Hard to believe it is already week 9 of the 2009 NFL season. Even harder to believe, in some respects, how Kurt Warner and Brandon Jacobs have struggled at times this season for fantasy owners.

Warner turned the ball over six times last weekend against Carolina, just one week after dismantling the Giants on the road. It was as perplexing a performance as any this season.

Jacobs, meanwhile, has just two touchdown runs to his credit this year. Three double-digit performances in standard-scoring fantasy leagues. Not exactly the type of production fantasy owners expected from a player called the best short-yardage running back in the NFL.

Stay hopeful, fantasy owners. Both of these players should bounce back this weekend against a pair of susceptible defenses. More start and sit advice below after a few quick injury updates.

Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions: Johnson appears to be getting closer to playing football again after missing most of the last three contests with a knee injury. However, he does appear to be a dreaded game-time decision this weekend. If he plays, fantasy owners need to start him.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers: A-Rod did not practice on Thursday and appeared to be hobbling significantly after Sunday’s loss to the Vikings. The Packers are having trouble keeping hits off Rodgers this year, leading to some bumps and bruises for the young QB. He is expected to return to practice today and should start in a favorable match-up this weekend.

Kevin Smith, RB, Lions: Another potential game-time decision for Detroit. Smith, dealing with a nagging shoulder injury, was limited in practice yesterday. Head coach Jim Schwartz indicated earlier this week that he is in no danger of losing the starting job to Maurice Morris after Morris’ increased role last weekend, but he will continue to lose touches if struggling with injury.

Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals: Look, I own Boldin in a dynasty league and need him to play as much as the next guy. But he really, really needs to sit one out. Better for him to get healthy and enjoy normal production then to play hurt and be limited. It appears that Boldin might actually sit out this week, which could be a good thing for his owners down the stretch.

Start ‘em

Quarterbacks

Kurt Warner @ Bears
No way he turns the ball over six times again, right?!? Probably not against the over-rated Bears’ defense.

David Garrard v. Chiefs
All Jags play much better at home than on the road. Nice match-up this weekend of which fantasy owners should take advantage.

Running Backs

Joseph Addai v. Texans
Donald Brown may be back in the fold but Addai will be relied upon in a crucial AFC South battle.

Brandon Jacobs v. Chargers
Like Warner, Jacobs has been held in check in recent weeks but may be primed for a break-out game.

Wide Receivers

Donald Driver @ Buccaneers
The old man is a buyable commodity on the fantasy trade market but the price might go up after this tasty match-up.

Steve Breaston @ Bears
Anquan Boldin’s status is in jeopardy — surprise! — again. Breaston is healthier than Boldin and should get the start.

Tight End

Jeremy Shockey v. Panthers
Welcome back to fantasy relevance. Shockey has become a consistent target for both his fantasy owners and Drew Brees.

Sit ‘em

Quarterbacks

Kyle Orton v. Steelers
Something about this match-up scares me, especially after Orton and the Broncos struggled on the road in Baltimore.

Eli Manning v. Chargers
Tough to sit Manning if you drafted him to be your starter, but neither he nor the Giants’ offense have played well of late.

Running Backs

Clinton Portis @ Falcons
There are few players worth starting on the Redskins these days. Portis usually is one of those players but Washington should not be in this game on the road.

Mike Bell v. Panthers
Bell put one on the turf late in the game against Atlanta last week and, frankly, Pierre Thomas was the better running back overall.

Wide Receivers

Miles Austin @ Eagles
Crazy, right? But Austin goes as Tony Romo goes, and that has not been so well on the road in Philly in recent memory.

Jeremy Maclin v. Cowboys
The up-and-downs of rookie receivers. Maclin is due for another down week before.

Tight End

Greg Olsen v. Cardinals
Has any tight end not named Jason Witten been more frustrating this season than Greg Olsen? I thought Jay Cutler loved throwing to his tight ends.

For more great fantasy roster advice this week, including a plethora of Start & Sit links and consensus rankings, head over to the Fantasy Football Librarian. Don’t forget to grab your library card.

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