Fantasy managers face a chaotic Week 9 at quarterback due to injuries and lineup changes. Joe Fagnano, Drew Lock, Joe Milton III, and Gardner Minshew are set to start, while Carson Wentz and Shedeur Sanders could also see action. In one-quarterback leagues most of these replacements should be avoided, but they may be necessary in Superflex and two-quarterback formats.
Replacement Quarterbacks
Drew Lock replaces Sam Darnold (quad) and averaged 21.1 fantasy points in two starts earlier this season, including 27.4 points against Arizona, which ranks second in most fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. Gardner Minshew, who took over for Jacoby Brissett in Week 8, scored 25.5 fantasy points in the second half at Dallas and projects for at least 15 points against Seattle. Joe Milton III steps in for Tanner McKee with a favorable matchup versus the Giants (seventh in most fantasy points allowed); his only extended NFL action in Week 18 of 2024 yielded 21.2 fantasy points. Carson Wentz could start for Kyler Murray (hamstring) and scored 25.2 points against Green Bay in Week 1 but only 6.3 points in Week 2; the Bills rank eighth in most fantasy points allowed. Shedeur Sanders may replace Deshaun Watson (concussion) at New Orleans, where the Saints have allowed two of the past three opposing quarterbacks to score at least 20.3 points. Joe Fagnano makes his first start for Lamar Jackson (thumb) and Tyler Huntley (toe) against a tough Jaguars defense after going 10-of-21 for 91 yards with an interception in Week 8.
Top Starts
Jared Goff (Detroit) is a must-start against Miami, which ranks third in most fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. Three consecutive quarterbacks (Joe Burrow, Geno Smith, Drake Maye) have scored at least 26.5 points versus the Dolphins. Goff scored at least 20.4 points in each of his first six games before a down Week 8. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City) faces the Jets, who have allowed Drake Maye, Malik Willis, and Kirk Cousins to each score at least 29.9 points in the past three weeks. Mahomes averages 26.6 fantasy points with Rashee Rice active. Jordan Love (Green Bay) has scored at least 20 points in 22 of 33 career games with 30+ pass attempts and projects for another high-volume game at New England (10th in opponent QB fantasy points). Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) rebounds from arm soreness at Washington, which ranks fourth in most fantasy points allowed; only two quarterbacks have failed to score 19.4+ points against the Commanders this season. Kirk Cousins (Las Vegas) draws a tough San Francisco defense (11th fewest fantasy points allowed) but has scored at least 22.5 points in six of eight games, including against elite defenses.
Sleepers
Malik Willis (Miami) faces the Lions, who lead the league in most fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks; every quarterback against Detroit has scored at least 20.9 points and thrown two touchdowns. Tyler Shough (New Orleans) returns from a bye against Cleveland, which has held the past four opposing quarterbacks to 15.4 points or less, but Shough showed early-season upside. Bo Nix (Denver) has scored at least 23.3 points in his last two games and faces Carolina, which has allowed three of the past five quarterbacks to score 22.5+ points.
Quarterbacks to Sit
C.J. Stroud (Houston) draws the Chargers (seventh fewest fantasy points allowed); only Kirk Cousins in Week 2 has exceeded 18.5 points against Los Angeles. Bryce Young (Carolina) has scored 12.4 points or less in his past two games and faces a Denver defense that has held several quarterbacks to 18.5 points or less. Geno Smith (New York Jets) faces Kansas City (fifth fewest fantasy points allowed); only Cousins and Bo Nix have topped 15.9 points against the Chiefs this season.
Bust Alert
Caleb Williams (Chicago) has only two games with more than 20 fantasy points in five outings despite solid play. Tampa Bay ranks fourth in fewest fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks, with only Deshaun Watson and Aaron Rodgers reaching 20 points against them. Williams projects as a low-end starter at best.
