From game-time decisions to injuries so significant they affect the value of every single position, let's break down the Fantasy and DFS impact of injuries for every Week 9 matchup. Know when to pivot and how your fantasy roster will be affected.
Below, you'll find a game-by-game look at the injuries you need to know that will have the biggest impact for Fantasy leagues, as well as the implications for DFS players. This week's list of notable names includes quarterbacks Kirk Cousins, Daniel Jones and Deshaun Watson; running backs Aaron Jones, Raheem Mostert and Saquon Barkley; receivers DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Odell Beckham Jr.; tight ends Darren Waller and David Njoku; and many others, including key offensive line and defensive injuries to know.
You can also see how this week's injuries affect the Fantasy projections from the SportsLine Projection Model. All you have to do is head over to SportsLine's companion post to this piece that tracks all the projections you need to know related to this week's injury report.
Notable injuries
- RB Raheem Mostert (ankle) - Cleared
- WR River Cracraft (shoulder) - Questionable
- WR Braxton Berrios (hamstring) - Questionable
- TE Durham Smythe (ankle) - Questionable
- OT Terron Armstead (knee) - Questionable
- OG Robert Hunt (hamstring) - Out
- C Connor Williams (groin) - Questionable
- CB Jalen Ramsey (knee) - Cleared
- CB Nik Needham (Achilles) - Questionable
- CB Xavien Howard (groin) - Questionable
- CB Justin Bethel (foot) - Questionable
- S Brandon Jones (concussion) - Out
- RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) - Cleared
- RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) - Out
- WR Richie James (knee) - Questionable
- LB Nick Bolton (wrist) - IR
- LB Willie Gay Jr. (lower back) - Questionable
Raheem Mostert was cleared to play, so the Dolphins have all key offensive weapons healthy for Week 9, but the final status for Terron Armstead is unclear. The Miami secondary is in flux due to multiple injuries, though Jalen Ramsey is good to go after making his season debut last week. All logged limited practices but Fantasy managers should monitor their status as it affects upside for the Chiefs receiving corps.
Major players within the Chiefs offense are healthy, but Nick Bolton heading to injured reserve is a significant blow to their defense. With Edwards-Helaire unavailable, it's possible McKinnon sees more touches.
DFS impact
DFS impact is limited in this matchup. Expect players from both teams to perform at their typical output for single-game DFS plays.
Notable injuries
- QB Kirk Cousins (Achilles) - IR
- WR Brandon Powell (shoulder) - Cleared
- WR KJ Osborn (chest) - Cleared
- WR Jalen Nailor (hamstring) - Questionable
- DE Dean Lowry (groin) - Out
- FB Keith Smith (concussion) - Out
- WR Drake London (groin) - Out
- DT Grady Jarrett (knee) - IR
- LB Tae Davis (concussion) - Cleared
With Kirk Cousins on IR and newly-acquired Joshua Dobbs learning the offense, rookie Jaren Hall will start for the Vikings in Week 9. Outside of very shallow leagues, it's tough to sit players like T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison. Hockenson and Addison are by far the best players for Minnesota, and the Vikings don't have the luxury of relying on their ground game. The Falcons allowed a strong Week 8 performance to Derrick Henry but they've typically been strong against the run. It's important to note the Falcons will be without Grady Jarrett, which could affect their run defense. Alexander Mattison is a low-end RB2 and Cam Akers is an RB3.
Drake London is out for Week 9, meaning Kyle Pitts could be the focal point of the Falcons pass game. Taylor Heinicke is starting this week for the Falcons so Pitts is still a risky play with the unknown of Heinicke's preferences. But, Fantasy managers can start Pitts as a TE1.
DFS impact
Using Pitts is certainly a risky play but with London out, Pitts should be the first look for Heinicke. Pitts is $4,100 on DraftKings. You could also lean towards Bijan Robinson for an increase in receiving work at $6,100.
Notable injuries
- RB Kenny McIntosh (knee) - Questionable
- WR DK Metcalf (hip) - Cleared
- WR Tyler Lockett (hamstring) - Cleared
- OG Damien Lewis (ankle) - Cleared
- OG Anthony Bradford (ankle) - Questionable
- LB Boye Mafe (shoulder) - Cleared
- OT Morgan Moses (shoulder) - Doubtful
- S Marcus Williams (hamstring) – Questionable
DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are cleared for Week 9. A matchup against Baltimore is difficult but both receivers remain strong starting options. Fantasy managers should note Kenneth Walker was not listed on the injury report this week. Walker's snaps were reduced in Week 8 with Zach Charbonnet returning to action. Walker was dealing with a calf injury last week that could have caused the flip in snap count.
DFS impact
Although Metcalf and Lockett are cleared, they're riskier plays given the matchup and pricing.
Notable injuries
- QB Kyler Murray (knee) - Questionable
- RB Emari Demercado (toe) - Out
- WR Michael Wilson (shoulder) - Questionable
- WR Greg Dortch (ankle) - Questionable
- C Trystan Colon-Castillo (calf) - Out
- DT Kevin Strong (shoulder) - Questionable
- QB Deshaun Watson (shoulder) - Cleared
- RB Jerome Ford (ankle) - Cleared
- WR Amari Cooper (ankle) - Cleared
- WR Marquise Goodwin (illness) - Cleared
- WR David Bell (knee) - Out
- TE David Njoku (knee) - Cleared
- OT Dawand Jones (shoulder) - Questionable
- OT Jedrick Willis (foot) - Cleared
- DE Za'Darius Smith (neck) - Cleared
- LB Sione Takitaki (hamstring) - Cleared
- CB Greg Newsome II (groin) - Out
- S Grant Delpit (ankle) - Cleared
Deshaun Watson is cleared to play and will start in Week 9. Watson returned to play in Week 7 after a multi-game absence and played only 16% of snaps so Fantasy managers are understandably hesitant to use Watson this week. Arizona is a very run-friendly matchup and the Browns will likely lean on the run to help ease Watson back into action. Avoid starting Watson and pivot to other options. Jerome Ford is cleared for Week 9 and early clearance is an excellent sign that he should return to a more normal workload this week. Ford played in Week 8 but was limited, playing through his injury. Ford is a top-24 back this week and -- despite the clearance of Ford -- Kareem Hunt is still a strong start as well. Arizona's run defense has been the best matchup of the season. Both Ford and Hunt should start in the majority of Fantasy formats
Kyler Murray is questionable and the Cardinals aren't indicating whether Murray or Clayton Tune will start this week. It's possible this is gamesmanship on the part of Jonathan Gannon. Tune has been practicing with the first team and Murray has spent most of the week with the practice squad. It's tough to imagine Murray wouldn't get first-team work before returning to action. But given the lack of clarity, Fantasy managers should monitor the situation throughout the weekend. Even if Tune starts, he should remain on Fantasy benches outside of deep Superflex leagues. But if Murray is confirmed as the starter, Fantasy managers can play him as low-end QB1 due to the significant number of quarterback absences this week. Emari Demercado has been ruled out for Week 9. Demercado has seen the vast majority of work out of the Cardinals backfield for two weeks in a row. Therefore, we have no true indication of who would see the bulk of the work this week. The likely candidate is Keaontay Ingram but given the lack of clarity and matchup, it's best to avoid this backfield and look at other teams for streaming options.
DFS impact
Arizona has multiple salary-friendly options this week but upside is extremely limited and risky if Tune starts. Avoid Arizona and use stronger value plays on other teams. Both Ford and Hunt are priced below $6K and offer strong upside, even in a split backfield. Lean toward Ford at $5,300.
Notable injuries
- QB Matthew Stafford (thumb) - Questionable
- QB Stetson Bennett (illness) - TBD
- WR Puka Nacua (knee) - Questionable
- WR Ben Skowronek (Achilles) - Cleared
- TE Hunter Long (hamstring) - Out
- OT Rob Havenstein (calf) - Questionable
- LB Ernest Jones (knee) - Out
- CB Decobie Durant (shoulder) - Questionable
- RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) - Cleared
- TE Luke Musgrave (ankle) - Cleared
- OT Yosh Nijman (knee) - Cleared
- OG Elgton Jenkins (knee) - Cleared
- LB Quay Walker (groin) - Questionable
- CB Jaire Alexander (back) - Cleared
- S Rudy Ford (calf) - Questionable
Matthew Stafford is questionable for Week 9 but failed to practice this week and seems like a long shot to play. Brett Rypien would be in line for the start if Stafford is unable to suit up. Puka Nacua is also dealing with an injury and questionable to play but did log limited practices this week. Despite a potential absence from Stafford, Kupp and Nacua are still top-24 options if Nacua is active. Green Bay's secondary has typically been their strength but they've lost players to injury and trade, leaving them very vulnerable.
Aaron Jones logged limited practices this week and is cleared to play. Jones is still playing through his hamstring injury and has yet to return to a full workload. Fantasy managers in very shallow leagues could have the luxury of sitting Jones but he is a top-24 back this week given bye weeks and injuries.
DFS impact
Although Jones is in play for season-long leagues, he's a fade in DFS. The Rams have been solid against the run and unless we hear any news that Jones will see a significant snap count, he's a liability in both cash and tournament play.
Notable injuries
- TE Ko Kieft (ankle) - Cleared
- OG Matt Feiler (knee) - Out
- DE Logan Hall (groin) - Out
- DT Vita Vea (groin) - Questionable
- RB Dameon Pierce (ankle) - Out
- WR Robert Woods (foot) - Out
- TE Brevin Jordan (foot) - Out
- OT Tytus Howard (knee) - Cleared
- OT Laremy Tunsil (knee) - Cleared
- DT Sheldon Rankins (knee) - Questionable
- CB Derek Stingley Jr. (hamstring) - TBD
Dameon Pierce is out for Week 9 and Devin Singletary will lead the Texans' backfield. Singletary is still a low-end RB2 at best given the matchup and general ineffectiveness of the Texans' run game. The Bucs' weakness is through the air and they've typically been strong against the run. With Robert Woods out and in a positive matchup, expect a strong performance from Nico Collins. Tank Dell is a flex option.
Tampa Bay's most signicant injury is to Vita Vea, who logged multiple full practices this week.
DFS impact
Singletary is a viable option in season-long leagues but lacks the upside needed for tournament play. Given the $4,300, he is an option in cash games but he's less than ideal and paying up to the $5-6K range offers the better outcome. Nico Collins at $5,800 is a potential option with Woods out.
Notable injuries
- WR Curtis Samuel (toe) - Out
- OG Saahdiq Charles (calf) - IR
- C Ricky Stromberg (knee) - Out
- LB Cody Barton (ankle) - IR
- WR Kendrick Bourne (knee) - IR
- WR DeVante Parker (concussion) - Out
- TE Pharaoh Brown (back) - Questionable
- OT Trent Brown (ankle) - Questionable
- DE Deatrich Wise Jr. (shoulder) - Questionable
- DT Christian Barmore (knee) - Questionable
- DT Davon Godchaux (illness) - Questionable
- LB Josh Uche (foot) - Questionable
- LB Ja'Whaun Bentley (hamstring) - Questionable
- CB Jonathan Jones (knee) - Questionable
- CB Myles Bryant (chest) - Cleared
With Curtis Samuel out, Jahan Dotson is a solid play in Week 9. Putting last week's matchup against Miami aside, the Patriots have performed well against the pass but if Washington's defense struggles after trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat, Washington could be forced to chase points and abandon the run.
The Patriots' injury list is long but the most critical piece might be the injuries on offense. With Kendrick Bourne on IR and DeVante Parker out with a concussion, Demario Douglas is the likely WR1 for the Patriots. Douglas must contend with JuJu Smith-Schuster but Douglas had already surpassed Smith-Schuster in output.
DFS impact
Douglas is no longer a secret and will likely be a very chalky play this week. But at only $4K on DraftKings and with a good matchup, he's worth the play. Smith-Schuster is only $3,100 but has lacked volume and upside all season and will likely fail to pay off.
Notable injuries
- QB Justin Fields (thumb) - Doubtful
- OT Braxton Jones (neck) - Questionable
- OG Nate Davis (ankle) - Out
- MLB Tremaine Edmunds (knee) - Out
- CB Terrell Smith (illness) - Out
- S Jaquan Brisker (concussion) - Out
- RB Kendre Miller (illness) - Questionable
- WR Lynn Bowden Jr (illness) - Cleared
- TE Taysom Hill (chest) - Cleared
- OG James Hurst (ankle) - Cleared
- DT Malcolm Roach (illness) - Questionable
- OLB Demario Davis (knee) - Cleared
Justin Fields returned to practice on Friday in a limited capacity, an excellent sign for his future over the rest of the season. Unfortunately, he's doubtful for Week 9 and Fantasy managers should anticipate Tyson Bagent at quarterback. The Bears have ruled out Tremaine Edmunds and Jaquan Brisker, which is significant to note for Rashid Shaheed as a high-upside flex play in deep leagues.
Taysom Hill is cleared for Week 9 and is a top-12 option at tight end this week.
DFS impact
With Fields out, the Bears offensive unit as a whole remains unappealing in DFS.
Notable injuries
- WR Josh Downs (knee) - Questionable
- TE Jelani Woods (hamstring) - TBD
- TE Kyle Granson (concussion) - Cleared
- OT Braden Smith (hip) - Out
- OLB Zaire Franklin (knee) - Questionable
- CB Julius Brents (quadriceps) - Out
- WR D.J. Chark (elbow) - Questionable
- WR Laviska Shenault Jr. (ankle) - Out
- OT Taylor Moton (knee) - Cleared
- OG Austin Corbett (knee) - Cleared
- LB Brian Burns (elbow) - Cleared
- LB Frankie Luvu (hip) - Cleared
- OLB Justin Houston (hamstring) - Out
- CB Donte Jackson (quad) - Questionable
- S Vonn Bell (quadriceps) - Doubtful
- S Xavier Woods (abdomen) - Cleared
Josh Downs is officially questionable and Fantasy managers need to monitor his status throughout the weekend. If Downs is active, he's a strong start in all Fantasy formats. Downs has had a minimum of 13 Fantasy points in the past four games with a total of two touchdowns. He's become a strong WR2 with Gardner Minshew at quarterback. If Downs is inactive, targets would likely funnel aggressively to Michael Pittman Jr. Alec Pierce could have deep league value but has yet to show strong upside this season.
D.J. Chark is questionable and while he isn't made a huge Fantasy impact, the Colts have been an excellent matchup for opposing teams and Chark has deep league value if active. The Panthers also have several offensive lineman that have been cleared to play, which is significant news with the changes to their running back rotation.
DFS impact
If Downs in unable to play, Pierce could be a value option at just $3,300 but the better play is to lean into Pittman at $6,600 and Jonathan Taylor at $6,400. Targets would funnel to Pittman and the Colts will likely lean heavily on the run, given the matchup. Taylor is healthy and could have a low roster rate after a frustrating Week 8 when he saw limited usage in the second half.
With offensive lineman cleared and an excellent matchup, Chuba Hubbard is a potential value play at $5K on DraftKings. The play does come with risk as Frank Reich said the backfield should split work this week.
Notable injuries
- QB Daniel Jones (neck) - Cleared
- QB Tyrod Taylor (ribs) - Out
- RB Saquon Barkley (elbow) - Cleared
- WR Wan'Dale Robinson (knee) - Cleared
- TE Darren Waller (hamstring) - Out
- OT Andrew Thomas (hamstring) - Questionable
- OT Evan Neal (ankle) - Questionable
- LB Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee) - Cleared
- K Graham Gano (knee) – IR
- RB Brandon Bolden (knee) - Cleared
- FB Jakob Johnson (concussion) - Out
- OT Thayer Munford (neck) - Out
- DE Maxx Crosby (knee) - Cleared
- LB Divine Deablo (ankle) - Out
- LB Robert Spillane (hand) - Questionable
- CB Nate Hobbs (ankle) – Cleared
- K Daniel Carlson (groin) - Cleared
Daniel Jones is cleared to play in Week 9 but will return without his primary pass catcher in Darren Waller. Fantasy managers are understandably hesitant to start Jones as he's struggled throughout the season but quarterback depth is a major issue this week. Jones is a potential streaming option given the matchup. The Raiders defense has struggled as a whole and while the Giants will lean heavily on Saquon Barkley -- who had 39 carries in Week 8 -- if the offense is somewhat effective, Jones has a decent floor with rushing upside.
The Raiders have several injuries to their linebacking corps but the injuries don't make a significant difference to the lack of upside for the Giants.
DFS impact
While Jones is a streaming option in season-long leagues, avoid him in DFS due to absence of Waller and the likelihood of the Giants leaning more on Barkley. Barkley is the strongest play for the Giants in DFS.
Notable injuries
- OT Tyron Smith (neck) - Questionable
- OG Chuma Edoga (ankle) - Questionable
- RB Boston Scott (personal) - Out
- TE Jack Stoll (ankle) - Cleared
- C/G Cam Jurgens (foot) - Out
- DT Jordan Davis (hamstring) - Cleared
- CB Bradley Roby (shoulder) - Out
The Cowboys' most significant injuries are to the offensive line. Tony Pollard has struggled to find room and the Cowboys' run game as a whole has been below average. Offensive line injuries could play a role in that. Pollard is still a top-24 option so it's difficult to bench him but Philadelphia's strength is against the run. Pollard has limited upside in this matchup.
DFS impact
Although Pollard is still a start in season-long leagues, he's a fade in DFS this week.
Notable injuries
- QB Josh Allen (shoulder) - Cleared
- LB A.J. Klein (back) - Out
- RB Joe Mixon (chest) - Questionable
- OT Orlando Brown (groin) - Cleared
- DE Trey Hendrickson (foot) - Cleared
- LB Akeem Davis-Gaither (knee) - Questionable
The significant injury in this matchup is around Joe Mixon, who is officially questionable with a chest injury but practiced in full both Thursday and Friday. Mixon is expected to play but monitor status throughout the weekend. If Mixon is unable to play, the direct beneficiary would likely be Trayveon Williams.
DFS impact
With Mixon expected to play, there's limited injury impact for DFS purposes. If his status takes a negative turn, Williams would be a cost-effective showdown play.
Notable injuries
- WR Josh Palmer (knee) - TBD
- WR Jalen Guyton (knee) - TBD
- MLB Eric Kendricks (ribs) - TBD
- WR Xavier Gipson (ankle) - TBD
- OT Mekhi Becton (knee) - TBD
- OG Laken Tomlinson (hamstring) - TBD
- OG Joe Tippman (thigh) - TBD
Prior to Week 8, Josh Palmer had a minimum of 10 Fantasy points per game in PPR since the injury to Mike Williams. Palmer played through a knee injury in Week 8 but was limited and struggled. Palmer has yet to practice this week and Fantasy managers must monitor his status through the weekend. If Palmer isn't cleared by early Sunday, managers should pivot to another option outside of the Chargers. Quentin Johnston had a slight increase in production in Week 8 but given the matchup, he's difficult to trust outside of very deep leagues.
The Jets are dealing with injuries across the offensive line but Breece Hall is a must-start regardless of their status.
DFS impact
Although Johnston is risky in season-long leagues, he's a viable value play in showdown lineups if Palmer is out. Jalen Guyton is likely to make his return this week and could be an option as well.
