By Marcus Mosher | | 5 mins
NFL Week 9 DFS Picks: Why Derek Carr is the QB of Choice
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Week 8 of the NFL season proved to be another wild week as players such as Latavius Murray, Tevin Coleman, Mike Evans, and Cooper Kupp all scored at least 38 points in the afternoon games. If you were fortunate enough to have two or more of these players in your lineup, you likely profited from Week 8.
This week has another exciting DFS slate with several intriguing matchups that should produce a ton of scoring. Let’s take a look at the best bets and plays for Week 9.
Top DFS Team for Week 9
| Pos. | Player | Matchup | DraftKings Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Derek Carr | Raiders vs. Lions | $5,500 |
| RB | Josh Jacobs | Raiders vs. Lions | $6,500 |
| RB | Aaron Jones | Packers @ Chargers | $7,000 |
| WR | Marvin Jones | Lions @ Raiders | $6,000 |
| WR | D.K. Metcalf | Seahawks vs. Buccaneers | $5,700 |
| WR | Stefon Diggs | Vikings @ Chiefs | $7,600 |
| TE | Zach Ertz | Eagles vs. Bears | $4,700 |
| FLEX | Diontae Johnson | Steelers vs. Colts | $4,500 |
| D/ST | Pittsburgh Steelers | Steelers vs. Colts | $2,400 |
Note: Prices from DraftKings are based on a $50,000 salary cap for the week
Best Week 9 DFS QB
Raiders QB Derek Carr ($5,500 on DraftKings)
Matchup: Oakland Raiders vs. Detroit Lions
As always, there are a ton of great matchups at quarterback for Week 9, including Russell Wilson facing the Buccaneers, Aaron Rodgers battling the Chargers and Kirk Cousins going up against the porous Chiefs' pass defense. But if you want to save money at QB this week, considering Derek Carr as the Raiders will host the Lions in Oakland.
In Week 8, the Lions let rookie Daniel Jones throw for 322 yards and four touchdowns as he was DraftKings' No. 1 quarterback for the week. Carr might not be able to replicate that Week 9, but it is certainly in his range of outcomes. Carr hasn't had a big game yet this season but having a healthy offensive line and home-field advantage should help. At a mere $5,500, Carr is one of the cheapest fantasy quarterbacks available this week as he also has a No. 1 QB ceiling.
Best Week 9 DFS RB
Packers RB Aaron Jones ($7,000 on DraftKings)
Matchup: Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Chargers
After another monster week, Aaron Jones has quickly entered the conversation as one of the best running backs in the league. Against the Chiefs, he totaled 226 yards and two touchdowns, but his day could have been even bigger if he had converted a few goal-line opportunities. But despite two games this season of at least 44 fantasy points, Jones is still priced moderately at $7,000, behind the likes of Le'Veon Bell, Chris Carson and James Conner.
Given how much Jones has been used as a receiver this season (34 receptions), he's a reasonably safe play each week as he has eclipsed 15 fantasy points in six of the team's eight games. He should have another big day in Week 9 as the Chargers are allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. If you fade more expensive running backs such as Christian McCaffrey and Dalvin Cook, Jones is an excellent play for Week 9.
Best Week 9 DFS WR
Lions WR Marvin Jones ($6,000 on DraftKings)
Matchup: Detroit Lions at Oakland Raiders
It is no secret that teams can exploit the Raiders' pass defense. Oakland doesn't generate any pass-rush even against the weakest offensive lines. That should be great news for the Detroit Lions as they will face off against Oakland in Week 9. That is why Marvin Jones is a great bet to have a monster game this week.
Oakland doesn't have a cornerback who can match up with Jones in the red zone. He is likely to be covered by second-round rookie Trayvon Mullen, who will get the second start of his career on Sunday. Given the connection between Matt Stafford and Jones, look for the two to connect in the end zone a few times this week. At $6,000, Jones is a must-play for Week 9.
CHECK OUT: Finding Best DFS Value Picks Using NFL Prop Bets
Best Week 9 DFS TE
Eagles TE Zach Ertz ($4,700 on DraftKings)
Matchup: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears
It has been a rough season for tight end Zach Ertz, who posted career numbers in 2018. This year, Ertz has 37 receptions for 424 yards and one touchdown as he is no longer the No. 1 target in the team's passing offense. And for the first time in several seasons, his price on DraftKings has dipped below $5,000.
If there were ever a week where Ertz is going to get back on track, it's in Week 9 against the Chicago Bears. Chicago has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, and Ertz is easily their toughest matchup to date. Look for Ertz to see somewhere between six to nine targets and a few opportunities close to the end zone.
Best Week 9 DFS Flex
Steelers WR Diontae Johnson ($4,500 on DraftKings)
Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts
There are a ton of fun WR plays this week, but one of my favorites under $5,000 is Diontae Johnson of the Steelers. His overall numbers (25 receptions for 296 yards and three touchdowns) aren't that impressive but it's clear that Johnson has a connection with Mason Rudolph. When Rudolph has started and finished a game (three games), Johnson has 14 receptions for 213 yards and three touchdowns.
Johnson has emerged as the Steelers' No. 2 receiver, and he will face the Colts’ shaky pass defense in Week 9. Johnson will likely be matched up against fellow rookie cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, who has struggled mightily as Indianapolis' No.2 cornerback. With this game in Pittsburgh, look for Johnson to make a few big plays.
