The 2023 fantasy football season has been one of the most unpredictable yet, especially for wide receivers. With injuries sidelining key players like Nico Collins, Cooper Kupp, and A.J. Brown at different times, fantasy managers have had to get creative and lean into matchup plays. This week, we break down the top wide receiver picks and key matchups for Week 9 to help you secure those critical points.
Top WR Rankings for Fantasy Football Week 9
In Week 9, wide receivers like Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, and CeeDee Lamb are expected to lead the way. While the wide receiver landscape has become a challenging puzzle for fantasy managers, there are still standout opportunities in specific matchups that could provide you with a winning edge.
Week 9 WR1s
- Justin Jefferson
- CeeDee Lamb
- Ja’Marr Chase
- Amon-Ra St. Brown
- A.J. Brown
Week 9 WR2s and WR3s to Consider
While WR1s are often the foundation of your lineup, it’s crucial to find value in WR2s and WR3s who have favorable matchups. Players like Garrett Wilson, Josh Downs, and Jaylen Waddle could provide a significant return on investment this week.
Top Matchup: A.J. Brown vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
A.J. Brown has been an unstoppable force this season, making him a high-ceiling choice against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Brown has averaged 19 fantasy points per game over the past four weeks, ranking him seventh among all WRs. He also boasts an impressive 96.3 receiving yards per game during that time.
In Week 8, fantasy managers may have been disappointed as Brown was overshadowed by teammate DeVonta Smith, who snatched the touchdown that made the difference.
“Both players turned in nearly identical performances, with Smith making six catches for 85 yards (WR7) and Brown turning in five for 84 yards (WR34).”
With Brown’s 3.81 yards per target—the highest in the league—he’s still a top-tier pick for Week 9.
Jacksonville’s defense has struggled, ranking among the worst in several key defensive metrics, including the third-most receiving yards (1,137) and touchdowns allowed to receivers (10) over the past month. Expect Brown to exploit this matchup, especially with Tyson Campbell likely covering him for most of the game. Campbell has given up an average of 10.4 air yards per target this season, positioning Brown for a potentially explosive performance.
Rising Star: Josh Downs vs. Minnesota Vikings
With the Indianapolis Colts deciding to start veteran Joe Flacco, Josh Downs is set to benefit. After seeing a drop in fantasy ownership, Downs has re-emerged as one of the top waiver wire options, especially with a favorable matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.
Downs spends 85.4% of his snaps in the slot, positioning him against Minnesota’s Josh Metellus, who has allowed touchdowns to slot receivers Cooper Kupp and Tank Dell in back-to-back games. This sets Downs up to be a reliable target for Flacco, particularly given Downs’ 2.24 yards per route run—ranking 14th among all receivers this season.
“Minnesota’s defense has shown vulnerabilities in the slot, allowing the fourth-most receptions and seventh-most receiving yards per game over the last month.”
Downs is poised for a big game, and fantasy managers should look to start him with confidence.
Terry McLaurin: A Strong Play Against the Giants
Washington’s Terry McLaurin has continued to elevate his game, thriving alongside rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. McLaurin turned in one of his best performances in Week 8 with 125 receiving yards against the Bears. This week, he faces a struggling Giants secondary in a divisional showdown, giving him another chance to shine.
“McLaurin has now eclipsed the century mark three times this season after just going over 100-plus yards once all of the previous season.”
The Giants’ defense has allowed 1.41 yards per route covered and ranks in the bottom half for passing yardage allowed. New York’s Deonte Banks, who typically covers McLaurin’s side, has struggled, allowing an average of 10.2 air yards per target this season. The Giants benched Banks in Week 8 but will be putting him back on the field this Sunday. Expect McLaurin to take full advantage, especially since he’s working his way toward a career year.
Additional WR Picks for Week 9
- Jaylen Waddle vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Waddle has been inconsistent but has a great matchup this week, particularly as the Chiefs have struggled with speedy receivers in the slot. - Romeo Doubs vs. Los Angeles Rams
Doubs has been a solid WR3 option, and he’s up against a Rams defense that has allowed plenty of scoring opportunities for opposing WRs. - Cooper Kupp vs. Green Bay Packers
Kupp is returning from injury, but if he’s fully healthy, he’s an automatic start against a Packers defense that ranks poorly against elite route runners.
Key Takeaways for Fantasy Managers
As we dive into Week 9, remember that successful fantasy football decisions hinge on understanding each player’s matchup and their recent performance trends. Whether you’re stacking your lineup with a high-ceiling WR1 like A.J. Brown or taking a chance on a sleeper pick like Josh Downs, this week’s matchups are packed with potential. Stay sharp, follow the trends, and capitalize on the vulnerabilities of opposing defenses.
With each new week, fantasy managers have an opportunity to adjust and leverage key matchups. Whether you’re leading your league or making a last-minute playoff push, these insights can help you maximize your lineup’s potential and get one step closer to fantasy glory.
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