NFL Week 9 Bangs & Busts

We’re entering Week 9, and this is where the real fantasy football season begins. Bye weeks, injuries, and chaos are in full swing, but that just means more edges for the sharp players paying attention. Let’s get into this week’s Bangs & Busts and keep stacking wins as the playoff push begins.

Quarterback

BANG: Matt Stafford vs Saints
Projection: 18.2 pts (QB13)
This sets up perfectly for Stafford to deliver a vintage performance. The Saints are starting rookie quarterback Tyler Shough in his first career start, which means the Rams’ defense should create short fields and extra possessions. Even better, Puka Nacua returns from injury for the first time since Week 6. With Nacua back in the fold and Davante Adams commanding attention on the opposite side, Stafford suddenly has his full arsenal again. Expect him to capitalize on great field position and push for his best stat line of the season.

BUST: Jayden Daniels vs Seahawks
Projection: 19.5 pts (QB8)
Daniels faces a legit Seahawks defense that’s been strong on all levels. He’s also shaking off rust after missing time, and Washington’s offensive rhythm looked off last week. Between Seattle’s physical front and their ability to contain mobile quarterbacks, I see Daniels and the Commanders struggling to sustain drives in this matchup.

Running Back

BANG: Kimani Vidal @ Titans
Projection: 15.6 pts (RB17)
Vidal continues to prove he belongs as the lead back for the Chargers, running with vision and power every week. Tennessee’s defense has completely fallen off; they’re giving up chunk gains on the ground and missing tackles in space. With the Chargers’ offense starting to click, Vidal should see 18+ touches and a strong chance to find the end zone again.

BUST: Ashton Jeanty vs Jaguars
Projection: 15.1 pts (RB18)
Jeanty’s been the lone bright spot in a Raiders offense that’s otherwise lifeless, and that’s the problem. Jacksonville can key in on him. The Jaguars’ front is physical, fast, and rarely misses at the point of attack. With no real weapons around him, Jeanty could find yards hard to come by in a game where Vegas struggles to move the ball at all.

Wide Receiver

BANG: D.K. Metcalf vs Colts
Projection: 15.9 pts (WR15)
Metcalf’s chemistry has been steadily building, and the Steelers will need him in a big way this week. Facing a legit Colts squad, Rodgers will look early and often to his WR1, especially if they trail early. Expect volume, physical routes, and red-zone opportunities in what could be a bounce-back statement game.

BUST: Nico Collins @ Broncos
Projection: 16.5 pts (WR10)
Denver controls both sides of the line right now, and Houston’s offensive line has been a disaster. That’s a bad mix for Stroud and his receivers. Even with Patrick Surtain II sidelined, this Broncos defense is too well-coordinated to give up many explosive plays. Collins could find himself smothered in another frustrating, low-efficiency outing.

Tight End

BANG: Tyler Warren @ Steelers
Projection: 13.6 pts (TE6)
Warren continues to shine as Daniel Jones’s favorite red-zone weapon. The Colts have leaned on him heavily in critical situations, and that shouldn’t change here. Pittsburgh has struggled to cover athletic tight ends who can win up the seam, and Warren fits that profile perfectly. Expect a steady target share with strong touchdown upside again in Week 9.

BUST: Kyle Pitts Sr. @ Patriots
Projection: 10.9 pts (TE10)
Pitts’ name still carries weight, but the production hasn’t matched. New England is among the league’s best at locking down tight ends. Their safeties force short, low-value catches and limit YAC. Unless Pitts breaks a big one, it’s hard to see him paying off this projection.

Defense / Special Teams

BANG: Chargers D/ST @ Titans
Projection: 7.1 pts (DST8)
No overthinking this one. The Chargers are a hot team facing a broken Titans offense that can’t protect the quarterback or sustain drives. Expect pressure, sacks, and turnovers in bunches. This should be a feast for Los Angeles.

BUST: Lions D/ST vs Vikings
Projection: 8.0 pts (DST6)
With J.J. McCarthy back at the helm for Minnesota and both offenses in rhythm, this shapes up as a potential shootout. Detroit’s defense has been solid, but in a high-scoring environment, there’s limited fantasy ceiling. Fade both defenses in this one.

Kicker

BANG: Cameron Dicker @ Titans
Projection: 9.1 pts (K3)
The Chargers should live in scoring range against Tennessee, and Dicker’s leg has been automatic all season. He’s a top-3 kicking option this week and one of the safest plays on the board.

BUST: Blake Grupe @ Rams
Projection: 5.5 pts (K19)
New Orleans is rolling out rookie QB Tyler Shough for his first career start, and that’s a tough draw against a legit Rams defense. Expect stalled drives and limited scoring chances. Grupe’s a fade for me this week.