Patrick Mahomes Set for a Top-10 Fantasy QB Finish
Kansas City Chiefs' Mahomes faces Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Monday night. It's been nearly a year since he cracked the top 10 fantasy QBs, but a strong showing against Tampa Bay’s poor pass defense could end that streak.
De’Von Achane is Top-Five Material with Tua Under Center
Achane has been putting up impressive numbers, averaging 137.3 scrimmage yards and 26.4 fantasy points when Tagovailoa plays. Look for another big game against Buffalo’s vulnerable defense on Sunday.
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Feeling unsure about your fantasy lineup? Here's a breakdown of players likely to boom, bust, or surprise in Week 9, along with my sleeper picks to help you navigate tricky spots. Check out the Fire & Ice chart at the end to see the complete lineup advice.
Quarterbacks
Fire QB Start: Patrick Mahomes (vs. TB)
Mahomes hasn’t ranked higher than QB14 since Week 9 last year, but Tampa Bay’s defense provides a golden opportunity. Three of the past four QBs facing the Buccaneers have ended as top-three fantasy players, making Mahomes a solid start.
Sleeper QB: Joe Flacco (at MIN)
Flacco has been a surprising fantasy contributor, averaging over 309 yards per game with multiple touchdowns in each of his last four starts. Facing Minnesota’s leaky pass defense could mean another 22+ fantasy points performance.
Ice QB of the Week: Bo Nix (at BAL)
Though Nix has had recent success, he struggles on the road, and Baltimore’s home defense is tough. With Nix’s limited production in away games, he's a risky start.
Running Backs
Fire RB Start: De’Von Achane (at BUF)
Achane has been stellar when Tagovailoa is in, averaging over 137 yards and hitting top-three RB rankings. Expect another strong showing against Buffalo, which has been weak against pass-catching backs.
Sleeper RB: Alexander Mattison (at CIN)
After a quiet game last week against the Chiefs’ top-ranked rush defense, Mattison has a favorable matchup with the Bengals, who have struggled against RBs.
Ice RB Start: Raheem Mostert (at BUF)
While Mostert scored twice last week, his overall fantasy reliance on touchdowns makes him a risky start, especially against a Bills defense that allows few rushing touchdowns.
Wide Receivers
Fire WR Start: Josh Downs (at MIN)
With Flacco throwing, Downs has proven dependable, scoring 22+ fantasy points in recent games. Against a Vikings defense allowing top WR production, he’s poised for another high score.
Sleeper WR: DeAndre Hopkins (vs. TB)
Though quiet in his Chiefs debut, Hopkins is expected to see increased usage this week. Tampa Bay’s defense is a prime matchup for Hopkins to put up big numbers.
Ice WR Start: Zay Flowers (vs. DEN)
While Flowers has had solid yardage lately, the Broncos’ defense has been tough on WRs, allowing few yards and touchdowns, making Flowers a high-risk play.
Tight Ends
Fire TE Start: Evan Engram (at PHI)
With Kirk out, Engram is likely to see an uptick in targets. He previously excelled in similar situations and faces an Eagles defense that will keep the Jaguars passing.
Sleeper TE: Hunter Henry (at TEN)
If Maye passes concussion protocol, Henry should benefit. He put up 13+ fantasy points in Maye’s past starts, and the Titans have struggled against tight ends recently.
Ice TE Start: Tucker Kraft (vs. DET)
Kraft’s recent production has relied on big plays, and facing the Lions’ stingy TE defense makes him a risk this week.
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