Fantasy Football Week 9: Cam Newton, Kirk Cousins and other must-starts

Here’s the Week 9 edition of top 5 quarterbacks to start in fantasy football.

Well, we have officially entered that time of the NFL season where some teams are contending and others aren’t. Meaning, your fantasy football team may be your final hope of happiness.

The Jet Press hears you, and we want to help. Last week’s edition of the top five gunslingers to lock into your lineup did well.

Four of the five players listed on that list ended up being top 10 scorers in ESPN PPR Standard scoring league, which was a huge rebound from the Week 8 edition. Patrick Mahomes had 26 points, Andrew Luck racked up 23.4, Mitchell Trubisky piled up 21.9, and Kirk Cousins scraped together 20.7.

The biggest surprise came with Aaron Rodgers, as he could only gather 15.9 during the Green Bay Packers loss to the undefeated Los Angeles Rams. Let’s jump into this week’s list of the top five quarterbacks that are fantasy football must-starts.

5. Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans

Deshaun Watson was one of the most talked about names during pre-fantasy football draft talks. Now, owners have been left rethinking their decision for the greater part of this campaign.

Watson has been inconsistent, but he has also been hit a ton. His exposure to so much contact has led to some injuries, which has also left owners worried.

Well, Watson may be back for good folks. He broke a two-week slump by going for 31 points against the Miami Dolphins in Week 8.

Watson tossed five touchdowns during the Texans’ win as he gets set to face the Denver Broncos this week. Oh, yeah, he also just got a new big, physical receiver in former Bronc Demaryius Thomas.

Next: 4. Jared Goff

4. Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams

Man, life is good if you’re Los Angeles Rams signal caller Jared Goff. He and the Rams held off the Green Bay Packers to continue their undefeated season in Week 8.

Goff led the Rams’ offensive charge with 295 yards and three touchdown tosses, which translated to 26.5 points. Like Watson, Goff had been in a bit of a slump prior to breaking out.

Of course, Goff sometimes gets lost in the shuffle due to the dominance Todd Gurley has shown so far this season. Meaning, Gurley gets a lot of carries due to his ability and the fact the Rams sometimes play ahead a lot.

This week will be different. The Rams travel to New Orleans to take on Drew Brees and the Saints. Undoubtedly, the Rams toughest task yet. However, this game may become a classic score-for-score game. Lock Goff in this week.

Next: 3. Kirk Cousins

3. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

Captain Kirk has recently been a frequent flyer on this list. He seems to disappoint each time, but this looks to be the week he breaks out.

Kirk Cousins has been up to his usual tricks. That being, he throws for a ton of yards, a couple of scores, and still loses the game.

This week, the Vikes host the Detroit Lions. The Lions have done a good job holding opposing QBs in check, but the lack of interceptions is concerning.

Cousins has thrown multiple touchdowns in back-to-back weeks and he has gone for 17+ points in three straight games. He is a conservative start that has a lot of upside.

Next: 2. Patrick Mahomes

2. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

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Patrick Mahomes, that is all that needs to be said. Joking aside, he has become the best quarterback in fantasy football.

Mahomes was on the waiver wire in many leagues when the season started. Now? He is owned in 98.9 percent of ESPN leagues.

This week, the Kansas City Chiefs play the Cleveland Browns fresh off firing their head coach and offensive coordinator. Mahomes will look to torch the Browns secondary and stretch his streak of games with four passing touchdowns to four.

Yes, you read that correctly. Mahomes has thrown four touchdowns in a game three weeks straight. Do you need any more convincing?

Next: 1. Cam Newton

1. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Wake up, because it’s time to start taking the Carolina Panthers seriously. The team is a quiet 5-2 after blowing out the Baltimore Ravens at home in Week 8.

A large part of the Panthers resurgence has been the play of former MVP Cam Newton. He has been one of the best fantasy QBs this season.

Newton has gathered 23+ points in three straight games and his lowest score of the season was 16.4 against the New York Giants in Week 5. This week, he and the Panthers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Buccs are the worst team in the NFL when it comes to holding opposing QBs in check regarding fantasy football. They have allowed 20 passing touchdowns, so put Newton in and look for a big day.