Fantasy Football: What to Expect in Week 9, Injury Report and Bye Weeks

Fantasy Football is in action and moving full steam ahead. However, the season isn’t necessarily going as planned. With the wide-ranged injury report among the league greats, where does that leave us fantasy football fanatics? In a rut. Not to mention, six more teams are on bye this week, leaving us with limited options and empty slots. So be aware!

The Houston Texans and the Washington Redskins are on bye this week. Along with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Chicago Bears, the New England Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals. So, make sure Tom Brady and DeSean Jackson are benched this week. There is nothing worse than forgetting to bench your players, who aren’t playing.Terrible way to go out. So, pay attention.

As for the injury report, there’s a bunch so, take note. According to ESPN, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger is questionable. Which means, whether or not Big Ben will hit the field today is uncertain. However, it will be decided prior to the start of the game. Otherwise known as a game-time decision. In the meantime, Cody Kessler of the Cleveland Browns will be returning to face-off against the Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys. ESPN reports, Andrew Luck as well as Russell Wilson have also come off the game status injury report. However, both still remain on the practice injury report.

If you passed up on Ezekiel Elliot in the draft, you’ve made a huge mistake, my friend. But, those who indulge in the weekly fantasy face-offs, you’re in luck. After coming off limited open lanes against a tough Philadelphia defense, Elliot is ready to eat! The Cowboys are heading to Cleveland to take on the Brown’s last ranked defense, which is an easy match-up for the rising superstar.

In other news, with Carlos Hyde’s shoulder injury, his return is questionable. The running back sat out in Week 7 after suffering an AC sprain to his shoulder the week before. However, the San Francisco 49ers had a bye in Week 8, which gave Hyde even more time to recover. But, it seem like he is still reluctant to return. Therefore, I’d say to keep an eye out for his decision during pregame.

The Buffalo Bills received an interesting gift this week, as Percy Harvin announced his return to the league and the New York team. As the team has been plagued with injuries this season, the former Florida Gator is planning to take on his former team, the Seattle Seahawks with the help of his QB Tyrod Taylor, on Monday night. However, before we get all excited, we have to sort out the Bills’ injured. The Bills’ running back, LeSean McCoy has been battling his hamstring injury for some weeks. In Week 7, the running back irritated his hamstring early on in the game and scored one fantasy point, which pissed fantasy owners all the way off. However, since then, McCoy says he feels good. But, he is still questionable. Along with the team’s wide receiver, Robert Woods.

According to ESPN, Woods was limited in practice throughout the week. But, being that Woods took the field last week in light of his lingering foot injury, he will likely play Monday night against the Seahawks. However, he is still questionable so fantasy owners should keep an eye on him.

The Bills injury report continues with their tight end, Charles Clay. But, lucky for the team, he has yet to miss a game due to his knee injury, ESPN reports. Therefore, there is no reason to sit him out for Monday’s match up. Reggie Bush is questionable with a groin injury, however, if McCoy returns to the game, expect limited opportunities for Bush.

Minnesota Vikings’ Jerick McKinnon is questionable, but, looking to return this week after sitting out in Week 8. Theo Riddick of the Detroit Lion is expected to play against the Vikings, after limited practice time, which has given the baller more time to recover. However, the questionable tag leaves the decision in the air, so make sure you double check during pregame.

Randall Cobb of the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys’ Dez Bryant are both questionable entering Week 9. But, only one has a good shot at playtime this week. According to ESPN, for the first time since 2013, Cobb was benched due to a hamstring strain. However, being that the team’s bye week has come and gone, Cobb is reluctant to return before he is ready. To be safe, I’d sit him out. On the other hand, Bryant took the field with Prescott last week tallying 114 yards and a touchdown in four quarters plus overtime, ESPN reports. He also had a full practice on Thursday and Friday, so, it’s safe to say number 88 is expected to play.

For any other last minute decisions or inactives, be sure check out the pre-game inactives.

Now, that that’s out the way. Here is a list of players you want to steer clear of this week.

C.J. Anderson is on injured reserve after the baller underwent surgery on his torn meniscus. In addition to Anderson, Jamaal Charles is also on injured reserve after an arthroscopic procedure, ESPN reports. Spencer Ware of the Kansas City Chiefs is ruled out due to a concussion. Not to mention, his QB Alex Smith is out after an ear laceration and head injury last week. Therefore, Nick Foles will start for the Chiefs.

Hunter Henry is out with a concussion, however, that doesn’t change much for the San Diego Chargers. Although, Antonio Gates is back, Philip Rivers is still favored for the Tight End outlet, reports state. For Green Bay, James Starks is still out after surgery and so is Jared Cook. Thomas Rawls of Seattle may return in Week 11 after a fibula fracture and Tony Romo is still allowing Dak Prescott to shine, as he recovers from his back injury.

With that being said, for my daily fantasy league owners, pick wisely.

May the odds be ever in your favor!