The Vibe: Happy Halloween! The ultimate fear in fantasy isn't ghosts or goblins—it's the Thursday night start/sit decision that haunts you all weekend. Milton confesses this weekly dread, while breaking news of Terry McLaurin's re-injury makes the nightmare a reality for his managers.
TNF Recap: The Ravens dismantled the Dolphins 28-6, a horror show for Miami. Lamar Jacksonthrew 4 TDs, Mark Andrews caught two, and the Ravens D/ST finally woke up, leaving many managers who benched them kicking themselves.
The News: A spooky mix of front-office changes, trades, and injuries.
Front Office Shakeup: Dolphins GM Chris Grier is out after over 20 years with the team.
Trade Deadline Moves: The Jets acquire John Metchie, the Patriots trade pass-rusher Keion White to the 49ers.
Injury Horrors: Terry McLaurin (quad) is out again. Travis Hunter is on IR and may miss the regular season. Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) is ruled out.
Positive Signs: J.J. McCarthy, Jayden Daniels, Nico Collins, and Puka Nacua are all on track to return.
The Game Script: Navigating the Week 9 fright fest:
Bears at Bengals (+2.5): A potential shootout if Joe Flacco (shoulder) plays. If not, the Bears D/ST becomes a sneaky streamer.
Saints at Rams (-14): New QB Tyler Shough starts for New Orleans. It can't get much worse for Alvin Kamara, but don't expect a miracle.
Chiefs at Bills (+2): A classic AFC showdown with major playoff implications.
MNF: Cardinals at Cowboys: A potential shootout against a Cowboys defense that is one of the worst in the league.
The Depth Chart: Your treat bag of sneaky starts:
WR: Tre Tucker (LV - vs. shaky Jags secondary), Michael Pittman/Josh Downs (IND - vs. Steelers' 26th-ranked coverage)
RB: Kimani Vidal (LAC - vs. TEN's league-worst run D), Kareem Hunt (KC - lead back with Pacheco out), Kyle Monangai (CHI - heavy favorite to score vs. worst rushing D)
TE: Colston Loveland (CHI - vs. CIN, the best matchup for TEs), Oronde Gadsden (LAC - target share and red zone role growing)
QB/DEF/K: Caleb Williams (vs. CIN's 30th-ranked pass D), Sam Darnold (vs. WAS's soft secondary). Stream the Chargers (vs. TEN) or Lions (vs. MIN) D/ST.
Lock It In: Our strongest picks to conquer your fears are Kimani Vidal, Colston Loveland, and the Chargers D/ST.
Tune in for the full breakdown to set a lineup with no regrets. Stick to your guns, laugh in the face of danger, and just like the Miami Dolphins' season, we are DONE!