The Giants, Falcons, and Browns have created headaches for just about everyone in 2023. They've either underachieved, overachieved, or remained downright unpredictable, creating plenty of ill will from fantasy football owners. So, with byes back in full swing, why wouldn't they complicate matters once again? Darren Waller, Drake London, and David Njoku are in danger of missing Week 9 after logging DNPs to start the practice week, and all are in danger of missing Sunday's action.
Below, we'll give you the latest news on these impact pass-catchers and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 9 fantasy landscape.
For news on ailing QBs Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, Daniel Jones, and Deshaun Watson, click here. For the latest on hurting RBs Emari Demercado, Gus Edwards, and Dameon Pierce, go here.
WEEK 9 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start 'em, sit 'em
Darren Waller injury update, Week 9 fantasy outlook
Waller (hamstring) will not play on Sunday against the Raiders, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Giants' tight end saw his hamstring injury resurface in their Week 8 loss to the Jets, which knocked Waller out of action. He followed up Sunday's early exit with a DNP on Wednesday in advance of Week 9, telling reporters, "It may take a little bit," before he can return once again. Head coach Brian Daboll didn't rule out placing Waller on IR, which would knock him out for at least four games
Without Waller, second-year tight end Daniel Bellinger would assume the starting job. He turned in a 30-catch rookie season, recording 268 yards and three total touchdowns in 12 games. Bellinger projects as a more TD-dependent fantasy option than Waller, who was supposed to be playing the role of No. 1 receiver. The Giants' uncertain quarterback situation makes this a passing attack to avoid, leaving Saquon Barkley as the only viable Giant in fantasy.
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Drake London injury update, Week 9 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: London didn't practice on Thursday.
London (groin) left the Falcons' Week 8 loss to the Titans in the third quarter and was unable to return. He then followed that up with a DNP on Wednesday to start Week 9's practice week, which doesn't seem like a good sign. Perhaps the Falcons are giving him some time to rest up and recover, but London's status is trending in the wrong direction. Thursday's status will paint a clearer picture, but if he is a DNP again, it's time to start looking for pivots if you planned on starting the Atlanta receiver.
The Falcons offense is already going to look a little different in Week 9 since Arthur Smith announced that Taylor Heinicke would be starting in place of Desmond Ridder. While that seems like a good sign for everyone involved, we suggest you take that with a grain of salt. Smith's team is notoriously unpredictable, and while we'd be led to believe that Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson should see more work in the passing game, it is anyone's guess what happens in reality. London would be a starting option if he plays, and Pitts is upgraded if the sophomore receiver is out. Secondary receivers like KhaDarel Hodge, Scott Miller, and Mack Hollins have some DFS value, but don't trust them in season-long leagues.
WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
David Njoku injury update, Week 9 fantasy outlook
Njoku (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. The ankle ailment is new for the tight end, who has seen his fair share of problems pop up over the course of this season. He's getting close to checking off all the boxes, having recorded face, hand, knee, and now ankle injuries in a span of a few weeks. The knee is what plagued Njoku in advance of Week 8, but he returned to practice last Thursday and played on Sunday. As with a lot of players this time of year, it could just be maintenance for Njoku, so Thursday's update should provide more clarity.
The tight end turned in his best game of the season in Week 8, finishing with four catches, 77 yards, and a touchdown. As long as he plays, he is a startable tight end in fantasy. However, we prefer Njoku's outlook with P.J. Walker rather than Deshaun Watson (shoulder), who needs to prove capable of throwing the ball before we can trust this aerial attack.
