Week 9 of the 2021 NFL season is in the books. For the majority of the league, Tuesday morning brings a whole new week of football and preparing for their next game. However, a handful of players might not want to leave Week 9 so soon. Here’s a look at who impressed and who underachieved this week.
All point totals are based on PPR scoring.
Quarterback
Winner: Lamar Jackson (36.64 FPTS)
Jackson finished as the QB1 this week. Not only did he throw for 266 yards and three touchdowns (plus two picks), but he also rushed a whopping 21 times for 120 yards on the ground. He’s truly a special player and should have another big showing against the Dolphins on Thursday night.
Loser: Sam Darnold (1.78 FPTS)
It looked like Darnold was seeing ghosts again on Sunday as he racked up 172 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions against the Patriots. He has now gone three straight games without throwing for a touchdown. Additionally, over his last five contests, he is averaging just 159 yards, 0.6 touchdowns, and 1.6 interceptions per game. He might play a little better against the Cardinals next week, but the fact of the matter is that the former Jet has been absolutely terrible.
Running Back
Winner: James Conner (40.3 FPTS)
Conner is the pick here and it’s not even close. Now the RB11 this season, Conner stole the show by posting 173 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns against the 49ers on Sunday afternoon. He has now totaled double-digit points in six of his last seven games and is in line for a much bigger workload with Chase Edmonds expected to land on injured reserve.
Loser: Aaron Jones (5.3 FPTS)
There was plenty of optimism in place for Jones. After all, Jordan Love was playing quarterback and the Packers opposed the Chiefs’ poor run defense. Instead, Green Bay was stuck playing from behind, allowing Jones to tally just 53 yards on 12 rushes. He should get back on track against the Seahawks next week. However, the dual-threat back has now posted less than nine points in two of his last three games, giving fantasy managers some concern going forward.
Wide Receiver
Winner: Elijah Moore (27.4 FPTS)
A few unlikely sources found themselves among the top-10 in wide receiver scoring this week, including Moore, Olamide Zaccheaus, Malik Turner, Brandon Aiyuk, and Tim Patrick. The Jets’ rookie ultimately finished as the WR1 after catching seven passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns. He’s now averaging 16.9 fantasy points over his last three games and should be a top waiver-wire option going forward.
Loser: CeeDee Lamb (4.3 FPTS)
The Cowboys looked pathetic against the Broncos on Sunday and Lamb suffered as a result. In fact, the second-year wideout entered the fourth quarter without catching a pass, though he eventually finished the day with two catches for 23 yards. Still, it was a blatant dud for the talented youngster who had averaged 24 fantasy points over his last three games. He’ll look to get back on track against a poor Falcons defense in Week 10.
Tight End
Winner: George Kittle (20.1 FPTS)
Reports from Sunday morning said that Kittle would be on a pitch count and was not expected to play much more than one half. The result? Heavy involvement and an eventual finish as the TE2 in fantasy this past week. Kittle was loud in his return, catching six passes for 101 yards and a score. He’s back in the top-three tight end conversation and is a must-start against the Rams next week.
Loser: Zach Ertz (5.7 FPTS)
Week 9 was a very steady one for tight ends, which makes it hard to pick a loser. It comes down to either Ertz or Tommy Sweeney, but the fact that the Bills’ tight end was started in just 3.1 percent of ESPN leagues suggests that his underachieving performance didn’t let down too many people. Instead, it was Ertz who underachieved, catching three passes for 27 yards. He’s still a borderline TE1 against the Panthers next week.
Defense
Winner: New England Patriots (19.0 FPTS)
It’s only fitting that the best defense played against the worst quarterback. New England feasted in Carolina, racking up three interceptions (including one pick-six) and a fumble while giving up just six points. They’re a mediocre streaming option against the Browns and Falcons over the next two weeks.
Loser: New York Jets (-8.0 FPTS)
The Jets put up a true dud on Thursday, allowing 45 points while failing to force a turnover. In fact, the unit logged just one sack along the way. Things don’t get easier as New York opposes the Bills in Week 10.
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