Week 9 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Flex, PPR Advice for Fringe Fantasy Football Stars

The 2026 fantasy football season has been a roller coaster thus far, and things aren't likely to slow down as midseason approaches. Injuries, unexpected slumps, and tough matchups have made it difficult to pick which fringe starters are worth playing—even in the versatile flex spot.

This week, managers must also contend with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans being on bye.

Here, you'll find early start/sit recommendations for some top fringe flex options for point-per-reception (PPR) leagues in Week 9.

Start: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins had a miserable outing against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. Cleveland fell behind early and its suspect offensive line struggled to open holes against an aggressive defensive front.

Judkins has mostly been a disappointment this season because of Cleveland's O-line issues and its tendency to play from behind. However, he tallied 23.4 fantasy points against the Tennessee Titans two weeks ago and could trend in that direction again this week.

The Browns are set to visit the New Orleans Saints, who have struggled defensively, especially against the run, this season. The Saints are coming off their bye and may have a solid plan for slowing Judkins, but it's a promising matchup overall.

New Orleans has surrendered 11 rushing touchdowns this season and has surrendered more fantasy points to opposing running backs than any other team.

Sit: Ollie Gordon II, RB, Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II has been much more consistent than Judkins, which may be surprising to many managers. Gordon didn't even step in as Miami's lead back until De'Von Achane was lost for the season.

Over his last five games, Gordon has reached double-digit fantasy points four times.

However, Gordon hasn't knifed through every defense he has faced. He struggled to gain traction against the New England Patriots on Sunday, finishing with a modest 6.9 fantasy points. He could have another underwhelming day this week against the Detroit Lions.

The Lions have featured one of the league's worst pass defenses, but Gordon isn't heavily utilized in the passing game. Detroit also has a stout defensive front and has surrendered the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this season.

Start: Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

Ladd McConkey has been one of fantasy's biggest letdowns this season, largely because the Los Angeles Chargers have been the biggest disappointment in the NFL.

The Chargers remain the league's only winless team, and their offense has been a mess under new coordinator Mike McDaniel. McConkey, meanwhile, has been in and out of the lineup with injuries.

Yet, McConkey has shown glimmers of hope. He has reached double-digit fantasy points three times and is coming off a 12.6-point outing with a strong matchup looming.

Los Angeles will host the Houston Texans, who have surrendered the third-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in 2026.

New York Jets receiver Garrett Wilson has been a volatile flex option in 2026. While he's been dependable more often than not—he has five double-digit outings thus far—he disappointed in Weeks 6 and 7 as rookie Omar Cooper Jr. started to shine.

Wilson rebounded in a big way against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, finishing with 6 catches on 11 targets for 83 yards and 14.3 fantasy points. Cooper was not targeted a single time.

While the Jets may try to target Wilson heavily again this week, there's no guarantee that the strategy will work or that he'll come through for fantasy managers. New York is set to visit the Kansas City Chiefs and will likely need a more varied approach to outmaneuver Steve Spagnuolo's defense.

Only the Seattle Seahawks have surrendered fewer fantasy points to opposing receivers than Kansas City.

*Fantasy scoring information from FantasyPros .