NFL Fantasy Duds Week 9

This is a tough week for fantasy football owners. Four teams are on bye (including Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay), and standout quarterback Aaron Rodgers will not be able to play against a soft Kansas City Chiefs’ defense due to COVID. That has taken away a number of good options, but these are players to avoid unless you have no other options.

Matt Ryan (QB) – Atlanta Falcons

When the Atlanta Falcons selected Kyle Pitts with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, many analysts expected this offense to maintain a high level of production despite the loss of Julio Jones. Pitts has lived up to the billing and will have 1,000 yards this season barring injury, but Matt Ryan has not been as productive through the air. Ryan is having his worst year since 2010, averaging just 6.7 YPA despite decent protection from the offensive line. Calvin Ridley has stepped away from the team for the foreseeable future because of mental health issues, and New Orleans has one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Saints are no longer led by their offense, and their defense has stepped up accordingly to maintain their status as the team to beat in the NFC South.

Khalil Herbert (RB) – Chicago Bears

For the second straight week, Khalil Herbert is the top running back on this list. Herbert averaged just 3.1 YPC and had negative receiving yards in the Bears’ loss to the 49ers last Sunday. Now, he must face an intimidating Pittsburgh front seven that is stopping the run well once again. Additionally, Justin Fields is using his legs more, and that will take away more of his chances to make things happen with the ball in his hands.

DeVonta Smith (WR) – Philadelphia Eagles

DeVonta Smith is the leading receiver on the Eagles. He was targeted four times or less in two of his last three games though, and he hasn’t found the end zone since a Week 1 blowout of the Atlanta Falcons. Jalen Hurts has proven he is not a great passer, and it’s unlikely that Smith does much against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. The Chargers have the worst run defense in the NFL, allowing 5.1 YPC and 159.6 YPG on the ground. They have one of the best pass defenses though with Chris Harris and Derwin James patrolling the secondary.

Dalton Schultz (TE) – Dallas Cowboys

This is a risky call. Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb are both listed as questionable, and Michael Gallup is still on injured reserve. Dalton Schultz is the third leading receiver on the Cowboys behind Cooper and Lamb, so he seems like a probable choice to see an uptick in action. However, he had just two receptions for 11 yards last week against Minnesota. Denver no longer has Von Miller, but the Broncos have been one of the best defenses at stopping opposing tight ends.

Miami Dolphins (D/ST)

If you’ve streamed defenses against Houston’s pitiful offense, you’ve done well this season. The Texans have been arguably the worst offense in the league with Davis Mills under center, but Tyrod Taylor is finally returning to the starting lineup for the first time since Week 2. Miami’s high-priced cornerbacks have not played well despite being the two highest paid players on the team, and Taylor could beat them over the top with some deep balls to Brandin Cooks.

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