Justin Jefferson is about to absolutely feast, and that’s not even the boldest prediction for Week 9. We are officially at the halfway mark of the 2026 NFL season after this weekend, and while folks will be reflecting on everything later, right now, we gotta focus on the here and now, especially for those crucial fantasy matchups.
Jefferson Set to Remind Everyone Who He Is
Look, Justin Jefferson is still as elite as it gets, and he’s got a point to prove. After that frustrating loss last week, you know the Vikings are gonna feed him. We’re talking a classic “squeaky-wheel” situation brewing for Monday night. The thing is, Kyler Murray and the Vikings’ passing game? They just aren’t clicking. Murray’s only hitting those key slant, dig, or post routes , the ones that unlock big plays in Kevin O’Connell’s offense , on a measly 10.4% of his throws. Only Bo Nix and Patrick Mahomes are doing it less often among NFL quarterbacks. That’s a huge problem.
Now, Carson Wentz, who is stepping in, is looking better in that regard, at 17.9% this season and 16% last year. And get this, it’s closer to what our own Sam Darnold managed in 2024 with 17.8% and what Kirk Cousins did in 2022 and 2023 at 15.9%. So while Wentz isn’t anyone’s “savior,” he can run the offense and find Jefferson. And he can do it in a big way against a Bills defense that’s been giving up a *ton* of production to outside receivers. This is a prime spot for Jefferson to go nuclear and stake his claim as the overall WR1 for the week.
Jonah Coleman Just Took Over the Backfield, Period
Alright, if you didn’t notice last week, get ready. Jonah Coleman absolutely *took over* the backfield from J.K. Dobbins after the opening quarter. This isn’t some minor shift, folks. Coleman racked up 26.8 expected fantasy points in Week 8, which was the third highest among all running backs! Denver, believe it or not, has been sneaky good for fantasy running backs, but the production has been split three ways over the past year. With no RJ Harvey in the picture, Coleman is officially the trusted guy, especially in the passing game. He’s also running way more successfully than Dobbins, his veteran counterpart.
And the matchup? Chef’s kiss. Carolina’s rushing defense hasn’t been a complete disaster since their Week 1 blowout against Chicago, but they are still a bottom-five scoring defense against the position, giving up 12 touchdowns in seven games! You know what that means when Bryce Young is reportedly “running for his life” on the other side? Touchdown opportunities everywhere! We saw it happen for Josh Jacobs and Bucky Irving the last two weeks, and Coleman is set for it. With his goal-line looks *and* his receiving work, he doesn’t even need a massive rushing day to hit 20+ fantasy points. Get him in your lineups!
Rome Odunze Is Due for a Much-Needed Breakout
It’s been a slow start for Rome Odunze, no doubt. He only topped 52 receiving yards once in the first six weeks, and let’s be real, the Bears’ passing attack has been all out of whack with Caleb Williams missing three games. That’s left Odunze sitting as WR53 in fantasy points per game. BUT, before you count him out, check this: he’s still 20th in receiving yards and 32nd in receptions among all receivers. The talent is there, the volume is there, but the biggest problem? Touchdowns. After finding the end zone six times in 12 outings last year, he hasn’t scored once through eight games this season.
This is the week that changes. You’ve got to believe the dam is about to break for Odunze. He’s making plays, getting the ball, and he’s due for that first score. Expect him to finally hit 90 yards and, more importantly, get that monkey off his back with his first touchdown of the season.
So there you have it, Seattle, some Week 9 predictions to keep your fantasy teams rocking. Keep an eye on Jefferson’s monstrous potential, Coleman’s takeover, and Odunze’s overdue trip to the end zone. Good luck with those matchups!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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