Week 9 Predictions

There are few times when a player is injured and it completely shocks everyone in the fantasy football world. Most of the time it happens mid-season, and is something that is going force a player to sit-out for a large portion (if not the entire) of the season.

Derrick Henry's foot surgery is one of those "shock-and-awe" injuries.

King Henry has been such a rock solid player in the Tennessee backfield that it was just so unexpected. On top of that, Henry played through the entire game (against Indianapolis) and then it was released that he was released that he was hurt. It wasn't like everyone watched the game and saw what happened, it just came out of nowhere. The other issue with this injury is the fact that it comes halfway through the season. Henry has been so good that if you happen to be lucky enough to have him - you are nowhere near the bottom of the waiver wire to even attempt to pick anyone up to replace him. 

Now this isn't a "Woe to those who own Henry" post... this is more to state that it can happen to anyone. Those that are successful in fantasy football need a little bit of luck to avoid the injury issues throughout the season. You look at people who had Run CMC - when he plays, he is arguably the best fantasy running back in the league. However, he also struggles to stay on the field and injuries have hurt teams that went after the consensus number one pick. Very few teams are able to handle that kind of injury and still be successful - all you can do is hope that is doesn't happen to you.... or you hold the handcuff running back on your bench.

Matchup of the Week

The Fortune Cockies (5-3) v Hoosier Daddy?* (5-3)

All eyes will be on TFC and see what happens with this team as they deal with the Henry injury. Henry has been the MVP throughout the season and losing a running back like him will leave a gigantic hole in the lineup. TFC will now have to rely on Miles Gaskin to fill the position. On the flip side, Hoosier is coming into this matchup with the belt and will be looking to build on that major win. The Bills duo of Allen/Diggs travel to Jacksonville and things could get ugly very quickly in this matchup. Hoosier has one of the deepest lineups in this league and will always have a strong starting lineup - the question is whether or not one of their many potential booming players will have the huge week that they should.

Prediction: Hoosier Daddy?

Mystery Guest: Hoosier Daddy?

Teardrop TD's (3-5) v The J-Bones (3-5)

This is an interesting matchup between two teams that (hopefully) welcome back running backs from the IR. CMC will obviously have a much higher impact than CEH - but both players have been deeply missed. Outside of the returning running backs - The J-Bones have terrific matchups and many potential explosion matchups. Stafford and Henderson will now face a Tennessee defense that has consistently given up big plays - something which Stafford has exploited week-in and week-out. The J-Bones are in a good situation in a must win week against a team that has been relying on Michael Carter. Do I really want to bet on a team that is relying upon a Jets running back???

Prediction: The J-Bones

Mystery Guest: The J-Bones

Gruden's Emails* (6-2) v Aaron Rodgers Blows Llamas*** (4-4)

If you thought losing Henry was bad - talk about losing both your starting running backs. ARBL is going to be hoping that Herbert and Hines can somehow score some points to even give Mahomes and Hill a fighting chance. It may be all for naught though, as Emails has a lineup with consistent scoring and big-time players. Kupp and Thielen hold it down for the athletic white guys and they are backed up by a slew of consistent point scorers. It is going to take a ridiculous week from the KC duo to even keep this matchup close.

Prediction: Gruden's Emails

Mystery Guest: Aaron Rodgers Blows Llamas

Bluffton Backup Backups (4-4) v DK Country* (3-5)

In this matchup, both quarterbacks are dealing with nagging injuries. Last week, Dak didn't even play and Murray might as well not played. After that, DK provides a much steadier lineup from top to the bottom. BBB has lost Hilton and will need to fill that hole, as well as dealing with their top RB and top WR on a bye week. It is hard to imagine BBB being able to fill all the holes it has in their starting lineup and come out with a win this week. DK needs to lock up and week to stay with the crowd as we near the playoff push.

Prediction: DK Country

Mystery Guest: DK Country

PEN15 Wrinkle (5-3) v Country Roads (5-3)

Two things fall into place to making this matchup fail to be the Matchup of the Week....

A) PEN15 was in the dreadful MotW in week 6 that resulted in the lowest MotW ever... as well as the lowest score ever by PEN15 - I said neither team (PEN15 or HHM) will see the MotW again.

B) PEN15 is dealing with far to many injuries to have the spotlight on them again.... take your loss and move on the next week.

Prediction: Country Roads

Mystery Guest: Country Roads

Ankle Holster (2-6) v Church Vans (3-5)

Has there ever been a bigger turn around that Ankle Holster? A team that was last to get their first win and now is on a 2-game winning streak after acquiring as many Packers as possible. The ironic part? AJ Brown has far and away been the best player in the lineup during that time. Ankle may have acquired a slew of Packers.... but they are very reliant on a Titan. On the flip side, Church Vans has been unable to capitalize on the major trade they made when they sent Hopkins off and welcomed Pittman and Andrews with open arms. Pittman has been playing like a true WR1 - yet Church Vans still sits at 3-5.... is this week that things get corrected?

Prediction: Church Vans

Mystery Guest: Ankle Holster

Hernandez Hit Men* (6-2) v Dixie Normous (2-6)

League's best team against League's worst team? Not a lot thought required here.

Prediction: Hernandez Hit Men

Mystery Guest: Hernandez Hit Men

As always, I wish everyone good luck - except for you Hoosier Daddy?, may your entire roster burn in a fiery helicopter crash eerily similar to the one that took down Kobe!