Fantasy Football: Top 10 Sit ‘Em Picks heading into Week 9

Be sure to not start any of these fantasy football players if you want to win big in Week 9.

Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr at minicamp press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Week after week fantasy football owners watch football in hopes of seeing their player’s ball out. Unfortunately, more often than not, there’s always one player that ruins it all.

Related Story: Fantasy Football Start or Sit Week 9: D/ST of New York Jets

It’s now Week 9, and with the fantasy football playoffs around the corner, you can’t afford for that to happen anymore. Especially with six bye teams this week!

This season’s patterns have been a little predictable. If the broncos are playing your receivers or quarterback, they usually don’t do well. But, your running back may be able to earn some points.

The Minnesota Vikings secondary is first in the NFL in defending wide receivers. Only two receivers have topped 70 yards against the Vikings this season; be cautious when starting these players.

This week we see many players entering tough matchups that won’t do your lineup any good. It’s also worth noting, several of the teams will be forced to play a pass heavy game which will limit some running backs production.

With all of this taken into consideration, I have identified this week’s players who don’t offer the best fantasy football value. Let’s take a look at the top 10 sit ’em players of Week 9.

Next: 10. This receiver is too touchdown dependent

Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19) is tackled by New York Jets cornerback Buster Skrine (41) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

10. Jeremy Maclin, WR – Kansas City Chiefs

Jeremy Maclin hasn’t shown any fantasy football value this season. A second or third round draft pick who is owned in 90 percent of leagues has been more of a bust than a boom.

In his least seven outings, Maclin only earned double-digit point three times. One of those outings he struggled to post 10 fantasy football points. Maclin is a touchdown-dependent receiver. He has only scored twice this season and even then didn’t score an extreme amount of fantasy points.

Last week, Maclin scored one of those touchdowns. He completed only 3-of-10 targets for 43 yards. Even with his touchdown he only earned about 11 points.

This week Maclin takes on the Jacksonville Jaguars whose secondary ranks eighth entering Week 9. The Jaguars have only offered opponents 225 passing yards per game. Even with six byes, Maclin isn’t reliable enough to trust in your starting lineup. He is a must sit this week.

Next: 9. This running back will fall short to a passing game

Oct 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) warms up prior to the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

9. Frank Gore, RB – Indianapolis Colts

Frank Gore has been a great RB2 this season. If he was a little more consistent and with the right matchup, I could argue an RB1 position. In his first three games this season, Gore jumped right in and earned fantasy football owner’s double-digit points. After that, he earned 20 points in three of his last four games.

Gore has only had two games that he didn’t earn double-digit fantasy points. Normally, I would be excited to start Gore but, this week’s matchup has a few red flags.

The Indianapolis Colts take on the Green Bay Packers. The Packers gave Devonta Freeman 20 fantasy points in Week 8 but in Week 7 only gave Jordan Howard about one point.

The Packers are also dealing with running back issues. With Aaron Rodgers at center and at least four different receiving options at any one time, we can assume the Packers will be playing a pass heavy game.

If the Packers outscore the Colts early on, the Indianapolis will be forced to pass the ball. This will limit Gore’s production and fantasy football points. If you can afford to sit Gore this week do it! Otherwise, he’s no more than an RB3 or Flex option in Week 9.

Next: 8. This quarterback is overrated

8. Russell Wilson, QB – Seattle Seahawks

Russell Wilson can’t do it all, it’s evident every time he’s on the gridiron. Wilson has been on a downward spiral since he’s trying to do everything on his own.

In his last three weeks, Wilson hasn’t earned double-digits. He may have earned 10 fantasy football points in Week 6 if you were lucky. Last week, he completed 22-of-34 passes for a little over 250 yards. Wilson had no touchdowns and one interception. He brought in a measly eight fantasy points.

This week Wilson takes on the Buffalo Bills. The Bills defense has been something else this season. The Bills have given opposing quarterbacks eight touchdowns in the last eight games but, the defense has totaled six interceptions as well.

The Bills rank second when it comes to pressuring the passer and have limited quarterbacks to a touchdown rate of only three percent; the league average is about four percent. With Wilson declining over time, I’d have him sit this one out. Give him another week to prove his worth before taking starting him in Week 9.

Next: 7. Only one tight end has scored against his opponents

Oct 16, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Coby Fleener (82) celebrate after a touchdown catch during the first quarter of a game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

7. Coby Fleener, TE – New Orleans Saints

Coby Fleener was expected to have a great season after his Week 3 breakout game. However, that’s the problem when players have one good game, especially tight ends.

With productive tight ends being scarce in fantasy football, owners jumped at the opportunity to draft Coby Fleener after earning over 20 fantasy points in Week 3. Shame on you, the following week he barely earned five points.

In Week 6 it looked like the Fleener we saw in the beginning of the season; he earned over 25 fantasy football points. Since then, he has only earned seven points per game.

Fleener’s fantasy value is on a decline as his playing time decreases. Last week, he played in less than 40 percent of snaps but is still seeing a team-high in targets. This means Fleener isn’t their only receiving option.

This week the Saints take on the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers have only offered the position one touchdown this season. And, until two weeks ago limited tight ends to less than 90 yards per game. There are more valuable options at the position this week. Sit Fleener in all leagues.

Next: 6. This running back is not trustworthy

Sep 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) carries the ball to score a touchdown during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

6. Latavius Murray, RB – Oakland Raiders

My rule of thumb for the last two seasons is to sit anyone playing the Denver Broncos. However, this season the Broncos lack at defending the run; running backs are the only position getting through their defense.

It’s unfortunate Latavius Murray is unreliable, because on paper this matchup is great. The Broncos rank 27^th in the league in rushing yards allowed. On average they offer opposing backs 117 yards per game.

This is the game you want to start Murray but can’t. Murray has only earned double-digits three times this season. He has only topped 70 rushing yards three times this season; that’s nothing compared to an RB1 player.

I wouldn’t trust Murray this week, especially nothing more than an RB2/3 option. Sit him!

Next: 5. This receiver hasn't topped 40 yards in weeks

Oct 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

5. Marvin Jones, WR – Detroit Lions

Marvin Jones has been a reliable WR2 all season. He may not bring in as many fantasy football points as other players but, he’s efficiently earned double-digits more times than not; there were only two weeks he didn’t earn at least 10 points.

In Week 3, we even saw Jones top 40 fantasy football points. However, Jones takes on the Minnesota Vikings this week.

The second rule of thumb this season is if there is a team playing the Vikings sit them as well. The Vikings have only offered four opposing receivers touchdowns.

Only two receivers have only been able to go over 70 yards per game against them. With Jones being held under 40 yards in his last two games, it’s just not the week to start him. Sit Jones in this grueling Week 9 matchup.

Next: 4. This quarterback just made franchise history

Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls a play during overtime against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Oakland Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

4. Derek Carr, QB – Oakland Raiders

Derek Carr has been somewhat of a fantasy football stud this season; especially in QB2 leagues. For the most part, he has earned double-digits on a weekly basis and the majority of times he tops 20 points per game.

Last week, Carr had his best career game. He completed 40-of-59 passes and four touchdowns. If that wasn’t impressive enough, he set an Oakland Raiders franchise record with 513 yards.

Unfortunately, his Week 9 Broncos matchup will bring him off of his high horse. The Broncos allow opponents the lowest passing yards in the league. On average, the Broncos hold contenders to less than 185 passing yards per game.

Carr isn’t projected to complete even half of last week’s total yards. Expect him to finish with no more than 200 yards if that and a touchdown. Carr should be sat.

Next: 3. This tight end isn't worth a start

Oct 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron (85) reaches for additional yards after a reception as Houston Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye (21) attempts to make a tackle during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

3. Eric Ebron, TE – Detroit Lions

Eric Ebron isn’t the tight end you draft in the beginning of the fantasy football season. He’s more of a week to week bye or injury filler if need be; this works because he’s only owned in about 50 percent of leagues.

Ebron missed a couple of weeks due to an injury but, still managed to earn double-digit points in three of his five starting games. Last week, he returned to the field and finished the week with about 13 points; he completed 7-of-10 for 79 yards.

Too bad Ebron is coming from his season high game. He now faces a Vikings defense that isn’t forgiving. Last week, the Vikings gave Zach Miller 88 yards and he still only earned about 13 points. The week before that, Zach Ertz earned a whopping one fantasy football point against this monstrous defense.

Ebron is also a touchdown-dependent valued player. He hasn’t scored since Week 1 and it shows in his points. Ebron is a must sit and if you can’t afford to sit him is nothing more than a TE2.

Next: 2. He hasn't had a touchdown since Week 1

Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tracy Porter (21) breaks up a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor (17) during the second half at Soldier Field. Philadelphia won 29-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

2. Nelson Agholor, WR – Philadelphia Eagles

I wasn’t even sure anyone owned Nelson Agholor this fantasy football season. Much to my surprise they do! I guess it makes sense in 12 plus team leagues but still, it’s Agholor.

Agholor is the third targeted wide receiver in the Philadelphia Eagles. He falls behind Jordan Matthews and Dorial Green-Beckham. Agholor has seen more than seven targets per game. He has also only had one touchdown this season back in Week 1.

This week, the Eagles take on division rivals in the New York Giants. On paper, this is a great matchup. The Giants rank 18^th in production allowed to opposing wide receivers. They have also offered the position six touchdowns in their last eight games.

With Matthews and Green-Beckham receiving more targets, Agholor won’t be able to take advantage of the Giants secondary. He is a must sit this week.

Next: 1. This quarterback takes on a top passing defense

Oct 23, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) pumps his fist during the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at Ford Field. Lions won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

1. Matthew Stafford, QB – Detroit Lions

If you follow me throughout the season, you would know I think Matthew Stafford is a great QB2 in all leagues. In his worst week this season he still managed to total double-digit fantasy football points.

Aside from last week’s performance, Stafford has neared or topped 20 points per game. Although he’s not the most reliable in the first half of games, he pulls through offering value to starting lineups.

But, last week was a different story. He completed 27-of-41 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown. He came in at about 13 fantasy football points.

Must Read: Fantasy Football: Top 10 Start 'Em Picks for Week 9

Week 9 isn’t going to be a comeback week for Stafford. He takes on the Vikings, and as I stated earlier they are one of the league’s best passing defenses. Play it safe and sit Stafford this week. There are better QB2 options heading into this week’s games.