The 2023 NFL Season is here, and with it comes some lineup questions. Which moves should you make to maximize your points? Let this weekly post be your guide as I offer one start and one sit suggestion at QB, RB, WR, and TE. These suggestions are based on my rankings against consensus each week. And because we want to measure our success, check back each week for a recap on how I did.
For the purposes of this project, a start is a player I think will finish Top 12 at QB or TE and Top 24 at RB or WR. A sit is a player I suspect will finish outside those metrics. Before we move forward, let’s look at last week’s picks. All finishes courtesy of Fantasy Pros.
Week 8 Starts
QB: C.J. Stroud, QB23 Miss. Stroud is in a mini-funk.
RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB1 Hit. Gibbs was on fire.
WR: Jordan Addison, WR13 Hit. Addison remains hot.
TE: Dalton Kincaid, TE8 Hit. Kincaid is coming on.
Start Record: 3-1
Week 8 Sits
QB: Bryce Young, QB18 Hit. Young was better than Stroud, but still not Top 12.
RB: Brian Robinson, Jr., RB25 Hit. Just made it!
WR: DeAndre Hopkins, WR2 Miss. Will Levis woke up DHop!
TE: Noah Fant, TE27 Hit. Fant just doesn’t get the volume.
Sit Record: 3-1
Now, on to the Week 9 Picks.
Quarterbacks
Start: Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
About: Look, between four teams on a bye and a spat of injuries, the quarterback landscape is unique in Week 9. That brings me to Carr. He’s had moments of struggle this season, sure. But the Saints are heating up and so is Carr. In his last four games, he’s had at least 15 points. In the past two, he’s had 18 or more points. And this week the 4-4 Saints are at home against the Bears. Again, it’s a weird landscape. I’m starting Carr.
Sit: Daniel Jones, New York Giants
About: Jones has been out for a few weeks and has a good matchup with the Raiders. Maybe you’re tempted to fire him up. I get it, especially this week. But it hasn’t been a good season for Jones. Prior to last Sunday, when Tyrod Taylor got hurt and ended up in the hospital, the talk was Jones wouldn’t be back until Week 10. Is Jones a better option than Tommy Devito? Probably. Is he a good option to finish Top 12 for you in Week 9? I don’t think so.
Running Backs
Start: Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
About: Jacobs hasn’t looked the same as he did in 2022, but he has been getting more opportunities. He’s quietly up to RB9 on the season. The Raiders moved on from Josh McDaniels and are benching Jimmy Garoppolo. With Aidan O’Connell in the game, they’ll need to lean more on the run at home against the Giants. I’m firing up Jacobs.
Sit: Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers
About: Sanders might be a talented back and I liked him pre-season, but it isn’t working in Carolina. Last week, coming off a bye and off the injury report, Sanders got two carries for zero yards. Chuba Hubbard wasn’t incredible, but he’s clearly taken over as the lead back. I’m leaving Sanders on my bench.
Wide Receivers
Start: Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers
About: Not much about the Panthers has been fun to watch. One exception is veteran Adam Thielen, who is having a monster year. He’s WR8 and has been the biggest bright spot for the Panthers. He’s also been a hero for fantasy players. I’m firing him up.
Sit: Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
About: The Seahawks have been a good team, but they have an embarrassment of riches, particularly among pass catchers. But as we’ve seen Jaxon Smith-Njigba take a step forward the past few weeks, it’s taken away targets from other receivers. That’s left Lockett taking a step back. He’s still a flex option, but I don’t see him as a Top 24 option.
Tight Ends
Start: Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals
About: McBride broke out huge in Week 8, catching ten passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. Yes, Josh Dobbs is gone. But I think whoever is passing for Arizona will be looking for the tight end. I’m pushing my chips in and rolling with McBride.
Sit: Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
About: I like Mayer and his potential. With him and these wide receivers, the Raiders have plenty of weapons. But the passing game has been a bit of a letdown. With O’Connell back there, I’m not confident that Mayer gets fed. If anything, I expect Davante Adams to be a target hog. I’m not counting on Mayer as a Top 12 option.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
