Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen remains at the top of the quarterback hierarchy despite a matchup with an elite Kansas City Chiefs defense. Allen's scrambling ability raises his floor, making him matchup-proof. Last week, the reigning MVP ran for two touchdowns to balance out his limited pass attempts based on the team's blowout win. The Chiefs rank fourth in yards of offense per game (277.8) and second in points allowed per game (16.4), setting the stage for a showdown.

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Seattle Seahawks rookie wide receiver Tory Horton was held without a catch on four targets across the team's final two games before its Week 8 bye. The 22-year-old has struggled to be consistently productive this season, recording nine catches for 113 yards and three touchdowns on 18 targets in seven games played. However, injuries could allow Horton to play a larger role in Seattle's offense in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. Seahawks wideouts Jake Bobo (Achilles) and Dareke Young (quad) have been ruled out, while veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp (heel, hamstring) is listed as questionable after injuring his hamstring in practice on Friday. If Kupp is ruled out, Horton looks like the clear WR2 in Seattle alongside star Seahawks wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Week 9. The Commanders enter Week 9 allowing the most yards per reception in the NFL (12.8), so Horton will have a favorable matchup as well. Horton profiles as a high-upside flex option for deep-league fantasy managers in Week 9 against Washington if Kupp is unable to play.

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Through eight games this season, Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin has recorded 33 catches for 358 yards and four touchdowns. The 22-year-old has played some of his best football of late, hauling in nine catches for 108 yards and three touchdowns on 18 targets over his last two games. Franklin appears to be emerging as the clear WR2 in Denver alongside Courtland Sutton. Franklin's target share could be even more solidified in Week 9 against the Houston Texans, as Broncos wideout Marvin Mims Jr. (concussion) will be sidelined due to a concussion. If there's a concern for Franklin's outlook in Week 9, it's the strength of the Houston defense. The Texans have allowed the third-fewest passing yards (1,375) and the fewest passing touchdowns (six) in the NFL through eight weeks. Still, Franklin profiles as a low-end WR3/flex option for fantasy managers in Week 9.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown has recorded 32 catches for 316 yards and four touchdowns on 49 targets across his first eight games of 2025. However, Brown has seen his role in the offense shrink in recent weeks. After earning at least five targets in each of his first five games of the season, Brown has failed to reach the five-target mark in each of his last three. He was held without a catch on just one target in his most recent outing in Week 8 against the Washington Commanders. With Chiefs wideouts Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy back from the suspension and injury that limited their participation early in the season, Brown appears likely to remain in a marginalized role. Kansas City will play the Buffalo Bills in Week 9 in a matchup that has definite shootout potential. Still, Brown is unlikely to provide fantasy-relevant production if he fails to crack 40% of the team's offensive snaps, a number he hasn't reached since Week 6. Brown profiles as a desperation deep-league flex option in Week 9 against Buffalo.

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The Chicago Bears elevated running back Brittain Brown from their practice squad for the team's Week 9 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Chicago will be without running backs D'Andre Swift (groin) and Roschon Johnson (back) against Cincinnati. Rookie running back Kyle Monangai is expected to step into a workhorse role in Week 9. Brown and veteran Travis Homer are the most likely candidates to give Monangai a breather when he needs one. Brown has not appeared in an NFL game since 2022, when he played in six games for the Las Vegas Raiders. The 28-year-old exclusively played special teams for Las Vegas, so he's unlikely to take on much of an offensive role for Chicago in Week 9.

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The Kansas City Chiefs have elevated running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire from their practice squad for the team's Week 9 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. With running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) out, Edwards-Helaire will give the Chiefs a little extra depth in their running back room. Veteran back Kareem Hunt should be expected to serve as the team's early-down and goal-line rusher, with rookie Brashard Smith mixing in in a gadget and passing-downs role. However, both Edwards-Helaire and Elijah Mitchell could steal a few touches away from Hunt and Smith. Edwards-Helaire has not appeared in a game yet this season. Across two games for the New Orleans Saints in 2024, he recorded 70 scrimmage yards on 16 touches. Edwards-Helaire should remain off fantasy radars heading into Week 9.

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Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell drilled all four of his field goal attempts, including three from over 50 yards out, and converted his lone extra-point try in a Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The 34-year-old remains a dependable fantasy option against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9. Although the Colts haven't given up many fantasy points to opposing kickers this season, this contest is projected to feature upwards of 50 total points scored. If it turns into a shootout, Boswell should be plenty involved as the Steelers aim to keep pace with Indianapolis' high-flying offense. Fantasy managers can count on Boswell as a top-10 option once again on Sunday.

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier found the end zone for the fourth time in his last six games last week, although he carried the ball just four times for four yards, adding two catches for 10 yards. Of Allgeier'sfourscores, three have come in wins, with the 25-year-old mustering just one touchdown on a total of nine rushes for 24 yards in the team's last three losses. If that trend continues, it could be a quiet Sunday in Week 9 for the 5-foot-10 running back, as the Falcons are 4.5-point road underdogs and carry an implied point total under 20 in this one. Not to mention, New England is tough against the run, allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs, and has allowed just 76 rush yards per contest and 3.5 yards per rush (both second-fewest). The BYU product is a touchdown-dependent RB4/Flex this week, who has a very low floor.

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) is making progress from his foot sprain and could have a role on Monday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys, but veteran backup Jacoby Brissett will make another start, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Murray has not started for the Cardinals since spraining his foot in the Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans, and he's not ready to take over starting duties under center coming out of the team's Week 8 bye. Murray has been limited in practice so far this week. He may be active on Monday night, but in that scenario, he'd be serving as the emergency backup to Brissett. It's been another frustrating season for the 28-year-old signal-caller so far in 2025, and there's no guarantee he'll be ready to return for Week 10 against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. Murray so far has 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions while adding 173 rushing yards and another score in only five games.

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Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth missed practice on Wednesday with a quad injury but has since been removed from the injury report and should be a full-go against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9. The fifth-year pro had a massive showing back in Week 7, but followed it up with a quiet three-catch, 13-yard performance in last week's loss to the Green Bay Packers. He gets another great matchup on Sunday, as the Colts have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game and fourth-most receptions to opposing tight ends. This contest is projected to be high-scoring, so Freiermuth may see enough opportunities to bounce back for fantasy purposes. Still, with Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington also in the mix for snaps, Freiermuth remains difficult to trust as anything more than a low-end TE2.

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Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Saturday that running back Bam Knight will be the "first one out there" on Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9 at RB, but the work will likely go to whichever back is most effective, per Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. Knight will be battling for lead-back duties with Michael Carter, who got work in with the first-team offense at practice this week and will rejoin the active 53-man roster. Meanwhile, Emari Demercado (ankle) will be active after missing Week 7 with an ankle injury. Knight has operated as Arizona's primary back over Carter the last two games, receiving 25 combined carries for 91 yards (3.6 yards per tote) and a touchdown while adding four catches for 27 yards receiving. He will be the "starter" on Monday, but he might need to perform to hold off Carter. Knight is shaping up as a shaky low-end RB2/high-end RB3/flex option in a good matchup against Dallas this week.

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Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith has seen underwhelming utilization this season and will hope to turn things around at home against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9. The Colts have allowed the fourth-most receptions and fifth-most fantasy points per contest to opposing tight ends, opening the door for Smith to contribute in this matchup. Still, it remains difficult to predict how opportunities will be distributed among the crowded Steelers' tight end room. Between Smith, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington, Smith is the most viable fantasy option, but none can be relied upon with confidence. The 30-year-old checks in as the TE21 in RotoBaller's Week 9 rankings.

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AtlantaFalcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (hamstring) closed out the week with full participation in practice on Friday and heads into Sunday without an injury designation. The 28-year-old was able to muster just one grab on four targets last week despite Drake London (hip) missing the contest with an injury. The veteran receiver has failed to produce consistently this year, catching two passes or fewer in three of the five games he's played in, and has yet to find the end zone. With Bijan Robinson's expanded role in the passing attack in 2025 and Kyle Pitts Sr. finding consistency, Mooney has been pushed down in the pass-catcher pecking order. With London likely to see a lot of cornerback Christian Gonzalez, things could open up a bit for Mooney, but the Pats have limited opposing offenses to 194.7 pass yards per game over the last three games (ninth-fewest) and just 18.3 points per game on the season (fourth-fewest), leaving Mooney as an unexciting WR4/Flex for Week 9.

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett will officially make his third straight start in Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schefter reports that Cardinals QB1 Kyler Murray (foot) is "making progress" in his recovery from a foot sprain and "could have a role Monday night." It's unclear exactly what Murray's potential role would be, as a foot injury would seemingly limit his ability to be effective as a rusher. Brissett has arguably outplayed Murray this season. Across his two starts, Brissett has thrown for 599 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. The 32-year-old profiles as a solid fantasy QB2 in a very favorable Week 9 matchup against Dallas.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III will hope to bounce back from a quiet Week 8 in a Week 9 showdown with the 7-1 Indianapolis Colts. Fellow receiver Roman Wilson had a breakout showing last week, but it was Austin that logged the second-most snaps among Pittsburgh's wideouts behind DK Metcalf. While the Colts have been difficult to defeat on the scoreboard, they've proven beatable through the air, giving up the third-most fantasy points per game and most receptions to opposing receivers. Austin has the explosiveness to break a big play against this defense and should be involved in what is projected to be a high-scoring affair. However, the fourth-year pro has not been consistent enough to warrant consideration in most fantasy leagues. He should be viewed as a low-end flex option with upside in deeper leagues on Sunday.

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Running back Tony Pollard is one of the players the Tennessee Titans are "fielding the most calls on" ahead of the NFL's November 4 trade deadline, according to Diana Russini of The Athletic. Pollard has recorded 555 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 127 touches across eight games for the 1-7 Titans so far this season. Tennessee has a younger and cheaper running back option behind Pollard in Tyjae Spears, so it may make sense for the rebuilding Titans to try to maximize Pollard's value. Depending on where he gets moved, a trade could significantly boost Pollard's fantasy value. He's been losing touches to Spears in recent weeks, and the Titans' anemic offense limits the scoring opportunities for both running backs. If Pollard gets traded, Spears would become the unquestioned lead back in Tennessee. Currently, both players profile as high-end flex options heading into their Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf finished as the WR12 last week and will look to build on that performance in a Week 9 home bout with the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have been strong against the run but vulnerable through the air, giving up the most receptions and third-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts. While Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, and Pittsburgh's tight ends have all shown flashes, Metcalf has consistently been the favorite target of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, especially on deep shots. Sunday's contest carries a high projected point total and should feature plenty of fantasy production. That said, Metcalf should remain locked into lineups as a high-end WR2 with significant upside.

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The Buffalo Bills are one of the teams with interest in acquiring current Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers ahead of the NFL's November 4 trade deadline, according to The Athletic's Diana Russini. Russini notes that Las Vegas has "set a high price" on Meyers. Across six games this season, the 28-year-old has recorded 29 catches for 329 yards on 43 targets. Meyers has also publicly expressed his desire to be traded as he plays out the final season of his current contract. A new home may help rejuvenate Meyers, who currently profiles as a low-end fantasy WR3. In Buffalo, he would likely join wideout Khalil Shakir as one of the top targets for Bills quarterback Josh Allen. If Meyers is eventually moved, wide receivers Tre Tucker and Jack Bech are the most likely candidates to see their roles in the Raiders offense expand.

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The Athletic's Diana Russini reports that the New Orleans Saints are expected to retain top wide receiver Chris Olave through the NFL's November 4 trade deadline. Olave has one more year on his current contract with New Orleans following 2025. The 25-year-old is having a solid season so far, recording 52 catches for 503 yards and three touchdowns on 83 targets. Olave has been one of the league's most consistent target-earners, recording double-digit targets in six out of eight games. Olave remaining in New Orleans might be the best thing for fantasy managers, as his target volume would almost certainly go down if he were moved to a contender. He profiles as a fantasy WR2 heading into the Saints' Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has been steady this season but will face a tough test in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts. Indianapolis has been stout versus opposing backs, allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game and just five total touchdowns to the position. The good news for Warren is that this home matchup is expected to be high-scoring, giving Pittsburgh's offense as a whole a boost for fantasy. Even if the Steelers are forced to abandon the run to keep up with the Colts' high-powered attack, Warren should remain a reliable pass-catching weapon for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Fantasy managers can continue to treat the 27-year-old as an RB2 with a safe floor in PPR formats.

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