ESPN analyst Matt Bowen identified six NFL players as newly trustworthy for fantasy football lineups — and four he no longer recommends — ahead of Week 9, according to a piece published Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Bowen labeled Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams a reliable WR2/flex option after he averaged 19.5 fantasy points per game over his last four outings and scored at least one touchdown in three straight games. Williams posted 26.1 points in Week 7.
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Denver Broncos rookie running back Jonah Coleman earned trust as the team’s top back following a Week 8 win over Kansas City, where he totaled 104 yards and a touchdown on 15 touches for 20.4 fantasy points. Bowen expects Coleman to remain an RB2 against the Panthers in Week 9.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy is now viewed as a stable WR3, averaging 13.3 fantasy points per game over his last four with two touchdowns. He averages 5.3 targets per game and faces the Colts in Week 9. Flournoy is available in more than 75% of ESPN leagues.
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen has averaged 18.4 fantasy points per game over his last four, with 100-plus total yards in each. He has filled in for injured Breece Hall (quad). Bowen says Allen remains a flex option even if Hall returns for Week 9 against Kansas City.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington is the team’s No. 1 target in a low-volume passing offense. He has scored at least 11 fantasy points in four of his past five games and faces the Lions in Week 9.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Antonio Williams caught five passes for 54 yards and 10.4 points in Week 8 against the Eagles. With Terry McLaurin out for the season (knee), Williams is stepping into a larger role. He is available in more than 80% of ESPN leagues.
Bowen advised against starting Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in standard 10–12 team leagues. Without Davante Adams (IR, hamstring), Stafford has failed to reach 200 passing yards in his past two games and has minus-3 rushing yards over his last four.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has just three double-digit fantasy games this season and only four receptions of 20+ yards despite 8.1 targets per game. He averages 9.7 fantasy points per game.
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid has four games with 10+ fantasy points — all with six or more targets — and three with fewer than four points — all with three or fewer targets. Bowen considers him matchup-dependent and advises sitting him against Minnesota in Week 9.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has scored just 15.78 fantasy points across his past two starts. He has thrown at least one interception in each and been sacked 11 times over that span. Young is playing with a banged-up knee that limits his mobility.
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