Lamar Jackson Fantasy Outlook Plummets Against Patriots Defense in Week 9

Through eight weeks of the NFL season, Lamar Jackson leads all players in fantasy points per game with 25.1. However, his fantasy outlook for Week 9 takes a huge hit, as he draws a nightmare matchup against the New England Patriots.

This Patriots defense is, statistically, one of the best units in NFL history, and they have been one of the most impressive groups in recent memory. That has translated to fantasy football as well, and they have given up the league's fewest fantasy points per game (7.1) to the QB position.

Of course, Jackson is not the typical quarterback, with his rushing ability being the most dangerous part of his game, averaging 82.3 rushing yards per game in 2019.

However, this Patriots defense has had a lot of success slowing down mobile quarterbacks in the past. They've only faced one in 2019, but they limited Josh Allen to 26 yards on five carries, while he's averaged 34.8 yards on 8.0 carries per game in the other six.

And of course, nobody has had much success putting the ball in the air against New England. They rank No. 2 in Football Outsiders' pass defense DVOA rankings, allowing a league-low 2.2 adjusted yards per pass attempt.

With Jackson's value primarily coming from his rushing and the Patriots' ability to shut down any passer, his value is as low in Week 9 as it's been all season. While it is nearly impossible to fully stop Jackson on the ground, the Patriots are the team best suited to at least slow him, so temper your expectations for him this week.

That doesn't mean Jackson is a must-sit player this week though, as the downgrade leaves him at QB6 in our Week 9 fantasy football rankings.

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