Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups based on a PPR scoring system in fantasy football. This column will not cover the elite players in the NFL like Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey or Justin Jefferson. Instead, I'll look at the players you have questions about who could exceed or fail to meet expectations at each position. For all of your final fantasy lineup decisions, be sure to check out my weekly player rankings which will be updated daily throughout the 2023 NFL season.
Fabs’ Top 10 Quarterbacks
1. Patrick Mahomes at Dolphins (Frankfurt)
2. Josh Allen at Bengals
3. Jalen Hurts vs. Cowboys
4. Joe Burrow at Bills
5. Lamar Jackson vs. Seahawks
6. Justin Herbert at Jets (Mon.)
7. Tua Tagovailoa vs. Chiefs (Frankfurt)
8. Dak Prescott at Eagles
9. Derek Carr vs. Bears
10. C.J. Stroud vs. Buccaneers
Week 9 Start ’Em, Sit ’Em: QUARTERBACKS | RUNNING BACKS | WIDE RECEIVERS | TIGHT ENDS | KICKERS & TEAM DEFENSES
Byes: 49ers, Broncos, Jaguars, Lions
Week 9 Start ’Em: Quarterbacks
Start of the Week
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Tua Tagovailoa at Chiefs (Frankfort, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network): Tagovailoa is coming off a strong performance, scoring 21.8 points in a win over the Patriots. He has now scored 20-plus points in two of his last three games, and this week’s battle with the Chiefs in Germany should be a barnburner. The total opened at 50.5, and the Chiefs surrendered three touchdown passes to Russell Wilson in Week 8.
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Start ’Em
Joe Burrow vs. Bills (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Burrow is back! After a super shaky start to the season, he’s scored 23-plus points in two of his last three games. This week’s matchup in Buffalo is a bad one on paper, as the Bills have allowed the fourth-fewest points to quarterbacks. Their defense has given up 19-plus points to the position in their last two games though, so start Burrow with confidence.
Dak Prescott at Eagles (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Listed as a start ’em last week, Dak looked great with four touchdowns and 28.1 points against the Rams. He has now scored 24-plus points in two straight games, and facing the Eagles makes him a nice option. Their defense has been awful against quarterbacks, allowing 19-plus points to the position four times including 31 to Sam Howell just last weekend.
Derek Carr vs. Bears (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Carr has been relatively productive in recent weeks, scoring 16-plus points in three straight games including 18.3 in last week’s win over the Colts. He’s a nice matchup-based option this week, as Carr will face a Bears defense that’s allowed 18-plus points to six quarterbacks including five who have scored over 22 points. He could be a top-12 option this week.
Jordan Love vs. Rams (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Desperation, thy name is Love. With four teams on a bye and injuries all over the place, fantasy managers will be forced to start Love this week. He’s been bad lately, scoring fewer than 16 points in three straight games, but the Rams have been generous to quarterbacks. In fact, three have beaten them for 27-plus points since Week 4. Say a prayer and start ’em.
More Starts
Justin Herbert at Jets (Mon. 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN)
C.J. Stroud vs. Buccaneers (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Mac Jones vs. Commanders (1 p.m. ET, Fox)
DFS Bargains (DraftKings)
Dak Prescott at Eagles ($6,500)
Derek Carr vs. Bears ($5,700)
Mac Jones vs. Commanders ($4,900)
Week 9 Sit ’Em: Quarterbacks
Sit of the Week
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Sam Howell at Patriots (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Howell is coming off a career game in the stat sheets, throwing for 397 yards with four touchdowns in Philadelphia. That will make it tough to sit him this week, but Howell has a tougher matchup in New England. Their defense has been tough on quarterbacks at home, allowing just one to beat them for more than 15.7 points including Jalen Hurts (12.5 points).
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Sit ’Em
Geno Smith at Ravens (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Remember last year’s version of Smith in fantasy land? He was the QB5 and one of the biggest surprises in the league. Unfortunately, he’s reverted to what he has been for most of his career … a mediocre quarterback. He’s failed to score even 16 points in all but one game, and facing the Ravens on their home field is anything but a positive matchup.
Daniel Jones at Raiders (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Jones has had an awful season, as he’s scored single digits in all but one of his first five games before getting hurt. If he is able to return this week (he’s been medically cleared), I wouldn’t rush to start him against the Raiders. Their defense has actually held quarterbacks to an average of fewer than 15 fantasy points, so Jones is no lock to have a nice week.
Gardner Minshew at Panthers (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS): Minshew is coming off what was a modest stat line, scoring 14.8 points in a loss to the Saints. He’ll be tough to trust this week, as the Panthers have been tough on quarterbacks at home in 2023. In fact, they’ve held Kirk Cousins, C.J. Stroud and Carr to fewer than 13 points. At best, Minshew is a risk-reward No. 2 option in a multi-quarterback league.
Aidan O'Connell vs. Giants (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): The Giants defense has been very tough in recent weeks, allowing just 13.1 points in their last four games. That includes holding Tua and Josh Allen to fewer than 17 fantasy points. O'Connell, who is starting in place of the benched Jimmy Garappolo, is in a tough spot as a result. While he's worth adding, he shouldn't be used in most traditional leagues.
