Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts

This week 9 match up features two surprising 4-3 teams. The Miami Dolphins have won three straight games and look to continue this streak against the upstart Colts.  Two rookie quarterbacks go head-to-head in this AFC showdown. The Colts are coming off a memorable overtime victory last week against the Tennessee Titans. This battle suddenly has playoff implications as these two teams fight for legitimacy in a parody laden AFC.

When these two teams meet week 9 we should see the rookie quarterbacks move the ball well.  Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill was injured last week but should be cleared to play against the Colts. The Dolphins have not showed the dominating running game that they showed early in the year but still have a formidable running attack. Look for Miami to attack the Colts on the ground as the Colts are allowing 141 yards per game on the ground. Andrew Luck has had a sensational rookie season thus far and is averaging 262 yards passing per game. Miami has clamped down on their porous pass defense as of late but still are susceptible to an aerial attack.

Miami has a stingy run defense and will try to stop the Colts running backs without the help of an extra safety. This will assist the Miami secondary as they try to stop the Colts potent passing offense. Both teams will try to move to 5-3 and remain in the AFC playoff picture.

Fantasy Outlook

Andrew Luck is a decent option against a Miami defense that allows a lot of passing yards. I also like Reggie Wayne who is putting up respectable fantasy numbers this year. Bench all Colts running backs this week as Miami does not allow many points to the opposition’s running backs. Reggie Bush has been splitting more carries with Daniel Thomas as of late, so even though the Colts are allowing 141 rushing yards to their counterparts, temper expectations for Bush.

Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans

Maybe before the season started this game could have seemed closer than it is now but it’s week 9 and the Texans have the best record in the AFC and the Bills seem to be headed to the cellar of the AFC. The Bills have a tough challenge ahead of them. They will travel to Houston and try to do what only one other team has been able to do against them this year, win.

The Texans have to keep them selves from falling for this trap game. On paper this is a mismatch. The Bills cannot stop anybody on defense and the Texans are an offensive juggernaut. Look for this game to be an offensive eruption. The Bills have a respectable offense and may relish in the role of underdog. The Texans are a formidable playoff team and the Bills will need to play at their best if they want to beat the heavily favored Texans.

Fantasy Outlook

Start everybody on the Texan’s offense. It’s that simple. Start Matt Schaub, Arian Foster, Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels. The Texans have an excellent defense and this game may turn into a blow out. Be cautious starting anybody on the Bills.