Three AFC teams have four wins so far this year -- the New York Jets, Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers. Barring some other team making a late-season run, it seems likely two of those three teams will take the AFC Wild Card berths. That means Sunday’s game between Oakland and Pittsburgh is a crucial game.
Fantasy football advice, Week 9: Who to start/sit for Raiders vs. Steelers
This game could go a long way toward deciding a playoff spot.
The Raiders come into Sunday’s game between the two teams healthy from a fantasy perspective; none of Oakland’s fantasy contributors is on the weekly injury report. The Steelers do have more to worry about, with wide receivers Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton and tight end Heath Miller are all on the injury report, though all three are expected to be fine for Sunday.
The Steelers host the Raiders Sunday. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy names to consider:
RAIDERS
Start ‘em: If Latavius Murray could put up 11 fantasy points on the Jets, the Steelers shouldn’t be that scary. ... Amari Cooper saw his numbers dip in Week 8 against Darrelle Revis, but without that defense opposite him, he’s back to must-start territory. ... The improvements for the Oakland team have made for better kicking opportunities for Sebastian Janikowski, who is a fantasy starter again.
Start ‘em?: Things have been looking better for Derek Carr of late, and the Pittsburgh pass defense isn’t special. He’s a high-end QB2 with upside. ... With Cooper’s stock rising this week, Michael Crabtree’s falls a bit. He’s still a good option, though more of a flex play.
Sit ‘em: Neither Mychal Rivera nor Clive Walford offers much upside as a fantasy tight end. ... The Oakland offense is better these days, but the Raiders’ defense isn’t, really.
STEELERS
Start ‘em: With a week of action and the chance to get even healthier, Ben Roethlisberger is back to must-start territory among quarterbacks. ... DeAngelo Williams looked really strong the first two weeks of the season filling in for Le’Veon Bell; he has the job to himself now. ... Antonio Brown should benefit from Roethlisberger’s increased health.
Start ‘em?: Oakland is susceptible to short passes, but much better against the deep ball. That hurts Martavis Bryant, making him a flex option, though he always carries great upside. ... The Raiders have improved against tight ends of late, though the team still struggles against the position overall; Heath Miller has promise. ... The Steelers don’t give their kickers a lot to work with; Chris Boswell doesn’t have huge upside.
Sit ‘em: With the rest of the team’s weapons, Markus Wheaton just hasn’t had much of a chance to contribute. ... The Steelers’ defense has been better than expected, but that’s about all you can say for it.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Latavius Murray, Amari Cooper, Sebastian Janikowski, Ben Roethlisberger, DeAngelo Williams, Antonio Brown
Start if you’re desperate: Derek Carr, Michael Crabtree, Martavis Bryant, Heath Miller, Chris Boswell
Bench: Mychal Rivera, Clive Walford, Oakland defense, Markus Wheaton, Pittsburgh defense
