Joe DiCarlo 
And we are back for another week of a Main Slate to break down as we move through halfway of the season. So many gems were in last week’s article that would’ve skyrocketed you up the pay lines if they were locked in your lineups. From our punts like Cedric Tillman and Jameis Winston to our pay-up plays of AJ Brown and Jalen Hurts, all produced 4 times or more their salaries. On to Week 9. Only two teams are on bye so we have 12 games on the menu tonight. Let’s get to the digging, Week 9 Breakdown here we go!
Stay tuned for all our injury news, updates, and Discord-building advice. Also, check out our Optimizer and Projection Models to get the best possible performance from your lineups. Also, check back into the article during the week as we approach kickoff for more content, as more game breakdowns will be available as we approach the Sunday Slate.
Sunday Main Slate 11/3/24
Broncos @ Ravens (-9) (O/U 42)
We kick off the slate with a battle between two AFC playoff contenders as Denver heads over to the East Coast to take on the Ravens. Both teams sit at 5-3 and their records speak for themselves. Built on tough defenses and running the football, The Ravens and Broncos may have to switch their strategies to pull out a victory.
The last domino fell this week in the wide receiver sweepstakes as Baltimore acquired Diontae Johnson via trade with the Panthers. Although Johnson’s fantasy value will take a now being a part of a crowded Ravens’ receiving room, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry will be even more effective in the run game. The Broncos led by Patrick Surtain are ranked third overall and fourth defending the pass. Diontae Johnson is another weapon to distract opposing defenses away from the NFL’s number one running offense. Lamar and Henry stay in the cash game conversation.
Baltimore also has the number-one-ranked rushing defense, which only allows 69 yards per game. Bo Nix will need to fully rely on his arm in this game, which shouldn’t be a problem as he ranks first in the league with deep ball attempts (37). His 20-plus fantasy points in two of his last three games are in trouble, so Denver will focus on Nix to get the ball out and attack Baltimore’s 31st-ranked secondary. GPPs welcome Courtland Sutton, Javonte Williams, and company.
Cash: Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry
GPP: Bo Nix, Javonte Williams, Courtland Sutton, Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin, Mark Andrews
Dolphins @ Bills (-6) (O/U 49)
A rivalry in the AFC East emerges in Buffalo as the Bills host the Miami Dolphins team in their second matchup of the year. The Bills have a stranglehold on the division at 6-2 and will look to widen the margin against a Dolphins team that has struggled on both sides of the ball all year since Tua went down in Week 2.
The chemistry keeps building in Buffalo between Josh Allen and his revamped receiving room. Six to seven players are targeted in Allen’s last three contests, which again will be a headache for Miami defensive coordinators. Deciding on a Bills receiver will be tricky for DFS, so a safer approach would be to use a naked Josh Allen or James Cook. Miami is 21st in DVOA to opposing running backs, which sets the stage for another decent performance for Allen and Cook.
Miami was back to full strength with Tua back in the lineup, and what a shot in the arm for the offense as they put up 27 points against the Cardinals last week. It shouldn’t get too cold this Sunday up in Buffalo, which gives the Dolphins a chance for a shot at stealing a win on the road. If Miami can continue to force De’Von Achane and the running game, it could be finally a return of Tyreek Hill to DFS relevance. The Bills rank 31st in defending opposing backs, in a game with an implied total of 49, Achane, Hill, and Tua a week removed from IR make great GPP options.
Cash: Josh Allen, De’Von Achane, James Cook
GPP: Tyreek Hill, Tua Tagovailoa, Keon Coleman, Dalton Kincaid, Jaylen Waddle
Commanders @ Giants (+3.5) (O/U 43.5)
Next, we have an NFC East matchup between the division-leading 6-2 Commanders and the struggling 2-6 Giants. Washington will aim to keep its momentum moving after last week’s Hail Mary victory against Chicago. Big Blue is singing the Blues these days as they have dropped three of their last four games and become the division’s bottom feeders. But it’s a divisional game with plenty of football left in the season, so expect New York to come out with some spunk.
Jayden Daniels played with a bruised rib in last week’s victory against the Bears, and he is trending towards suiting up again at MetLife Stadium. He’ll be a risky play for DFS at his salary, along with his receiving core especially after being held to just 13 fantasy points with zero touchdowns in Week 2 against New York. The Washington running game is what cashed in their first meeting with both Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler combining for over 200 total yards. Their defense has also stepped up along the season (11th ranked overall), so for DFS they are a full go against bumbling blue.
The Giants were humiliated in Pittsburgh on Monday Night, but there was one bright spot… Tyrone Tracy Jr. The rookie ran for 145 yards at over 7 YPC, with a touchdown. Although Devin Singletary is still in the mix, Tracy saw 20 carries and is the preferred back for coach Brian Dabol, so long as he clears concussion protocols. The Giants’ other rookie number four overall pick Malik Nabers should again see plenty of volume averaging 12 targets per game. He lit up the sky in Washington back in Week 2 for 31 DK fantasy points, so let’s bring him back for another shot in DFS for Week 9.
Cash: Malik Nabers, Brian Robinson (if healthy)
GPP: Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Tyrone Tracy Jr. (if he plays), Commanders DST, Austin Ekeler
Raiders @ Bengals (-7) (O/U 46.5)
The Bengals hungry to stay in the playoff race will host the lowly Raiders who still are playing with no identity here in Week 9. The Bengals sit in a perfect landing spot to bounce back after taking one on the chin last week from Philly, as a clear favorite in this matchup. There will be some notable names missing from this game, so let’s fill you in with the details.
Starting wide receiver Tee Higgins and running back Zack Moss are listed as doubtful going into the weekend, which usually means a big no-no for DFS even if they miraculously suit up. Having this news, it will be the Chase and Chase show for Cincy, as Ja’Marr Chase and Chase Brown will have a full plate of reps and volume this weekend. Other players to step up will be Andrei Iosivas, Trent Irwin, and Mike Gesicki for Joe Burrow to pepper in the Bengals’ pass-first offense. A nice matchup all around for the team as Vegas’ 26th-ranked offense will provide plenty of extra scoring opportunities.
The Raiders will get back Jakobi Meyers at receiver for Gardner Minshew, who will need all the help he can get. At this point in the season, the players are looking to keep their jobs for next season. Running back Alexander Mattison has been consistent and has taken over the lead role, Cincinnati allows close to 140 yards per game so he can be a GPP candidate. Meyers and Mattison are the only Vegas show in town this weekend, so if you’re looking for leverage in tournaments look no further.
Cash: Ja”Maar Chase, Chase Brown, Bengals DST, Joe Burrow
GPP: Andrei Iosivas, Trent Irwin, Mike Gesicki, Jakobi Meyers, Alexander Mattison
Cowboys @ Falcons (-3) (O/U 52)
Now this is more like it. A 52 total indoors featuring two teams that are not afraid to throw the football. The Cowboys hit the road and will be eager to not drop their third straight game, but the Falcons will be a tall order. Atlanta wants to go back-to-back wins to keep up and stay in first place in the division against Tampa. The high total will draw the field over for ownership, so let’s check it out.
Dallas’ porous defense will be on stage this Sunday, who desperately will miss Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland, and Trevon Diggs once again. It will be a blood bath on the astroturf, as this fully healthy and weaponized offense led by Kirk Cousins could be the highest-scoring team on the slate, and all safe for cash. The Cowboys rank 31st against the run and 29th against the pass allowing 7.2 yards per attempt and 154 rushing yards per game.
Since the Cowboys will not be able to defend, they should be behind in the second half. Prescott will hopefully go back to where his bread is buttered with CeeDee Lamb (13 REC/146 YDS/2 TDS in Week 8) to keep up the pace, as they have no clear second option in Dallas. Atlanta can be thrown on too so no worries, their DVOA is 23rd to its wideouts. If you don’t choose Lamb, go for tight end Jake Ferguson who saw eight targets against San Fran last week. All three are GPPs except for Lamb who can go cash too.
Cash: CeeDee Lamb, Drake London, Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts
GPP: Kirk Cousins, Dak Prescott, Rico Dowdle, Jake Ferguson, Darnell Mooney
Chargers @ Browns (+1.5) (O/U 43)
LA hopes to stay in contention while in the aggressive AFC West and steal a win on the road from the new and improved Cleveland Browns. The lights will all be on quarterback Jameis Winston after his incredible 334 yards, 3 touchdown performance to defeat the first-place Ravens. Can lightning strike again in Cleveland? It will be a stretch against the number-one-ranked defense in points allowed, but anything can happen.
LA continues to ride the coattails of JK Dobbins, who had another touchdown scored against New Orleans. He’s been their go-to guy, especially with the injury to Gus Edwards. But finally, we get to mention Justin Herbert in the Breakdown, who threw the ball 32 times last week. He’ll get Quentin Johnston back from a bum ankle alongside Ladd McConkey, which should help pad his stats. With all the injuries on defense including Joey Bosa entering the contest questionable, if Jameis has another big day, Herbert may have to keep up.
Winston was the talk of the town in the NFL and has the red carpet rolled out for him as comeback player of the year if he keeps up this type of play. Cedric Tillman became his preferred receiver of choice, catching seven for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end David Njoku was also on the receiving end of his scores, but with Winston, everyone is in play who is on the field. Again, It’s the Chargers’ defense so buyers beware if they show up. All are GPP options, including the LA DST if you feel Winston goes back to some of his old ways.
Cash: None
GPP: Justin Herbert, Jameis Winston, David Njoku, Cedric Tillman, Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, JK Dobbins, LAC DST
Saints @ Panthers (+7.5) (O/U 43.5)
Well, we’ve reached rock bottom of the slate as the 2-6 Saints take on the 1-7 Panthers in a game to decide who is the worst of the worst. New Orleans has an injury report that looks like a grocery list, and the Panthers are starting Bryce Young again over a healthy Andy Dalton. Both teams are horrendous on defense, which is a cheat code for fantasy riches. I am locked into this game for tournaments since the low total may sway ownership away, a potential sleeper… so let’s dive in.
Derek Carr is finally back in the mix after a four-game oblique injury, which is a sigh of relief for the offense in New Orleans. What a matchup to help ease him back into game form too, as Carolina ranks dead last in overall defense. Chris Olave is the last of the Mohicans of Saints’ starting wideouts, who had a stud-like game last week ( 8 REC/107 YDS). Both are solid for cash along with their lone soldier at running back Alvin Kamara since no one else is healthy in their backfield. The rest of them can be slid into tournaments, see below in bold…
Bryce Young is the cheapest starting quarterback on DraftKings at $4,400, yet he put up over 15 fantasy points against Denver last week, but that was in garbage time. Still, that’s nearly four times his salary, rolling the dice on Young one more time against a Saints defense that will be without defensive backs Marshon Lattimore and Kool-Aid McKinstry would be very tempting for DFS. The departure of Diontae Johnson causes Xavier Legette to become Carolina’s alpha by default followed by Jalen Coker and Jonathan Mingo. All are GPP targets, along with running back Chuba Hubbard who gets another full workload against a Saints defense that allows 143 yards per game on the ground.
Cash: Chris Olave, Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, Chuba Hubbard
GPP: Bryce Young, Xavier Legette, Cedrick Wilson, Mason Tipton, Juwan Johnson, Taysom Hill, Jonathan Mingo, Jalen Coker
Patriots @ Titans (-3.5) (O/U 38)
A possible stinker on the slate. Mason Rudolph gets the call as the Titans will host the Pats with a concussion-free Drake Maye. Just on the total and these teams’ records alone I would say either defense would be safe to use in lineups. However, taking some ownership of some of the skill players in this one is a slick spot to get different in tournaments. Let’s take a look and see.
Rudolph did well in garbage time last week against Detroit scoring 21 fantasy points, and has a small chance to replicate it again if this game gets sloppy. The Pats will allow opponents to move the chains (223 PaYDS/game, 133 RuYDS./game), giving the Titan’s top playmakers Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard plenty of optimism to ball out. Pollard has not practiced all week and Tyjae Spears is out, so if you are feeling frisky take the min-priced Julius Chestnut. If Pollard bows out from his foot, you’ll see 20 carries from a $4K back on DraftKings.
Last weekend we witnessed the Lions put 34 points up on the Titans by halftime, so it is safe to say they’ll be out to prove a point on defense this weekend. But if the Pats can score half of that 52 then we should see some value out of them. Rookie Drake Maye, Rhamondre Stevenson, and DeMario Douglas are all tournament plays against a Titans team that’s 28th in the league in points allowed per game (26.3)
Cash: Patriots DST, Titans DST
GPP: Drake Maye, Masin Rudolph, Rhamondre Stevenson, Calvin Ridley, Demario Douglas, Hunter Henry, Tony Pollard, Julius Chestnut
Jaguars @ Eagles (-7.5) (O/U 45.5)
This game has a blowout script written all over it. The Jags were bad enough as it is defensively (29th overall), but now their offense has taken a hit from injuries. Philadelphia on the other hand looked unstoppable in Cincinnati racking up 37 points on the road to defeat the Bengals. The Eagles are back at home and Jacksonville may have their work cut out for them, here’s why.
Trevor Lawrence’s 62% completion ratio up against a top-ten Eagles’ defense on the road, plus injuries to the offensive skill players are just too many red flags this week for the Jags. Christian Kirk was lost for the season this week due to a collarbone fracture, and everybody else is questionable except Evan Engram. Engram may be in store for a ton of targets this weekend as the only fully Jaguar suiting up to catch the football. Keep an eye on reports on the rest of the team closer to game time.
Jalen Hurts gave you 37 fantasy points last week and could very well do it again at home. He is true to padding his stats and will take every opportunity to light up the boxscore at home. Play all your Eagles connected to him, especially Barkley this time out as he will face a Jaguars’ 28th in DVOA to opposing running backs. Jacksonville allows close to 28 points per game on the season and is well on pace to drive up that number in Philadelphia.
Cash: Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Eagles DST
GPP: AJ Brown, Devonta Smith, Evan Engram
Bears @ Cardinals (-1) (O/U 44.5)
Chicago will be out for vengeance after losing to a Hail Mary pass in Washington last weekend, so Arizona better brace themselves. The Bears are above .500 and playing well this deep into the season, and appear to have finally found their quarterback. Arizona is another surprisingly decent team at 4-4 so far and on top of the NFC West division. Only a one-point spread here in a mid-forties total, so I would not get cute in this game for DFS. Just target either team’s star players if you like this game.
Kyler Murray read the playbook beautifully last weekend, getting the ball into the hands of his best players, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride. Each caught for over 100 yards and a touchdown. However, facing a number four-ranked Bears defense may slow down Murray through the air so that James Conner may be more emphasized in the offense on Sunday. Chicago allows over 120 yards of rushing per game, making Conner another safe play this week. Conner has scored over 15 fantasy points in six of eight games this season.
Chicago has won three of its last four games (there should have been four straight) and it’s all because of one man, D’Andre Swift. The former Georgia Bulldog has averaged well over 100 total yards and one touchdown per game in his last four contests. A solid option for cash games and is still severely underpriced on DraftKings at $6,400. We usually do not stack running backs with quarterbacks in DFS, but in this case, I see no issue rolling Swift out with Caleb Williams. Bears receivers have been hit or miss, for a safer option go with tight end Cole Kmet who sees a 78% snap share.
Cash: James Conner, D’Andre Swift
GPP: Kyler Murray, Caleb Williams, Cole Kmet, Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison
Lions @ Packers (+3.5) (U/O 48.5)
A huge game on the slate featuring the most explosive division in the NFC North. Both teams are hungry to take the lead as they are neck and neck with six wins a piece. However there is some rain in the forecast in Green Bay, so calm yourselves down a bit on attacking this part of the slate. Let’s figure out this game.
Vegas has dropped the total one point to 47.5 since Tuesday, and this is after Jordan Love was cleared to play from his groin injury that had him crawling to the sideline last Sunday. I do not feel Love is 100% after watching him in pain, so I am out weather or no weather factor. Running back Josh Jacobs is the only Packer I am interested in, averaging 24 fantasy points in his last two games and the clear workhorse of this offense.
Two fun facts about the Lions: They will run the ball down your throats at will, and Jared Goff sucks outdoors, even worse in wet weather. The combination of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery has been lights out all year, ranked 6th in yardage and first in touchdowns with 13 rushing. Now Goff can’t hand it off thirty times tomorrow, so I would go Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta for some work so long Goff does not melt away. Packers DST is an under-the-radar move this week I feel because of the high total, so long as Goff does not show up.
Cash: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Jacobs
GPP: Sam LaPorta, Tucker Kraft, Jayden Reed, Packers DST, Lions DST
Rams @ Seahawks (+1.5) (U/O 48)
Last but not least we have a battle in the NFC West. It’s a nice total of 48 with a tight spread of 1.5, so we should see some back-and-forth game flow. The division is up for grabs so expect both teams to come out swinging in their first meeting of the season.
LA is fresh off a victory in Minnesota thanks to a ref turning a blind eye to a facemask on Sam Darnold. The Rams are one of the most electrifying teams in football when healthy, and this week they seem to be. The matchup is juicy, especially for Kyren Williams, who’ll face a Seattle defense that gives up close to 150 yards per game in the trenches. But all should feast well in this high-scoring game so start your Rams up but they won’t come cheap.
Seattle will need all the help they can get on offense as they’ll be without DK Metcalf and Noah Fant. Geno Smith’s downfield threat capabilities will be compromised unless Jake Bobo and AJ Barner can fill in some big shoes this weekend. Although Seattle may choose a more run-heavy approach with Kenneth Walker, who has been solid this season. His role in the passing game has increased to a 14% target share in Seattle, fifth in the league amongst running backs. Jaxson-Smith Njigba and Tyler Lockett will see a bump in their starting roles this week as well.
Cash: Kyren Williams, Kenneth Walker
GPP: Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Matt Stafford, Geno Smith, JSN, Jake Bobo, AJ Barner, Tyler Lockett
Thanks for reading my NFL DFS Game by Game Breakdown for Week 9! Remember to check back daily for more updates and content up until kickoff. You can reach me on X @JoeDiCarlo78 or in our Discord tag me @DiCarlo78 for any lineup build opinions or questions, always here to help! Gain access to our Projection Models and jump into our Discord where we will have our experts and myself talking plays across every sport 24/7/365!
