This is the weekend we are supposed to set our clocks back. That means an extra hour to sleep, clean or study your fantasy football lineup. What you can't do is turn the clock back on your fantasy season. Along those lines, we're springing forward and looking ahead to what the rest of Week 9 will bring.
Analysis: This week's fantasy bounty comes courtesy of the Panthers and Redskins. Cam Newton, Steve Smith and Greg Olsen? Get 'em in your lineup. Alfred Morris? All systems go. Heck, this is even a week to consider Kai Forbath -- if you're somehow in need of a fantasy kicker. Who should you not consider starting this week? Defenses. Either of them.
Analysis: The Cardinals' offense is a mess and while it should be a little better than it was against San Francisco last week, don't expect big things from Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Roberts. With Arizona's poor offense starting to have an effect on its once-stout defense, expect James Jones and Randall Cobb to have a good day. Green Bay's defense should give John Skelton a bad time this week. Look for several sacks and possibly a turnover or two.
Analysis: After excelling last week, Matthew Stafford could come back to Earth this week. However, expect the Lions to make a greater effort to get Calvin Johnson involved. Mikel Leshoure has a great opportunity to produce this week as well. Cecil Shorts has sleeper appeal against Detroit's beleaguered secondary while Marcedes Lewis should see targets in the red zone.
Analysis:Matt Forte is the man to start in this week's game against the Titans, but Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall aren't bad options either. Kellen Davis even has sleeper appeal this week against Tennessee's defense. Conversely, it's hard to recommend starting any Titans offensive players versus the dominating Bears defense. If you're looking for any Titans to start, Nate Washington might be your best choice.
Analysis:Peyton Manning has returned to must-start status, but it's Willis McGahee who should be the star this week. Look for McGahee to approach 100 yards and a score. Andy Dalton is a questionable start for this week -- he could throw a couple of interceptions, but A.J. Green should still be able to make a few plays. This could also be a week Jermaine Gresham sees a lot of action, consider him a deep-league option.
Analysis: This matchup would seem to favor Joe Flacco...if he were at home. Flacco's been terrible on the road, so avoid him. Ray Rice remains a must-start while Anquan Boldin is a quality WR2 or flex play this week. With Baltimore's run defense struggling, Trent Richardson is an excellent option. Brandon Weeden doesn't have the matchup in his favor, but look for him to connect with Josh Gordon on at least one deep ball this week.
Analysis: Expect Buffalo to throw the football quite a bit this week in an effort to stay in the game. That means Ryan Fitzpatrick could throw multiple picks, but it also means a chance for Stevie Johnson and Donald Jones to make plays. Both are sleeper options. Meanwhile, it's been well established that you should start as many players as possible that are going against Buffalo. Have at it, folks.
Analysis: With Robert Mathis back in action, a shaky Ryan Tannehill play should be avoided. However, look for the Dolphins to lean heavily on Reggie Bush, who should approach 100 yards and a touchdown. Andrew Luck will win this battle of rookie QBs -- at least on the stat sheet -- likely with a pair of TD tosses. Look for Reggie Wayne to produce against the Miami secondary.
Analysis:Fantasy points might be hard to come by in this matchup of quality defenses. Adrian Peterson, as always, is a must-start and Percy Harvin has reached that status as well. Russell Wilson could perform better than expected this week, but not well enough to force him into your lineup ahead of most other QBs. Sidney Rice has some appeal as a flex play in leagues with 12 or more teams.
Analysis:Josh Freeman has had the hot hand in recent weeks, but a matchup with an ever-improving Raiders defense (stop laughing) could lead to just average production this week. Mike Williams could once again post solid numbers while Connor Barth is a sleeper play in many leagues. Week 9 could once again bring disappointment for Darren McFadden owners, but there is a lot of upside in starting Denarius Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey this week.
Analysis: While the Steelers are busy figuring out their running back situation, look for the passing game to lead the way. Ben Roethlisberger may have an average day, but Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown should prosper on short passes that can be turned into long runs. Similarly, Eli Manning could be hounded by the Pittsburgh defense -- especially if there's no Ahmad Bradshaw to rely on. Start your stars (Manning, Victor Cruz, etc.), but temper your expectations in an unfavorable matchup.
Analysis: This game is made for DeMarco Murray to explode. One problem: Murray won't be playing. Instead it could be Phillip Tanner getting the start and he has yet to earn the trust of this fantasy analyst. Tony Romo will once again cause fantasy heartburn, throwing at least two interceptions. Matt Ryan won't produce his normal big numbers, but look for Roddy White to continue his excellent play in home contests. The Falcons defense is a quality start this week.
Analysis: Remember what I wrote earlier about the Bills' defense? (I'll wait while you scroll up.) The same goes for the Saints defense. If this can't save Michael Vick's fantasy value, I'm not sure anything can. This should also be the week the Eagles re-discover LeSean McCoy -- I feel like I've written that before. Aside from the normal Saints you'd start, consider Garrett Hartley. In a pinch, the Saints defense could score a turnover or two, but you'd have to be in dire straits to consider starting them.
Follow Marcas Grant on Twitter @MarcasG
