Week 9 of the NFL season is just around the corner! Using matchup information, sportsbook data, and player and statistical analysis, I’ve developed my top 24 running backs for this week. Along with my top 24 RB fantasy football rankings and tiers, I’ll give you my must-start running back for Week 9 of the fantasy football season. Let’s get right into it. 

Week 9 – Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings (PPR)

Tier 1

1. Austin Ekeler @ NYJ

2. Alvin Kamara vs. CHI

3. D’Andre Swift vs. DAL

Tier 2

4. Saquon Barkley @ LV

5. Jonathan Taylor @ CAR

6. Breece Hall vs. LAC

7. Bijan Robinson vs. MIN

8. Tony Pollard @ PHI

9. Josh Jacobs vs. NYG

Tier 3

10. Raheem Mostert @ KC

11. Kenneth Walker @ BAL

12. Joe Mixon vs. BUF

13. Derrick Henry @ PIT

14. Isiah Pacheco vs. MIA

Tier 4

15. Rachaad White @ HOU

16. Gus Edwards vs. SEA

17. Rhamondre Stevenson vs. WAS

18. James Cook @ CIN

19. Aaron Jones vs. LAR

Tier 5

20. Chuba Hubbard vs. IND

21. Jerome Ford vs. ARI

22. Kareem Hunt vs. ARI

23. Zack Moss @ CAR

24. Najee Harris vs. TEN

Fantasy Football – Start Of The Week

RB Jerome Ford vs. Arizona Cardinals

The rule for my start of the week is to go beyond the obvious and pick a running back outside the top 24 FantasyPros consensus rankings. Going up against the Arizona Cardinals, Jerome Ford is my start of the week.

Let me preface this section by saying this is the worst running back group we’ve seen all year. That said, of the poor options, Ford should be a top-24 running back this week.

The main concerns with Ford are the ankle injury and the expanded role of Kareem Hunt. Even with his ankle injury, Ford still played about 50% of the snaps last week, and I expect him to see an even larger role with a week’s rest.

The only reason Hunt is playing so well is his touchdown efficiency. However, Hunt has yet to go over 4 YPC this year and clearly isn’t the same back he once was. These touchdowns will balance out in favor of Ford sooner rather than later.

After trading Josh Dobbs at the deadline, the Cardinals will likely start Clayton Tune in Week 9. This makes the Browns 7.5-point favorites, allowing them to run the ball all game. This increased volume will allow both Ford and Hunt to finish as a low-end RB2 this week.

If you needed any more convincing, the Cardinals have given up the 14th most fantasy points to running backs with 22.4 PPG. Now, Ford may not go nuclear this week, but he’s definitely worthy of a top 24 spot.

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