Week 9 Fantasy RB PPR Rankings: Must-starts, sleepers, potential busts

Last week was a wild one at the RB position. Dalvin Cook scored four touchdowns and was the leading rusher and receiver for the Vikings; The Colts had two rushing TDs and two RB receiving scores, but none of them belonged to Jonathan Taylor; and several injury fill-ins, including Giovani Bernard, Gus Edwards, DeeJay Dallas, JaMycal Hasty, and Jamaal Williams, continued to play well. Now, with Christian McCaffrey, Chris Carson, and Aaron Jones all potentially returning, our Week 9 fantasy RB PPR rankings are looking stronger than ever.

McCaffrey nearly played in the Panthers’ Thursday night game in Week 8, so it’s assumed that he will be back in Week 9 against the Chiefs. Meanwhile, Jones’ return for Thursday’s game in San Francisco is less certain, as the Packers have been cautious with him, but he certainly could be back. Chris Carson’s return against the Bills is also up in the air. If he and Jones are active, they’re top-12 PPR backs, but if they’re out, Williams and Dallas can hold down RB2 spots in their owners’ lineups. Williams has flex potential even if Jones is active. 

WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

Even though there are some frustrating committees, guys like D’Andre Swift (@ Vikings), La’Mical Perine (vs. Patriots), and Justin Jackson (vs. Raiders) all have more value in PPR rankings than standard rankings. Swift is the riskiest of the bunch, but they can work as flexes given the several targets they should see.

WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker

J.D. McKissic (vs. Giants), Nyheim Hines (vs. Ravens), and Duke Johnson (@ Jaguars) are some deeper sleepers in PPR formats. The last time McKissic faced the Giants, he had had eight carries for 41 yards and six catches for 43 yards. He’s a dynamic playmaker and a preferred safety valve for Washington’s QBs. Antonio Gibson may be ranked higher, but don’t be surprised to see McKissic put up similar numbers to the rookie in a good matchup.

Hines is coming off a two-TD game, and with Taylor struggling, it wouldn’t be a shock if Hines started seeing more snaps. Johnson had five catches in Houston’s last game, and the Jaguars entered Week 8 allowing the fourth-most receptions per game to RBs (6.6), so he could pile up cheap PPR points all game. 

Reminder: As always, we expect to make plenty of changes to these RB PPR rankings throughout the week, so check back for updates.

Week 9 Fantasy RB PPR Rankings

These rankings are for full-point PPR leagues.