You never want to have as many wins as your opponent has ties, but that's the situation Sunday, as the 1-7 Jacksonville Jaguars face the 4-2-1 Cincinnati Bengals. It's a game between the last-place team in the AFC South and the first-place team in the AFC North.
Fantasy football advice, Week 9: Who to start/sit for Jaguars vs. Bengals
A last-place team and a first-place team face off in Cincinnati Sunday.
Joe Robbins
The Jaguars had wide receivers Allen Hurns and Cecil Shorts III on the week's injury report, though neither appears to be at risk of missing Sunday. The Bengals are in far more trouble, as running back Giovani Bernard has already been ruled out for Sunday. Wide receiver A.J. Green is much more likely to play Sunday, but might not be at full strength.
The Bengals will host Sunday’s game at 1 p.m. ET, looking to strengthen their hold on first place. Let’s look at the fantasy considerations:
JAGUARS
Start 'em: It seems the Jaguars might have found a running back, as Denard Robinson has already put up more fantasy points in two games as a starter than either previous starter has on the season. Time to invest. ... Allen Robinson has set himself apart from the Jaguars' other receivers, and he's in clear starting territory now.
Start ‘em?: In a “gotta do something” scenario, the Jaguars’ defense actually isn’t a bad choice this week, considering its recent improvements and the possible struggles of the Cincinnati offense.
Sit 'em: He might have potential, but the turnovers are killing whatever value Blake Bortles might offer. ... If you're starting a Jacksonville receiver after Robinson, it's Cecil Shorts III over Marqise Lee or Allen Hurns, but the best bet is to avoid all three. ... Clay Harbor had that one big game, but overall he's well outside starting territory. ... Josh Scobee is one of those kickers who plays completely outside any fantasy consideration.
BENGALS
Start 'em: Giovani Bernard's absence means Jeremy Hill jumps to the top 20 among running backs. ... Assuming A.J. Green is on the field, you have to use him in fantasy. ... The Bengals' defense is playing Jacksonville, which means you need to use the Bengals' defense.
Start 'em?: Even with his limited offensive weaponry this week, Andy Dalton is an interesting fantasy play, just out of "plays against Jacksonville" consideration. ... If Green's status declines, Mohamed Sanu could be a nice fantasy play again, but if Green is his normal self, Sanu could suffer. ... We haven't seen great numbers out of Mike Nugent overall, but against the Jaguars the Bengals could give him a lot of kicking chances.
Sit 'em: We've seen better production out of Jermaine Gresham of late, but you probably ought to look elsewhere for upside.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Denard Robinson, Allen Robinson, Jeremy Hill, A.J. Green, Cincinnati defense
Start if you’re desperate: Jacksonville defense, Andy Dalton, Mohamed Sanu, Mike Nugent
Bench: Blake Bortles, Cecil Shorts III, Marqise Lee, Allen Hurns, Clay Harbor, Josh Scobee, Jermaine Gresham
