Fantasy Football Friday: Week 9

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

It's week 9, and how is your team faring? Are you in the playoff hunt, or are you already planning for next season? If you're like me, than you have several fantasy football teams. While I'd like to have winning season in all of my leagues, it's just not working out the way I'd like this season. Either way, this is a very interesting week with superstar running backs on the bye. The teams on the bye this week are the Bills, Browns, Jets, Raiders, Rams and Vikings. Yes, that means Adrian Peterson, Thomas Jones, Marshawn Lynch and Steven Jackson are on the bye. Ouch.

Best Match Ups of the Week:

1. Lions at Seahawks - Two weeks ago I traded for Ben Roethlisburger. Now that he's finally off the bye I can use him for the first time, right? Wrong. Matt Hasselback is my backup and he'll be getting the start at home against the Detroit Lions. With so many good running backs on the bye, it's a perfect time to start Julius Jones. Also look for John Carlson to bounce back with a good week this week as well as Nate Burelson and TJ Houshmandzedah.

2. Packers at Buccaneers - If you're a offensive player on the Packers this week, then odds are you're going to have a good fantasy week. The obvious plays are Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Grant, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and the Packers Defense. I also like Donald Lee this weekend. I wouldn't start a Tampa player if you paid me. They're starting a rookie QB for the first time. If that's not bad enough, Josh Freeman spent his bye week back on his old college campus partying with friends and former teammates.

3. Cowboys at Eagles - Despite both defenses playing well lately, I look at this game as a great offensive game. Lots of points, and therefore fantasy points, will be scored by both teams. I like both Tony Romo, and Donovan McNabb at QB. I still like LeSean McCoy over Brian Westbrook. I'm not a fan of any of the Cowboys running backs though. Most of their damage will come throught he air. Forget about Roy Williams and his moaning about being the #1 receiver. Miles Austin is still the best option for Romo. On the other side, I love DeSean Jackson and do like Jeremy Maclin.

Put em' in the Starting Lineup:

QB - Matt Ryan, Kurt Warner, Matt Hasselback

Look for a bounce back game for Matt Ryan against the terrible Redskins. Same thing for Kurt Warner. There is now way he puts up back to back bad games. I just love Hasselback against the Lions. Who wouldn't

RB- Jamaal Charles, Julius Jones, Steve Slaton

Jamaal Charles is now the man, temporarily, in KC and watch out for a big game against the Jaguars. In the limited amount of carries he's had in his young career, he's average 5.3 yards. If you read about the Lions/Seahawks game above, then you know why I like Jones. Nobody likes to be benched. Slaton will have a very good game against a very hurt Colts defense.

WR- Michael Crabtree, Malcolm Floyd, Steve Breaston

Crabtree is already a must start in my opinion. Make sure you keep him if you're in a keeper league. Malcolm Floyd is now a starter opposite Vincent Jackson. He will see more balls come his way. Anquan Boldin is a game time decision. Breaston has no problem stepping in and producing.

TE - Donald Lee, Fred Davis, Ben Watson
It looks like Finely will not play again this week. I love Fred Davis because who else is Jason Campbell going to have time to throw to. Ben Watson is a touchdown machine this season. Look for that to continue at home against the Dolphins.

DEF - Seahawks, 49ers, Falcons

Seattle plays the Lions. Enough said. Despite the win last week, I still hate the Titans offense besides Chris Johnson. The Falcons can take a relieved sight they line up against the Redskins and not the Saints again this week.

Make em' ride the Bench:

QB - Kyle Orton, Joe Flacco

The Steelers defense is back, and will be in full effect in Denver on Monday night. It's not that I am down on Orton. The Bengals will beat the Ravens this weekend, and play very well against the pass. Mark my words

RB- Ryan Moats, Brian Westbrook

Slaton will get the bulk of the carries, so don't play Moats unless you're desperate. Even if Westbrook plays, I don't trust a running back with a concussion

WR- Antonio Bryant, Ted Ginn, Steve Smith (CAR)

Did you read above about Josh Freeman? There is no way Ted Ginn abuses the Patriots on special teams. It's just not going to happen. Steve Smith is just not getting the ball.

TE - Kevin Boss, Jermichael Finley

Boss has been way too inconsistent for me. Until he does it a few weeks in a row, I will not play him. It looks like Finley will not play.

DEF - Chargers, Colts

Big bounce back week for the NY Football Giants this week. I am not a fan of the Chargers D anyway. The Colts have lost Tyjuan Hagler and Marlin Jackson for the remainder of the season and that is just this week. They're already a very hurt defense and take on Matt Schaub and the high flying pass attack of the Texans. The Colts will win the game, but this could be a shootout.