Sports
Week 9 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em
Week 8 of the 2025
NFL season is over, and now we are just a day away from Week 9. The regular season is getting closer and closer to the halfway point, and NFL Fantasy Football managers are cleaning up their lineups as they look to keep pace in their respective playoff hunts.
While there were a few fantasy surprises last weekend, NFL teams are starting to solidify their offenses, which makes each given matchup more essential than ever.
GIVEMESPORT has subsequently identified the players set for huge or quiet performances this upcoming weekend. Here is who Fantasy Football managers need to start and sit in Week 9.
Quarterbacks
Start – Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (vs Dallas Cowboys)
Starting Kyler Murray is always bit of a risk. The
Arizona Cardinals‘ quarterback is only averaging 15.6 points per game, which ranks 28th among starting QBs this season, and has missed the last two games with a mid-foot sprain.
In addition, the pressure is certainly rising in Arizona, and head coach Jonathan Gannon is undoubtedly on the hot seat. Nevertheless, the Cardinals are facing a
Dallas Cowboys team that is allowing 29.2 points per game to opposing quarterbacks.
If Murray is healthy this weekend, which he’s expected to be, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t have his best fantasy performance of the season.
Sit – C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (vs Denver Broncos)
C.J. Stroud is finding his stride, having hit the 20+ point mark in two of the last three weeks. The
Houston Texans need their third-year quarterback to be elite to make it to the postseason for a third straight year under head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Yet despite the positive signs, this is not the weekend to start Stroud against a
Denver Broncos‘ defense that is allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year is not worth the risk this weekend.
Running Backs
Start – Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers (vs Tennessee Titans)
Ever since Omarion Hampton has been out for the
Los Angeles Chargers, second-year running back Kimani Vidal has gotten the brunt of the carries in the backfield.
Vidal is coming off a 19.7 point rushing performance against the
Minnesota Vikings, and the
Tennessee Titans are significantly worse at containing the ground game.
Expect the 24-year-old to continue his encouraging form as the Chargers look to keep up in a crowded AFC West.
Sit – Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers (vs Green Bay Packers)
Rico Dowdle was one of the stars of this fantasy season for two weeks. The
Carolina Panthers‘ backup running back had consecutive weeks of 30+ point performances against two of the weakest rushing defenses in the league.
But since Chuba Hubbard has returned to action, the Panthers have split the backfield carries between the two running backs, causing Dowdle’s fantasy stock to plummet.
Now the 27-year-old is facing the best fantasy defense at containing opposing tailbacks.
Wide Receivers
Start – Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (vs Baltimore Ravens)
The
Miami Dolphins picked up a surprising Week 8 win over the
Atlanta Falcons, thanks to a five-reception, 99-yard performance from Jaylen Waddle.
With Tyreek Hillout for the season, the former Alabama standout is the clear focal point of this offense, and he should get plenty of targets against a weak
Baltimore Ravens‘ secondary.
Even with Kyle Hamilton back and healthy, Waddle is a reliable starter for this Thursday Night Football clash.
Sit – Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (vs Houston Texans)
Courtland Sutton is averaging a modest 13.8 fantasy points per game for the Denver Broncos, who are starting to hit their stride on offense.
Sean Payton‘s team will be put to the ultimate test this Sunday against the NFL’s best defense this season. The Houston Texans are giving up 14.7 against opposing wideouts and have a lockdown corner, Derek Stingley Jr., who should predominantly lineup across from Sutton.
Expect a quiet afternoon for the veteran wideout in the Lone Star State.
Tight Ends
Start – Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (vs Minnesota Vikings)
Sam LaPorta is coming off a modest Week 7 performance, but the third-year tight end still ranks 13th in scoring at his position. Now, the 2023 second-round pick is prepping for a favorable matchup against the
Minnesota Vikings.
The
Detroit Lions should feel refreshed after a bye week and need this game to keep pace with the
Green Bay Packers in the NFC North.
Sit – Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (vs Atlanta Falcons)
Hunter Henry currently ranks eighth in tight end fantasy scoring, but the 30-year-old hasn’t eclipsed 10 points since Week 4. We expect that trend to continue against the Atlanta Falcons, who are letting up just 2.1 points to opposing tight ends.
The
New England Patriots have been phenomenal under head coach Mike Vrabel, and Drake Maye is emerging as a viable MVP candidate while becoming less reliant on his starting tight end.
Defenses
Start – Los Angeles Chargers (vs Tennessee Titans)
The Los Angeles Chargers’ defense currently ranks 20th in fantasy scoring, but if there’s any team to have a breakout game against, it’s the Tennessee Titans.
2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward is still struggling to find his footing, and the AFC South cellar dwellers are currently letting opposing defenses average 14.8 points against them. That is by far the highest in the NFL.
Sit – Kansas City Chiefs (vs Buffalo Bills)
The
Kansas City Chiefs are starting to look like the three-time defending AFC champions on both sides of the field. Still, these regular-season matchups with the
Buffalo Bills have been notoriously difficult for this dynasty.
Josh Allen and company are 4-1 against Kansas City in the regular season, and they’ll be at home on Sunday, looking to avenge last season’s AFC Championship loss.
These clashes between the two AFC heavyweights have turned into shootouts before, and while that may not happen, we don’t expect the Chiefs’ defense to put on an electric performance—at least fantasy-wise.
Sports
‘High in Their Thinking’ – Tottenham’s £45m Star Shortlisted by Rivals
Tottenham could be set for Premier League interest in one of their bright young stars this summer. Spurs are in the midst of a squad overhaul as they look to go from relegation candidates to European candidates.
Roberto De Zerbi is going to be handed big money to make changes to his squad, with the Italian likely securing promises from the Spurs higher-ups before even taking the job. Spurs have promised changes this summer after back-to-back bottom-half finishes, and they are now putting their money where their mouth is, already wrapping up four new signings in an impressively efficient window so far.
But mass signings are not always good news for existing players, and one player appears to want out.
Bergvall exit noise is not going away
One of Tottenham’s brightest young talents, Lucas Bergvall, is now being heavily linked with a move away this summer. The attacking midfielder clearly has a lot of potential to reach, described as a ‘generational talent’ by Spurs scouting chief Robert Mackenzie, but it has been reported that his route to regular first-team football is now a clear one next season.
That could leave him to leave, and amid growing transfer links, he recently refused to comment on a move, sparking more speculation.
Bergvall, who is at the World Cup with Sweden, told reporters: “As I said: I’m fully focused on the World Cup.” He added: “I’m fully focusing on the World Cup. I’m here with Sweden, and we’re going to try to make a good impression in the U.S. Whatever happens after that, we’ll deal with it then. It’s been a tough season, as I said. But now the focus is on the World Cup and being here.”
In Bergvall’s defence, ‘refusing to rule out’ a move, as it is often described, is treated similar to asking for a move by many, which doesn’t feel particularly fair. Many international players turn off all communications to the club world during an international tournament, and such an approach worked well for Spain at the last Euros.
So, in all likelihood, Bergvall is being truthful with his stance in those comments, but it doesn’t mean a move is not likely this summer. Ultimately, Spurs do have options in the number 10 role, and James Maddison is likely to be the starter there, while Xavi Simons will likely be the secondary option when he returns from injury, likely some time in the winter.
Forest could move for Bergvall this summer
If Bergvall is to leave, it is then about the possible suitors, and the Sweden international is likely to have options both in the Premier League and abroad. According to Ben Jacobs, one of the main Premier League options could be Nottingham Forest, who have the playmaker on their shortlist.
Jacobs posted on X: “Liverpool value Jones in the region of £40m, and it is unclear whether Forest are prepared to go that high. Liverpool are content to keep hold of Jones if their asking price is not met. Jones is heading into the final year of his contract but should he remain beyond this summer, talks over a new contract are not ruled out.
“Forest also have Spurs’ Lucas Bergvall high in their thinking. The Swedish midfielder has asked the club to leave as he seeks a new challenge.”
Spurs will reportedly ask for £45million to sell Bergvall this summer.
Sports
Jesse Marsch Slammed By Troy Deeney For ‘BS’ Comment After South Africa v Canada
Canada continue to make history at the 2026 World Cup, beating South Africa 1-0 to progress to the round of 16.
A relatively uneventful match looked like it was heading for extra time, before Stephen Eustaquio’s 92nd-minute goal sealed victory for Jesse Marsch’s side and broke South African hearts in the process.
They had already made it further than any other Canadian team at the World Cup when they made it out of Group B and into the knockout phase, and they’ve gone one step further, with Marsch quick to praise his side and brand them “Canadian heroes.”
Troy Deeney Questions Marsch’s “Free Hit” Mentality
Troy Deeney gave a scathing assessment of Marsch’s choice of words, taking aim at the suggestion that Canada’s last-16 tie is a “free hit,” rather than a genuine shot at progression.
Speaking on CBS Sports, the former Watford and Birmingham City striker said:
“Are we here to try and win? So that means we can lose 10-nil?”
It’s a fair question to raise, given the message it could send to a Canada squad who have already made history simply by reaching this stage of the tournament. Deeney went further, saying: “If that’s the case, go and have a beer now.”
Marcelo Balboa was equally unconvinced by Marsch’s framing, branding it a “bad message” to send to his players ahead of such a significant fixture. The former USMNT defender’s concern centres on the idea that labelling a knockout tie as a “free hit” risks lowering the stakes in players’ minds, regardless of the intention behind it.
Watch more of Deeney’s criticism below:
What’s Next For Canada and Jesse Marsch?
Canada now know they’ll face either Morocco or the Netherlands, FIFA’s sixth and seventh ranked nations, for a place in the quarter-finals, a daunting assignment by anyone’s standards.
While Marsch’s comments may have been designed to take the pressure off his squad and encourage them to play with freedom, there’s a risk that framing the game as a “free hit” could have the opposite effect, subtly lowering ambitions at the exact moment Canada require their players to be fully focused on the job at hand.
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It continues a tournament in which Marsch’s man-management style has split opinion, with many likening his somewhat performative approach to the popular TV series, Ted Lasso. Whether his words inspire Canada to another famous result, or end up undermining their belief before kick-off, will be proved in just a handful of days.
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Sports
Man Utd Battling Arsenal in Race for World Cup Wonderkid
Manchester United are reportedly battling it out with Arsenal for one of South America’s most promising talents.
Both the Red Devils and the Gunners have focused on building squads with the future in mind in past transfer windows. Take, for example, United poaching Ayden Heaven from the North Londoners back in February 2025.
United are continuing to target youngsters who can develop into top talent. The latest teenage prospect to be placed on the club’s shortlist is Mexican sensation Gilberto Mora.
Man Utd and Arsenal Among Clubs Eyeing Mora
According to Mexican outlet El Universal, Manchester United and Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Mora in action during the World Cup. The Club Tijuana attacking midfielder has appeared twice for Mexico, including an impressive showing in a 3-0 win over Czechia.
Mora, only 17, is already featuring for his country on the biggest stage, and he’s tipped to become a superstar. It’s said that English interest in the playmaker has increased during the tournament.
At club level, he is making a name for himself, and he registered six goals and one assist in 20 games across competitions for Tijuana. His profile has been likened to that of Kevin De Bruyne, a superb passer who can dictate games with his impressive dribbling.
Mora made his club debut at the age of 16 and became the youngest ever goalscorer in Mexico’s top-flight. He has previously been on Manchester City’s radar, although there’s no indication that their scouts have also watched him at the World Cup.
Tijuana confirmed that Mora has signed a historic new deal, the club’s biggest ever contract. However, this includes an exit clause which allows him to move to a European club if suitable offers are made.
United Not Leading Race For Mora
English interest doesn’t mean Mora will end up in the Premier League, as he has also caught the eye of European clubs. TEAMtalk claims that Real Madrid are frontrunners to sign the Mexican, while Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also admirers.
United may therefore have a real fight on their hands to try and win the race for the in-demand attacker. It’s important that they guarantee senior football for the player who will clearly prioritise regular first-team action.
Heaven is an example of a youth signing who has been brought into the first-team fold. Michael Carrick has blended youth with experience since replacing Ruben Amorim in January.
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