Week 9 Fantasy Football Expert Start/Sit Decisions: Alexander Mattison vs. Rico Dowdle vs. Raheem Mostert; Khalil Shakir vs. Tyler Lockett and More

Quarterbacks

Lamar Jackson vs. Jayden Daniels

Having Jackson and Daniels is a gift and a curse. It's a gift on Sunday, but stressful all week long when decisions have to be made.

Week 8 was the first time all season I played the lower-scoring quarterback, luckily it didn't cost me. This week I'm rolling with Daniels against the Giants over Lamar against the Broncos.

I'm playing the matchup and pretty confident in my decision. Assuming injuries for either quarterback don't change anything. Does anybody have a reason why I should change my mind? 

Tua Tagovailoa vs. Jared Goff vs. Sam Darnold vs. Jameis Winston

This one is a much tougher call. I think I have it narrowed down to Darnold or Winston. Tua never plays well against the Bills, especially in Buffalo, and Goff hasn't been putting up strong numbers because the Lions' rushing attack has been so great. Despite Darnold having the better matchup, currently, I have Winston in my lineup.

This feels like a gut decision and a decision that could change 10 times in the next day. The Vikings and Darnold just seem to be falling apart and could be in the midst of a collapse. I love Winston's upside and regret not starting him last week instead of Tua. I could really use some input on this one though.  

Running Backs

Brian Robinson Jr. vs Chuba Hubbard

I have been going back and forth on this one. I had Robinson in my lineup but recently pulled him for Hubbard. The matchup is great for Chuba, nevertheless, I just hate playing anyone in the Carolina offense with Bryce Young under center.

Both backs have been very good this season with Hubbard showing more upside than downside when Young is in, and Robinson producing more consistently. Robinson's hamstring injury could ultimately make this decision for me, but it sounds like he'll be able to go. For context, this is a PPR league with all other scoring for offensive players being standard. 

Alexander Mattison vs. Rico Dowdle vs. Raheem Mostert

This is a question my son has. If you've been following these articles, you know I include his queries from time to time and he loves seeing the responses on Twitter. This is his first season playing so everything is new and exciting for him.

For context, this is full PPR with .25 points per carry and some bonuses for 100-yard games and big plays. The volume is there for Mattison and Zamir White is banged up again. Mostert doesn't see the touches but has been good since coming back from injury.

It sounds like Dowdle will be back this week, but that rushing attack doesn't inspire a ton of excitement for any fantasy owner. As of now, he has Mattison in his lineup. That feels like the right call to me as well. Can anyone make a strong case for Dowdle or Mostert?

Wide Receivers

Khalil Shakir vs. Tyler Lockett

This is another dilemma my son is having. With Jameson Williams suspended one more game, he needs someone to fill in. At the moment, he has Shakir in, but with Metcalf being ruled out, he's on the fence. This one can go either way.

Shakir has been playing better, but is in a more volatile situation while Lockett has been more consistent over the entirety of the season. Last week may have been too large of a disparity to overlook, with Lockett having his worst game catching one pass for nine yards and Shakir having has best game, catching nine for 107. What do you guys think? It's hard for us to be impartial with Shakir taking on our Miami Dolphins. I'm a pessimist and expect the worst and he is an optimist who may overrate them a bit. 

Tight Ends

Erick All vs. AJ Barner

I know, gross. As sad as these options make you, I promise they make me even sadder. We have to start two TEs in this PPR league and injuries have devastated me. Also, I had to punt on the position after trading a lot of picks away last season.

With Noah Fant out, Barner steps into a role that has had solid fantasy production. All has been inconsistent, but could also see an uptick in volume with Tee Higgins out. Mike Gesicki has been a thorn in his side though. Which rookie TE would you start?