Week 9 of the NFL season has become a showcase for backup quarterbacks, with several starters sidelined by injury. Fantasy managers are adjusting lineups as Drew Lock, Carson Wentz, and Shedeur Sanders prepare to start.
Quarterback Changes
Drew Lock replaces Sam Darnold for the Seahawks against the Cardinals. Lock threw for 235 yards and three touchdowns in his previous meeting with Arizona this season, though expectations are tempered. He is viewed as a solid QB2 in Superflex leagues, and his tendency to target his WR1 (43.8% of passes) should support Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Carson Wentz will start for the Vikings on Monday Night Football against the Bills while Kyler Murray deals with a hamstring injury. Wentz is considered a low-end QB2 but should be rostered in Superflex formats. The change could benefit Minnesota's weapons: Justin Jefferson is a top-12 wide receiver, T.J. Hockenson a borderline top-12 tight end, and Jordan Addison an upside WR3.
Deshaun Watson is in the concussion protocol, so rookie Shedeur Sanders will start for the Browns against the Saints. Sanders is a low-end QB2 with a favorable matchup. He has strong rapport with tight end Harold Fannin (a top-10 option this week), while rookie receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston are viewed as low-end WR3s.
Other Notable Injury Updates
Emeka Egbuka returned to full practice Thursday and is projected to play against the Bears. He remains a boom-or-bust WR3 given Baker Mayfield's limited passing volume and Chicago's strong defense. Chris Godwin drops to low-end flex status.
Harold Fannin avoided a serious groin injury and is expected to play, making him a viable start despite the quarterback change.
Garrett Wilson is ruled out with a concussion, elevating Omar Cooper Jr. and Adonai Mitchell to high-end WR3 options. Preference between them may depend on whether Chiefs cornerback Mansor Delane returns.
Zonovan Knight is out for the Cardinals, leaving Tyler Allgeier with a heavy workload against Seattle. Allgeier is a low-end RB option given the matchup and game script.
Cam Skattebo has been limited all week; if he cannot play, Devin Singletary becomes a high-end flex for the Giants.
Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel are not expected back this week. Demarcus Robinson could return as the top 49ers receiver but remains a flex. Brock Purdy remains a must-start quarterback.
Treylon Burks missed Friday practice, potentially boosting Stefon Diggs, Antonio Williams, and Chigoziem Okonkwo.
Breece Hall returns but will share work with Braelon Allen against the Chiefs; both are high-end flexes.
TreVeyon Henderson and A.J. Brown are ruled out for the Patriots. Hunter Henry returned to practice Friday, while Mack Hollins is questionable. Demario Douglas is a high-end WR3, and Eli Raridon a streaming tight end option if Henry sits.
Terrance Ferguson is expected back for the Rams but carries no floor in his first game; roster but do not start. Jordyn Tyson is questionable for the Saints; roster but avoid starting in his return. Kyle Monangai returned to practice for the Bears but is unlikely to play this week.
