RandBall's Week 9 Fantasy Football Challenge

Week 9 of the Page 2 Fantasy Football Challenge is upon us. Each week, a guest picker chooses a QB, RB and WR. The only players off-limits are those selected by the previous week's guest. The guest — James Jobes, a Minnesota native and TV producer now living in Virginia after four years at the University of Missouri — will go head-to-head against Star Tribune writer and birthday boy Michael Rand, who is not allowed to pick anyone projected to score in the top 10 by NFL.com experts at their respective positions. Rand, by the way, is a dismal 1-7 this season.

QB: Peyton Manning, Broncos

NFL.com QB projection: No. 1

Matchup: Patriots

Peyton Manning will throw all game, and so far his highest-scoring games have been against good opponents this season. He will show up big against Tom Brady.

RB: Jerick McKinnon, Vikings

NFL.com RB projection: No. 28

Because I bleed purple. I also live in the city where the Washington Team holds training camp. I have heard a lot from their fans. They loved beating the Cowboys. I hope the rookie shreds them on Sunday.

WR: Jeremy Maclin, Eagles

NFL.com WR projection: No. 5

Matchup: Texans

Had to. Maclin is #MizzouMade and I can't name a member of the Texans secondary. I dropped the Texans D on my fantasy team after their first huge game.

NFL.com QB projection: No. 12

Matchup: Chargers

Thursday is my birthday. As a gift, I would like to have a QB who plays all four quarters, unlike the past two weeks (Kirk Cousins and Tony Romo). Tannehill is a decent QB who stays upright. Sold!

RB: Ahmad Bradshaw, Colts

NFL.com RB projection: No. 12

Bradshaw is fifth in the entire NFL in touchdowns scored with eight — thanks mainly to six receiving TDs. He will be motivated against his former team, the Giants, and could have a big game.

WR: Brandon LaFell, Patriots

NFL.com WR projection: No. 14

Matchup: Broncos

I picture this game being a back-and-forth shootout or the Broncos going up big and forcing the Patriots to throw. Either way, LaFell stands to benefit (and hopefully I do, too).

Loser: Michael Rand — Tony Romo (12.5), Darren McFadden (6.5), Alshon Jeffery (11.9). Total: 30.9.

Overall standings: Guest pickers 7-1.