Fantasy's highest scoring position lived up to its billing last week, as several QBs (Sam Howell, Dak Prescott, Jalen Hurts, Will Levis, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen) posted 30-plus-point efforts. Despite these big performances that likely helped propel their fantasy owners to victory, far too many signal-callers either entered the week dinged-up or got hurt during game action, putting a damper on our Week 9 fantasy QB rankings.
This week's rankings look much different than any other edition this season, as there are backups all over the place. With many fantasy owners in dire need of a bye-week streamer or injury fill-in, we're here to pinpoint the signal-callers in the best (and worst) positions to help your fantasy team.
With that in mind, let's break down our Week 9 QB rankings and help you get another "W."
MORE: Watch NFL RedZone live with Sling (50% off first month)
Which QBs are on bye in Week 9?
After a bye-less Week 8 slate, four teams are idle in Week 9 (Jaguars, Lions, 49ers, Broncos), meaning fantasy owners must make do without the services of Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff, Brock Purdy, and Russell Wilson.
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Not having three starting-caliber QBs stings given the current state of injuries across the position, and it also doesn't help to lose the mediocre pass defenses of the Jaguars, Lions, and Broncos.
WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Who are the best fantasy QBs in Week 9?
Atop this week's rankings sits this season's overall QB1, Josh Allen (@ Bengals in Week 9). Although the Bills offense hasn't functioned at the highest level, Allen's doing his part for fantasy owners. Another well-rounded fantasy day is in line on Sunday night in Cincinnati.
Patrick Mahomes (vs. Dolphins) had his worst fantasy performance of the season (241 yards, two INTs, zero TDs), but don't expect that to carry over in Kansas City's Week 9 showdown against Miami. At least one dud effort from a player of Mahomes' caliber happens each year (especially when he's battling the flu), so a bounce-back performance is in order.
Lamar Jackson (vs. Seahawks) had a slightly better fantasy day than Mahomes but was underwhelming in a plus matchup against Arizona. Look for Jackson to rebound back home against an exploitable Seahawks stop unit.
Jalen Hurts (vs. Cowboys) faces his division rivals in Week 9, and while the Cowboys entered Week 8 allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game (FPPG) to QBs (14.3), Hurts has proven over his career that he's essentially matchup-proof.
Tua Tagovailoa (vs. Chiefs) looks to keep pace with Mahomes in a potential shoot-out in Germany, prompting his placement within the top five.
WEEK 9 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start 'em, sit 'em
Who are the best fantasy QB sleepers, waiver pickups in Week 9?
Fantasy owners in need of a bye-week streamer or injury fill-in could look toward Derek Carr (vs. Bears), Daniel Jones (vs. Raiders), and Will Levis (@ Steelers) for Week 9.
Carr's starting to find his groove within the Saints offense and now faces a Bears defense that entered Week 8 ranking as one of the least efficient defenses against the pass (29th in dropback EPA).
Should Jones (neck) return to game action, his dual-threat abilities give him a chance to finish the week as a top-15 fantasy play. While he hasn't played at the level of his pay grade, if there's a week Jones shows up for fantasy owners, it's against the Raiders' defense.
Levis showcased his big arm in his NFL debut last week, tossing four TDs in a 28-23 win over the Falcons. If Tennessee decides to start Levis on Thursday night in Pittsburgh, the Titans' newly improved vertical passing attack could lend itself to another strong fantasy performance from the rookie.
In deeper leagues, Baker Mayfield (@ Texans), Jordan Love (vs. Rams), and Bryce Young (vs. Colts) fit the mold of competent streamers.
WEEK 9 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best values | Best stacks
Who are the biggest potential QB busts in Week 9?
Despite leading the Seahawks to a come-from-behind win in Week 8, we'd refrain from starting Geno Smith (@ Ravens) against a Baltimore stop unit that entered Week 8 allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to QBs (10.5).
While it's never wise to overreact to a single performance, C.J. Stroud's (vs. Buccaneers) uneasy Week 8 effort, makes us hesitant to start him against a solid Bucs' defense this week.
Don't expect Sam Howell (@ Patriots) to replicate his Week 8 effort against a stable Patriots' secondary, but considering how many QBs are banged up, the pass-happy Howell still ranks as a top-10 play.
What are the biggest QB injuries in Week 9?
While plenty of QBs landed on their respective squad's injury reports in Week 8, four QBs (Justin Fields, Daniel Jones, Ryan Tannehill, and Deshaun Watson) were ruled "out" before Sunday. Fields (thumb) has already been ruled OUT, meaning Tyson Bagent's set to make his third straight start. Additionally, Levis is set to start in place of Tannehill (ankle), while Jones (neck) is likely to return to game action in Week 9.
As for in-game injuries, five QBs (Kirk Cousins, Kenny Pickett, Matthew Stafford, Tyrod Taylor, and Desmond Ridder) got banged up during the 1 p.m. slate. From that group, Stafford (thumb) was the only QB who returned to action, but he was eventually taken out of the game in the second half. There's a good chance we see backup Brett Rypien (@ Packers) make the spot start this week at Lambeau Field
With Cousins (Achilles) all but done for the season, rookie Jaren Hall (@ Falcons) is set to make his first career start in Week 9 against the Falcons unless the Vikings make a move for a veteran QB. Considering Ridder is in the league's concussion protocol, there's a chance Taylor Heinicke (vs. Vikings) starts for Atlanta in that same game.
We'll see how Pickett (ribs) progresses throughout the week, but for now, we've replaced him with backup Mitch Trubisky (vs. Titans). (UPDATE: Pickett (ribs) will start on Thursday night.)
One thing we do already know is that Kyler Murray (knee) will sit out another week, giving Josh Dobbs (@ Browns) one more start. (UPDATE: Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon reversed course on Monday and said either Murray or Clayton Tune will start in Week 9, with Tune being the front-runner.)
We'll be updating these QB rankings throughout the week, so check back for the latest player movement and analysis.
Fantasy QB Rankings Week 9: Who to start, sit at quarterback
These rankings are based on four-point passing TD scoring
Rank Player
1 Josh Allen, Bills @ Bengals
2 Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. Dolphins
3 Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. Seahawks
4 Jalen Hurts, Eagles vs. Cowboys
5 Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins vs. Chiefs
6 Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ Eagles
7 Joe Burrow, Bengals vs. Bills
8 Justin Herbert, Chargers @ Jets
9 Derek Carr, Saints vs. Bears
10 Sam Howell, Commanders @ Patriots
11 C.J. Stroud, Texans vs. Buccaneers
12 Daniel Jones, Giants @ Raiders
13 Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers @ Texans
14 Bryce Young, Panthers vs. Colts
15 Geno Smith, Seahawks @ Ravens
16 Mac Jones, Patriots vs. Commanders
17 Taylor Heinicke, Falcons vs. Vikings
18 Jordan Love, Packers vs. Rams
19 Deshaun Watson, Browns vs. Cardinals
20 Kenny Pickett, Steelers vs. Titans
21 Aidan O'Connell, Raiders vs. Giants
22 Will Levis, Titans @ Steelers
23 Gardner Minshew, Colts @ Panthers
24 Brett Rypien, Rams @ Packers
25 Tyson Bagent, Bears @ Saints
26 Zach Wilson, Jets vs. Chargers
27 Jaren Hall, Vikings @ Falcons
28 Clayton Tune, Cardinals @ Browns
Week 9 QB fantasy projections, rankings from Draft Sharks
Draft Sharks projections for the new week will update every Tuesday and be constantly adjusted throughout the week
We're proud to offer SN Fantasy readers an exclusive look at Draft Sharks’ award-winning projections and rankings every week. To see Draft Sharks' Week 9 3D floor-to-ceiling projections for quarterbacks -- plus get access to all of Draft Sharks' industry-leading tools -- become a Draft Sharks' member today at the link below!
TRY DRAFT SHARKS FREE: Dominate with exclusive tools, including Free-Agent Finder & Trade Navigator!
