Fantasy football managers preparing for Week 9 have a key decision at running back with Jonathan Taylor's status uncertain amid trade speculation. The Indianapolis Colts face the Dallas Cowboys, who rank sixth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Taylor, who played a season-low 62% of snaps in Week 8, had scored at least 19 PPR points in three of his previous four games. If he plays a full snap count, he could deliver a top-five performance, though trade deadline concerns keep him ranked outside the top 10.
Running Backs to Start
Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots) faces a Green Bay defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs, with a back scoring at least 13 PPR points in each of the past four games. Stevenson has topped 12 PPR points in four of his last five games. Ashton Jeanty (Raiders) remains a viable No. 2 option despite a reduced role in Week 8; the 49ers lead the league in receptions allowed to running backs, boosting Jeanty's passing-game value. Quinshon Judkins (Browns) draws a matchup against the Saints, who allow the most fantasy points to running backs, with 10 backs scoring at least 11.4 PPR points. Woody Marks (Texans) could serve as a No. 2 back if David Montgomery remains out, facing a Chargers defense that has allowed at least 10.3 PPR points to a running back every game. Ollie Gordon II (Dolphins) gets a favorable matchup against a Lions defense missing several linebackers and a safety.
Sleepers
Rachaad White (Commanders) has scored at least 11.1 PPR points in four of his last five games and benefits from Washington's backfield injuries. Blake Corum (Rams) has scored at least 13.3 PPR points in four straight games with a touchdown each week, and the Commanders' defensive line injuries could help. Zach Charbonnet (Seahawks) returned from ACL tear in Week 8 and has a strong history against the Cardinals, averaging 21.7 PPR points in his last three games versus Arizona.
Sits and Bust Alerts
Tyler Allgeier (Cardinals) had a breakout game against Dallas but faces a tougher Seahawks defense and potential competition from Zonovan Knight. Mike Washington Jr. (Raiders) may see more carries than Jeanty but faces a stout 49ers run defense and a game script favoring passing. Omarion Hampton (Chargers) continues to struggle in a timeshare and faces a Texans defense that limits rushing yards. Alvin Kamara (Saints) is only a PPR flex if Travis Etienne returns, as Cleveland allows few receptions to running backs. Breece Hall (Jets) returns from injury but will share work with Braelon Allen against a Chiefs defense ranking 12th in fewest fantasy points allowed to running backs.
