The NFL schedule is into Week 9 and on Sunday there are a number of big games, including the New England Patriots as well as the Sunday night football matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans and some fantasy football players to start and sit includes Arian Foster, Ben Tate, Danny Amendola, Donald Brown, Darrius Heyward-Bey and DeAndre Hopkins.
Foster and Tate are two players to watch on Sunday, as they have late games and injuries to deal with, including Foster who was able to get into practice this week, although it was on a limited basis. Foster is one of the most productive players in the NFL and he has over 540 yards on the ground this season along with 22 catches for 180 yards receiving and he will be a gametime decision and it's tough for fantasy owners, but unless you are desperate to START him, be cautious and SIT Foster is you have a back that could be an option instead.
Tate was a great handcuff to have for Foster, but he is dealing with a rib injury and he could be out for Sunday and that would be a big blow for fantasy owners. The Texans have been on a bad stretch and are not playing very well this season and now losing Foster could have a big impact on Sunday and he hasn't played since back on October 20 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Foster had 11 yards before leaving his last game and before that he had over 140 yards rushing and before that he had 98 yards and 102 yards in back to back games and now he could be a factor if he gets back on the field on Sunday night.
Tate has been a very solid backup and he was able to practice as well despite dealing with a rib injury and he will be in the game on Sunday night and is a good START option. Tate could be limited with his carries, but if he plays and Foster is out, he will have a big game at least with touches and he could be a factor on Sunday night. Tate had 50 yards in that game against the Chiefs and while he has not had a big game over the past month, he has been solid catching the ball and could put up points for PPR owners. Tate has averaged over four yards per carry in his past two matchups with the Colts and now he may get the chance to do it again.
Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski are two players to watch and it looks like both will START on Sunday against the Steelers for Tom Brady and this will be one of the few times he will have all his offensive weapons on the field at the same time. While he has had a quiet season so far while being injured, he could be a big factor on Sunday and the Patriots are hoping he can match his opening game when he had 14 targets and 10 catches for 104 yards and Brady will keep an eye on him for Sunday. Gronk had only two catches last week after getting 17 targets in his first game and he will be looking to have more than two catches.
Donald Brown, Darrius Heyward-Bey and DeAndre Hopkins are all players to watch on Sunday night football as well and depending on options, they are good players to start on SNF. The game should be a good one, as should the Patriots and the Steelers.