By MIKE HERNDON

The Tom Brady show is on a bye this week and Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins may miss this week with injuries. We need replacements. Here’s who to consider and who to avoid in Week 9.

QB:

Starts:

Derek Carr, Raiders: After a two-game lull, he’s back to throwing for 300-plus in his last two. The Giants’ pass defense is nothing to shy away from.

Sits:

Ryan Tannehill, Titans: It’s tempting, with Derrick Henry out, to chase the extra volume that we expect to be coming from Tannehill. But Todd Dowling has said the game plan isn’t changing, and the opponent this week is Jalen Ramsey and the Rams.

RB

 Starts:

Elijah Mitchell, 49ers: He’s established himself as the Niners’ lead back with 100-plus yards in each of his last two games. This week, he faces the Cardinals, who have a solid defense but are hobbled on offense with Murray and Hopkins potentially out. If they are, there’s should be plenty of opportunities with short fields and clock to milk in the second half.

Sits:

James Robinson/Carlos Hyde, Jaguars:  Robinson’s got a bum ankle. Hyde will get a full load if he can’t go. I’m not sure I’d want either of them in my lineup this week against the Bills.

WR:

Starts:

Brandin Cooks, Titans: The Texans opponent this week, Miami, came into the week allowing the most passing yardage in the league. Cooks is Houston’s unquestioned WR1 with 7 targets or more in all but two of his games and 78 yards or more in five of eight. Fire him up.

Sits:

Courtland Sutton, Broncos: His bread and butter has been big plays, and Denver has had trouble making them the last few weeks. Now they face Dallas, with star corner Trevon Diggs likely to be draped on Sutton throughout. Tough draw.

TE:

Starts:

Mike Gesicki, Dolphins: Houston’s sieve-like defense is on tap and DeVante Parker just went on the IR, More targets, more yards incoming.

Sits:

T.J. Hockenson is on a bye. Robert Tonyan is on IR. Noah Fant is on the COVID list. Play whoever you can find.

Categories: Fantasy Football