With only two teams on bye in Week 9, fantasy managers have a larger player pool but also tougher start-sit decisions. Injuries continue to pile up, with A.J. Brown (knee), Mike Evans (Achilles), Garrett Wilson (concussion) and Sam Darnold (quad) all sidelined. Meanwhile, backup running backs Kenny Gainwell (140 total yards), Tyler Allgeier (191 yards, two touchdowns), Braelon Allen (153 yards, one touchdown) and Mike Washington Jr. (83 yards) delivered strong performances last week.
Model favors Malik Willis over big names
A proven computer model that simulates every NFL game 10,000 times projects Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis as a top-12 fantasy option despite being started in just 19% of leagues last week. Willis has accounted for seven total touchdowns over his past three games, averaging the seventh-most fantasy points among quarterbacks in that span. He now faces a Detroit Lions defense that has allowed the most passing yards, passing touchdowns and fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, in a game with a 50.5 over/under. The model ranks Willis above even Josh Allen.
Caution advised on Tetairoa McMillan
Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who ranks among the top 15 in fantasy points at his position and is started in over 80% of leagues, fails to crack the model's top 35 receivers this week. The second-year player has been held under 60 yards in each of his last two games and has found the end zone only once all season — the only game he has scored in over his last 10 contests dating back to 2025. A difficult matchup against a Denver Broncos unit that allows the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers adds to the concern.
Surprise tight end could crack top five
The model also identifies a tight end barely inside the top 15 in positional fantasy points this season but projected to finish in the top five for Week 9. That pick could be a decisive difference-maker in fantasy matchups.
