Two quarterbacks stole most of the headlines Sunday, and both were surprising to some extent. At this point, even though he’s a rookie, no one is too surprised when Jayden Daniels has a good game. But it was largely expected that Daniels would have to miss Week 8 with a rib injury. Daniels was a game-time decision, and he ultimately suited up against a tough Chicago defense. Daniels looked healthy as a horse out there as he was still able to run around with his legs and also uncork some deep shots, including a 61-yarder to Terry McLaurin, his longest of the season. But then the legend continued to grow. The Bears pulled ahead with just 25 seconds left in the game, but that was one second too many apparently. Daniels was able to advance the ball to his own 48-yard line with just enough time to uncork a Hail Mary, and it miraculously deflected off a Bears defender into the waiting arms of Noah Brown who was behind the chaos. It was an electric finish to what is shaping up to be a truly remarkable season for JD5.

The more surprising outstanding performance came from fantasy football darlin Jameis Winston. With Deshaun Watson out for the season with a torn Achilles, Winston stepped in for his first start of the season, and he delivered a shocking victory over the Ravens. It wasn’t surprising that Jameis was out there slinging the ball all over the place, but it was surprising that he was able to keep all the completed passes to his own team, as he avoided any of his trademark interceptions. He did lose one fumble, but no one will remember that. He even provided further entertainment with his postgame interview, quoting Eminem.

But enough of Week 8, can Daniels and Jameis keep things rolling in Week 9? Who will be the new surprises in the next slate of games?

WEEK 9 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers

Fantasy QB Rankings Week 9: Who to start, sit at quarterback

These rankings are based on four-point passing TD scoring. These rankings will be updated throughout the week, so check back often.

Who are the best fantasy QBs for Week 9?

Jalen Hurts may have started the season as a turnover machine, but he’s now turnover-free in three straight games as the Eagles are flying high since returning from their bye week. He seems to be able to hit A.J. Brown whenever he needs to hit a big play or convert a first down, and he got back on track with Devonta Smith against the Bengals. Plus, he still has that rushing upside. And the “Tush Push” continues to be highly effective at the goal line. In fact, Hurts notched three scores via that play against the Bengals in Week 8.

Jayden Daniels was able to play through his injured ribs, and while he didn’t light up the Bears, it was still an impressive performance considering the pain he was dealing with and the fact that Chicago boasts one of the tougher defenses Daniels has faced thus far. He should have an easier matchup this week against the Giants.

The Ravens somehow came up short against the Browns in Week 8, but Lamar Jackson still filled the stat sheet. He threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns and added 46 yards on the ground. Even though Denver boasts one of the better passing defenses in the league, this offense is diverse enough to break through, and coming off a loss, the Ravens will be fired up to erase that taste from their mouths.

Who are the QBs on byes in Week 9?

San Francisco 49ers: The bye comes at a good time for San Francisco as they can use the extra week to get some guys healthy. Purdy has struggled at time this year, but he has a good chance to get Christian McCaffrey back after the bye, and Jauan Jennings should be back as well, which will help make up for the loss of Brandon Aiyuk.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Russell Wilson is the starter for now in Pittsburgh, and this bye will come after his MNF matchup against the Giants. George Pickens came alive in Wilson’s first start, so look for them to continue to build up their rapport coming out of the bye week against a tougher-than-anticipated Washington defense.

Who are the best fantasy QB waiver pickups Week 9?

The Jameis Winston Experience was in full effect against the Ravens. With Deshaun Watson out with a torn Achilles, Winston got the start, and he led the Browns to a shocking victory over leading MVP candidate Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. What’s even more shocking is that Winston didn’t throw any picks in this one, but he did lose a fumble. But on the positive side, he put up a line of 27-for-41 for 334 yards and three touchdowns. It’s likely just a matter of time before the interceptions come, but this is the first time all season this offense has had a pulse. Winston may not be a great real-life NFL QB, but he’s proven in the past that he’s more than capable of being a fantasy asset in the right matchups.

Not only does Matthew Stafford have long-time favorite target Cooper Kupp back, but he surprisingly got Puka Nacua back in Week 8 as well. With both receivers on the field for the first time since very early in Week 1, Stafford and the offense immediately took a giant leap forward as the Rams pulled off a massive upset of the Vikings. Stafford was 25-of-34 for 279 yards and 4 TDs. With a struggling Seahawks defense up next, Stafford makes for a great pickup you can deploy on most weeks regardless of the matchup.

Check out our full list of Week 9 Waiver Wire recommendations

Who are the best fantasy QB sleepers Week 9?

Geno Smith and the Seahawks struggled mightily against the Bills in Week 8, but Seattle has a good chance to get DK Metcalf back for Week 9, which would be a huge boost. Plus, the Seahawks draw a Rams’ team coming off a monster victory, so this could be a letdown spot for Los Angeles. Plus, now that both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are back, it’s unlikely Seattle will run away with this one. Look for Geno to have to continue to push the ball through the air as this one has shootout potential.

Packers QB Jordan Love went down in Week 8 with a groin injury. While he tried to play through it, he just wasn’t effective, and Malik Willis ultimately came on and led the Packers to a last-second victory over the Jaguars. This is not the same Willis we saw in Tennessee. He looked much more serviceable when Love went down with an MCL injury earlier this year, and he looked good again against the Jaguars. While the Lions should pose a tougher test in terms of a pass rush, the back end is beatable, and the Packers will likely need to keep scoring to try and keep pace with the explosive Lions.

What are the biggest QB injuries Week 9?

Jordan Love went down with a groin injury in Week 8 against the Jaguars. Love tried to play through the pain, but he ultimately had to come out. We don’t know the severity of the injury yet, so check back often as we’ll be monitoring the situation. If Love can’t go, Malik Willis will get the start in an NFC North matchup against the Lions.

Drake Maye suffered a concussion against the Jets in Week 8, so his status for Week 9 against the Titans is up in the air. If Maye cannot clear protocol, then Jacoby Brissett will get the start. Brissett has struggled most of this season, but he did lead the Pats past the Jets in a major upset.

Derek Carr continues to be sidelined with an oblique injury. Spencer Rattler has been starting in his place, but this could be the week that he returns. But until we hear some concrete details, we’re leaving him unranked. Rattler was pulled in Week 8 against the Broncos, and Jake Haener came on in relief. It’s impossible to predict who will get the start against Carolina, but we’re inserting Haener into the rankings for now.

Speaking of the Panthers, Andy Dalton was in a car accident last week, which resulted in a thumb injury. Bryce Young got the start in Week 8 against the Broncos, so until we hear a positive update on Dalton, Young will remain in the rankings.