Fantasy Football Week 9: Top 5 quarterbacks to start

Quarterback woes are at an all-time high here in Week 9 fantasy football. Another top fantasy quarterback has gone down, leaving owners searching for someone to start. Here are the top five quarterbacks worth starting this week.

It was perhaps the saddest news of the NFL season. Rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was a fantasy stud, will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. It’s sad to see Watson go down, considering the energy he brought to his team both on and off the field.

Aside from Watson owners, former Aaron Rodgers owners could still be in search of a quarterback. In addition, Week 9 presents owners with another week of byes to navigate around.

Unfortunately, for any fantasy owners stuck in quarterback purgatory, there is no clear, permanent answer sitting on the waiver wire right now. It looks like you’ll have to look for matchups each week.

Fortunately for some owners, some top quarterbacks are poised to perform on Sunday. For others, have no fear as waiver options are available this week. Without further ado, here are the top 5 quarterbacks you should start in fantasy football this week.

Next: 5. Week 9 Waiver Wire Streamer

5. Tom Savage vs. Colts

Before the news broke on the Watson injury, he was going to be my number one quarterback to start this week. Watson was putting up big numbers week in and week out, and the Texans will face a weak Colts pass defense.

Although for the Colts, they’ll still have to worry about two stellar receivers in Will Fuller and Deandre Hopkins. These two will be a problem for the Colts no matter who is at quarterback.

While Tom Savage struggled early this year, he showed some ability at the end of last year. Considering his talented receivers and a weak opponent, Savage should be able to string together a decent stat-line in this game, as the Colts have allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

If you’re struggling to find a quarterback to start Week 9, Savage will be your best bet on waivers. To really put your opponent in a hole this week, keep an eye on their quarterback. If they could use somebody off waivers this week, perhaps you should be a savage, and go pickup Savage to keep him away from your opponent. Savage could possibly even hold some trade value to a team desperate enough at quarterback, considering the fire-power on his offense.

Next: 4. Another quarterback you might find on waivers

4. Jared Goff vs. Giants

Jared Goff, after a rough rookie season, is finally starting to look worthy of being the first overall pick last year. Goff has made tremendous strides in his second year and the Rams are suddenly one of the hottest teams in football.

Goff has proven himself worthy of a fantasy football roster spot this year, as he’s had a few nice performances. He may not be an every week fantasy start, but he’s certainly worth owning. Hence the surprise when seeing he was still available in over 50 percent of ESPN leagues.

Goff and his rolling Rams should look fresh this week as they’re coming off a bye. Additionally, they’ll be facing a Giants team with all sorts of issues right now.

Clearly, the Giants are going through some discipline issues, which reflects on their record. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will return from suspension, but now their top corner, Janoris Jenkins, is being suspended indefinitely. The Giants have allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, and losing Jenkins won’t help that stat. The Rams, fresh off a bye, will steamroll the abysmal Giants, making Goff a great start in Week 9.

Next: 3. Don't let last week's stats scare you

3. Dak Prescott vs. Chiefs

After being the most consistent fantasy quarterback in the first half of the season, Dak Prescott posted his lowest numbers of the season last week. For Prescott owners, don’t let this scare you, as he is still a good weekly start.

The primary reason for Prescott’s low numbers last week was the Cowboy’s success in the run game. When you’re running the ball so well, you can only continue to “feed Zeke.” Although this won’t be the case this week, as the Cowboys will need to air it out to keep themselves alive in what will be a high-scoring game.

While the Chiefs run defense has been solid, they’ve allowed the 9th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Considering the Cowboys weak pass-defense, Prescott will have to make some plays to keep his team in this game.

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Quarterbacks playing in a high-scoring shootout is always great for fantasy owners. Prescott will bounce back from last week’s performance and put on a show against the Chiefs, making him a great start in Week 9.

Next: 2. He might make one last run before retirement

2. Drew Brees vs. Buccaneers

In years past, the Saints biggest weakness has been their defense. With a stellar offense, a lack of defense has been what’s holding them down. But now, with an improved defense and some added support in the run-game, Drew Brees and the Saints are emerging as serious contenders.

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At 38 years old, Brees has proven that he’s still elite. With the best supporting cast he’s had in years, the possibilities are endless in the Big Easy. Brees hasn’t lost his touch from a fantasy standpoint either. He still averages over 17 points per game, which puts him in the top 10.

Brees will face an excellent matchup against the Buccaneers who are struggling right now. While they looked promising to start the year, they sit at 2-5 and head coach Dirk Koetter could be on the hot seat.

The Buccaneers have allowed the 7th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and could face some discipline issues of their own. Considering the fact that the players know Coach Koetter could be out, they may be less inclined to listen to him. The Saints will carry their momentum into Week 9 to annihilate the clueless Buc’s, making Brees a great start.

Next: 1. He's having a career year at 33

1. Alex Smith vs. Cowboys

When the Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes in the first round, even Alex Smith himself knew this would be his last year in Kansas City. Since then, he’s put on a stellar audition for the other 31 teams in the league.

Smith has clearly proven that he has plenty left in the tank at age 33. He’s averaged 21.3 fantasy points per game, third-most in the league. Smith owners should be licking their chops at a shot to start him on Sunday against the Cowboys.

While they’re 15th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, don’t let this stat fool you, the Cowboys pass defense has continued to struggle this year, as expected. As previously stated, this will be a high-scoring game, which means Smith will make plenty of plays.

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We can even expect a long touchdown or two from deep threat Tyreek Hill, which will pad Smith’s stats. This game will be an offensive shootout, and there are few quarterbacks I’d rather have in such a game than Smith, the veteran. Expect Smith to continue his reign of terror this week with another big performance, making him the top quarterback to start in Week 9.