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The Open Est. 2023
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 9 | NFL: Week 9

Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott (disciplinary reasons) out vs. Falcons

Sat Nov 2 4:29pm ET
Field Level Media

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott will not play in Sunday's game against the host Atlanta Falcons because of disciplinary reasons, ESPN reported on Saturday.

The Cowboys since have announced that Elliott will not travel with the team to Atlanta and will be inactive for the game.

Fellow running back Rico Dowdle is expected to be back in action after sitting out Dallas' 30-24 setback to the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday due to illness. Dalvin Cook was elevated from the practice squad for the second straight week.

The Cowboys (3-4) have lost two straight heading into Sunday's game versus the Falcons (5-3), who have won four of their last five games.

Elliott, 29, has 48 carries for 149 yards and two touchdowns in seven games this season. The three-time Pro Bowl selection signed a one-year contract with Dallas in April.

Elliott played for Dallas from 2016-22 after the team selected him No. 4 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent last season with the New England Patriots after being released by Dallas.

Elliott led the NFL in rushing in 2016 and 2018 and posted four 1,000-yard seasons with Dallas. He ranks third in Cowboys history in rushing yards (8,411) and rushing touchdowns (70) behind Hall of Fame members Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett.

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The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9

Player Notes
Adam Trautman Nov 2 4:30pm CT
Adam Trautman

Denver Broncos tight end Adam Trautman came out of nowhere to catch all four of his targets for 85 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers, but fantasy managers shouldn't be tricked into thinking he's a good TE2 streaming option as the Broncos head on the road to take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 9. Before last Sunday's impressive performance, Trautman had just two catches for 32 yards in the first seven weeks. In addition to Trautman, TE Lucas Krull caught both of his targets for 18 yards. The 27-year-old is rostered in 0% of Yahoo leagues despite his big Week 8 stat line and the fact that a struggling Ravens defense has allowed the eight-most half-PPR fantasy points to the position this year. It's a long shot that Trautman will stand out for fantasy managers a second straight week.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Nov 2 4:20pm CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. ranks as a mid-tier WR2 when the Cardinals host the Chicago Bears in Week 9. Harrison Jr. finally got back into the mix in the Week 8 win over the Miami Dolphins, recording six catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. This performance came against the Dolphins, who rank in the top five for opposing fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. Although Harrison Jr. is currently second in targets behind Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, he remains an important piece of their passing offense. The Bears rank in the top ten in fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, but this may be misleading, as Harrison Jr. will have a size advantage over the Bears' cornerbacks. He should be back in fantasy managers' starting lineups heading into Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Lil'Jordan Humphrey Nov 2 4:20pm CT
Lil'Jordan Humphrey

There's a reason Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey is rostered in 0% of Yahoo Leagues. He has caught only 19 passes for 177 yards with no touchdowns on 27 targets in eight games this season. With that being said, he has played more lately and has six catches for 34 yards on nine targets the last two games with Josh Reynolds (finger) still on Injured Reserve. Humphrey caught four passes for 22 yards on six targets, which was second on the team behind Courtland Sutton, in the Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers. He also played the second-most snaps among Denver's wideouts behind Sutton. The 26-year-old is a desperation, boom/bust flex play in the deepest of fantasy leagues, although there's boom potential in Week 9 versus a Baltimore Ravens secondary that is allowing the most passing yards per game in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Nov 2 4:10pm CT
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin has more total touchdowns (three) than backfield mate Javonte Williams in eight games in 2024, but that doesn't mean he's a recommended fantasy play heading into a Week 9 road date against the Baltimore Ravens. McLaughlin had eight carries for a team-high 47 yards while catching his lone target for a nine-yard touchdown reception (his second of the year) in last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. The 24-year-old's 56 scrimmage yards were a season-high in an excellent matchup, proving exactly why he has such low fantasy floor. Denver's offense has improved of late, but McLaughlin just isn't getting enough volume to be considered as more than an RB4/flex in deeper fantasy leagues. McLaughlin will also be facing a Ravens defense that has allowed the fewest rushing yards per game this year at 69.9.

From RotoBaller

Jamaal Williams Nov 2 4:10pm CT
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (groin) won't play on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. The veteran was doubtful, so most had already assumed he wouldn't be on the field for the divisional clash. But with Kendre Miller (hamstring) landing on the Injured Reserve list, Alvin Kamara should see more than his usual allotment of carries, which makes him an even bigger threat against a Panthers defense that has struggled all year. There's also a chance Taysom Hill and Jordan Mims get some action out of the backfield, giving them some value for those in need of a desperation streaming option.

From RotoBaller

Courtland Sutton Nov 2 4:10pm CT
Courtland Sutton

Can Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton stack back-to-back big games in Week 9 against the Baltimore Ravens after catching a season-high eight of 11 targets for a season-high 100 receiving yards in last Sunday's 28-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers? We think so. He'll be a strong WR3/flex option for fantasy managers this Sunday against a Ravens defense that has allowed the second-most half-PPR fantasy points to receivers per game this year and the most passing yards per game. The 29-year-old got the squeaky-wheel treatment after not seeing a single target in the Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints. With quarterback Bo Nix playing the best football of his first NFL season, look for him to target Sutton early and often against a shaky Ravens secondary in a game in which the Broncos may need to open it up through the air to keep up on the scoreboard.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Nov 2 4:00pm CT
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. was elevated off the practice squad ahead of Sunday's NFC East meeting with the New York Giants. The promotion to the main roster doesn't mean fantasy managers should rush to add the 25-year-old. Instead, it could mean Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) won't be on the field in Week 9. Of course, there is still time for Robinson to turn it around and play. But if Robinson isn't available, Austin Ekeler would draw a favorable matchup versus a Giants defense that has struggled against opposing running backs in the last few weeks, with Jeremy McNichols likely to get his scraps out of the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Nov 2 4:00pm CT
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (collarbone) was placed on the Injured Reserve list on Saturday. The wideout was already in line to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, so the latest move is just a formality. Kirk will officially finish the year by catching 27 passes for 379 yards and one touchdown. But after totaling eight touchdowns in 2022-23, his production has significantly declined over the last few seasons. With the injury and decrease in statistical output, his fantasy value will likely take a substantial hit entering 2025-26, no matter what uniform he is wearing. At any rate, to fill the void, the Jaguars elevated Austin Trammell and Elijah Cooks from the practice squad, although Brian Thomas Jr. (chest), who is questionable for Week 9 against the Eagles, should continue to lead the way offensively, barring further injury.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Chark Nov 2 3:40pm CT
D.J. Chark

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (groin) was activated from the injured reserve list on Saturday. The veteran wideout has been sidelined since the preseason because of a groin injury. However, even though there is potential for Chark to get work versus the Cleveland Browns, fantasy managers may want to pump the brakes before putting him in the lineup, especially with Quentin Johnston (ankle) back in the mix after missing time with an ankle injury.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Nov 2 3:30pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) is questionable for Monday night's encounter with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bucs are hurting, with Chris Godwin (ankle) and Mike Evans (hamstring) on the shelf. To make matters worse, Bucky Irving (toe) and Sterling Shepard (hamstring) may be sidelined for Week 9. With that in mind, McMillan has a chance to see more attention from Baker Mayfield versus the Chiefs, especially if Irving or Shepard don't play. Yet, if McMillan can't suit up, Trey Palmer, Ryan Miller, and Cade Otton would draw starting fantasy consideration.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Nov 2 3:20pm CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (toe) is questionable for Monday night's matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. He missed a few practices throughout the week and returned for a limited session on Saturday. The 22-year-old has played relatively well this season, amassing 395 yards and three touchdowns off 76 carries, adding 20 catches for 164 yards. While Irving should continue to split time out of the backfield with Rachaad White, the injuries to Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle) could continue to get him more attention from Baker Mayfield. Fantasy managers will be taking a chance by keeping him in the starting lineup, considering the Bucs and Chiefs will meet well after all of the Week 9 games have been played. But if he's out there, he's at least a flex option, especially for those participating in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Sterling Shepard Nov 2 3:00pm CT
Sterling Shepard

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is questionable for the Week 9 meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle) are on the shelf, so there are opportunities for others to get involved. However, Shepard may not be one of them, with the veteran wideout missing a few practices throughout the week after tweaking his hamstring in Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. If Shepard plays, he could be rostered for streaming purposes, although he'll be a risky option for fantasy managers. But if he doesn't, Cade Otton, Jalen McMillan, and Trey Palmer would be the favorites to see more attention from Baker Mayfield.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Nov 2 2:50pm CT
Javonte Williams

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams didn't take advantage of a plus matchup in the Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers, rushing 17 times or 44 yards, although he did have a season-high 21 touches. Meanwhile, Jaleel McLaughlin led in rushing and scored again. Williams' best game of 2024 came the week prior against the New Orleans Saints, when he scored his first two touchdowns of the year. Denver's offense has improved under rookie QB Bo Nix of late, but Williams' big Week 8 performance could prove to be more of an outlier. The Broncos could be forced to pass often against Baltimore's strong defense this weekend, although Williams has been plenty involved in the passing attack in 2024, catching at least three passes in each of the last four weeks. He's in play as an RB3/flex in fantasy against a Baltimore defense that has been more vulnerable on the ground recently.

From RotoBaller

Ezekiel Elliott Nov 2 2:40pm CT
Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott won't play on Sunday versus the Atlanta Falcons. He didn't travel with the team, with the Cowboys declaring him inactive due to disciplinary reasons. The 29-year-old hasn't been productive during the 2024-25 campaign, totaling only 149 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, meaning there aren't many who will be directly impacted by the news. Rico Dowdle (illness) will be back in the mix after missing Sunday night's meeting with the 49ers, so he'll lessen most of the blow caused by Elliott's absence. Dalvin Cook, elevated off the practice squad on Saturday, should also get some work in Week 9, although not enough to be relevant in most fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Nov 2 2:40pm CT
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix heads into a Week 9 showdown on the road against the Baltimore Ravens after throwing for a season-high 284 yards and three touchdowns to take advantage of a cushy matchup versus the Carolina Panthers. Facing the Ravens on the road surely won't be an easy task, but Nix does line up for another plus matchup from a fantasy perspective, as Baltimore's struggling defense has allowed the third-most fantasy points to QBs in 2024 and the most passing yards per game (291.4). Nix and Denver's offense started the year off very slow and inconsistent, but they've found their footing as Nix continues to show improvement in his first year. The 24-year-old from Oregon is suddenly the QB10 in overall fantasy scoring after eight weeks and has thrown just one interception in the last six weeks after throwing four in his first two games in the league.

From RotoBaller

Chigoziem Okonkwo Nov 2 2:00pm CT
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo projects to be a risky option heading into Week 9 when he faces the New England Patriots. The 25-year-old has yet to eclipse double-digit PPR points this season and has averaged a mere 5.0 PPR points per game. However, he did a season-high five targets last weekend but could only bring in two of them. However, with wide receiver Tyler Boyd (shoulder) listed as questionable, Okonkwo could emerge as the No.3 option in the passing attack behind Calvin Ridley and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Even though he could see a modest workload, he is best off leaving out of your lineup given his inconsistencies this season.

From RotoBaller

Dalvin Cook Nov 2 1:50pm CT
Dalvin Cook

Dallas Cowboys running back Dalvin Cook was elevated off the practice squad to play in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons. Cook made his Cowboy debut last weekend and tallied just 12 rushing yards off six attempts. He caught his lone target for ten yards. With Rico Dowdle (illness) sitting out, Cook was deployed as the No. 2 option in the backfield behind Ezekiel Elliott. However, with Dowdle expected to return to action, Cook will likely be in a depth role this weekend and not have an integral part in the offensive attack. Fantasy managers should view the 29-year-old as a handcuff option in deeper formats that has little to no standalone value.

From RotoBaller

Julius Chestnut Nov 2 1:40pm CT
Julius Chestnut

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut could be poised for an increased workload on Sunday afternoon against the New England Patriots. With Tyjae Spears (hamstring) already ruled out, Chestnut is expected to open the game as the No.2 option. However, the lead running back Tony Pollard (foot) is listed as questionable which could open the door for Chestnut to start. In addition, Pollard has not practiced this week, which is not a promising sign for his availability. Chestnut has played three seasons with the Titans but has logged only 20 attempts with 61 yards and four catches for 50 yards. If he gets the start, he would be viewed as a low-end flex option, simply off volume.

From RotoBaller

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Nov 2 1:40pm CT
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine could be worth a look as a high-risk flex option in deep 3WR formats in Week 9. Last weekend, the 27-year-old eclipsed double-digit PPR points for the first time this season and found the end zone for the third straight week. This weekend, Westbrook-Ikhine could continue to have a prominent role in the Tennessee passing attack as wideout Tyler Boyd (shoulder) is listed as questionable. If Boyd cannot suit up, Westbrook-Ikhine would be deployed as the clear No.2 wide receiver opposite of Calvin Ridley. He could enjoy another productive weekend facing the Patriots, who have allowed the 19th-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

From RotoBaller

Mason Rudolph Nov 2 1:30pm CT
Mason Rudolph

Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph should be viewed as a QB2 if he is given the starting nod on Sunday afternoon. Rudolph has started in each of the past two games and could get his third opportunity with Will Levis (shoulder), who is listed as questionable. Last weekend, Rudolph scored 26.2 PPR points as he threw for 266 yards with a score and added 29 yards and a rushing score on the ground. However, in his first start, Rudolph scored only 16.1 PPR points. This weekend, he faces a tough New England defense that has allowed the eighth-fewest points to opposing QBs. Fantasy managers in deeper Superflex leagues should only view the 29-year-old as a desperation QB2.

From RotoBaller