Fantasy Football Starts of the Week: Dak Prescott, Oronde Gadsden Lead Week 9 Winners

Week 9 brings a mix of established stars and emerging opportunities that could make or break your fantasy lineup. With injuries creating new openings and some players hitting their stride at the perfect time, this week offers several compelling start options across multiple positions.

Dak Prescott (QB - Dallas Cowboys)

Prescott enters this week playing as well as any quarterback in the NFL, posting a stellar 101.64 passer rating through eight games with 16 touchdowns against just five interceptions. The Cowboys offense has been explosive, averaging 31.7 points per game, and Prescott has been the engine driving that success. His 70.3% completion rate and consistent weekly production make him a must-start option in most matchups. The return of CeeDee Lamb has only boosted his ceiling, as evidenced by their 74-yard touchdown connection in the recent 44-22 victory over Washington. While facing Denver presents some challenges historically, Prescott's current form and the Cowboys' offensive firepower make him a strong QB1 play this week.

Oronde Gadsden (TE - Los Angeles Chargers)

The fifth-round rookie has emerged as one of fantasy football's best waiver wire discoveries, averaging 20.3 fantasy points since Week 6 and ranking second among all tight ends during that span. Gadsden has caught 19 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns over his last three games, showing remarkable consistency and big-play ability with his 14.3 yards per reception. His snap share has stabilized at 75% or higher for three straight weeks, cementing his role in the Chargers offense. With Justin Herbert leading the NFL in pass attempts and the Chargers spreading the ball around effectively, Gadsden has carved out reliable target volume. His combination of opportunity, production, and favorable game scripts makes him a solid TE1 start this week.

Jaylen Waddle (WR - Miami Dolphins)

With Tyreek Hill sidelined for the season, Waddle has stepped into the clear WR1 role for Miami and delivered consistent fantasy production. He ranks as the overall WR13 in PPR leagues and has posted at least 95 receiving yards in three of his last four games. His Week 8 performance against Atlanta showcased his big-play potential with 99 yards and a touchdown on just six targets, including a 43-yard scoring strike. Despite Miami's offensive inconsistencies, Waddle's target share and efficiency make him a reliable weekly starter. The hamstring issues appear to be minor rest-related limitations rather than serious concerns, so his availability should not be in question for this week.

Kareem Hunt (RB - Kansas City Chiefs)

Hunt moves into prime position this week with Isiah Pacheco sidelined due to an MCL sprain suffered on Monday Night Football. The veteran back has already been handling goal-line duties effectively, with seven rush attempts inside the 10-yard line compared to Pacheco's three, and his 47% success rate leads all running backs with at least 50 carries. His dual-threat ability was on display against Washington, where he scored both a rushing and receiving touchdown. With Kansas City's high-powered offense and Hunt's proven track record in this system, he becomes an immediate RB1/2 borderline play while Pacheco recovers. The upcoming bye week might limit Pacheco to missing just one game, but Hunt offers excellent short-term value.

D'Andre Swift (RB - Chicago Bears)

Swift has been on fire since Chicago's Week 5 bye, totaling 313 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries over his last two games while averaging an impressive 8.7 yards per carry. His 124-yard performance against New Orleans in Week 7 demonstrated his big-play potential in Ben Johnson's offensive system. Despite nursing a groin injury, Swift is expected to play and maintains a 57% snap share as the clear lead back. The matchup against Baltimore presents a golden opportunity, as the Ravens have allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs this season. Swift's combination of opportunity, recent form, and favorable matchup makes him a confident RB2 start with upside for more.

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