Fantasy managers face a chaotic Week 9 at quarterback with multiple injuries forcing replacements into starting roles. Joe Fagnano, Drew Lock, Joe Milton III, Gardner Minshew, Carson Wentz and Shedeur Sanders are all in line to start, making them relevant mainly in Superflex and two‑quarterback leagues. Lock replaces Sam Darnold (quad) and averaged 21.1 fantasy points in his previous two starts, including 27.4 against Arizona, the No. 2 defense in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks. Minshew, who took over for Jacoby Brissett in Week 8, scored 25.5 fantasy points in the second half at Dallas and projects for at least 15 points against Seattle. Milton gets a favorable matchup versus the Giants (No. 7 in fantasy points allowed to QBs) and posted 21.2 fantasy points in his only extended NFL action in Week 18 of 2024. Wentz could start for Kyler Murray (hamstring) and scored 25.2 fantasy points against Green Bay in Week 1, though he managed only 6.3 in Week 2; the Bills are No. 8 in fantasy points allowed to the position. Sanders, filling in for Deshaun Watson (concussion), has struggled with only one game above 12.6 fantasy points in eight 2025 starts, but the Saints have allowed two of their last three opposing quarterbacks to score at least 20.3 points. Fagnano makes his first start for Lamar Jackson (thumb) and Tyler Huntley (toe) and went 10‑of‑21 for 91 yards with an interception in Week 8; the Jaguars defense is tough, limiting his upside.
Quarterbacks to Start
Jared Goff (DET) – Projected 25.3 points, QB rank 6th. Miami is No. 3 in fantasy points allowed to QBs, and three straight opponents (Burrow, Smith, Maye) scored at least 26.5 points. Goff had six straight games with 20.4+ points before a 11.1‑point outing vs. Minnesota.
Patrick Mahomes (KC) – Projected 24.3 points, QB rank 9th. With Rashee Rice active, Mahomes averages 26.6 fantasy points. The Jets have allowed Maye, Willis and Cousins to each score at least 29.9 points in their last three games.
Jordan Love (GB) – Projected 18.5 points, QB rank 7th. Love has scored 20+ fantasy points in 22 of 33 career games with 30+ pass attempts and faces a Patriots defense allowing 20.5 points per game to QBs over the last six weeks.
Matthew Stafford (LAR) – Projected 21.9 points, QB rank 10th. Arm soreness is a concern, but Washington is No. 4 in fantasy points allowed to QBs; only Daniel Jones (Week 4) and Tanner McKee (Week 8) failed to reach 19.4 points against them.
Kirk Cousins (LV) – Projected 17.9 points, QB rank 11th. Despite a tough 49ers defense (No. 11 fewest points allowed), Cousins has scored 22.5+ points in six of eight games, including strong outings vs. Chargers, Chiefs and Rams. San Francisco allowed Daniels and Penix Jr. 25+ points in their last two games.
Sleepers
Malik Willis (MIA) – Has scored 18.6+ points in each of his last three games and faces the Lions, who are No. 1 in fantasy points allowed to QBs; every quarterback vs. Detroit has thrown for at least two touchdowns.
Tyler Shough (NO) – Coming off a bye, Shough had three games with 24.4+ points early in the season. Cleveland has held recent opponents to 15.4 points or less, but Shough projects as a low‑end starter.
Bo Nix (DEN) – Has 23.3+ points in his last two games and faces a Panthers defense that allowed three of the last five QBs to score 22.5+ points, including Jordan Love in Week 8.
Quarterbacks to Sit
C.J. Stroud (HOU) – Projected 19.2 points, QB rank 12th. The Chargers are No. 7 in fewest fantasy points allowed to QBs; only Cousins (Week 2) has exceeded 18.5 points against them, holding Allen, Mahomes and Stafford to 17.5, 10.5 and 10.3 points respectively.
Bryce Young (CAR) – Projected 14.3 points, QB rank 18th. After four strong games to start the season, Young has scored 12.4 points or less in his last two outings. Denver has held Lawrence, Herbert, Darnold and Brissett to 18.5 points or less.
Geno Smith (NYJ) – Projected 14.7 points, QB rank 22nd. Kansas City is No. 5 in fewest points allowed to QBs; only Cousins (Week 4) and Nix (Week 8) have topped 15.9 points against the Chiefs.
Bust Alert
Caleb Williams (CHI) – Projected 22.7 points, QB rank 14th. Despite solid play, Williams has only two games with 20+ fantasy points in five outings. Tampa Bay is No. 4 in fewest points allowed to QBs; only Watson (Week 2) and Rodgers (Week 6) have reached 20 points against them, while Burrow, Love and Prescott were held to 16.2, 17.1 and 14.6 points respectively.
