Joe Mixon's Week 9 fantasy outlook: Should you pick him?

In a contest against the Cleveland Browns' run defense, which has consistently been among the worst in the NFL, Joe Mixon could not prevail. With that in the past, let's take a look at Joe Mixon's Week 9 fantasy outlook.

Last season, Mixon had his finest fantasy season, being placed fourth amongst PPR running backs and tied for sixth in terms of points per game. He was fourth in both half-PPR and non-PPR for points scored per game.

His previous peak was in 2018, when he ranked ninth in points per game and 10th among running backs in PPR.

For Week 9, start Mixon as a reliable RB1. He should receive 15+ touches from influencing fantasy managers, provided the Cincinnati Bengals don't forsake the run game too soon.

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Joe Mixon's stats and fantasy prediction

Joe Mixon has been the perfect symbol of inefficiency and incompetence this season. He is the RB17 in fantasy football despite having a third-place weighted opportunity, fifth-place opportunity share, and fourth-place snap share.

He hasn't gained more than 80 yards on the ground since the first game of the season and hasn't run for more than 100 yards this season.

He has survived because of volume, averaging 20.4 touches and 80.8 yards. He ranks 64th in PFF's elusive rating and 69th in yards after contact per attempt among the 70 RBs with at least 20 rushing attempts. His 14.6 percent target share, 34 receptions, and 214 receiving yards in the passing game have kept him strong.

Joe Mixon will also have an edge against the Carolina Panthers. They rank 23rd in rushing yards per contest, sixth in explosive run rate, and eighth in the number of fantasy points per game given away to RBs.

Mixon can benefit from his receiving position against a defensive line that ranks 24th in DVOA and allows the sixth-highest yards per reception and the second-most receiving touchdowns.

The 26-year-old ran for only 27 yards off eight attempts in his previous game against the Cleveland Browns, despite catching seven of his nine targets for 32 yards.

Fantasy owners' frustration with his underwhelming performance in 2022–23 is understandable. Last year, he had seven touchdowns after eight weeks. He has three at the moment.

The squad had just 10 total running attempts due to their early second-quarter deficit and subsequent loss. Ja'Marr Chase's absence from the game helped Mixon, who led all teammates with nine targets.

Despite his continued inefficiency on the ground, he remains important because of his involvement in the passing game. The Panthers, who gave up 167 running yards to the Atlanta Falcons, are the Bengals' upcoming opponents. This presents an opportunity for Joe Mixon to have a stronger performance.

Anybody would be justified in benching Joe Mixon in Week 9's game against the Panthers if things continue this way. He is, nevertheless, worth a start because his potential is still much better than that of other candidates for the job.