1Kenneth Walker IIIKCRB13.1🌶️🌶️🌶️3 of 5 peppers, Hot
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Kenneth Walker III (KC RB) as a start in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs NYJ, with 13.1 projected fantasy points and a hot Pepper Meter rating, our RB1 this week. For Sally this is a volume bet, and the volume is there: 2.1 points clear of the starter baseline. 13.1 projected points is roughly 19% more than the RB baseline, and that gap is the entire argument for the spot at RB1. Facing NYJ in front of his own crowd, the script reads neutral to friendly, not scary. Sally keeps the Pepper Meter at Hot here because the ceiling is capped, not the role.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
2Ja'Marr ChaseCINWR12.5🌶️🌶️🌶️3 of 5 peppers, Hot
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Ja'Marr Chase (CIN WR) as a start in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at ATL, with 12.5 projected fantasy points and a hot Pepper Meter rating, our WR2 this week. Sally doesn't overthink it — that's 2.5 points of upside over the position line, so he plays. 98% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. 12.5 projected points is roughly 25% more than the WR baseline, and that gap is the entire argument for the spot at WR2. Hot on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
3Jahmyr GibbsDETRB12.3🌶️🌶️2 of 5 peppers, Spicy
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Jahmyr Gibbs (DET RB) as a start in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at MIA, with 12.3 projected fantasy points and a spicy Pepper Meter rating, our RB3 this week. Sally doesn't overthink it — that's 1.3 points of upside over the position line, so he plays. 98% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. 12.3 projected points is roughly 12% more than the RB baseline, and that gap is the entire argument for the spot at RB3. Spicy on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
4Josh AllenBUFQB11.9🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Josh Allen (BUF QB) as a start in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at MIN, with 11.9 projected fantasy points and a mild Pepper Meter rating, our QB4 this week. Sally's angle is simple: he's a top-six QB on our board, and she never benches the guys who win weeks. He's still in 92% of lineups at 100% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. The projection sits about 30% under what a startable QB returns, so I can't pretend the price tag matches the output. Mild on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
5Joe BurrowCINQB11.4🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Joe Burrow (CIN QB) as a start in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at ATL, with 11.4 projected fantasy points and a mild Pepper Meter rating, our QB5 this week. Sally's angle is simple: he's a top-six QB on our board, and she never benches the guys who win weeks. ATL is the opponent, and that's the part of this I'm least worried about. He's still in 89% of lineups at 99% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Mild heat, high rank: reliable points without the fireworks.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
6Christian McCaffreySFRB10.5🌶️🌶️2 of 5 peppers, Spicy
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Christian McCaffrey (SF RB) as a start in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs LV, with 10.5 projected fantasy points and a spicy Pepper Meter rating, our RB6 this week. Sally's angle is simple: he's a top-six RB on our board, and she never benches the guys who win weeks. The vs LV draw matters here — home snaps against LV shape how often he's asked to do something. He's still in 93% of lineups at 100% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Spicy heat, high rank: reliable points without the fireworks.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
7Jayden DanielsWSHQB10.5🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Jayden Daniels (WSH QB) as a start in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs LAR, with 10.5 projected fantasy points and a mild Pepper Meter rating, our QB7 this week. Sally wants fireworks, and 6.5 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. 10.5 points is roughly 38% short of the QB baseline, and I rank on output, not name recognition. Facing LAR in front of his own crowd, the script reads neutral to friendly, not scary. Sally keeps the Pepper Meter at Mild here because the ceiling is capped, not the role.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
8Trevor LawrenceJAXQB10.4🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Trevor Lawrence (JAX QB) as a start in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at BAL, with 10.4 projected fantasy points and a mild Pepper Meter rating, our QB8 this week. Sally's honest about it: 6.6 points under the starter line isn't the ceiling she chases. On the road against BAL, I expect the game to stay competitive enough that his usage holds. He's still in 66% of lineups at 93% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Mild heat, high rank: reliable points without the fireworks.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
9Drake MayeNEQB10.2🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Drake Maye (NE QB) as a start in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs GB, with 10.2 projected fantasy points and a mild Pepper Meter rating, our QB9 this week. Sally wants fireworks, and 6.8 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. He's still in 85% of lineups at 99% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Nothing in the projection defends him — 40% below positional par is a bench line for me. The Pepper Meter cools him to Mild, and that reading is doing its job.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
10James Cook IIIBUFRB10.1🌶️🌶️2 of 5 peppers, Spicy
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists James Cook III (BUF RB) as a start in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at MIN, with 10.1 projected fantasy points and a spicy Pepper Meter rating, our RB10 this week. Sally's honest about it: 0.9 points under the starter line isn't the ceiling she chases. He's still in 96% of lineups at 100% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. The projection sits about 8% under what a startable RB returns, so I can't pretend the price tag matches the output. The Pepper Meter cools him to Spicy, and that reading is doing its job.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
Top 10 sits
PlayerPosProjHeat
1Bijan RobinsonATLRB9.5🌶️🌶️2 of 5 peppers, Spicy
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Bijan Robinson (ATL RB) as a sit in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs CIN, with only 9.5 projected fantasy points and a spicy Pepper Meter rating. Tina's pushback: 99% of leagues start him, so you gain nothing on your opponent here — the edge is elsewhere. He's still in 99% of lineups at 100% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. He grades 14% below the average weekly RB number, which is a floor problem more than a ceiling one. The Pepper Meter cools him to Spicy, and that reading is doing its job.
Tina's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
2Jonathan TaylorINDRB7.8🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Jonathan Taylor (IND RB) as a sit in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs DAL, with only 7.8 projected fantasy points and a mild Pepper Meter rating. Tina plays contrarian — with 98% start rate he's priced in, and she cares more about his floor than his name. Nothing in the projection defends him — 29% below positional par is a bench line for me. The vs DAL draw matters here — home snaps against DAL shape how often he's asked to do something. Mild on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Tina's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
3Javonte WilliamsDALRB7.6🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Javonte Williams (DAL RB) as a sit in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at IND, with only 7.6 projected fantasy points and a mild Pepper Meter rating. Tina's pushback: 95% of leagues start him, so you gain nothing on your opponent here — the edge is elsewhere. He grades 31% below the average weekly RB number, which is a floor problem more than a ceiling one. IND is the opponent, and that's the part of this I'm least worried about. Mild on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Tina's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
4Kyren WilliamsLARRB7.7🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Kyren Williams (LAR RB) as a sit in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at WSH, with only 7.7 projected fantasy points and a mild Pepper Meter rating. Tina plays contrarian — with 95% start rate he's priced in, and she cares more about his floor than his name. Facing WSH away from home, the script reads neutral to friendly, not scary. He's still in 95% of lineups at 99% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Tina keeps him at Mild until the usage says otherwise.
Tina's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
5Derrick HenryBALRB6.8🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Derrick Henry (BAL RB) as a sit in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs JAX, with only 6.8 projected fantasy points and a mild Pepper Meter rating. Tina's pushback: 94% of leagues start him, so you gain nothing on your opponent here — the edge is elsewhere. JAX is the opponent, and that's the part of this I'm least worried about. He's still in 94% of lineups at 100% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Tina keeps him at Mild until the usage says otherwise.
Tina's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
6Drake LondonATLWR7.1🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Drake London (ATL WR) as a sit in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs CIN, with only 7.1 projected fantasy points and a mild Pepper Meter rating. Tina plays contrarian — with 94% start rate he's priced in, and she cares more about his floor than his name. 7.1 points is roughly 29% short of the WR baseline, and I honestly rank on output, not name recognition. Facing CIN in front of his own crowd, the script reads neutral to friendly, not scary. Mild on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Tina's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
7Tee HigginsCINWR8.9🌶️🌶️2 of 5 peppers, Spicy
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Tee Higgins (CIN WR) as a sit in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at ATL, with only 8.9 projected fantasy points and a spicy Pepper Meter rating. Tina plays contrarian — with 90% start rate he's priced in, and she cares more about his floor than his name. 8.9 points is roughly 11% short of the WR baseline, and I honestly rank on output, not name recognition. Facing ATL away from home, the script reads neutral to friendly, not scary. Spicy on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Tina's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
8Malik NabersNYGWR8.6🌶️🌶️2 of 5 peppers, Spicy
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Malik Nabers (NYG WR) as a sit in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at PHI, with only 8.6 projected fantasy points and a spicy Pepper Meter rating. Tina's pushback: 88% of leagues start him, so you gain nothing on your opponent here — the edge is elsewhere. On the road against PHI, I expect the game to stay competitive enough that his usage holds. He's still in 88% of lineups at 99% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Tina keeps him at Spicy until the usage says otherwise.
Tina's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
9Ashton JeantyLVRB7.1🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Ashton Jeanty (LV RB) as a sit in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at SF, with only 7.1 projected fantasy points and a mild Pepper Meter rating. Tina's pushback: 87% of leagues start him, so you gain nothing on your opponent here — the edge is elsewhere. The projection sits about 35% under what a startable RB returns, so I honestly can't pretend the price tag matches the output. On the road against SF, I expect the game to stay competitive enough that his usage holds. Mild on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Tina's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
10Chase BrownCINRB8🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks lists Chase Brown (CIN RB) as a sit in Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at ATL, with only 8.0 projected fantasy points and a mild Pepper Meter rating. Tina plays contrarian — with 87% start rate he's priced in, and she cares more about his floor than his name. He's still in 87% of lineups at 99% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Nothing in the projection defends him — 27% below positional par is a bench line for me. The Pepper Meter cools him to Mild, and that reading is doing its job.
Tina's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Josh Allen (BUF QB), our QB1 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at MIN, projecting 11.9 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally's angle is simple: he's a top-three QB on our board, and she never benches the guys who win weeks. He's still in 92% of lineups at 100% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. The projection sits about 30% under what a startable QB returns, so I can't pretend the price tag matches the output. Mild on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
2Joe Burrow CIN · QB11.4#2🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Joe Burrow (CIN QB), our QB2 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at ATL, projecting 11.4 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally's angle is simple: he's a top-three QB on our board, and she never benches the guys who win weeks. ATL is the opponent, and that's the part of this I'm least worried about. He's still in 89% of lineups at 99% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Mild heat, high rank: reliable points without the fireworks.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
3Jayden Daniels WSH · QB10.5#3🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Jayden Daniels (WSH QB), our QB3 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs LAR, projecting 10.5 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally's angle is simple: he's a top-three QB on our board, and she never benches the guys who win weeks. He's still in 66% of lineups at 95% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Nothing in the projection defends him — 38% below positional par is a bench line for me. Mild on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
4Trevor Lawrence JAX · QB10.4#4🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Trevor Lawrence (JAX QB), our QB4 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at BAL, projecting 10.4 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally's angle is simple: he's a top-six QB on our board, and she never benches the guys who win weeks. He's still in 66% of lineups at 93% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Nothing in the projection defends him — 39% below positional par is a bench line for me. Mild on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
5Drake Maye NE · QB10.2#5🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Drake Maye (NE QB), our QB5 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs GB, projecting 10.2 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally's angle is simple: he's a top-six QB on our board, and she never benches the guys who win weeks. He's still in 85% of lineups at 99% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. He grades 40% below the average weekly QB number, which is a floor problem more than a ceiling one. Mild on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
6C.J. Stroud HOU · QB10.1#6🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks C.J. Stroud (HOU QB), our QB6 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at LAC, projecting 10.1 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally's angle is simple: he's a top-six QB on our board, and she never benches the guys who win weeks. 32% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. The projection sits about 41% under what a startable QB returns, so I can't pretend the price tag matches the output. Mild on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
7Brock Purdy SF · QB10#7🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Brock Purdy (SF QB), our QB7 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs LV, projecting 10.0 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 7 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. 10 points is roughly 41% short of the QB baseline, and I rank on output, not name recognition. Facing LV in front of his own crowd, the script reads neutral to friendly, not scary. Sally keeps the Pepper Meter at Mild here because the ceiling is capped, not the role.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
8Patrick Mahomes KC · QB9.2#8🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Patrick Mahomes (KC QB), our QB8 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs NYJ, projecting 9.2 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally's honest about it: 7.8 points under the starter line isn't the ceiling she chases. He's still in 47% of lineups at 93% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. The questionable designation on the timestamp below is the one variable that could blow this up — confirm it Sunday morning. Mild on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
9Bryce Young CAR · QB8.9#9🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Bryce Young (CAR QB), our QB9 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs DEN, projecting 8.9 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 8.1 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. 8.9 points is roughly 48% short of the QB baseline, and I rank on output, not name recognition. Facing DEN in front of his own crowd, the script reads neutral to friendly, not scary. Mild on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
10Jordan Love GB · QB8.8#10🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Jordan Love (GB QB), our QB10 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at NE, projecting 8.8 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally's honest about it: 8.2 points under the starter line isn't the ceiling she chases. The projection sits about 48% under what a startable QB returns, so I can't pretend the price tag matches the output. On the road against NE, I expect the game to stay competitive enough that his usage holds. Mild on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
11Tyler Shough NO · QB8.4#11🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Tyler Shough (NO QB), our QB11 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs CLE, projecting 8.4 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 8.6 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. The vs CLE draw matters here — home snaps against CLE shape how often he's asked to do something. 20% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Sally keeps him at Mild until the usage says otherwise.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
12Jared Goff DET · QB8.3#12🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Jared Goff (DET QB), our QB12 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at MIA, projecting 8.3 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 8.7 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. The at MIA draw matters here — road snaps against MIA shape how often he's asked to do something. He's still in 53% of lineups at 92% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Sally keeps him at Mild until the usage says otherwise.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
13Bo Nix DEN · QB8.2#13🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Bo Nix (DEN QB), our QB13 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at CAR, projecting 8.2 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 8.8 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. The at CAR draw matters here — road snaps against CAR shape how often he's asked to do something. 17% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Sally keeps him at Mild until the usage says otherwise.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
14Dak Prescott DAL · QB8#14🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Dak Prescott (DAL QB), our QB14 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at IND, projecting 8.0 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 9 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. Facing IND away from home, the script reads neutral to friendly, not scary. He's still in 64% of lineups at 93% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Sally keeps him at Mild until the usage says otherwise.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
15Caleb Williams CHI · QB8#15🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Caleb Williams (CHI QB), our QB15 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs TB, projecting 8.0 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally's honest about it: 9 points under the starter line isn't the ceiling she chases. 34% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. The projection sits about 53% under what a startable QB returns, so I can't pretend the price tag matches the output. The Pepper Meter cools him to Mild, and that reading is doing its job.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
16J.J. McCarthy NYG · QB8#16🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks J.J. McCarthy (NYG QB), our QB16 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at PHI, projecting 8.0 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 9 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. Facing PHI away from home, the script reads neutral to friendly, not scary. Fair warning: he carries a questionable tag as of the timestamp below, so re-check before kickoff. Sally keeps him at Mild until the usage says otherwise.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
17Kirk Cousins MIN · QB7.9#17🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Kirk Cousins (MIN QB), our QB17 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs BUF, projecting 7.9 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 9.1 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. 7.9 points is roughly 54% short of the QB baseline, and I rank on output, not name recognition. Facing BUF in front of his own crowd, the script reads neutral to friendly, not scary. Mild on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
18Fernando Mendoza LV · QB7.4#18🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Fernando Mendoza (LV QB), our QB18 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at SF, projecting 7.4 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 9.6 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. Nothing in the projection defends him — 56% below positional par is a bench line for me. The at SF draw matters here — road snaps against SF shape how often he's asked to do something. Sally keeps him at Mild until the usage says otherwise.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
19Deshaun Watson CLE · QB7.3#19🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Deshaun Watson (CLE QB), our QB19 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at NO, projecting 7.3 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally's honest about it: 9.7 points under the starter line isn't the ceiling she chases. NO is the opponent, and that's the part of this I'm least worried about. Fair warning: he carries a questionable tag as of the timestamp below, so re-check before kickoff. Sally keeps him at Mild until the usage says otherwise.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
20Geno Smith NYJ · QB6.9#20🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Geno Smith (NYJ QB), our QB20 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at KC, projecting 6.9 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally's honest about it: 10.1 points under the starter line isn't the ceiling she chases. The projection sits about 59% under what a startable QB returns, so I can't pretend the price tag matches the output. On the road against KC, I expect the game to stay competitive enough that his usage holds. Mild on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
21Matthew Stafford LAR · QB6.8#21🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Matthew Stafford (LAR QB), our QB21 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at WSH, projecting 6.8 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 10.2 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. Nothing in the projection defends him — 60% below positional par is a bench line for me. The at WSH draw matters here — road snaps against WSH shape how often he's asked to do something. Mild on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
22Michael Penix Jr. ATL · QB6.6#22🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Michael Penix Jr. (ATL QB), our QB22 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs CIN, projecting 6.6 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally's honest about it: 10.4 points under the starter line isn't the ceiling she chases. At home against CIN, I expect the game to stay competitive enough that his usage holds. 6% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Sally keeps him at Mild until the usage says otherwise.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
23Baker Mayfield TB · QB6.4#23🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Baker Mayfield (TB QB), our QB23 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at CHI, projecting 6.4 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 10.6 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. Nothing in the projection defends him — 62% below positional par is a bench line for me. The at CHI draw matters here — road snaps against CHI shape how often he's asked to do something. Mild on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
24Justin Herbert LAC · QB6.1#24🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Justin Herbert (LAC QB), our QB24 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs HOU, projecting 6.1 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally's honest about it: 10.9 points under the starter line isn't the ceiling she chases. 8% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. The questionable designation on the timestamp below is the one variable that could blow this up — confirm it Sunday morning. The Pepper Meter cools him to Mild, and that reading is doing its job.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
25Joe Milton PHI · QB6.1#25🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Joe Milton (PHI QB), our QB25 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs NYG, projecting 6.1 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 10.9 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. 6.1 points is roughly 64% short of the QB baseline, and I rank on output, not name recognition. Facing NYG in front of his own crowd, the script reads neutral to friendly, not scary. Mild on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
26Carson Beck ARI · QB6#26🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Carson Beck (ARI QB), our QB26 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at SEA, projecting 6.0 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 11 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. Nothing in the projection defends him — 65% below positional par is a bench line for me. The at SEA draw matters here — road snaps against SEA shape how often he's asked to do something. The Pepper Meter cools him to Mild, and that reading is doing its job.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
27Jacoby Brissett BAL · QB5.2#27🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Jacoby Brissett (BAL QB), our QB27 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs JAX, projecting 5.2 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally's honest about it: 11.8 points under the starter line isn't the ceiling she chases. The projection sits about 69% under what a startable QB returns, so I can't pretend the price tag matches the output. At home against JAX, I expect the game to stay competitive enough that his usage holds. Mild on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
28Daniel Jones IND · QB5.1#28🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Daniel Jones (IND QB), our QB28 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs DAL, projecting 5.1 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 11.9 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. 2% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. 5.1 points is roughly 70% short of the QB baseline, and I rank on output, not name recognition. The Pepper Meter cools him to Mild, and that reading is doing its job.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
29Drew Lock SEA · QB1#29🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Drew Lock (SEA QB), our QB29 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs ARI, projecting 1.0 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 16 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. Facing ARI in front of his own crowd, the script reads neutral to friendly, not scary. Fair warning: he carries a questionable tag as of the timestamp below, so re-check before kickoff. Sally keeps him at Mild until the usage says otherwise.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
30Jameis Winston NYG · QB0.3#30🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks ranks Jameis Winston (NYG QB), our QB30 this week for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at PHI, projecting 0.3 projected points with a mild Pepper Meter rating. Sally wants fireworks, and 16.7 points below a typical starter isn't fireworks. 0.3 points is roughly 98% short of the QB baseline, and I rank on output, not name recognition. Facing PHI away from home, the script reads neutral to friendly, not scary. Mild on the Pepper Meter is generous, honestly.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Kenneth Walker III (KC RB) carries a hot Pepper Meter rating on the Peppers & Picks Pepper Meter for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs NYJ, with 13.1 projected fantasy points. For Sally this is a volume bet, and the volume is there: 2.1 points clear of the starter baseline. The math is unsexy and convincing: 13.1 points, 19% above what the position pays out on average. NYJ is the opponent, and that's the part of this I'm least worried about. Sally keeps the Pepper Meter at Hot here because the ceiling is capped, not the role.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
Ja'Marr Chase
CIN · WR · Snap share is trending the right way.
🌶️🌶️🌶️3 of 5 peppers, Hot
Hot
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Ja'Marr Chase (CIN WR) carries a hot Pepper Meter rating on the Peppers & Picks Pepper Meter for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at ATL, with 12.5 projected fantasy points. Sally doesn't overthink it — that's 2.5 points of upside over the position line, so he plays. 98% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. The math is unsexy and convincing: 12.5 points, 25% above what the position pays out on average. Hot on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
Jahmyr Gibbs
DET · RB · Red-zone work is his now.
🌶️🌶️2 of 5 peppers, Spicy
Spicy
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Jahmyr Gibbs (DET RB) carries a spicy Pepper Meter rating on the Peppers & Picks Pepper Meter for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at MIA, with 12.3 projected fantasy points. Sally doesn't overthink it — that's 1.3 points of upside over the position line, so he plays. 98% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. The math is unsexy and convincing: 12.3 points, 12% above what the position pays out on average. Spicy on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
Christian McCaffrey
SF · RB · Snap share is trending the right way.
🌶️🌶️2 of 5 peppers, Spicy
Spicy
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Christian McCaffrey (SF RB) carries a spicy Pepper Meter rating on the Peppers & Picks Pepper Meter for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs LV, with 10.5 projected fantasy points. Sally's angle is simple: he's a top-six RB on our board, and she never benches the guys who win weeks. At home against LV, I expect the game to stay competitive enough that his usage holds. He's still in 93% of lineups at 100% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Spicy heat, high rank: reliable points without the fireworks.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
Josh Allen
BUF · QB · Red-zone work is his now.
🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Josh Allen (BUF QB) carries a mild Pepper Meter rating on the Peppers & Picks Pepper Meter for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at MIN, with 11.9 projected fantasy points. Sally's angle is simple: he's a top-six QB on our board, and she never benches the guys who win weeks. He's still in 92% of lineups at 100% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. 11.9 points is roughly 30% short of the QB baseline, and I rank on output, not name recognition. Mild on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
Joe Burrow
CIN · QB · Snap share is trending the right way.
🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Mild
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Joe Burrow (CIN QB) carries a mild Pepper Meter rating on the Peppers & Picks Pepper Meter for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at ATL, with 11.4 projected fantasy points. Sally's angle is simple: he's a top-six QB on our board, and she never benches the guys who win weeks. The at ATL draw matters here — road snaps against ATL shape how often he's asked to do something. He's still in 89% of lineups at 99% rostered, which is exactly the trap I'm trying to talk you out of. Mild heat, high rank: reliable points without the fireworks.
Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
Sally & Tina each pick 3 · week 9
Bust of the Week
PPRprojections
Verdict scoreboard
Sally vs. Tina
Sally
Kenneth Walker III
VS
Tina
Chig Okonkwo
0
Sally right
0
Tina right
0
Graded calls
Combined record from graded Ask Sally & Tina verdicts and Bust of the Week calls.
Boring floor play, but the floor is the point. — Sally
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks names Chig Okonkwo (WSH TE) a waiver wire target for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season vs LAR, projecting 4.8 projected fantasy points. Tina calls it a floor problem: 2.2 points under the starter line is a lot of risk for a lineup spot. Start with Okonkwo before the obvious names. LAR is the opponent, and that's the part of this I'm least worried about. 6% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable.
Tina's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
#2🌶️1 of 5 peppers, Mild
Brenton Strange
TE · JAX · 49% rostered
Boring floor play, but the floor is the point. — Sally
Why?
FINAL — his game is over; this was our pre-game read. Peppers & Picks names Brenton Strange (JAX TE) a waiver wire target for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season at BAL, projecting 4.8 projected fantasy points. Tina calls it a floor problem: 2.2 points under the starter line is a lot of risk for a lineup spot. Start with Strange before the obvious names. On the road against BAL, I expect the game to stay competitive enough that his usage holds. 21% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable.
Tina's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Game is final — numbers above are the pre-game projection.
