Fantasy football managers face a chaotic Week 9 at quarterback due to injuries and lineup changes. Joe Fagnano, Drew Lock, Joe Milton III, and Gardner Minshew are set to start, while Carson Wentz and Shedeur Sanders could also see action. These replacements are primarily relevant in Superflex and two‑quarterback leagues.
Replacement Quarterback Analysis
Drew Lock steps in for Sam Darnold and faces the Cardinals, who rank second in most fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks; Lock averaged 21.1 fantasy points in his previous two starts. Gardner Minshew, replacing Jacoby Brissett, scored 25.5 fantasy points in a half against Dallas and could reach 15 points against Seattle. Joe Milton III gets a favorable matchup versus the Giants (seventh most points allowed) after posting 21.2 fantasy points in his only extended NFL action. Carson Wentz, if he starts for Kyler Murray, draws the Bills (eighth most points allowed) and scored 25.2 points against Green Bay earlier this season. Shedeur Sanders, filling in for Deshaun Watson, faces a Saints defense that has allowed two of the last three opposing quarterbacks to score at least 20.3 points. Joe Fagnano makes his first start for Lamar Jackson against a tough Jaguars defense and is not recommended.
Quarterbacks to Start
Jared Goff is a must‑start against the Dolphins, who rank 30th against quarterbacks; three consecutive opponents have scored at least 26.5 fantasy points against Miami. Patrick Mahomes, with Rashee Rice active, averages 26.6 fantasy points and faces a Jets defense that has allowed three straight quarterbacks to top 29.9 points. Jordan Love has scored 20+ fantasy points in 22 of 33 career games with 30+ pass attempts and draws a Patriots defense allowing 20.5 points per game to quarterbacks. Matthew Stafford, if healthy, faces the Commanders, who rank fourth in most fantasy points allowed to the position. Kirk Cousins has topped 22.5 fantasy points in six of eight games and meets a 49ers defense that recently allowed Jayden Daniels and Michael Penix Jr. to each score 25+ points.
Sleepers
Malik Willis has top‑10 upside against the Lions, who lead the league in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks; every quarterback facing Detroit has thrown for at least two touchdowns. Tyler Shough returns from a bye to face the Browns and is a low‑end starter. Bo Nix, coming off two games with 23.3+ points, draws a Panthers defense that has allowed three of the last five quarterbacks to score 22.5+ points.
Quarterbacks to Sit
C.J. Stroud faces a Chargers defense that ranks seventh in fewest fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks; only Kirk Cousins has exceeded 18.5 points against them this season. Bryce Young has scored 12.4 points or fewer in his last two games and meets a Broncos defense that has held several quarterbacks to 18.5 points or less. Geno Smith faces a Chiefs defense that ranks fifth in fewest points allowed; only two quarterbacks have topped 15.9 points against Kansas City.
Bust Alert
Caleb Williams has only two games with more than 20 fantasy points this season and faces the Buccaneers, who rank fourth in fewest points allowed to quarterbacks; only Deshaun Watson and Aaron Rodgers have reached 20 points against Tampa Bay.
