NFL Week 9 Dynasty Detour

Another week, another round of offensive fireworks… highlighted by the Bengals and Bears trading haymakers in a 90-point shootout. Hopefully you had as many Bengals and Bears in your lineup as possible… except Rome Odunze, who for some reason decided to take the week off. Let’s hit the Detour.

📝 Traffic Report

Let’s get into some of the best and worst performances of week 9:

 Kyle Monangai, Chi RB - 26 rushes, 176 yds, 3/5 catches, 22 yds

• We couldn’t fit it into this week’s fun facts, but Monangai just ran for the most yards by a rookie this season… by 38 yards. To the tune of 7 YPC, he looked unstoppable, flashing breakaway speed, breaking tackles, and catching passes.

• Dynasty Takeaway: The only stain on Monangai’s week was that it was against the Cincinnati Bengals. I’ve seen High School JV defenses tackle better. Well no, I haven’’t, but you get my point. Call me crazy, but I’m all aboard the Monangai hype train. Swift is signed through 2026, but the Bears have a potential out after this season. Swift is a fine player, but with how electric Monangai has been, don’t be surprised if they roll with him next season. If he gets the starting spot in Chicago, the ROI will be magnificent.

 Drake London, ATL WR - 9/14 catches, 118 yds, 3 TD

• Sheesh. How about that performance from Drake London? I can’t imagine how he felt after making that ridiculous one-handed grab, only for a missed extra point to prevent the Falcons from tying the game. London hasn’t been super consistent, but he has a knack for week winning performances.

• Dynasty Takeaway: London showed why he’s my Dynasty WR 8, sandwiched between Amon-Ra and Rashee Rice. Penix’s #1 target is a premier asset in dynasty fantasy football.

   

George Kittle, SF TE - 4/4 catches, 32 yards

• Kittle has been underwhelming in his return from injury, totaling 11 targets for 8 catches and 75 yards across 3 games. With Purdy sidelined, the offense has ran through the one & only Christian McCaffrey. Nearing a return from turf toe, Purdy should unlock the Kittle of old, leaving little concern in my eyes.

• Dynasty Takeaway: Kittle w/ Purdy: 16.2 FPPG. Kittle w/o Purdy: 8.9 FPPG. Consider Kittle a great buy low for contenders looking to find gold at the TE position.

   

Rico Dowdle, CAR RB - 25 rushes, 130 yds, 2 TD

• Move over Chuba Hubbard… this is officially Rico Dowdle’s backfield. After some incredible performances with Hubbard sidelined, Rico did not need an injury to take Hubbard’s lunch money in Week 9.

• Dynasty Takeaway: Rico is the guy in Carolina, and a high end RB 2 for the rest of the season. I expect Hubbard to still be involved which caps his ceiling, but after taking 72% of the snaps and 25 carries this is Dowdle’s backfield to lose. At 27 years old, I wouldn’t pay a premium for his services, but contenders should look to move a 2nd rounder for him.

   

 🚑️ Injury Report

• Jayden Daniels suffered a gruesome elbow injury and is likely to be ruled out for the season. Downgrade all Washington weapons, but consider Marcus Mariota fine QB2, as he is averaging 16 ppg in starts this season.

• Tucker Kraft tore his ACL - news that made Dynasty Detour Jesse drop to his knees in a Walmart. Jordan Love loses his top pass catcher, opening the door for Luke Musgrave to be a guy? Can’t say I’m too pumped about him.

• McCaffrey ruled out for the season. Luke McCaffrey that is.

   

-- Dynasty Detour Tom

🚘 Fast Lane Fun Facts

Here are 6 crazy stats from Week 9 for your viewing pleasure.

1. Raiders TE Brock Bowers’ 43.3 PPR point performance was the best TE performance since former Raider Darren Waller’s 45 points in 2020. Bowers now leads all TEs in PPR points per game.

2. Cam Ward is averaging 8.0 fantasy points per game…worse than any starting QB from last season, and even lower than Will Levis’ 10.0 PPG, the guy he replaced. Tennessee also ranks 2nd in pass rate across the NFL.

3. Michael Pittman Jr. is PPR WR6 on the season.

4. Over the last 4 weeks, Oronde Gadsden is averaging more PPR points per game (17.86) than Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston. 

5. Joe Flacco’s 17-game pace with the Bengals: 5,329 yards, 47 TDs, and 8 INTs. For comparison, Joe Burrow’s full 2024 season (17 games)? 4,918 yards, 43 TDs, 9 INTs.

6. Out of the bye, Ashton Jeanty played 91% of snaps in Week 9…his highest of the season (previous best: 86% in Week 1).

We’ve hit the week’s exit ramp, but the season highway keeps rolling. Until next time, keep it in drive, Detourists.

-- Dynasty Detour Jesse

We’re officially in the swing of things, so be sure you follow us for all the must see events and reactions of every week. Follow us @dynastydetour on Instagram and X/Twitter to get our reactions and opinions in between write-ups, as well as email us with any questions at [email protected]. See you out on the road 🚘️.