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Among the Week 9 NFL games, the matchup between the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots pits two storied franchises against each other. While QBs Jordan Love and Drake Maye are viable fantasy football contributors, RBs Josh Jacobs and Rhamondre Stevenson are also potential starters in lineups.
Stevenson and Jacobs are ranked similarly in most fantasy football rankings entering Week 9, so which rookie RB should you prioritize in lineups?
Below, we’ll break down a Start 'Em, Sit 'Em discussion on whether to start Stevenson or Jacobs in fantasy football (factoring in PPR scoring settings). We'll also highlight their Week 9 PrizePicks projections.
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Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em RBs, Week 9: Rhamondre Stevenson or Josh Jacobs?
Let’s dive into our Week 9 fantasy football Start ‘em, Sit ‘em decision between Bernard and Boston.
All stats used in this article are from PFF or SumerSports unless stated otherwise. Fantasy rankings and fantasy point totals are courtesy of FantasyPros.
Why Start Rhamondre Stevenson?
Rhamondre Stevenson Week 9 PrizePicks Projections: 54.5 Rush Yards, 14 Rush Attempts, 20.5 Rec Yards
- With RB TreVeyon Henderson sidelined in Week 8, Stevenson handled 22 of the 31 RB touches for the Patriots.
- Henderson still isn’t practicing for New England ahead of Sunday’s game against Green Bay.
- Stevenson has contributed 17 or more fantasy points in three of his last five games.
- Of the 42 RBs with 50+ carries this season, Stevenson has the 10th-highest target share (11.8%).
- The Packers’ defense is giving up the 10th-most schedule-adjusted fantasy PPG to RBs (+1.5).
- According to RBSDM, Green Bay’s defense is also 27th in rushing success rate allowed (42.8%).
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Why Start Josh Jacobs?
Josh Jacobs Week 9 PrizePicks Projections: 43.5 Rush Yards, 13.5 Rush Attempts, 21.5 Rec Yards
- Jacobs has scored at least 20 fantasy points in his first two games in 2026.
- His average of 21.7 fantasy PPG is good enough for RB3 overall this season in a small sample size.
- The receiving role for Jacobs has been positive, as he’s hauled in 5+ passes in both of his starts.
- Across his first two games this year, Jacobs has already scored 3 TDs.
- After touching the ball 16 times in his season debut, Jacobs received 27 touches in Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers.
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Week 9 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Verdict: Start Rhamondre Stevenson
Although Jacobs has been producing well in fantasy since his return, he’s been largely inefficient, and the Patriots are a stiff matchup. Through his first two starts, Jacobs is averaging just 2.6 yards per attempt.
New England’s defense is allowing the fourth-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy PPG to RBs (-4.1). Plus, the Patriots are 12th in rushing success rate allowed (37.6%).
Meanwhile, Stevenson draws a much more favorable matchup, and he possesses a similar role as Jacobs whenever Henderson is inactive.
Even if Henderson suits up in Week 9, the Patriots have made it clear that they trust Stevenson much more in short-yardage and two-minute drill situations.
Make 2026 NFL Predictions on PrizePicks
Most fantasy football managers likely won’t have a choice of benching either Stevenson or Jacobs in Week 9. With that said, for those deciding between the two, Stevenson gets the nod over Jacobs given the matchup and role he’s garnered in the Patriots’ offense.
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