The Thursday Night Football showdown between the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens brings plenty of intrigue for fantasy managers in Week 9. Both teams are on similar paths as they both have struggled this season, but Baltimore gets a big boost with Lamar Jackson returning this week. Below, I’ll explain who you can trust in your lineups, who should stay on the bench, and which players fall into that tricky gray area for Thursday night.
Lock Them into Your Lineup
- Lamar Jackson QB (BAL)
- Derrick Henry RB (BAL)
- De’Von Achane RB (MIA)
Strong Starts
Zay Flowers WR (BAL)
Zay Flowers should remain a strong start candidate in fantasy football for Week 9 as the Ravens look to rebound offensively with Lamar Jackson returning to action. Despite failing to score a touchdown since Week 1, Flowers has maintained steady volume, logging at least five receptions in every game but one. His consistent role in Baltimore’s passing attack gives him a reliable floor, even if the explosive plays have yet to resurface. Facing the Miami Dolphins, Flowers will need to capitalize on yards-after-catch opportunities against a defense that ranks 11th in fewest passing yards allowed per game. While Miami has limited opposing receivers to under 60 yards in each of the past two weeks, Flowers’ target share and chemistry with Jackson position him for potential breakout production.
Fantasy managers should start Flowers with tempered expectations but confidence in his volume-driven floor. The return of Jackson could rejuvenate the Ravens’ passing efficiency, especially in a matchup that projects as one of the week’s higher-scoring games. Flowers has been a consistent PPR contributor, averaging between 40–75 yards in four straight contests, and his short-area explosiveness could finally translate into chunk plays and a touchdown like it did to start the season with Lamar at QB. In what could become a shootout, Flowers offers WR2 upside in fantasy football lineups and a chance to end his touchdown drought.
Jaylen Waddle WR (MIA)
Jaylen Waddle should be a confident start for Week 9 after thriving as the Dolphins’ WR1 during Tyreek Hill’s absence. He’s posted 95 or more receiving yards in three of his last four games, including a 99-yard and one-touchdown outing against the Falcons’ elite secondary last week. Waddle has thrived in tough matchups, becoming the first wideout this year to top 90 yards against Atlanta’s defense. Over the past month, he’s averaged 80 yards per game and 15.6 fantasy points per contest while commanding a 22 percent target share and 50 percent air-yard share. His efficiency and usage suggest another high-volume performance is on the way.
Fantasy managers should start Waddle with confidence against a Ravens secondary that has allowed the fifth-most passing yards and second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Baltimore has struggled to contain deep threats and has surrendered the most red-zone touchdowns to the position, a category where Waddle excels. With Miami likely to play from behind, Tagovailoa should lean heavily on his top target, boosting Waddle’s chances of another 90-plus yard game. His recent consistency and elite usage make him a near must-start WR1 in fantasy football this week. Expect another strong showing in a potential shootout.
Mark Andrews TE (BAL)
Mark Andrews enters Week 9 as a solid start in fantasy football thanks to Lamar Jackson’s expected return and a favorable matchup against the Dolphins. Andrews has had a quiet 2025 season with just 24 catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns, but his underlying metrics remain strong, including a 25 percent red-zone target share, which is top ten among tight ends. The Dolphins’ defense ranks 22nd versus tight ends, allowing consistent production through the middle of the field. Baltimore’s offense has struggled without Jackson, but his return should restore the red-zone efficiency that historically benefits Andrews. This matchup provides an ideal opportunity for Andrews to bounce back and regain TE1 value.
Fantasy managers should start Andrews in Week 9 with confidence in both volume and touchdown potential. Miami has allowed the sixth-most yards and 11th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends, setting up Andrews for his best performance in weeks. His chemistry with Jackson and history of red-zone success make him a key player in this likely high-scoring matchup. Expect Baltimore to feature him early on short and intermediate routes, especially in the red zone, where he’s most dangerous. Andrews projects as a top-10 fantasy football tight end option this week with upside for a touchdown.
Players to Sit
Tua Tagovailoa QB (MIA)
Despite an impressive Week 8 showing with four touchdown passes against the Falcons, Tua Tagovailoa is a risky fantasy start in Week 9. Miami’s offense was at its sharpest last Sunday, but it’s unlikely to repeat that performance on a short week against a surging Ravens defense. Prior to Week 8, Tagovailoa scored fewer than 10 fantasy points in back-to-back games, struggling against both the Chargers and Browns. The Ravens have held opposing quarterbacks under 12 fantasy points in consecutive weeks, including strong outings against Matthew Stafford and Caleb Williams. While Tagovailoa remains efficient, the Dolphins’ offense may rely more on the run game to offset Baltimore’s pressure.
Fantasy managers should sit Tagovailoa this week unless desperate for a streaming option. His ceiling is capped by the matchup, as Baltimore ranks top five in fewest passing touchdowns allowed and has generated consistent quarterback pressure the last three weeks. Miami’s offensive line has been inconsistent, and the Ravens’ ability to force turnovers compounds the risk. Expect a regression in fantasy production after last week’s peak, making Tagovailoa a low-end QB2 play in Week 9 fantasy football.
Ollie Gordon II RB (MIA)
Rookie running back Ollie Gordon II flashed potential with 66 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against Atlanta, but fantasy football managers should sit him in Week 9. Despite his recent uptick in usage, Gordon remains firmly behind De’Von Achane in the Dolphins’ backfield pecking order. Miami’s crowded rotation now includes Jaylen Wright, and it limits Gordon’s opportunities for meaningful touches. The Ravens have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs, but have tightened up in recent weeks, getting healthier on defense. Gordon’s workload depends heavily on the game script, which may not favor Miami’s ground attack if they fall behind early.
Fantasy managers should stash Gordon for future matchups but sit him this week. His Week 8 performance showcased his potential as a goal-line option, yet his path to consistent snaps remains blocked. Baltimore’s defense allows touchdowns to lead backs but rarely to rotational runners. Without guaranteed volume or passing-down work, Gordon’s fantasy floor is dangerously low. He’s best left on benches outside of deep 14-team fantasy football leagues.
Rashod Bateman WR (BAL)
Rashod Bateman continues to be a tough player to trust in fantasy football lineups heading into Week 9. Despite a modest 51-yard performance in Week 8, Bateman’s season-long inconsistency makes him a clear sit candidate against the Dolphins. He’s eclipsed 5.0 PPR points only twice this year and has failed to command reliable targets even with injuries around him. With Lamar Jackson back, there’s hope for increased stability, but Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews dominate Baltimore’s target distribution.
Fantasy managers should sit Bateman until he proves he can sustain consistent production. The Dolphins have allowed only one player to surpass 100 receiving yards all season, making this matchup particularly difficult. Bateman’s limited role and target volatility severely cap his upside. Unless injuries elevate his usage, he’s better suited for benches in all fantasy football formats. Consider alternative WR options with steadier target shares and better matchups.
Justice Hill RB (BAL)
Justice Hill remains a fantasy football sit in Week 9 as his limited workload behind Derrick Henry continues to suppress his value. Hill has totaled just 90 rushing yards and one touchdown this season, with his biggest game coming back in Week 4. Henry’s role as Baltimore’s workhorse has left Hill with minimal opportunities outside of change-of-pace snaps, and Keaton Mitchell has also increased his role as of late. Miami’s defense allows over 5.0 yards per carry, but the majority of those touches will funnel through Henry. Without volume or red-zone opportunities, Hill offers little fantasy upside.
Fantasy managers should keep Hill on the bench this week. His low snap share and lack of passing-game involvement make him touchdown-dependent in an offense that rarely uses him near the goal line. Even with a favorable yards-per-carry matchup, the lack of touches makes Hill an unreliable fantasy option. Sit him in all formats this week as Baltimore’s offense consolidates around its core playmakers.
Isaiah Likely TE (BAL)
Isaiah Likely’s limited usage keeps him off the fantasy football radar entering Week 9. Through four games, he’s caught five passes for 26 yards on five targets, seeing nearly a 50/50 snap split with Mark Andrews last week. While Lamar Jackson’s return could lift Baltimore’s passing volume, Likely remains a secondary option in the offense. The Dolphins’ defense ranks 21st against tight ends, but it typically limits production from secondary receiving options. Likely’s 2024 breakout (477 yards, six touchdowns) hasn’t translated into consistent 2025 usage.
Fantasy managers should sit him in Week 9 and monitor his role going forward. Andrews dominates red-zone and short-yardage routes, leaving Likely with minimal scoring chances. His low target share and inconsistent role cap his fantasy upside, even in deeper formats. Until his snap count or target volume increases, Likely remains a bench or waiver wire player in fantasy football leagues.
On the Fence
Malik Washington WR (MIA)
Malik Washington has emerged as a deeper-league flex option in fantasy football after posting a season-best 13.6 PPR points in Week 8. He caught four passes for 36 yards and a touchdown, marking his first score of the season and showing growth in Miami’s passing offense. With Tyreek Hill sidelined, Washington has become a steady target earner, seeing 23 targets over the past four games. His short-area usage fits well with Miami’s quick-strike offense, though his 5.4 yards per reception limits big-play potential. He’s shown reliable hands but hasn’t demonstrated a ceiling worthy of a confident weekly start yet.
Fantasy managers in deeper PPR leagues can consider Washington a fringe start, but he’s better viewed as a sit in standard formats. His target floor provides some safety, yet Miami’s offensive distribution makes predicting his output difficult. With Jaylen Waddle commanding most of the volume, Washington will need another touchdown to return fantasy value. The Ravens have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers, so he’s a viable dart throw if you’re desperate. Still, his low yardage totals make him a risky fantasy football play in Week 9.
