Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

WIDE RECEIVERS – START ‘EM

Mike Sims-Walker (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Kansas City

What a disappointment MSW was in week 8 against the Titans. But, did people really believe the longest tenured coach in the NFL (Jeff Fisher) wouldn’t come out of the bye week with a fired up Titans squad? Well, MSW should come back strong in week 9 versus the Kansas City Chiefs. It is understandable if fantasy owners are weary that he may have been just a flash in the pan, but the fact is, he is the Jags most targeted (45 targets through 7 weeks) and talented receiver, so he should come out strong with at least 50 yards and a score.

Michael Crabtree (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Tennessee

We were nervous about posting Crabtree as a Start ‘Em this week, but he has done nothing to disprove his talent in the NFL. He was 10th in the NFL in targets in week 8 with 9, and it seems like QB Alex Smith is only looking in two directions this season (Crabtree’s and Vernon Davis’). However, while Smith’s madden vision may not bode well for the 49ers chances, it could mean that Crabtree scores his first NFL touchdown against the Titans defense. Don’t believe the numbers, the Titans are not the worst pass defense in the NFL, but we still believe Crabtree has earned his way into fantasy lineups everywhere against them.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Seattle Seahawks) vs. Detroit

Housh has been one of the bigger fantasy disappointments in 2009 as most people thought he’d come in and take over as Hasselbeck’s #1 option. WR Nate Burleson has taken control of that by putting up over 100 yards and a TD more times than Housh. But, while Houshmandzadeh has been mediocre at best, he gets the good fortune of facing the Lions defense that allows 30 points a game. While he’s only had two games with over 6 points, we think that 8-10 points should be easily reachable with the potential for much more in week 9.

TIGHT ENDS – START ‘EM

Fred Davis (Washington Redskins) @ Atlanta

Before TE Chris Cooley got hurt he was averaging nearly 7 fantasy points per week, which is among the top 10 in fantasy tight ends. Once he got hurt, TE Fred Davis didn’t miss a beat in week 7, logging 78 yards and a TD. With a week of practice with the first team under Davis’ belt, we think he could be a nice sleeper for those with bye week issues or looking for a potential 6-8 points from the TE position. QB Jason Campbell obviously trusts him (as seen in week 7), so let’s assume that he is involved in the offense against a Falcons defense that allowed just Jeremy Shockey 7 fantasy points on MNF in week 8.

KICKERS – START ‘EM

Mason Crosby (Green Bay Packers) @ Tampa Bay

The Buccaneers give up the third most points in the NFL at 29 ppg clip. Crosby has the leg to do some damage, and the Packers should be able to score at will. 9-11 points should be a standard week for Crosby in week 9.

Olindo Mare (Seattle Seahawks) vs. Detroit

Detroit allows the 2nd-most points in the NFL, and the Seahawks are coming in with a good, but not great offense. While we think Hasselbeck and Co. should put up solid fantasy numbers, Mare could be a big beneficiary to those who are scanning the waiver wire because of bye week kickers.

DEFENSES – START ‘EM

Atlanta Falcons D/ST vs. Washington

The Falcons didn’t exactly have the best game on MNF, but they did for fantasy purposes. Any time that a fantasy D/ST can put up a TD, you’re looking at least a few points for your fantasy team. Well, the Falcons go up against a Redskins team that is having all sorts of trouble (starting with their head coach, moving to their QB controversy), and they are coming off a bad loss to a division rival. Atlanta should get pressure on the QB and not allow too many points from the Redskins, so it should be no less than a 10 point fantasy week for the Dirty Birds.

Week 9 Rankings:  QB  |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  |  K  | DEF    (click to read)

Week 9 Start & Sit:  START ‘EM  | SIT ‘EM    (click to read)

Week 9 Waiver Wire Advice:  PICK THEM UP  |  CUT THEM LOOSE    (click to read)

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