There are all sorts of superficial reasons to get excited about Sunday's game between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Wes Welker and New England. All that stuff. But the biggest one is that, at 6-1 and 6-2, respectively, the Broncos and Patriots are the two best teams in the AFC, and might be the two best in the entire NFL.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 9: Broncos vs. Patriots
Gee, I hope we can find a storyline.
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The Patriots come into Sunday's game basically healthy from a fantasy perspective. Quarterback Tom Brady is listed on the injury report as always, but there aren't any concerns about his status for Sunday. The Broncos have a bit more concern, with running backs Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson both on the injury report, but both should be good to go.
The Patriots will host Sunday’s game at 4:25 p.m. ET. In a game with as much fantasy intrigue as any possible matchup, here’s a look at who you’ll want to use:
BRONCOS
Start 'em: It's hard to find new things to say about Peyton Manning, Ronnie Hillman, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and Julius Thomas each week. As long as they're on the field, they need to be in your lineups.
Start 'em?: Do you feel lucky with Wes Welker? He didn't score in either "New England reunion" game a year ago, but you'd think the team would shoot for that. ... Even being the kicker for Denver, Brandon McManus hasn't really done a lot. There's probably a better option out there. ... The Broncos' defense hasn't had any great games, but it also hasn't had fewer than two in a game yet. It's not a great start, but it's not an awful one.
Sit ‘em: If something were to happen to Hillman, Juwan Thompson might be interesting, but failing that, he’s just a handcuff.
PATRIOTS
Start 'em: Weeks 1-4 for Tom Brady will always be on his record, but Weeks 5-8 were so much better that it's easy to forget the early stretch. ... His latest hot streak has Rob Gronkowski No. 1 among tight ends. ... You're always using Stephen Gostkowski. Always.
Start 'em?: The team appears to have settled on Shane Vereen and Jonas Gray, in some order, as its top running backs. That could always change, but they are both reasonable flex plays. ... Julian Edelman's stock has dropped lately, while Brandon LaFell's has risen. Like the running backs, both look like flex plays. ... Tim Wright is not inside the tier of strong "maybe" plays at tight end, but he's the top of the next group, the "if you're desperate" guys with upside.
Sit 'em: We still might hear from Brandon Bolden and/or James White this season, but they aren't fantasy-relevant right now. ... The Denver offense is the one that would make you bench a defense. Sorry, Patriots' defense.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Peyton Manning, Ronnie Hillman, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Julius Thomas, Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Stephen Gostkowski
Bench: Juwan Thompson, Brandon Bolden, James White, New England defense
