Week 9 is on the horizon and today is the NFL Trade Deadline. Last year, several players, including Outsports fan favorite Jimmy Garoppolo, were dealt in what was deemed as one of the most active trade deadlines in recent memory.
With players like Amari Cooper already being traded prior to today, keep in mind the fantasy repercussions any of these trades could have.
Which players would you like to see traded?
Now, onto Team Equality.
With no openly gay players in the league, we formed a fantasy team from players who have shown their support for LGBT issues in interviews with Outsports and other media.
Here are our starts and sits for Week 9:
Quarterback
Start: Aaron Rodgers @ Patriots (SNF)
Rodgers proved last week against the Rams that his banged-up offense is not the issue. And with skepticism surrounding the running back situation in Green Bay, look for the Packers to rely on Rodgers more and more.
Sit: Andrew Luck (BYE), Cam Newton vs. Buccaneers, Derek Carr @ 49ers (TNF), Russell Wilson vs. Chargers
I was strongly considering Cam Newton as a starter this week given his strong play in his last five quarters, but Rodgers ultimately beat him out. Carr, Luck, and Wilson were simply a level under Newton and Rodgers.
Running back
Start: Jordan Howard @ Bills
The Bears are facing the Bills on a short week, where the Bears are likely to be winning for majority of the contest.
Start: Frank Gore vs. Jets
Gore continues to surprise, and with Miami’s uncertainty at quarterback, they will rely on their run game a lot more. Look for Gore to continue his tear.
Sit: Kyle Juszczyk vs. Raiders (TNF)
Juszczyk is seeing more run in the Niners’ offense, but it is not enough to warrant a start.
Wide receiver
Start: DeAndre Hopkins @ Broncos
Hopkins had two touchdowns in the fourth quarter during the Texans’ TNF win over the Dolphins. With Will Fuller out for the year, Hopkins’ role in the offense is only going to grow.
Start: Adam Thielen vs. Lions
Thielen eclipsed 100 receiving yards for the eighth straight game this season and continues to lead the league in yards. He continues to be the most surprising player this season in fantasy and perhaps the most valuable.
Sit: Davante Adams @ Patriots (SNF), Marquise Goodwin vs. 49ers, T.Y. Hilton (BYE), Kenny Stills vs. Jets, Robert Woods @ Saints
Among this list of very effective options, be on the lookout for Kenny Stills’ status this week as he missed last week with an injury.
Tight end/flex
Start: Rob Gronkowski vs. Packers (SNF), Travis Kelce @ Browns
Gronk and Kelce continue to be our 1-2 punch at tight end. Expect Kelce to break out as he faces a Browns team in peril with their recent coaching shuffle.
Defense
Start: Miami Dolphins vs. Jets
It was a mistake to start this team last week, but what’s the chance that they have two straight weeks of absolute mediocrity? The Jets have not played very well this season on offense and with the Dolphins well rested and back at their friendly confines, expect them to be a strong play this week.
Kicker
Start: Brandon McManus vs. Texans
McManus returns home to Denver to face the Texans, a team that allows more field goals than touchdowns. I like his chances this week to reach double digits.
Sit: Matt Prater @ Vikings
Prater only kicked two extra points last week, which was a red flag. This week, Prater and the Lions face the Vikings, a team desperate to get back on the right track. Look for the Vikes to shut down the Lions this week and limit Prater’s production.
LGBT Focus
Read more on these players’ LGBT views:
- These eight players would support a gay teammate (from 2018)
- These New England Patriots linemen would support a gay teammate (from 2018)
- 14 NFL Pro Bowlers say they would welcome a gay teammate (from 2017)
- NFL players react to Michael Sam coming out (from 2014)
- 62 active NFL players who have made statements in support of gays (from 2013)
- Carson Palmer, 12 Indianapolis Colts would embrace openly gay teammate (from 2013)
Jeremy Brener is a student at the University of Central Florida who writes for Outsports. He can be reached via email ([email protected]) and followed on Twitter.