With only two teams on bye in Week 9, fantasy managers have more roster options but also tougher start-sit decisions. Backup running backs Kenny Gainwell (140 total yards), Tyler Allgeier (191 yards, two touchdowns) and Braelon Allen (153 yards, one touchdown) delivered strong performances last week, yet many fantasy lineups overlooked them. The proven computer model at SportsLine, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, has released its Week 9 rankings for both PPR and standard leagues.
The model is notably low on Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who ranks among the top 15 in fantasy points at his position but falls outside the top 35 this week. McMillan has been held under 60 receiving yards in each of his last two games and has scored only once all season. He faces a Denver Broncos defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.
Conversely, the model projects Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis as a top-12 fantasy option despite being started in just 19% of leagues last week. Willis has accounted for seven total touchdowns over his past three starts, averaging the seventh-most fantasy points among quarterbacks in that span. He now draws a Detroit Lions defense that has surrendered the most passing yards, passing touchdowns and fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, placing Willis above even Josh Allen in the rankings.
The model also highlights a surprising tight end projected to finish in the top five at the position, despite barely cracking the top 15 in seasonal fantasy points. That pick could be a decisive factor in weekly matchups. Full rankings and start-sit advice are available via SportsLine.
