The ninth week of the 2025 fantasy football season showcased standout performances from several players while others failed to meet expectations. Notable among the successes were tight end Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders and running back Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers, while running back Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions faced a disappointing outing. Analysts Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft provide insights into the week’s winners and losers.
Top Fantasy Performers of Week 9
Bowers led the charge with an impressive 43.3 points in an overtime loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking the highest score by a tight end this season. After recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for three games, Bowers excelled, catching 12 of 13 targets for 127 yards and three touchdowns. His performance solidified his status as a top option, even as he faces a challenging matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 10.
Following closely was McCaffrey, who scored 34.3 fantasy points, reclaiming the top scoring position in the league with a total of 231.2 points. This is the highest total for a running back after nine games since Alvin Kamara’s 246.4 in 2020. Despite the absence of regular quarterback Brock Purdy for several games and numerous injuries impacting the team, McCaffrey’s ability to contribute consistently makes him a reliable fantasy asset.
Wide receiver Drake London of the Atlanta Falcons also shone brightly, scoring a season-high 38.8 points against the New England Patriots. London caught nine passes for 118 yards and secured three touchdowns. With two games scoring over 30 points in the last three outings, he is expected to maintain his strong performance in the upcoming matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
Other notable performances included Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, who returned from injury to score 25.56 points and Joe Flacco of the Cincinnati Bengals, who recorded 30.7 points in a loss to the Bears. Flacco’s 470 passing yards highlighted a challenging season for the Bengals, who are now heading into their bye week.
Disappointing Fantasy Performances
On the flip side, Gibbs struggled significantly, managing only 5.8 points against the Minnesota Vikings. He averaged just 2.8 yards per carry and failed to contribute effectively in the passing game. Having previously scored a season-high 36.8 points, Gibbs will aim for a rebound in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders.
The offense of the Indianapolis Colts also faced scrutiny after a lackluster performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where the team fell short with a 27-20 loss. Quarterback Daniel Jones struggled with five turnovers, and running back Jonathan Taylor, who had been the top scorer in fantasy football, managed only 7.7 points. The Colts need to regroup quickly as they prepare for an international game against the Falcons in Berlin.
Similarly, Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs had a disappointing outing, scoring just 15.7 points, which contrasts sharply with his playoff performances. The Chiefs now have a bye week to reassess their strategy before facing the Broncos.
As the season progresses, players will need to navigate injuries and fluctuating performances. Key injuries include tight end Tucker Kraft of the Packers, who may have sustained a torn ACL, and quarterback C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans, who is currently in concussion protocol. The aftermath of these injuries could significantly impact team dynamics and fantasy lineups as the league approaches the second half of the season.
Players and managers alike will be watching closely as they prepare for the next round of matchups, eager to capitalize on emerging talents and recover from recent setbacks.
