon? Or keep it safe with Russell Wilson?
@apiatt34: I’d roll dice on Foster and Stacy if you have the roster spot to make a late move tonight should FOster be out. And yea, I’d keep RG3 in there this week and cross fingers!
@JB Gilpin:
I can do that, since Richardson is Trent! haha, thanks.
@apiatt34: Haha yea I mean he prob needs to be owned, but is droppable if necessary sadly haha
Sproles or Helu today in a 1 point PR league.
I wrote it like that because 1 point PPR is as nonsensical as ATM machine.
@Wallpaper Paterson: Haha you are correct good sir. You could say “full PPR” and that makes sense too. But yea, I’d go Sproles
Hey bud,
Stephen Hill or Greg Jennings?
@Cram It: Yo dude, you shortened your name! Hill for me
Ben Tate or Golden Tate? Standard PPR.
@976: Battle of Tates! I’d go Golden
Hey whats up bud,
It seems you got a lot on your hands so i’ll make it quick.
I got Jordy Nelson, Torrey Smith, Golden Tate and Andre Johnson. 2 starts and one flex. Your thoughts and why.
Thanks man.
@Drew: Not Torrey Smith. Because the other guys are better.
@Drew: Agree with above, I’d leave out Torrey Smith, but not for lack of talent, but for coverage by Haden
Need some Flex help: Mike James, Helu, or DeAndre Hopkins?
@srchiballs: I’d do James
Heyward-bey, jason avant or myles white for a fill in this week? Thanks
@Ryav: Heyward-Bey
In 10-team ppr. slim pickings, have to choose one of the following this week. I’m starting drew davis at my flex and not confident. Here are other options from waivers:
rod streater
ted ginn
myles white
jerome simpson
any ram WR (all available)
jacoby jones
also at RB, powell, ivory, starks, or tate?
@David: Davis sounds like the pick there. Then Ivory for the shot at “burns old team”
Who would you put at flex, DeSean Jackson or Ray Rice? Standard PPR. Thanks!
@Abe Froman: I’d go DeSean. No prob!
This week…
Brady, Locker or Pryor?
Titans or Panthers D?
Thanks
@Bryan: I’d go Pryor. Then Titans
would u start james stark or jonaton stewart today thank for the advice
@walter paytony: I’d go Starks, no prob man!
Duuude. Need help here. All the sudden my RB situation isn’t so bad.
Pick 2
Morris vs SD (no RB has scored vs them….. really?)
Woodhead vs Was (I like it)
Stacy vs Ten (after last wk vs seattle I’m sold)
Also pick 1
T williams vs Min (top 3 DBs out)
Andre johnson vs indy (case keenum….)
@Scott Steelers: I’d stil feel pretty good with Morris and Woodhead. Then it’s TWill for me, dude has been fantstic
Who ya like better standard league, starks or donald brown?
@allen: Brown but barely
1 point PPR, who would you start (2 out of 3): Spiller, Ben Tate, Branden Bolden.
Thanks!
@Jay: I’d leave out “broken ribs” Tate
12-team non-PPR league. Need to decide whether to start Foster or find another RB. And since Foster doesn’t play until late Sunday, so may not be able to wait. The only non-Bye RB I have on the bench is Jacquizz.
Options on waivers are: Helu, Ivory, McGahee, Shonn Greene.
Not much to pick from, and my best hope is probably to let Foster go and hope for the best, but would any of those alternatives give me hope for at least 8-10 points?
@FilthyRich: Ehhhh, I’d say those first 3 options have outside shot at 8 but definitely not likely. I’d roll dice on Foster, and if he’s out pick up like Karim or something if you can
A. Jeffery or K. Wright in a standard league this week?
@Loki: I’d do Alshon
Steohen Jackson vs. Carolina or Bilal Powell against N.O.?
My fear is the Jets will be down early and won’t be doing much running….
Thanks!
@kidbr9: Powell.
Jackson is always banged up these days. The Jets, if trailing, will throw to Powell.
@kidbr9: I agree it’s Powell, but not feeling good about either haha
Need to Flex one, .5 ppr thanks!
Marlon brown
Nate Washington
Kendall wright
Mike James
Shonn Greene
@Oppo Taco: or lance moore, Colston is inactive
@Oppo Taco: Yeah I like Moore there
Start Ryan Matthews or wait and hope Foster plays? Also have Tate on my bench. Kubiak already said Tate is active so I have a decent back up plan if Foster doesn’t play. Problem is Tate is also banged up.. what say ye almighty fantasy football guy?
@dp: ppr
@dp: Literally have that scenario in my PPR and I’m rolling out Mathews. I like Mathews matchup and usage, both of which I’m not crazy about for Foster in a banged up backfield. Hoping it works out!
.5ppr
Who to start today?
Wr: Amendola or Colston
Flex: one of the above or T Rich or Cameron
@Night pandas: Amendola, but don’t like him – Colston out. Then Cameron
Ivory or Bolden for my flex? 16 team PPR. Ivory got 30 plus touches 2 weeks ago, but killed me last week. Thanks!
@MPC: I’d go Bolden and hope he racks up the catches
Alright I’ve got a fantasy football question for ya. Start Jordan Reed or Jimmy Graham? Since I have 6 guys on bye that is my only question. My starters this week are
QB Pryor, Locker
WR Torrey, Keenan, Douglas
RB Lacy, T.Rich
TE ???
WR/RB Mike James, Terrance Williams
Crosby, KC Def, Lavonte David, Mychal Kendricks
I don’t have high hopes for a win. But it’s not too bad considering no Stafford, Shorts, Ellington, Joique, Andre Brown, NaVarro Bowman.
@Slim: I’d still roll Graham. I know still limited, but should get quality targets
@Slim: Oops, sorry I didn’t know I had to be signed in. I saw you linked to basketball. Nice. I’m trying to fulfill my promise of a top 50 player. He might be it. Burks 1 3PTM, 3 Stls, 1 Blk. Yum. OK go back to football mode.
@Slim: Haha
Starting Forte and VJax (scary matchup tho…), but kinda torn with my other options. Need 3 (1 RB, 1WR, 1 Flex) of Murray, Stacy, Keenen Allen, Terrance Williams, Amendola (who I don’t know I trust yet and a toughish matchup). Allen and Williams have juicy matchups and trying to resist playing them both over VJax. Thanks JB! Good luck today!
@Aero: gah, standard scoring
@Aero: Murray, Stacy, T-Williams
@Cram It: Thanks Cram. I’m borderline playoffs right now and second guessing myself left and right this week because I need a win!
@Aero: I’d do Murray Allen and Williams, but Stacy over Allen if non-PPR. Thank man, good luck to you!
Having a real tough time picking 3 of these dudes… *have started
*Golden Tate VS Atl
*Harry Douglas VS Car
Alshon Jeffery VS GB
*Keenan Allen VS Wash
Torrey VS Cle
Kendall Wright VS Stl
@Nate: I second those picks.
@JB Gilpin: thanks
1 pt PR
Pick 1:
Drew Davis
David Nelson
lance Moore
Pick 1:
Z. Sudfeld
G. Graham
@Wallpaper Paterson: Moore & Graham for me
2QB league. I can only carry 3 QB’s and somebody dropped Cutler, which sounds like he may play next week. I currently have Eli, Pryor and Foles. Drop Eli for him? Or wait and try to get him via waivers on Wednesday?
@Aero: I’d wait and probably drop Foles for him during next week unless Foles had a big game today
QB – Wilson or Pryor? Bonus at 300 pass/100 rush
2 RBs – McCoy, Rice, L. Bell, Stacy
@Steve Stevenson: Probably sticking with Wilson there but close. Then McCoy and Bell
Denagelo or Greene? Byes and 16 team league…not many options. Was thinking Greene for the possible td…but not sure.
Also, same team..Jennings or Drew Davis? Roddy out. Thanks man!
@JoeMorgan’sMustache: Ugh, I think I’d still do DeAngelo myself but close. Then I’d chance on Davis on some junk time work. No prob man good luck today!
Which WR do you like today:
LaFell / Lance Moore / Stills / Streater / Drew Davis
Thanks
@Adam Jonesin: Moore
Need to start 2, Matthews, foster and Stacy.
Thoughts, I guess foster worries me
@Mike: I’d leave out Stacy for me
Need a bye week flex decision. Drew Davis or Shonn Greene? Thanks.
@Allan: Man, apparently I really like Davis haha… I’d go with him
I have Tate, Brown, and Starks. Which one to start? The more pressing decision is that I need to drop 1 prior to 12 noon to pick up a kicker. I can also drop Lance Moore or Mike Brown (neither of which do I need this week) instead of one of the backs. It’s a PPR league.
@Pete: Golden or Brandon? Guessing Tate, and then guessing you mean Donald Brown – I go Donald. And I’d drop Mike Brown for a kicker
Flex play in 12 team full ppr..
1) B Bolden or LaFell
2) D Brown or LaFell
@Frank: I’d do the upside PPR RBs for both
nate washngton vs vincent brown? colston out and im starting keenen allen too
@GeorgeWompington: I’d prob go Washington there
.5 ppr league. Z Stacey or P Thomas today?
@Larry: I’d actually go Thomas I think
Pick two out of these guys for Week 9 in a non- PPR league.
Ivory
Tolbert
Donald Brown
@Silky: I’d leave out Ivory
standard lg gotta pick two rbs
T-Rich
Spiller
Tate
Tolbert
It just a toss up with injuries etc
@Big League Choo: @Big League Choo: You can take richardson out of the equation just traded him
@Big League Choo: I’d leave out Tate
PPR league #1
for my WR slot and Flex
D amendola
G gennings
Steven Jackson
Pierre Thomas
PPR league #2
for my WR slot
TY Hilton or Keenan allen?
@Blake: I’d go Thomas and Amendola even though I don’t like Dola. In 2 – man tough one like both a lot… I’d gamble on Allen
@JB Gilpin:
I have 3 WR slots and I have the following
J Nelson
TY Hilton
Keenan Allen
Andre Johnson
Do I bench Johnson? he is too much of a target machine though…
@Blake: Wowwwwww, yeah tough one. I think I actually leave out Hilton
Z. Stacy or S. jackson
K. Allen, H. Douglas, T.Smith….Pick 2.
J. Graham or J. Reed
Y! Standard league.
@SMLV1: Stacy, Allen/Douglas, Jimmy
I have Morris, Lacy, Rice and Stacy. Really tempted to leave Rice out of the mix but all the rankings I see have him above Stacy. Standard Scoring. What do you say?
@ashtray: Eh yea I still like Rice over Stacy too. I’d do him and Morris and Lacy if picking 3
@JB Gilpin: Should have gone with my gut. Yuck.
hey jb….non ppr….Lance Moore,Nate Washington,Miles White,Eddie Royal,LaFell,Streater?….ughhhh.I feel defeated just typing these names.
ppr….Myles White,Thompkins,Edelman,LaFell,Washington….need two.
thnks.
@guidedbyvoices: Haha – I’d go Moore with Colston out. Then Edelman (ugh) and Washington. I like White, but James Jones looks more optimistic than it looked last night…
Hey JB, whats up? been a while. I have been having a gut buster over here and it’s preventing me from sleeping. Being you are the resident Carolina fan, Stewart or Helu this week?
@J-FOH: Haha – I’d do Helu. Get yo ass up man, it’s fooseball time!
@JB Gilpin: I know, I have this weird little guy in my gut that keeps whispering Stewart.
Drop amendola for l Moore or Stills?
@Nightpandas: I would for Moore
Spiller or Tolbert?
@BD: Eeek, Spiller for upside
Gronk or Cameron in a ppr ?
@Nightpandas: Gronk
I instantly regret trading Jimmy Graham.
@The Thumb: Haha yea that sucks… Thought he’d have a good game here
@JB Gilpin: well fortunately for me the trade doesn’t kick in until Tuesday. That foot injury doesn’t seem to be affecting him though…
I got Jamaal Charles in return so i guess it isn’t that bad lol.
@The Thumb: Haha yea any trade landing you JC you’ll take!
Flex spot full ppr, right now starting Garret Graham, if Foster doesnt play i have Ben Tate, should i play him over Graham
@mcBlunty: Yeah I would if Foster does sit
Need a flex in a close matchup, std scoring: Foster (playing, likely limited), Tate or Boykin.
@Steve Stevenson: Eeesh. I’d still role dice on Foster
So roll out Ben Tate, Donald Brown or Starks? PPR league. Unfortunately need some upside out of one of these guys.
@Pete: I’d go Brown. I think he has the most touches upside and is looking pretty good
@JB Gilpin: Thank. One more for another PPR team . You think Foster is safe to flex over A. Jeffrey at this point now that he’s active?
@Pete: Ehhhhh not really safe… I think they’re close, but indeed go Foster