NFL Week 9 fantasy football, betting cheat sheet: No Stefon Diggs in TNF contest

Welcome to the Week 9 NFL fantasy and betting cheat sheet, a one-stop-shop for The Athletic’s game previews, injury and weather updates, and expert analysis. Bookmark this page and check back often, as we offer regular updates on Thursday and Friday to assist with fantasy lineups and betting decisions. We’ll come back with a special Sunday cheat sheet that morning as well.

The latest NFL news and headlines

Last updated: 12:30 p.m. ET, Oct. 31

Injury news | Weather report
Featured games | Week 9 best bets
Survivor pool strategy | Fantasy football player rankings

Injury news

Updated through 12:30 p.m. ET, Oct. 31

Thursday Night Football

Allen Lazard, WR, Jets (chest) — Out
Allen Lazard will not be available for the New York Jets’ matchup with the Houston Texans. With WR Garrett Wilson and the addition of Davante Adams, Lazard’s injury is less fantasy-relevant, leaving Aaron Rodgers with one less familiar target.

Stefon Diggs, WR, Texans (knee) — Injured Reserve
Diggs joined Nico Collins on IR earlier this week, leaving Tank Dell as Houston’s WR1. Jake Ciely ranks Dell as WR20 for Week 9. While Collins is eligible to return this season, Diggs is done for the year, so Dell should see more work even once Collins returns.

Sunday 1 p.m.

Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders (ribs) — Questionable
After a game-time-decision start/Hail Mary miracle in Week 8, Daniels is questionable with a lingering rib injury ahead of the Commanders’ matchup with the Giants. If Daniels plays, Terry McLaurin (Ciely’s WR11) could have a big game against a Giants team ranked 23rd in passing yards per game (223.5), according to TruMedia.

Derek Carr, QB, Saints (oblique) — Expected to play
Carr is expected to return in Week 9, which could buoy the Saints’ receiving corps … whatever’s left of it. WR1 Chris Olave had 107 yards receiving last week with QB Spencer Rattler under center and should see high usage again. WRs Bub Means and Cedrick Wilson Jr. did not practice Wednesday and are questionable heading into the week, tentatively giving WR Mason Tipton the WR2 role.

Drake Maye, QB, Patriots (concussion) — Questionable
Maye was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice but must pass concussion protocol to play. RB Rhamondre Stevenson, WR DeMario Douglas, and TE Hunter Henry are all healthy, and while Patriots players have not been fantasy stalwarts, Week 9 offers the opportunity for decent production against the Titans.

Will Levis, QB, Titans (shoulder) — Questionable
Not much changes for fantasy players if Levis is available in Week 9. Levis’ dismal 70.7 passer rating bests only recently-benched Colts QB Anthony Richardson.

Calvin Ridley, WR, Titans (shoulder) — Questionable
Ridley did not practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury, further limiting Levis’ fantasy potential. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is the next man up in Tennessee, but I wouldn’t suggest starting him.

Tony Pollard, RB, Titans (foot) — Questionable
Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans (hamstring) — Questionable
Adding water to the fire, Pollard and Spears are also questionable for the Titans in Week 9. Spears got in a limited practice Wednesday, while Pollard was a non-participant. It’s likely one or both of Spears and Pollard play, and Ciely has Pollard as RB18 this week, making him a viable option against the Pats.

Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals (quadricep) — Questionable
Higgins didn’t practice Wednesday but worked out on a side field. Next-man-up WR Andrei Iosivas had zero receptions the past two weeks, so if Higgins is out, move on from Bengals receivers outside of Ja’Marr Chase (obviously).

Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers (ankle) — Questionable
Johnston hasn’t played since Week 6, leaving targets galore for rookie WR Ladd McConkey, who has excelled in Johnston’s absence. If Johnston plays, McConkey may come down to earth some, but Ciely still has the rookie at WR23 this week.

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Panthers (knee) — Questionable
Brooks could make his NFL debut in Week 9 against New Orleans. If he plays, Chuba Hubbard’s fantasy value suffers.

Adam Thielen, WR, Panthers (hamstring) — Questionable
Thielen, who has been on injured reserve, was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice and has the chance to play ahead of Week 9. He offers Bryce Young (named the starter) another reliable target and eats into some of rookie WR Xavier Legette’s targets. But with Diontae Johnson off to the Ravens, the Panthers need Thielen on the field (though trade rumors surround him too).

Sunday 4 p.m.

Jordan Love, QB, Packers (groin) — Questionable
Love did not practice Wednesday, and his status for Week 9 is uncertain. If Malik Willis gets the start, the Packers will lean heavily on Josh Jacobs (questionable, Ciely’s RB16) and Willis’ favorite target Jayden Reed (RB19). Reed is the only player to have over 100 receiving yards with Willis in the game, so beware of Packers receivers if Love isn’t available.

DK Metcalf, WR, Seahawks (knee) — Questionable
Metcalf missed Week 8 and did not practice Wednesday but has a good chance to play, according to coach Mike Macdonald. But there are whispers about where Metcalf could end up ahead of the NFL’s Nov. 5 trade deadline.

Travis Etienne Jr., WR, Jaguars (hamstring) — Questionable
Etienne practiced in a limited fashion on Wednesday. If Etienne is available, he and Tank Bigsby will likely share carries in the backfield. Bigsby has a respectable 5.8 yards per carry on the season and has done well in Etienne’s absence.

Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles (hamstring) — Questionable
Goedert hasn’t played since Week 6 and hasn’t logged a full game since Week 5. Ciely has Goedert as TE15 ahead of Week 9, but if Philly’s TE can’t play, Grant Calcaterra is the next man up and had 58 yards receiving last week. The TE position has been a thorn in the sides of fantasy players this year, but Calcaterra still isn’t likely to start on many rosters.

Weather report

Outdoor games only

The weather once again has a limited impact on the NFL slate this week. The only game impacted by rain is in Green Bay when the Packers host the Lions Sunday afternoon.

According to Rotowire, there is a 74 percent chance for rain heading into the Week 9 Packers-Lions matchup. The temperature remains mild at 55 degrees.

Detroit Lions (6-1) vs. Green Bay Packers (6-2)

Jared Goff has played three games in the rain, and in those games, his completion percentage averaged 56.8 compared to 65.1 percent without rain. While that’s significant, these are career numbers, and Goff’s consistency has improved since joining the Lions. He has an overall passer rating of 98.4 and a completion percentage of 67.3 percent with the Lions, compared to 91.5 and 63.4 percent, respectively, when not on the team. Jake Ciely has Goff as QB14 for Week 9, and he’s still a viable fantasy play.

Rain could mean more groundwork for Detroit’s backfield tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs (RB7) and David Montgomery (RB20). Gibbs has already amassed seven touchdowns and 745 net yards on the season while averaging 19.4 PPR points per game, which puts him at RB7 for the year. Montgomery is not far behind at RB11 with 16.2 PPR points per game, eight touchdowns and 556 net yards.

Green Bay’s quarterback situation is more muddled, as Jordan Love’s status is uncertain for Week 9. Love has only one rain game under his belt since entering the league, but he did very well, throwing for four touchdowns, one interception and 258 yards while finishing with a passer rating of 119.5 and a completion percentage of 68.8 percent.

Wondering what the weather impact is on fantasy production? Jake Ciely has you covered like a poncho in rainy season.

Featured games

Game-specific previews and live updates are available on the day of the game.

• Venue: MetLife Stadium — East Rutherford, N.J.
• Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
• TV: Prime Video
• Streaming: Fubo (try for free)

The Jets are favored against the Texans for reasons somewhat unknown. Maybe the injuries of Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs have an impact, but the C.J. Stroud-led Texans have certainly played better football this season. The Texans are ranked 9th in total offensive yards per game (351.4), while the Jets sit at 23rd (311.1).

In an old guard versus new guard QB comparison, Stroud has better counting stats — a higher passer rating, completion percentage, etc. — than Rodgers. Without Collins and Diggs, WR Tank Dell and TE Dalton Schultz should receive massive upticks in usage, and Ciely has Dell as WR20 this week. Joe Mixon is in top form and leads the league’s running back group in PPR points per game (22.4). To his advantage, the Jets rush defense is middle of the pack, allowing 125.8 rushing yards per game. The No. 1 RB in New York, Breece Hall, has the chance for a big game with a decent matchup against an average Houston rush defense. Following this test, Hall will see four green-rated contests against opponents weak against the run, as noted by KC Joyner. Expect RB1 numbers this week and in the weeks that follow.

The Texans defense is also playing well this year, allowing only 280.3 yards per game to opponent offenses (2nd in the NFL), and their strength lies in the pass defense. While the Jets defense isn’t special on paper, they do put pressure on the quarterback at a high rate, and Stroud has been sacked 22 times this year. With Haason Reddick in the mix, Stroud will need to get the ball out quickly to his receivers. With fewer high-end options to throw to, Houston’s young QB may underproduce against New York, putting this matchup’s passers in tough spots this week.

Read the full preview.

Sunday afternoon

Detroit Lions (6-1) vs. Green Bay Packers (6-2)

• Venue: Lambeau Field — Green Bay, Wis.
• Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
• TV: Fox
• Streaming: Fubo (try for free)

Jared Goff and the Lions enter this NFC North matchup against Green Bay as favorites. Packers QB Jordan Love’s (groin) Week 9 status is unknown, and Goff has the highest passer rating (155.0) in a four-game span (Weeks 4-8, Week 5 bye) in a single season in NFL history (TruMedia). If Love is named the starter ahead of the contest, the odds could shift slightly, but with the possibility of Malik Willis under center, Detroit has an advantage in the odds and reality.

Coming off a 52-14 win over the Titans, in which Goff threw for only 85 yards, the Lions look like a complete team that can rely on running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, along with their special teams unit, when the game script demands it. With a top-tier WR in Amon-Ra St. Brown (16.6 PPR points per game, 9th overall) and TE Sam LaPorta, the Lions have options.

Still, Packers coach Matt LaFleur is up for any challenge and has proved his coaching prowess this year, winning games with Willis under center. With Josh Jacobs (Ciely’s RB16) in the backfield and WRs Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, and Romeo Doubs available for quick slants and deep passes, the Packers aren’t short on weapons. Throw in tight end Tucker Kraft (TE9), and Green Bay has more than a chance to win.

Read the full preview (coming Sunday).

Sunday night

Indianapolis Colts (4-4) vs. Minnesota Vikings (5-2)

• Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium — Minneapolis, Minn.
• Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
• TV: NBC
• Streaming: Peacock, Fubo (try for free)

Desperate for a win, the Colts have benched QB Anthony Richardson, the franchise’s future, in favor of veteran Joe Flacco. Richardson came into the league with raw talent — a huge arm, the ability to run, and the potential to make niche throws — but nearly no high-level experience. His development is now officially on hold because the AFC North offers a path to the playoffs, but not with Richardson’s inefficiency (44.4 percent completion percentage, 57.2 passer rating).

Colts wide receivers, especially Josh Downs, have performed better with Flacco under center. Downs, Michael Pittman Jr., and maybe even Alec Pierce (in deep leagues) are viable flex options for Week 9. With Flacco in, Downs averages 9.67 targets, 68.67 receiving yards and 18.53 PPR points per game. If the Colts had consistent quarterback play, Downs could be a top-10 fantasy WR with those numbers. But even with Jonathan Taylor (Ciely’s RB9) in the backfield, the Vikings are heavily favored in this one.

Vikings QB Sam Darnold is a Comeback Player of the Year candidate but struggles under pressure. After starting the season with five wins, Minnesota has dropped its last two. The Vikings’ offensive line lost Christian Darrisaw but traded for Cam Robinson earlier this week. If Robinson can acclimate quickly, Darnold may be okay, and having WR Justin Jefferson as a target helps offset other offensive deficiencies. Fantasy football’s WR5 (19.4 PPR points per game), Jefferson has solidified himself as one of the league’s best, and with T.J. Hockenson’s expected return, Darnold may be able to unload shorter passes more effectively.

But the Colts’ biggest weakness is their rush defense, which ranks 30th in rush yards per game. RB Aaron Jones should find plenty of holes during this contest, and the odds likely have this one right.

Read the full preview (coming Sunday).

Monday night

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (7-0)

• Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium — Kansas City, Mo.
• Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN, ABC
• Streaming: Fubo (try for free)

Can the Patrick Mahomes-led, Travis Kelce-true Chiefs go undefeated this season? Off to a 7-0 start, the Chiefs are favored over the Bucs by more than a touchdown. Mahomes has struggled this year, but Kansas City recently acquired DeAndre Hopkins, who could inspire this middling offense. For his part, TE Kelce has had over 15 PPR points in three of his last four games and looks truer to top form as the season continues. The Chiefs have already lost many weapons — Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Isiah Pacheco, Rashee Rice — but coach Andy Reid finds ways to win each week.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield is running out of receivers, as WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin remain out this week. Rookie Jalen McMillan, second-year pro Trey Palmer and TE Cade Otton are now Mayfield’s top targets. By now, Otton is likely unavailable in free agency, but if you have him, start him. In Weeks 7 and 8, he’s put up 18.0 and 29.1 PPR points, respectively, and Ciely has him as TE4 this week.

Mahomes and Mayfield lead the league’s quarterbacks in interceptions, but Mahomes has an advantage in Week 9 against the Bucs’ bottom-dwelling defense, ranking near the bottom of the league in nearly all categories, including total yards per game allowed, passing yards per game allowed, and yards per play allowed.

On the other hand, Kansas City’s defense, led by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, is responsible for many Chiefs’ wins. Mayfield and the three-headed running back committee — Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker — could have a tough time scoring against a defense that ranks 5th in yards per game allowed and 2nd in rushing yards allowed. Think twice before you play these Bucs’ backs.

Read the full preview (coming Monday).

Week 9 best bets

Austin Mock scours his weekly projections to spot the top values on the board.

Bet picked Thursday: Las Vegas Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals under 47 (-110)

Jacksonville’s defense has been non-existent all season long, a key reason for the 2-6 record. The Jaguars allow the fourth-most points per game and the most passing touchdowns per game to opponents. Things went from bad to worse for the Jags in Week 8 as they lost wide receivers Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis and potentially Brian Thomas Jr. to injuries during the game. Trevor Lawrence has struggled with this talented receiving group; without them, I have serious doubts about the Jaguars’ ability to move the ball against the Eagles.

Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Justin Jefferson and Travis Kelce.