With only two teams on bye in Week 9, fantasy football managers have more lineup options but also tougher start-sit decisions. The proven computer model at SportsLine, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, has released its Week 9 rankings for the 2026 NFL season. The model has outperformed human experts over several seasons and correctly identified breakout players like A.J. Brown, Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Jahmyr Gibbs in previous years.
Backup running backs Kenny Gainwell (140 total yards), Tyler Allgeier (191 yards, 2 TDs), and Braelon Allen (153 yards, 1 TD) are coming off strong performances, and the model projects their outlook for Sunday. Among the notable surprises, the model is low on Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who ranks among the top 15 in fantasy points at his position but does not crack the top 35 this week. McMillan has been held under 60 yards in his last two games and has scored only once this season, facing a tough Broncos defense that allows the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.
Conversely, the model is high on Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis, projecting him as a top-12 fantasy QB despite being started in only 19% of leagues last week. Willis has accounted for seven total touchdowns over his last three games and now faces a Lions defense that has allowed the most passing yards, passing touchdowns, and fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. The model ranks Willis above even Josh Allen for Week 9.
The model also highlights a surprising tight end projected to finish in the top 5 at the position, despite barely cracking the top 15 in seasonal fantasy points. Full rankings for PPR and standard leagues are available on SportsLine.
