Plenty of key early-game WRs are "questionable" in Week 9, but the pain doesn't stop there for fantasy football owners. At least three stud pass-catchers in the late-afternoon games figure to be game-time decisions, too, as DeAndre Hopkins, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle will all have fantasy owners checking for news before finalizing their start 'em, sit 'em decisions. We'll be here to help with the latest injury updates throughout the day on Sunday.
For more on injured, early-afternoon WRs, including CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, Rashod Bateman, and more, go here; for news on banged-up RBs Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, and James Robinson, go here; for the latest on ailing QBs Sam Darnold, Kyler Murray, and Tua Tagovailoa, click here; for the Week 9 weather report, click here. For all the latest fantasy news, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
WEEK 9 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
We also have injury updates on "questionable" players in prime-time games, including A.J. Brown (click here), David Montgomery (click here), and Ben Roethlisberger (click here).
Is DeAndre Hopkins playing Week 9?
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that the Cardinals don't sound optimistic about Hopkins playing against San Francisco.
UPDATE 2: Hopkins is officially OUT.
Hopkins (hamstring) was in and out of last week's game and failed to practice this week, but he's still listed as "questionable" for Sunday's late-afternoon contest in San Francisco.
Arizona's star WR has played despite missing practice numerous times in the past, including twice this season. At this point, though, it's tough to expect him to suit up. Fantasy football owners should have alternate plans, especially with Arizona playing a late-afternoon game. With A.J. Green (COVID) also likely out, Christian Kirk and Rondale Moore could see a lot of targets and have considerable value. If Hopkins plays, expect him to be used somewhat sparingly again, but he'd still be worth using as at least a WR3.
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Is Deebo Samuel playing Week 9?
UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that Samuel is expected to play against Arizona.
UPDATE 2: Samuel is officially ACTIVE.
Samuel (calf) was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday, and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan implied the stud WR will be a legit game-time decision this week.
If Samuel is active, he's a must-start, though obviously there's a risk he'll be knocked out early. Still, you have to take that chance. If Samuel is out, Brandon Aiyuk would likely see a big uptick in touches/targets and be worth a WR3 spot.
WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Is George Kittle playing Week 9?
UPDATE: Kittle is officially ACTIVE.
Kittle (calf) was activated from the IR on Friday and is expected to play against the Cardinals this week.
WEEK 9 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings | Yahoo
As always, Kittle is a must-start when active. He's disappointed this year when healthy, but his upside is still higher than virtually any other TE you'd consider playing. If Kittle is a surprise scratch, then Ross Dwelley would start in his place, but he's not a real fantasy option.
WEEK 9 DFS: Best stacks | Best values | Lineup Builder
