Week 9 Fantasy PPR RB Rankings

Kenyan Drake has been freed from the Dolphins, and even though he's gone to another potentially crowded backfield in Arizona, he should get a chance to shine on Thursday night with David Johnson (ankle, back) and Chase Edmonds (hamstring) nursing injuries. Drake has become known for his pass-catching prowess in recent years, which is why, even with a lot of uncertainty surrounding him heading into Thursday, he ranks 25th in our Week 9 fantasy RB PPR rankings.

He would likely be higher against a softer opponent, but the 49ers have limited all backs not named Christian McCaffrey this year. As talented as Drake is, he's no McCaffrey. However, it's worth noting that Drake's former backfield mate, Mark Walton, is higher in this week's rankings, settling in at No. 16 in a favorable matchup against the Jets. Walton had already ostensibly taken over as Miami's lead runner, but prior to that, he was known as a receiving back. With Kalen Ballage as his main competition in the backfield, Walton will continue to handle all the pass-catching duties, giving him plenty of value as both a runner and receiver even if Miami never gets inside the 20-yard line. 

WEEK 9 NON-PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST  | Kicker

At this point in the season, we know which backs are top pass-catchers (Austin Ekeler, James White, Tarik Cohen) and which rarely dent the reception column (Derrick Henry, Marlon Mack, Sony Michel). That said, there have been a few reception-related developments in recent weeks, as Aaron Jones when from stonehanded PPR risk with Jamaal Williams back to wheel-route-running dynamo. Jones has had at least four catches in each of the past five games. That includes three TD receptions. There's always a risk that Jones will take a backseat to Williams in any given game, but the trends can't be ignored.

WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS: Wide receiver | Tight end

Melvin Gordon has also continued to be involved in the Chargers passing game despite the presence of Ekeler. That's resulted in just 11 catches for 37 yards (16 targets) in his four games, but with two TD catches and a favorable matchup this week (vs. Packers), Gordon has more upside than his paltry 2.5 yards per carry would indicate.

WEEK 9: Waiver wire | FAAB planner | Trade values | Snap counts

Ty Johnson (@ Raiders) disappointed last week as Detroit's No. 2 back behind Tra Carson, but he still saw four targets. Oakland is allowing over six receptions per game to RBs, so Johnson still has plenty of PPR potential. A deep sleeper this week could be Philadelphia's Boston Scott. If Miles Sanders (shoulder) can't go, Scott would likely step into the receiving back role against the Bears. That's been a profitable position for Sanders, so Scott is someone to watch.

WEEK 9 DFS LINEUPS:
Y! cash | Y! GPP | DK cash | DK GPP | FD cash | FD GPP

This is a brutal bye week for PPR backs, as Todd Gurley, Alvin Kamara/Latavius Murray, Joe Mixon, and Devonta Freeman are all off (and David Johnson isn't expected to play), so you might need to go with a more "standard" RB to fill in. That's fine, as those types still have plenty of TD potential, so don't reach too far for a "pass-catching" sleeper just because that's the type of back you're trying to replace.

MORE WEEK 9 DFS: Stacks | Values | Lineup builder

Reminder: Check back for frequent updates during the week.

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Week 9 Fantasy PPR Rankings: RBs

WEEK 9 DFS:  Lineup Builder

These rankings are for full-point PPR leagues.