Week 9 of the NFL season has become a showcase for backup quarterbacks, with several starters sidelined by injury. Fantasy managers are adjusting lineups as new signal-callers step into prominent roles, while a host of skill-position players also carry questionable designations.
Quarterback Carousel
Drew Lock replaces Sam Darnold for the Seahawks against the Cardinals. Lock faced Arizona earlier this season, throwing for 235 yards and three touchdowns. While a repeat performance is unlikely, he profiles as a viable QB2 in Superflex leagues. Notably, 43.8% of Lock's passes have targeted his WR1 this year, suggesting Jaxon Smith-Njigba's volume should remain stable.
Carson Wentz will start for the Vikings on Monday Night Football against the Bills with Kyler Murray nursing a hamstring injury. Wentz has been inconsistent, but the matchup elevates him to a low-end QB2. His presence could actually upgrade Minnesota's weapons: Justin Jefferson is a top-12 wide receiver, T.J. Hockenson a borderline top-12 tight end, and Jordan Addison an upside WR3.
Shedeur Sanders draws the start for the Browns with Deshaun Watson in the concussion protocol. Facing the Saints, Sanders is viewed as a low-end QB2. He has strong rapport with tight end Harold Fannin, a top-10 option this week, though rookie receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston remain uncertain. Concepcion is slightly preferred as a low-end WR3.
Key Skill-Position Updates
Emeka Egbuka logged a full practice Thursday and is projected to return against the Bears. His ranking is volatile given Baker Mayfield's limited passing output (no game over 220 yards this season, only 14 attempts in the last two games) and Chicago's stout defense. Egbuka is a boom-or-bust WR3, while Chris Godwin drops to low-end flex status.
Harold Fannin avoided a serious groin injury and is good to go. The move to Sanders could boost his outlook, making him a start despite elevated injury risk.
Garrett Wilson is ruled out with a concussion, opening opportunities for Omar Cooper Jr. and Adonai Mitchell. Both are high-end WR3 options. Preference may hinge on whether Chiefs cornerback Mansor Delane returns; if he does, Cooper is favored, otherwise Mitchell gets a slight edge.
Zonovan Knight is out for the Cardinals, joining Jeremiyah Love on injured reserve. Tyler Allgeier should see a heavy workload, though a difficult matchup against Seattle and game-script concerns limit him to a low-end RB play.
Cam Skattebo has worked on the side field all week; his status is uncertain. Currently ranked as a low-end RB2, he is better viewed as a flex. If he sits, Devin Singletary becomes a high-end flex with significant volume potential.
Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel are not expected back this week. Demarcus Robinson could return as the 49ers' top wideout but remains a flex. Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle should dominate targets, keeping Brock Purdy a must-start quarterback.
Treylon Burks was absent from Friday practice, potentially increasing targets for Stefon Diggs and Antonio Williams (both low-end WR3s) and giving a small boost to tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo.
Breece Hall returns but will share work with Braelon Allen in a tough matchup against the Chiefs. Both are high-end flexes with no consensus on which will outperform the other; Allen is no longer a must-start.
TreVeyon Henderson and A.J. Brown are ruled out for the Patriots. Hunter Henry (foot) returned to practice Friday and is questionable, as is Mack Hollins. Demario Douglas is a high-end WR3, and Eli Raridon emerges as a top streaming tight end if Henry sits. Hollins' return would dampen enthusiasm for Douglas and Raridon. Rhamondre Stevenson remains a must-start RB2.
Jordyn Tyson is questionable for the Saints; his return would negatively impact Devaughn Vele, who projects as a high-end WR3 in full PPR without Tyson. Long-term, Tyson is expected to become the clear WR2.
Kyle Monangai returned to practice Friday for the first time since Week 4 and is questionable. He is not expected to play this week, but his progress suggests readiness after the Week 10 bye. If he surprises and suits up, D'Andre Swift would enter the RB conversation while Monangai would be a touchdown-dependent flex against a tough Tampa Bay defense.
