Austin Ekeler · Khalil Herbert · 2026 week 9

Austin Ekeler or Khalil Herbert?

Wondering who you should start this week — Austin Ekeler or Khalil Herbert? The start/sit call and the numbers behind it are below, plus who wins a straight-up trade. Rebuilt nightly.

Start Austin EkelerAustin Ekeler projects 4 PPR points clear of Khalil Herbert in week 9, drawing LAR — the 28th-ranked matchup for RBs. The numbers behind the call are below; overrule them with your eyes open.

Player	Wk 9	Proj (PPR)	Matchup	Form L3	Trade value	Status
Austin Ekeler START	vs LAR	7.6	28th · tough	3.6	–	healthy
Khalil Herbert	vs CIN	3.6	21st	3.2	–	healthy

RBs vs LAR recently: Zonovan Knight 9.8 pts (W6) · Ashton Jeanty 13.6 pts (W7) · Kimani Vidal 3 pts (W8).

RBs vs CIN recently: Ollie Gordon II 14.8 pts (W5) · Derrick Henry 4.9 pts (W7) · Tony Pollard 25.7 pts (W8).

🎓 The coach's read

Austin Ekeler projects 4 points higher in PPR.
Austin Ekeler faces LAR, 28th most generous to RBs.
Khalil Herbert faces CIN, 21st most generous to RBs.

Who wins a straight-up trade?

Their trade values are effectively even — a one-for-one is a fair swap on the numbers.

Open in Start/Sit (any scoring) Open in the Trade Analyzer

More RB decisions

Austin Ekeler or Jonathon Brooks?Austin Ekeler or Tyjae Spears?Austin Ekeler or Tyler Goodson?Khalil Herbert or Tyjae Spears?Khalil Herbert or Tyler Goodson?

All numbers are the 2026 season, refreshed nightly.