With only two teams on bye in Week 9, fantasy managers have a larger pool of players to choose from, but the expanded options also make start-sit decisions more challenging. Several new quarterbacks are under center, including Shedeur Sanders, Gardner Minshew, Drew Lock, and Joe Milton. Backup running backs have also made strong recent impressions: Kenny Gainwell posted 140 total yards, Tyler Allgeier recorded 191 yards and two touchdowns, Braelon Allen added 153 yards and a touchdown, and Mike Washington Jr. contributed 83 yards.
A proven computer model that simulates every NFL game 10,000 times has released its Week 9 rankings for the 2026 season. The model has outperformed human experts over multiple seasons, particularly when its rankings diverge significantly from consensus.
One notable projection involves Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Despite ranking among the top 15 in wide receiver fantasy points and being started in more than 80% of leagues, the model places him outside the top 35 at his position this week. McMillan has been held under 60 yards in each of his last two games, has scored only one touchdown this season, and has found the end zone just once in his last 10 games dating back to 2025. He faces a Denver Broncos defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.
On the flip side, the model is high on Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis, projecting him as a top-12 fantasy quarterback even though he was started in only 19% of leagues last week. Willis has accounted for seven total touchdowns over his past three games, averaging the seventh-most fantasy points during that stretch. He now draws a matchup against the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the most passing yards, passing touchdowns, and fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, with a game over/under of 50.5. Willis is ranked above even Josh Allen.
The model also identifies a surprising tight end projected to finish in the top five for Week 9, despite barely cracking the top 15 in positional fantasy points this season. This pick could be a decisive factor in weekly matchups.
