Fantasy football advice, Week 9: Who to start/sit for Washington vs. Patriots

The New England Patriots are 7-0, well ahead of the rest of the AFC East and likely just worried about playoff seeding. Washington, meanwhile, is 3-4, but by virtue of playing in the NFC East, are only a half-game out of first place themselves. The two teams face off Sunday, both wanting a win -- Washington with an eye on first place, and New England with an eye on an undefeated season.

After missing the team’s last game, running back Chris Thompson should return for Washington this week. The team also hopes to get wide receiver DeSean Jackson back for the first time since Week 1. He’s officially listed as questionable, but is expected to play Sunday. On the New England side, running back Dion Lewis and wide receiver Julian Edelman are both on the injury report, though both should be fine to play Sunday.

New England hosts Washington Sunday, with the game scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy names to consider:

Start ‘em: There’s always injury risk with Jordan Reed, but as long as he’s healthy, he’s an easy must-start. ... Dustin Hopkins has kicked for at least seven fantasy points in all six games he’s played this year.

Start ‘em?: It’s expected that DeSean Jackson will return from injury Sunday, and if he does, he immediately becomes a high-upside flex option.

Sit ‘em: The last game Kirk Cousins played might have been the best of his career. Of course, all his previous best games were followed by some real downers. He’s inconsistent, and even in a matchup that promises garbage time, he’s hard to trust. ... If you know without question which of Alfred Morris, Matt Jones and Chris Thompson to trust, you’re better at this than any of us on this side. ... Jackson’s return and Reed’s strong numbers combine to make Pierre Garcon a surefire bench. ... There can’t be anyone seriously considering the Washington defense against New England.

Start ‘em: No single fantasy player has been as consistently dominant all season as Tom Brady. ... Dion Lewis has double-digit fantasy points in five of the six games he’s played. ... There’s only so much you can say about Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski. ... Stephen Gostkowski is the game’s best kicker, and the Patriots’ defense has been stout almost all season.

Start ‘em?: Garbage time bodes well for LeGarrette Blount, though the Patriots often don’t call off the dogs, so he might not get as many carries against a tough run defense.

Sit ‘em: If it’s me, I’m sitting Brandon LaFell on the bench until we see a big game out of him, rather than wondering if this week will be the one he pops again.

Start in every league: Jordan Reed, Dustin Hopkins, Tom Brady, Dion Lewis, Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski, Stephen Gostkowski
Start if you’re desperate: DeSean Jackson, LeGarrette Blount
Bench: Kirk Cousins, Alfred Morris, Matt Jones, Chris Thompson, Pierre Garcon, Washington defense, Brandon LaFell