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 Aaron Rodgers, and Ryan Tannehill; running backs Jonathan Taylor, Chuba Hubbard, Austin Ekeler, James Conner and D'Andre Swift; receivers Ja'Marr Chase, Keenan Allen, and Allen Lazard; tight ends Darren Waller and Mark Andrews; and many others, including key offensive line and defensive injuries to know.
Notable injuries
- RB Austin Ekeler (abdomen) - Cleared
- WR Josh Palmer (concussion) - Cleared
- WR Mike Williams (ankle) - Out
- WR Keenan Allen (hamstring) - Out
- WR DeAndre Carter (illness) - Questionable
- TE Donald Parham Jr. (hamstring) - Out
- K Dustin Hopkins (hamstring) - Out
- RB Cordarrelle Patterson (knee) - TBD
- CB A.J. Terrell (thigh) - Out
- FS Jaylinn Hawkins (concussion) - Cleared
- OG Elijah Wilkinson (knee) - Out
Austin Ekeler hit the injury report this week with an abdomen injury but is cleared to play on Sunday. Keenan Allen reaggravated his hamstring injury during the Chargers' bye week and is out, along with Mike Williams. Josh Palmer is the new WR1. Palmer is cleared from his concussion and could be a top-24 option this week. In games where he's been healthy, Palmer has seen a minimum of eight targets. Atlanta has given up the second-most Fantasy points to opposing tight ends. DeAndre Carter was added to the injury report with an illness but, if active, would be a low-end flex option. Donald Parham's absence benefits Gerald Everett, a clear TE1 this week.
For Atlanta, Fantasy managers should monitor Cordarrelle Patterson throughout the weekend. Patterson was designated to return from IR. It's tough to trust a player in their first game back from IR but this is an excellent matchup for Atlanta running backs and Patterson could be a flex option. If Patterson is inactive, Tyler Allgeier is a solid flex option and Caleb Huntley is an option in deep leagues, given the matchup.
DFS impact
Palmer is a huge bargain at just $5,100 on DraftKings. He'll likely be a popular play. If Carter is active, he's an interesting low-value pivot off Palmer. But the big increase in upside belongs to Austin Ekeler, who is the most expensive running back on the main slate but should benefit from the absence of Williams and Allen.
Allgeier at $5,400 is in play. And while Huntley has been the secondary option, he's been more productive with his opportunities and is intriguing at just $4,900 if Patterson is out.
Notable injuries
- WR River Cracraft (neck) - Out
- TE Durham Smythe (hamstring) - Cleared
- OT Terron Armstead (toe) - Questionable
- OT Brandon Shell (groin) - Cleared
- DT Raekwon Davis (knee) - Cleared
- LB Jaelan Phillis (quad) - Questionable
- OT Larry Broom (concussion) - Cleared
- FS Eddie Jackson (hip) - Cleared
- CB Kyler Gordon (hip) - Cleared
The Dolphins are dealing with key injuries on defense. And while reinforcements arrived in the form of Bradley Chubb from Denver, it will likely to some time to see a major impact to their overall performance. Justin Fields is the premier streaming option this week, coming off a very efficient and productive game against Dallas. The Bears have no major injuries and welcomed Chase Claypool to the team this week. Claypool should see time this Sunday and increase the upside of Fields.
The Dolphins also traded away Chase Edmonds and welcomed Jeff Wilson. Mostert is healthy and should continue to operate as the lead back this week.
DFS impact
There's no significant DFS impact on either side. Even against a healthy Chicago defense, Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are still top-tier options in DFS. Fields is a potential value play at quarterback against Miami's struggling defense.
Notable injuries
- RB Chuba Hubbard (ankle) - Out
- CB Jaycee Horn (ribs) - Cleared
- CB Donte Jackson (ankle) - Questionable
- SAF Juston Burris (concussion) - Out
- WR Ja'Marr Chase (hip) - Out
- OT La'el Collins (illness) - Questionable
- DT Josh Tupou (calf) - Out
- CB Mike Hilton (finger) - Out
- CB Chidobe Awuzie (knee) - Out
- CB Tre Flowers (hamstring) - Questionable
With Hubbard out, D'Onta Foreman leads the Panthers' backfield coming off 26 carries for 118 yards and three touchdowns in Week 8 against Atlanta. Cincinnati's defense is far more formidable but is vulnerable with key losses in the secondary. Success from PJ Walker through the air could open up opportunities for Foreman on the ground.
In addition to big defenses injuries, Chase will miss his second game while dealing with a hip injury. Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd look to bounce back after a disappointing Week 8. Even without Chase, Burrow is a low-end QB1, Higgins is a low-end WR1 and Boyd is a mid-tier WR2.
DFS impact
Although Horn is cleared from the injury report, the Panthers' secondary is still a solid matchup and both Higgins and Boyd are DFS options with Chase out. Cincinnati defensive injuries make DJ Moore an appealing option at just $5,800, coming off another strong performance. Foreman is in play at $6,000 with Hubbard out, although he is still a risky option in DraftKings with limited pass-catching upside, making him touchdown-dependent.
Notable injuries
- QB Aaron Rodgers (thumb) - Cleared
- WR Allen Lazard (shoulder) - Questionable
- WR Christian Watson (concussion) - Questionable
- OG Elgton Jenkins (knee) - Questionable
- OT David Bakhtiari (knee) - Questionable
- OLB Preston Smith (shoulder) - Questionable
- ILB De'Vondre Campbell (knee) - Out
- RB D'Andre Swift (ankle) - Questionable
- WR Josh Reynolds (back) - Doubtful
- TE Brock Wright (concussion) - Questionable
- OT Taylor Decker (back) - Questionable
- DE Charles Harris (groin) - Questionable
- SS DeShon Elliott (finger) - Cleared
Fantasy managers will need to monitor Lazard's status throughout the weekend. Lazard could be a game-time decision but, if active, is a solid flex option. Lazard has played five healthy games this season with 80-90% snap counts. He's had a touchdown in all but one of those games. If Lazard is inactive, Romeo Doubs is a flex option. Doubs caught 4 of 7 targets for 62 yards and a touchdown last week as the lead receiver for Green Bay. However, it's tough to trust Doubs if Lazard is active. Aaron Jones likely benefits as a top-five option this week.
Green Bay has struggled to stop the run all season and key injuries on defense only magnify those issues. If active, Swift is still a potential RB1 and Jamaal Williams is an RB2 given the matchup and is role as the clear goal-line back. It's also worth noting the Lions are without T.J. Hockenson, who is now with Minnesota. With Hockenson gone and Josh Reynolds doubtful, Amon-Ra St. Brown is a high upside play and Kalif Raymond is a low-end flex option.
DFS impact
Even with the defensive struggles on both teams, Lazard and Swift are risky options. Any absence or limitations benefit Jones, Doubs, St. Brown and Raymond. The Lions' new TE1 Brock Wright is in concussion protocol and rookie James Mitchell would see the start at tight end if he's out. It's tough to trust Mitchell.
Notable injuries
- WR Mack Hollins (heel) - Cleared
- TE Darren Waller (hamstring) - Questionable
- LB Divine Deablo (back) - Questionable
- WR Jamal Agnew (knee) - Questionable
Darren Waller is questionable and at risk of missing another week. Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the weekend and prepare to pivot. If Waller is inactive, Foster Moreau is a high-end TE2.
The Jaguars are very healthy outside of Jamaal Agnew with the remaining Jags receivers looking to bounce back after a tough Week 8.
DFS impact
Although Moreau is a fine streaming option in season-long leagues, his upside is limited in DFS with lack of touchdown opportunities. He's not worth a play with similarly-priced options offering higher upside, such as Evan Engram, Tyler Conklin and Dawson Knox.
Notable injuries
- QB Matt Ryan (shoulder) - Out
- RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) - Out
- OT Dennis Kelly (ankle) - Questionable
- C Ryan Kelly (knee) - Cleared
- RB Damien Harris (illness) - Questionable
- RB Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring) - Questionable
- WR DeVante Parker (knee) - Out
- WR Ty Montgomery (knee) - TBD
- C David Andrews (concussion) - Out
- OT Marcus Cannon (concussion) - Out
- DT Christian Barmore (knee) - Questionable
- DE Deatrich Wise Jr. (ankle) - Questionable
- CB Jack Jones (illness) - Questionable
- SS Kyle Dugger (ankle) - Questionable
Jonathan Taylor is officially out on Sunday. With Nyheim Hines traded to the Buffalo Bills, Deon Jackson steps up as the lead back for the Colts, but he draws a tough matchup. The Patriots allow the second-least Fantasy points to opposing running backs. And upside is limited as Sam Ehlinger threw to Colts running backs only three times last week. But Jackson should have little competition and is a well-rounded back that can be a flex option this week.
DFS impact
While Jackson is a start in season-long leagues, he's a risky value play in DFS, particular on DraftKings, because of the limited pass-catching upside with Ehlinger at quarterback. Jackson had 10 receptions in Week 6 with Matt Ryan at quarterback. However, in GPP, you could take a gamble that Jackson finds the end zone in what should be an evenly matched game.
Notable injuries
- OT Spencer Brown (ankle) - Questionable
- OLB Von Miller (ankle) - Cleared
- OLB Matt Milano (oblique) - Questionable
- MLB Tremaine Edmunds (heel) - Cleared
- CB Tre'Davious White (knee) - TBD
- FS Jordan Poyer (elbow) - Out
- WR Corey Davis (knee) - Out
- OT Duane Brown (shoulder) - Cleared
- SS Lamarcus Joyner (hip) - Cleared
For the Jets, Corey Davis is out again in Week 9. With Davis out and Breece Hall lost for the year, the Jets increased pass volume in Week 8. Garrett Wilson and Tyler Conklin were the big beneficiaries. The Bills have an excellent defense but Poyer is out and White's status is still unclear. Wilson is a flex option and Conklin is a low-end TE1 with the Jets likely pushing higher pass volume again and with the Bills' defensive injuries.
DFS impact
At just $4,800, Wilson is a strong value play with high upside. Conklin is a solid option at only $3,200. It's difficult to trust other Jets receivers or running backs in this matchup.
Notable injuries
- TE Irv Smith (ankle) - IR
- DT Dalvin Tomlinson (calf) - Out
- CB Cameron Dantzler (neck) - Questionable
- RB J.D. McKissic (neck) - Out
- WR Jahan Dotson (hamstring) - Out
- TE Logan Thomas (calf) - Cleared
- LB Cole Holcomb (foot) - Out
- DE Chase Young (knee) - Out
T.J. Hockenson is the new Vikings lead tight end. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect a huge workload for Hockenson in his first week with the team, but on a six-team bye week, Hockenson is still a low-end TE1.
The Commanders were hopeful for a return for Young but he remains out for Week 9 along side McKissic, Dotson and Holcomb. Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel remain unchanged in value but the absence of McKissic makes Antonio Gibson an intriguing flex option. Brian Robinson is the lead back for Washington but the value at running back falls to the pass-catching back. Antonio Gibson has seen increased usage over the past two weeks with two receiving touchdowns and is coming off a seven-target game. If the Vikings take advantage of a vulnerable Washington defense, the Commanders could chase points. Minnesota's defense has been strong against the run recently. With McKissic out, the game script favors Gibson over Robinson.
DFS impact
With most Vikings as strong plays against a poor Washington defense, this game could get out of hand and force the Commanders to attack through the air. Washington pass-catchers -- including Gibson -- are interesting options all priced below $6,000 on DraftKings. The potential absence of Cam Dantzler would also benefit them.
Notable injuries
- WR Penny Hart (hamstring) - Questionable
- WR Marquise Goodwin (groin) - Out
- TE Noah Fant (hamstring) - Cleared
- OLB Darrell Taylor (groin) - Out
- DB Ryan Neal (ankle) - Cleared
- RB James Conner (ribs) - Questionable
- RB Darrel Williams (knee) - IR
- OT D.J. Humphries (back) - Questionable
- C Rodney Hudson (knee) - Out
- OG Max Garcia (shoulder) - Out
- K Matt Prater (hip) - Cleared
- LB Dennis Gardeck (ankle) - Questionable
- SS Budda Baker (ankle) - Questionable
- CB Byron Murphy (back) - Cleared
With Marquise Goodwin out, targets will likely funnel towards DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett rather than a third option.
For the Cardinals, there are significant injuries to monitor. James Conner is likely a game-time decision -- a tough situation for Fantasy managers to navigate on an afternoon game. Eno Benjamin would lead the backfield if Conner is out against. However, if Conner is active, Benjamin has likely earned a continued role. Conner should be avoided this week until we have more clarify on the backfield moving forward.
Significant injuries to the Cardinals defense could open up opportunities for Geno Smith, Lockett and Metcalf, who all had poor performances against Arizona in Week 6. The Seahawks will likely lean on Kenneth Walker as well.
DFS impact
Despite a giant list of injuries, there's not a significant DFS impact to cover in this game. Cardinals defensive injuries could open opportunities for Seahawks. But outside of Walker, they are risky options in DFS.
Notable injuries
- RB Cam Akers (personal) - Cleared
- RB Kyren Williams (ankle) - TBD
- WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) - Cleared
- WR Van Jefferson (knee) - Questionable
- C Brian Allen (knee) - Questionable
- WR Mike Evans (ankle) - Cleared
- WR Russell Gage (hamstring) - Out
- TE Cameron Brate (neck) - Out
- OG Luke Goedeke (foot) - Out
- DT Akiem Hicks (foot) - Questionable
- CB Carlton Davis (hip) - Questionable
- CB Sean Murphy-Bunting - (quad) - Questionable
- SS Antoine Winfield Jr. (concussion) - Out
Kupp's ankle injury was not significant and he's cleared to play on Sunday. Kupp is the only trustworthy option for the Rams. Akers returned to practice and is cleared to play. Kyren Williams' status remains in question. However, a split backfield between Akers and Darrell Henderson is one to avoid. Henderson can be a low-end flex option in very deep leagues but it's difficult to trust Akers this week.
The Bucs continue to deal with defensive injuries. It's possible these injuries open up opportunities for Allen Robinson, who has seen two double-digit performances in PPR for the past two games. Robinson is a low-end flex option in deep leagues. Van Jefferson is questionable but should suit up, though he is not an option in any format.
DFS impact
Cleared to play, Kupp remains a weekly DFS option. With Cameron Brate out, Cade Otton appears to be a potential value play at just $3,100. However, he lacks upside and is extremely risky. There are better options within that price range.
Notable injuries
- QB Ryan Tannehill (ankle) - Questionable
- RB Derrick Henry (foot) - Cleared
- FB Tory Carter (neck) - Out
- DT Jeffery Simmons (ankle) - Questionable
- OLB Bud Dupree (illness) - Questionable
- SS Amani Hooker (shoulder) - Out
- TE Jodi Fortson (quad, illness) - Out
Tannehill is questionable and if Malik Willis gets the start, Derrick Henry could see another 30-plus attempt game. Henry landed on the injury report earlier in the week but was cleared.
The Chiefs are healthy and the only major difference to their team is newcomer Kadarius Toney. Fantasy managers should avoid starting Toney until we have more clarity on his role. However, even if Toney sees time, Marquez Valdes-Scanting and Mecole Hardman are still low-end flex options against a Titans defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.
DFS impact
Derrick Henry is a strong play in DFS. Even if the Titans fall behind, it's unlikely they push high pass volume. Henry will still see significant work in any game script. Given the matchup and the Titans injuries on defense, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Valdes-Scantling and Hardman are all intriguing options in the showdown.
Notable injuries
- WR Rashod Bateman (foot) - IR
- RB Gus Edwards (hamstring) - TBD
- TE Mark Andrews (shoulder) - TBD
- WR Michael Thomas (foot) - IR
- WR Jarvis Landry (ankle) - TBD
- RB Mark Ingram (knee) - TBD
- TE Adam Trautman (ankle) - TBD
- C Erik McCoy (shoulder) - TBD
- CB Marshon Lattimore (abdomen) - TBD
- DT David Onyemata (thigh) - TBD
Fantasy managers should prepare to pivot on Sunday if there is no further clarify on Andrews and Edwards, as neither practiced this week. Isaiah Likely steps into a significant role if Andrews is out. Likely had 6 receptions on 7 targets for 77 yards and a touchdown. LIkely is a TE1 if Andrews is out. Kenyan Drake is a flex option if Edwards is out. With Rashod Bateman out for the year, Devin Duvernay will operate as the team's WR1. Demarcus Robinson steps into a larger role as well. However, he landed on the injury report Friday, making him a risky option in Week 9.
For the Saints, their injury list remains very similar to last week with one major exception. Michael Thomas is on IR and potentially out for the year. Jarvis Landry returned to practice on a limited basis but Fantasy managers should avoid Landry with a Monday night game. Juwan Johnson has been a streaming option with Trautman out but Trautman returned to practice on a limited basis, making Johnson a risky stream.
DFS impact
For the Monday night showdown, Likely, Duvernay and Drake are all in play. Robinson is a value play if healthy. On the Saints side, the injury to Ingram makes Kamara a must-play and Olave remains a strong option.
