RotoExperts.com delivers all the important player news with in-depth fantasy analysis for Week 9.
Quarterbacks
» Aaron Rodgers (foot) is listed as probable and expected to start. Expect him to deliver impressive statistics against the Buccaneers.
» Jake Delhomme (chest) was able to fully participate in practices this week. Still, he is not a recommended start against the Saints, as he might be playing from behind and could be prone to turnovers.
Running backs
» Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle, foot) is expected to play against the Chargers, but he remains a risk. Bradshaw is playing through injuries that could cut his game or season short at any time.
» Donald Brown (shoulder) was added to the Colts' injury report on Friday and is listed as questionable to face the Texans. RB Mike Hart would see time behind RB Joseph Addai if Brown were inactive.
» Kevin Smith (shoulder) is expected to start and should be safe to use in fantasy leagues. The Lions might give RB Maurice Morris more carries to make sure Smith is not overworked, so Smith might post decent but not outstanding totals.
» Jonathan Stewart (Achilles) was able to practice fully by Thursday but is listed as questionable to face the Saints. Stewart has worked through the issue in recent weeks, however, and remains a quality flex starter who gets frequent touchdown opportunities.
» Brian Westbrook (concussion) is listed as questionable to face the Cowboys, but he is expected to play. If you have no other respectable running back options, you might be forced to go with Westbrook this week. If you own a healthier back who will get a decent number of touches, however, use him over Westbrook. Running back LeSean McCoy should still get enough work to be an adequate flex option.
Wide receivers
» Anquan Boldin (ankle) was limited in Friday's practice and could be a game-time decision to face the Bears. Wideout Steve Breaston (knee) is expected to play and is a strong bye week fill-in, especially if Boldin cannot be a prime factor in the passing game.
» Antonio Bryant (knee) is listed as questionable to face the Packers. He's been unreliable this season and now has a rookie, QB Josh Freeman, throwing the ball to him. You should be looking to find a better option.
» Donald Driver (neck) is expected to play in Week 9. He should be a regular target for Rodgers this week and is an excellent No. 2 fantasy wideout against Tampa Bay.
» Devin Hester (ankle) was able to practice by Friday and is expected to play against the Cardinals. However, he did miss practices on Wednesday and Thursday. If you are making a close decision between Hester and a healthier player of similar value, you should go with the alternative.
» DeSean Jackson (foot) and Jeremy Maclin (foot) were both able fully participate in practices and will start against the Cowboys. Jackson is a top start this week against a vulnerable Dallas secondary, and Maclin is useful as a No. 3 fantasy wideout if you need a substitute.
» Calvin Johnson (knee) was able to practice on Friday is expected to play against the Seahawks. An active Johnson is always capable of posting good numbers, even if they aren't spectacular, so start him in Week 9.
» Mario Manningham (shoulder) is listed as probable and expected to play against the Chargers. He has been very inconsistent overall and should only be used if one of your other top starters is on a bye.
» Lance Moore (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 9. He has not been useful for most of the season, so consider cutting him if you need to make room for an alternative on your roster. WRs Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem should see more targets against the Panthers.
» Roddy White (knee) is listed as questionable but is expected to start against the Redskins. He has been playing well and should remain active in most lineups. As a precaution, be sure to check for any more possible news on White on Sunday.
Tight ends
» Kevin Boss (ankle) is listed as probable and is expected to start against the Chargers. He has not been very consistent this season, so only consider him if you need a bye week fill-in.
» Antonio Gates (foot) is listed as probable for Week 9. He is a top tight end start this week against the shaky Giants pass defense.
» Todd Heap (ankle) will be active against the Bengals in Week 9. He hasn't performed very well overall for fantasy purposes this season, and should only be a bye-week choice.
» Greg Olsen (ankle) was able to fully participate in practice by Thursday and will be active against the Cardinals. He is always a threat to catch passes on key downs, so use him if you don't have an elite fantasy tight end on your roster.
» Ben Watson (back) is listed as questionable to face the Dolphins. The Patriots tight end has not been productive enough to risk using him if he is not 100 percent, so seek healthier alternatives.
Scott Engel is Managing Director and Senior NFL Editor at www.rotoexperts.com. Join the RotoExperts team every Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm for a LIVE Gameday Chat.
