Welcome back to week 9 of Keeping it Real with Fantasy. After a record-breaking ten trades before the deadline, teams are preparing for their last push towards the playoffs. Some of the notable trades were Calvin Ridley to the Jaguars, Roquan Smith to the Ravens, and Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins. Teams gathering the final piece to rebuild or revamp their current teams and best prepare for the playoff push. 

News/Injuries:

Keenan Allen (WR) – Allen has been suffering from a hamstring injury all season, and did not practice again this week. The team was optimistic about his return after the week 8 bye to start against the Falcons, but Allen fantasy owners will have to wait one more week. 

Jonathan Taylor (RB) – After suffering an ankle injury in Sunday’s game against the Commanders, Taylor did not participate in Wednesday’s practice or Thursdays. The injury doesn’t seem to be as concerning as his previous injury preventing Taylor from playing in two games. Although, the team will rest him this week, as back up Deon Jackson has been a very suitable replacement. 

Jahan Dotson (WR) – Dotson hasn’t played since week 4 due to a lingering hamstring injury. There was hope the rookie would come back this week, but after he didn’t practice Wednesday and Thursday he won’t be activated for the active roster this sunday against the Vikings. The Commanders are yet to release a statement or timetable on the rookie’s return, fantasy owners will continue to await his comeback. 

Starts:

Joshua Palmer (WR) – With star receiver Keenan Allen out for one more week, Palmer has the number one role against a weak Atlanta secondary. The last game we saw Palmer with the lead role, he saw nine catches on twelve targets. With injuries piling up, starting Palmer this week is not the worst option. 

Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR) – The trade deadline had a record ten trades before it finished. One of these trades was young tight end T.J. Hockenson. Hockenson was demanding around six targets a game, with him being shipped out of town all the work will be going back to St. Brown. Amon-Ra owners should be excited about this recent trade, as the former number one scoring offense should be working their way back up the ranks over the remainder of the season. 

Aaron Jones (RB) – Aaron Jones fantasy owners had a sigh of relief last week after he was finally given the number of touches he deserves. Over the last eight weeks, Jones has been very inconsistent, seeing what he could do when given 20+ touches a game he proved his worth. Jones had 20 carries for 143 yards on the ground, along with seeing four catches on five targets. Jones, unlike other running backs, is not limited by the passing game and is receiving the second highest target share on his team. 

Sits:

Leonard Fournette (RB) – The Buccaneers offense has not been playing up to expectations. This has hindered Fournette’s production over the last two weeks. Seeing less than ten carries in both games, and almost no receiving work, Fournette is almost being taken out of the game. With a tough opponent this week in the LA Rams, Fournette should be seen on the bench regardless of his previous numbers. 

Nyheim Hines (RB) – One of the ten trades this week was none other than Hines. Joining one of the top offenses in the league, with little running back competition, Hines should be a solid flex start for the remainder of the season. As of now Hines should be seen on benches this week to get a better understanding of the role he will be given in this offense. Trades can get exciting, but starting players without expectations is never a smart idea. 

Waiver Wires:

Chase Claypool (WR) – Claypool was among the record-breaking trades this past week. Leaving his home in Pittsburgh, Claypool is on his way to the Bears, partnering with second year quarterback Justin Fields. Claypool felt his role wasn’t large enough with the Steelers, and with almost no competition in Chicago, he can produce much faster once accustomed to the playbook. 

Allen Robinson II (WR) – Debatably one of the biggest busts from the draft over the summer, fantasy owners over the first five weeks saw no hope for the Rams’ new receiver. Finally, after the long wait, Robinson has been getting the numbers he has been expecting over the last two weeks. Seeing over six targets in both games, and over 50 receiving yards in each, he is slowly growing a stronger connection with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Pick him up while you can–he can be a viable flex option for the remainder of the season.