Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Kenneth Walker III

Friday, October 31, 4:50 PM

The Minnesota Vikings have struggled immensely in recent weeks, but wide receiver Justin Jefferson remains a clear WR1 with his team set to travel to Detroit in Week 9. Even though Detroit has had the better of the division matchup in recent years, Jefferson has tormented the Lions during his career. In just 10 games against Detroit, Jefferson has more than 1,200 yards, 72 catches, and four touchdowns. Detroit ranks 26th against half-PPR receivers this season, largely because it has surrendered 14 receiving touchdowns in seven games. Notably, Minnesota will bring back starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle), but a second-to-last sack rate behind a beaten-up offensive line remains a major concern. The Lions will see the return of starting cornerback Terrion Arnold (shoulder), but Jefferson still should be starting in every format, as usual.

Friday, October 31, 6:29 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is a flex play in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders' defense has been middle-of-the-pack against opposing running backs in fantasy. However, it may be difficult for Walker to exploit the matchup while he continues to split time with Zach Charbonnet in this backfield. Walker is currently the RB28 in fantasy, and he has not scored more than 9.6 fantasy points since Week 4. His rushing volume has remained solid, but he is a non-factor in the receiving game. He has one or fewer receptions in six of seven games this year. With no receiving volume, Walker's upside is completely capped. Given that Charbonnet is the goal line back, Walker needs to break off a big play to be fantasy relevant. Based on where you drafted him, you may not have a better option with four teams on a bye. He is a flex option with limited upside in Week 9.