Fantasy Football Report: Week 9

By - Tim Swift

It's Thursday again, so here's everything you need to know fantasy wise heading into Week 9.

1. Big Ben has been sneaky good this year.

Photo by: Getty Images

Through 7 games, Ben Roethlisberger has thrown 14 TDs against only 3 picks, making him the 5th highest rated QB in the NFL. Roethlisberger has called Todd Haley's offense a "dink and dunk" scheme, but this is the most efficient he has been in his nine-year career. Pittsburgh is currently ranked 24th in run offense, so I would expect Big Ben to continue to put up great numbers. Right now, he is on pace for over 4,500 yards and 32 scores, which would put him in the top 7 at the end of the year in total quarterback fantasy points.

2. Demaryius Thomas is becoming a star.

Over the last 4 weeks, Thomas has had 3 100-yard games, and is beginning to find major chemistry with Peyton Manning. He has also become one of the more dependable deep threats in the game, averaging 17.4 yards per catch. As long as Thomas is in the right place, Manning will find him, and looking at Denver's schedule the rest of the way, there are plenty of juicy matchups for them to exploit. Thomas is ranked around 15th in fantasy points at his position, and that number should only improve as the offense continues to evolve.

3. What the hell was Romeo Crennel thinking on Sunday?

Jamaal Charles has been the only steady performer on a very bad Chiefs offense this year, and somehow, he only managed to get 5 carries on Sunday. Yes, 5 lousy carries. Afterwards, Crennel said he didn't know why Charles was limited. Well Romeo, you are the head coach, so you should know why your star player isn't getting many touches. Owners were shocked to see Charles standing on the sidelines for much of the second half, especially when the outcome of the game was still in doubt. I expect him to get back on track against San Diego, who gave up 122 yards to Trent Richardson in Week 8.

4. Welcome back, Mr. Stafford.

Stafford had by far his best game of 2012 on Sunday, with 352 yards and 4 total scores. He has been shaky so far this year, turning the ball over way too much. There has been no real balance in Detroit, and the struggling run game has put a lot of pressure on Stafford. However, one of the saving graces for his owners is the fact that the Lions rank No. 1 in total pass attempts, so even if they are ahead -- they will keep airing it out. Just remember, Stafford has been more of a volume quarterback, not an efficient one, which means there will be some turnovers to go along with 300-yard games.

5. New Orleans defense, this is getting ridiculous.

The Saints D (if you can call it that) is giving up 475 yards a game, and has given up over 500 yards in 3 of their last 5. No team has ever given up as many yards through the first 7 games of a season. Now, there are several awful defenses in the NFL (I'm looking at you Buffalo and Tennessee), but week-to-week, the Saints seem to be getting worse. If you have almost any player going up against this defense, they are probably going to have a big day. In most standard scoring leagues, they've tallied 5 fantasy points -- for the year. They face Philly next, so expect a big time shoot out on Monday Night Football.

Solid Week 9 Waiver Wire Pickups:

Titus Young (WR), Cecil Shorts (WR), Santana Moss (WR), Daryl Richardson (RB)

The Underrated 15 For Week 9:

Quarterbacks:

1. Carson Palmer

2. Jay Cutler

3. Josh Freeman

Running Backs:

1. Jonathan Dwyer

2. Willis McGahee

3. Reggie Bush

Wide Receivers:

1. Antonio Brown

2. Titus Young

3. Denarius Moore

Tight Ends:

1. Greg Olsen

2. Brent Celek

3. Jason Witten

Defense/Special Teams:

1. Atlanta

2. Baltimore

3. Green Bay

*Catch me on Fantasy Football Live every Sunday morning from 8:00-9:00, and on the Thom Abraham Show every Wednesday afternoon starting at 3:40 for even more Fantasy Football talk on Sports Radio 560 WNSR Nashville.