Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has seen his snap share decline over the past few weeks. After playing at least 25% of the snaps and handling five or more carries in Weeks 3-5, he's logged just 12 snaps and four carries over the past three games. The backfield touches have consolidated around rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt on early downs, with veteran Jeremy McNichols handling pass downs both as a receiver and pass protector. Rodriguez could see more touches in Week 9, but it's a brutal matchup against a Seattle defense that has allowed a league-best 3.3 yards per carry. Rodriguez should be left on waivers for Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols led the team in receiving in their Week 8 loss to the Chiefs, catching five of his six targets for 64 yards and adding one carry for four yards. McNichols has arguably been Washington's most effective back recently, consistently making plays when his number is called. The 29-year-old is tied for the eighth most receiving first downs (seven) despite ranking just 31st in routes run (82) among 54 running backs with at least 50 routes. His 4.58 yards after contact per reception is the third best behind only Jaylen Warren and James Cook. McNichols has been one of the best third-down backs in the league this season and should benefit from the return of star quarterback Jayden Daniels. The veteran still plays predominantly on third downs with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt filling the early down role. It'll be tough to move the ball on the ground on Sunday Night Football against a Seahawks defense that has allowed a league-best 3.3 yards per carry and tied for the second fewest rushing touchdowns (two) in the league. However, they are tied for the most receptions allowed to opposing running backs (47), which could play in McNichols' favor. McNichols has flex appeal in PPR formats in deeper leagues for Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills kicker Matt Prater (calf) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Prater was limited in practice throughout the week, but that won't stop him from playing this weekend. It doesn't sound like Prater is 100 percent healthy, but he'll be able to kick through the pain. Prater has been a viable option as he has only missed two kicks heading into Week 9. He'll be a viable streaming option for this tough matchup against the Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus (quad) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. McManus was limited in practice to begin the week, but was able to get through a few full sessions to end the week. Despite that, McManus will carry a questionable tag into Sunday's game. Fantasy managers will likely have to wait until closer to kickoff before getting a final decision on McManus. The 34-year-old returned last week from a two-game absence and missed two kicks. He's not exactly an elite option when healthy, so maybe fantasy managers should look elsewhere.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (foot) was removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Okonkwo was limited to start the week before sitting out of practice on Thursday. Despite that, Okonkwo returned as a full participant on Friday and has been cleared to play this weekend. The 26-year-old has been quiet most weeks and continues to split up the snaps with Gunnar Helm. That being said, Okonkwo isn't an ideal streaming option and at best offers TE2 value.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb continues to share time in the backfield with Woody Marks, with his primary workload coming on early downs. Chubb had 17 carries last week compared to just 11 for Marks, but since he only had two targets and two catches for 13 yards, Marks was a slightly better fantasy play. Chubb hasn't found the end zone since Week 5, and he only has two touchdowns on the year. Since his high mark of the season is only 61 rushing yards, he needs to get into the end zone to be worth a look in Week 9. He'll face the Broncos, who have been tough against the run, allowing only seven touchdowns to running backs this season. Chubb hasn't been able to consistently get big gains, so he is only the RB38 in RotoBaller's Week 9 rankings. He's a desperation flex play if you need him, but he is very high risk since he's so touchdown dependent.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers running back Hassan Haskins (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. As expected, Haskins will miss another game as he hasn't practiced since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 7. The absence of Haskins will mean that Kimani Vidal will see the bulk of the carries once again. Jaret Patterson figures to be brought up from the practice squad, but Vidal is going to see most of the touches. When healthy, Haskins wasn't doing much anyway, so it's tough to justify holding him outside of dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. Allgeier was limited in practice on Thursday, but that won't stop him from playing in Week 9. The 25-year-old played through the same issue last week and handled a season-high 40 percent of the offensive snaps. The increase in playing time was likely due to the fact that the game was a blowout. Allgeier figures to return to his regular role this weekend. He's a touchdown-dependent option heading into Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (calf) was limited in practice this week but does not have an injury designation for Week 9's matchup against the Broncos. Marks had a massive breakthrough performance in Week 4 with 69 rushing yards, 50 receiving yards, and a pair of touchdowns. He took a back seat to Nick Chubb in Week 5's blowout win, but he has been productive in an even timeshare with Chubb in the last two weeks. Marks can produce excellent receiving yards and PPR production when he's at his best, and has scored two of his touchdowns through the air. Last week, he also had one of his best rushing games with 62 rushing yards on his 11 carries. Marks has a tough matchup against the Broncos this week, but he's still the RB25, showing he's a solid RB3 or flex option even against the strong Denver defense.

From RotoBaller

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (ankle) doesn't carry any injury designation into Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the New England Patriots. Pitts was limited the first two days of practice due to a minor ankle issue. However, Pitts was upgraded to a full participant on Friday and is ready to go for this weekend. The 25-year-old has been heavily involved over the last few weeks. He has 19 targets over the last two games, but could lose some steam with wide receiver Drake London returning this weekend. Despite that, Pitts should still be a playable option for Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has shown positive signs in several of his last few games, with multiple touchdowns in three of his last four games. However, this week, he and the Texans have a tough matchup against the Broncos, who have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Stroud will get some help, though, with both Nico Collins (concussion) and Christian Kirk (hamstring) set to return to the lineup. This could be a statement game for the Texans, who are looking to climb back into the playoff race after their 0-3 start. Stroud led them to a 26-15 win last week against the 49ers, throwing for a season-high 318 passing yards despite being without Collins and Kirk. While he has a high ceiling, the matchup makes him high-risk, which is why he's only the QB22 in RotoBaller's Week 9 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Multiple NFL teams have "reached out and have significant interest" in trading for Miami Dolphins pass-rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, sources told Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. The Dolphins have been hesitant to shop both Chubb and Phillips, but with another blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night and with the trade deadline coming next Tuesday, the Dolphins "may now be willing to make a move." After the 28-6 loss to the Ravens, the Dolphins parted ways with general manager Chris Grier on Friday and could be changing their stance on several of their assets before next week's deadline. Chubb is probably more attractive to contending teams seeking pass-rush help, as he is under contract through 2027 and has four sacks so far in 2025. Meanwhile, Phillips, who has three sacks this year, will be a free agent next March.

From RotoBaller

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder) was limited in practice all week but has been cleared from Friday's final injury report and will be active for the Week 9 contest on Sunday against the hosting Las Vegas Raiders. Thomas injured his shoulder in London in the loss to the Los Angeles Rams before the team's Week 8 bye, and he's still battling through it. However, he will suit up this weekend as the Jags' WR1 with rookie first-round receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter (knee) on Injured Reserve. Jacksonville will look for receivers Parker Washington and Dyami Brown to step up with Hunter sidelined for the foreseeable future, but it should also mean a more consistent target share for Thomas, who is currently in a sophomore slump (one touchdown) after breaking out as a rookie. Thomas should be viewed as a WR2 with upside this week against the Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Miami Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II (ankle), who suffered an ankle injury in Thursday night's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, is considered day-to-day with an ankle sprain, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Dolphins have 10 days before their Week 10 divisional contest against the Buffalo Bills, so Gordon "should miss limited time." The 21-year-old was walking without a noticeable limp in the locker room after Thursday's game, but it remains to be seen if he'll be active in Week 10. Before leaving in the first half due to his ankle sprain against Baltimore, Gordon had only two carries while logging 13 offensive snaps. If he is unable to gain clearance to play against Buffalo next week, Jaylen Wright, who was a healthy inactive on Thursday, would be active as the backup to starter De'Von Achane. Gordon hasn't been much more than a handcuff to Achane in fantasy in his first NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Wicks missed every day of practice this week and hasn't practiced since injuring his calf in Green Bay's Week 7 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The 24-year-old has held a reduced role in a crowded Packers pass-catching group this season, catching 13 of his 20 targets for 134 yards and no touchdowns in six games. It got even more crowded last week with Christian Watson making his season debut, and Jayden Reed (collarbone, foot) is also reportedly getting closer to a return to practice.

From RotoBaller

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) was listed as a limited participant in Friday's practice, per Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. Murray was limited in practice for the second straight day as he recovers from a foot injury that has already sidelined him for two games, but head coach Jonathan Gannon said Thursday that the team is planning for him to start Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys. There have also been reports of Murray and backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett splitting reps with Arizona's primary pass catchers, so it is still uncertain as to who the Cardinals' signal caller will be in Dallas on Monday Night Football. Murray is familiar with playing at AT&T Stadium and would be set up with a pristine matchup if he were to make his return in Week 9, as the Cowboys have allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.

From RotoBaller

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is a solid play in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. Barner has displayed a nose for the end zone on modest volume this season. He has only exceeded three targets on one occasion, but he has caught four touchdown passes in seven games. The Commanders are No. 25 against opposing tight ends in fantasy. Their linebacking core seems to have a lot of difficulty stopping the position. With Barner's savvy in the red zone and run-after-catch ability, he could escape for a couple of big plays. Outside of the top five or so tight ends, the options are slim for fantasy. Barner presents an option with real upside and high touchdown probability in a good offense. He is still readily available on waivers, likely due to his low volume. Additionally, Barner may have earned himself more volume coming out of the Seahawks' bye week in Week 8. It is likely difficult for the Seahawks' coaching staff to ignore what Barner has been able to do with the ball in his hands. If you need a start, Barner could be a legitimate top ten option this week.

From RotoBaller

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is a flex play in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders' defense has been middle-of-the-pack against opposing running backs in fantasy. However, it may be difficult for Walker to exploit the matchup while he continues to split time with Zach Charbonnet in this backfield. Walker is currently the RB28 in fantasy, and he has not scored more than 9.6 fantasy points since Week 4. His rushing volume has remained solid, but he is a non-factor in the receiving game. He has one or fewer receptions in six of seven games this year. With no receiving volume, Walker's upside is completely capped. Given that Charbonnet is the goal line back, Walker needs to break off a big play to be fantasy relevant. Based on where you drafted him, you may not have a better option with four teams on a bye. He is a flex option with limited upside in Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is not a confident play in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders are No. 16 against opposing running backs in fantasy, but Charbonnet is an inefficient runner with low volume. However, Charbonnet has scored in four of his six games this season for a total of five touchdowns. When he scores, he generally delivers flex or RB2 value. When he has not scored, he has completely sunk your fantasy week. Touchdowns are a difficult statistic to project, but the Seahawks are as good a bet as anyone to find themselves at the goal line, handing the ball off to Charbonnet. This is especially true against a soft Commanders' defense. It is unlikely that you drafted Charbonnet to be a starter, but you may need his services in a week in which four teams are on a bye. If that is the case, the Charbonnet is a solid dart throw, albeit with a very low floor. Proceed with caution with Charbonnet in Week 9 if you must.

From RotoBaller

Hopefully, you rostered Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (chest) through his bye week because he draws a great matchup with the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The Commanders' defense has had trouble stopping opposing passing offenses with a leaky secondary. Darnold should have no issues spreading the ball around to his various wide receivers all day. Prior to a tough matchup with the Texans in Week 7, Darnold had notched five straight games with at least 16.08 fantasy points. While those are no world-beating numbers, they are enough to anchor your fantasy team at the quarterback position. Darnold's superpower this year has been his lack of turnovers. The Commanders have had difficulty forcing turnovers all season long. They only have four interceptions in eight games. Darnold should be rostered for the rest of the season as a QB2 with upside. However, he should absolutely be in lineups in a week in which the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles, and their respective quarterbacks, are on a bye. Darnold was dealing with a chest injury all week, but he logged three full practice days. The injury should be of no concern.

From RotoBaller