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Fantasy Football Start’em, Sit’em Week 9: RB Edition

What a difference one week can make. The Arizona Cardinals defeated the Dallas Cowboys despite four offensive players getting injured, including rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, who is now on injured reserve. Another back, Bam Knight, also has a concussion.

The Baltimore Ravens had three quarterbacks injured in one game. Lamar Jackson may be out for the rest of the season. Tyler Huntley is out for some time, and even the third-string quarterback has an ankle injury, although he is expected to play. Having a third-string quarterback changes the entire functionality of Baltimore’s offense.

Tampa Bay’s running backs had an offensive explosion in their win against the Atlanta Falcons, totaling over 300 rushing yards. However, they face a much tougher test in Week 9 against the Chicago Bears, which could limit Bucky Irving’s fantasy production.

So, who should be in your starting lineup in Week 9? Here are our top running back starts and sits.

Tyler Allgeier actually might be my favorite under-the-radar start for Week 9. With Jeremiyah Love out and Bam Knight most likely out, Allgeier is basically the last man standing in Arizona’s running back room. The Cardinals will face the Seattle Seahawks, one of the best run defenses in the NFL, despite giving up three rushing touchdowns in Week 8. 

However, Arizona has been competitive with their division opponents so far this season. Allgeier is also involved in the passing game, and his role should increase with two receivers injured against Dallas. Even with the matchup, Allgeier should put up a lot of fantasy points on Sunday.

After a week on the bench, Skattebo reemerged as the Giants’ top running back in their overtime win against the Houston Texans. He was forced out with an injury, but he had a bye week to recover and be ready this week against the Philadelphia Eagles. With the volume of touches he should get and how badly Philadelphia is playing right now, Skattebo should put up a lot of points in this game and could even score a touchdown.

With running back RJ Harvey on IR, Denver needed someone to step up against the Kansas City Chiefs. Harvey stepped up in a big way, contributing in both the run and pass game. His touch volume makes him a good fantasy prospect, especially in PPR leagues. In addition, he is facing the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs. This seems like a breakout performance waiting to happen.

Saquon is an incredibly talented running back, but the Eagles' season is over. With Jalen Hurts out for the season and major offensive line changes, Philadelphia’s offense is a mess, even with Barkley on the field. With their passing game performing the way it is, defenses can easily sell out on the run and stop Barkley, which is exactly what the Washington Commanders did last week. On top of that, he is playing a decent run defense in the Giants. If someone else can be in your lineup and probably get at least 12 in a PPR league, Barkley should be on the bench.

After missing the past five games, Breece Hall appears to be returning this weekend against the Chiefs. However, Braelon Allen has played well in Hall’s absence, and it seems unlikely that Allen is going to go back on the bench without being involved in the run game. Therefore, this could become a split backfield situation, which lowers Hall’s fantasy value and makes him a bench stash.

This stems directly from Baltimore’s quarterback injuries. Henry is in a similar boat to Barkley. The quarterback play changes the entire offense and makes it easier to stop the run. On top of that, the Jacksonville Jaguars are one of the best run defenses in the NFL. This Thursday night game feels like it will be a blowout victory for Jacksonville, which doesn't mean many points for Henry.

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