Fantasy Football 2017: Start or sit for Week 9
By Dan Thomas
Running Backs
Start
Adrian Peterson, Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers – In his debut with the Cardinals in Week 6, Peterson was an animal (25.4 fantasy points). The next week, he was a dud (4.3 fantasy points). Which Peterson will we get this week? If you ask me, I think he’ll be closer to the guy we saw in Week 6 because he should see heavy volume. At the end of the day, Arizona should be doing everything in their power to not let Drew Stanton throw the ball.
Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions – Jones now has 125+ rushing yards in two out of his last three games and he simply looks better than Ty Montgomery. The matchup is pretty good and the rookie should see 15+ touches. Considering the circumstances, I think he can be a top-15 running back in Week 9.
Sit
Jay Ajayi, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Denver Broncos – The Eagles got the better deal in the trade with the Dolphins when they acquired Ajayi for a fourth-round pick but that doesn’t mean I’m starting him in Week 9. The Broncos have yet to allow a rushing touchdown against a running back and Ajayi obviously won’t be 100 percent familiar/comfortable in the Eagles offense. I don’t expect him to do much of anything with his limited touches.
C.J. Anderson, Denver Broncos vs. Philadelphia Eagles – Anderson has now gone three-straight games with under 10 PPR fantasy points and I’m fairly confident after this week, it’ll be four-straight. The Eagles rushing defense is no joke and they haven’t allowed a running back to rush for a touchdown over the last four weeks. Don’t expect Anderson, who hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 2, to find paydirt this week.
Marshawn Lynch, Oakland Raiders vs. Miami Dolphins – Lynch getting suspended for last week’s game was the best thing for owners because they didn’t have to feel obligated to start him. Yes, his name is big but his game has been awful this year. Just pretend like he’s suspended for the rest of the season and just leave him on the bench.