Week 9 Sits

Here are 5 players you should really consider sitting in fantasy this week … in two minutes or less.

QB: C.J. Stroud (HOU) vs. DEN

Stroud just lit up the 49ers for over 300 yards, but that game came in a perfect pocket: clean protection, no sacks, and everything clicking. This week is the complete opposite. He’s walking into a matchup with a Broncos defense that’s allowed the third-fewest points to opposing quarterbacks and has been piling up sacks and turnovers all season. Houston’s pass-catching group is still banged up, and when Stroud has faced pressure this year, his efficiency has cratered. So while he has flashed that ceiling in spots, this week is setting up as a landmine, and he’s better left on the bench in 1QB formats.

RB: Chuba Hubbard (CAR) @ GB

Chuba Hubbard keeps getting touches, but lately, it’s been empty volume. He’s been splitting drives with Rico Dowdle and failing to create anything explosive, and last week’s garbage-time touchdown didn’t mask the fact he averaged under three yards per carry. The bigger problem this week is the matchup: Green Bay has allowed the fewest rushing yards to running backs and routinely smothers backs who rely on volume rather than big plays. So even if Hubbard stays involved, he’s walking straight into a defensive wall, and that makes him a risky start in Week 9.

RB: Jordan Mason (MIN) @ DET

Mason is coming off a brutal Week 8 where he managed just 4 carries for 3 yards while Aaron Jones completely reclaimed the backfield, leaving Mason on the outside looking in. That’s a big shift from earlier in the year, and it matters, because now he’s heading into a matchup with a Detroit defense that’s been one of the better units against the run, ranking top-10 at limiting fantasy production to opposing backs. Mason might see a few more touches than last week simply because it can’t get much worse, but the usage trend is pointing down and the matchup isn’t offering any relief. This sets up as a clear week to keep him on the bench.

WR: Drake London (ATL) @ NE

Drake London sat out Week 8 with a hip injury, and even before that, his production dipped once Darnell Mooney returned to the lineup. He had a monster 158-yard game in Week 6, but over the last two games he’s either struggled with efficiency or been sidelined entirely. The matchup doesn’t help either. New England’s defense has tightened up against opposing WR1s, and there’s real uncertainty at quarterback for Atlanta heading into this week. So with shaky health, a tough draw, and no clarity on whether it’s Penix or Cousins throwing the ball, London’s floor is just too thin to trust in Week 9 lineups.

WR: Terry McLaurin (WAS) vs. SEA

McLaurin’s return gave a quick flash of his talent, and he made a highlight-reel touchdown grab against Kansas City. But the bigger story was how little consistent volume he saw and how that quad issue flared back up late in the game. Washington’s offense has been wildly unpredictable since Week 5, bouncing between low-output losses and scattered flashes of competence. So against a Seattle defense that’s been quietly stingy through the air over the past month, it’s tough to trust McLaurin as anything more than a risky dart throw coming off injury.

So that’s the list. The players you shouldn’t rely on in Week 9… as promised, in 2 minutes or less.

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See you tomorrow,

-Joe

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