We’re halfway through the fantasy football season and the hits keep coming in the starting lineups.

However, these starters are here to keep you steady through what could be a tumultuous fantasy week. I’ve also thrown in some key players to fade out for good measure.

Quarterbacks

Start: Sam Darnold, Vikings vs. Colts

Darnold had a relatively quiet Week 8, throwing two early TDs before being effectively shut down the rest of the game. This week’s matchup isn’t a tough one though, the Colts are just outside the top 10 QB matchups this week, and Darnold could also get a boost in the form of TJ Hockenson. The superstar tight end rehabbed from a torn ACL and MCL. If he returns, he could be eased into action, but Hockenson’s presence could be an asset to the offense.

Other locks:

—Matthew Stafford to the Seahawks

—Jayden Daniels to the Giants

— Jalen Hurts vs. Jaguars

—Baker Mayfield to the Chiefs

Avoid: CJ Stroud, Texans at Jets

Stroud has had a rough couple of weeks without its No. 1 receiver, Nico Collins, and things will likely get tougher this week as Stefon Diggs will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Throw in the fact that the Texans will be facing the stingy Jets secondary and you have a recipe for a shaky fantasy day.

Run back

Kickoff: Chase Brown, Bengals vs. Raiders

Brown settled into the 1A running back role for the Bengals, working his way past Zack Moss. Brown didn’t find much ground against the Eagles in Week 8, but he did find the end zone for the second time in three games. The Raiders are a top 10 matchup for RBs, so Brown has that going for him this week in addition to his robust role in the passing game. He averages three targets a game and could see even more this week if Tee Higgins (quad) is ruled out again.

Other locks:

— D’Andre Swift to the Cardinals

—Kareem Hunt vs. Buccaneers

— De’Von Achane to the Bills

-Bijan Robinson vs Cowboys

Avoid: Giants skipper Austin Ekeler

Ekeler just doesn’t have the ceiling he once had as the leader of the Chargers. Now in a backup role to Brian Robinson Jr., Ekeler rarely sees double-digit touchdowns and has scored just once this season. The matchup against the Giants this week is only average, but why use your flex point on a guy whose presence has no tangible upside?

Wide receivers

Start: Tank Dell, Texans at Jets

Yes, I made a point to avoid CJ Stroud if possible this week, but Dell could be the Texans’ bright spot as the only starting receiver projected to suit up this week. Dell has had an up-and-down season as the third option in the Texans’ passing attack, but this week will be his time to shine as the main conduit through which Houston’s offense will be channeled. The matchup against the Jets isn’t favorable, but Dell is moving down the field and could find the weak spots in the secondary.

Other locks:

—Jakobi Meyers to the Bengals

— DeVonta Smith to the Jaguars

—Puka Nacua to the Seahawks

—Chris Olave to the Panthers

Avoid: DJ Moore, Bears at Cardinals

Moore has had arguably the worst season of his career from a fantasy perspective thus far, approaching double-digit fantasy points in PPR formats just once this season. Those are the breaks when you’re playing alongside three other pass-catching options, four if you count D’Andre Swift. The Bears’ passing offense is shaky heading into Week 9, and Moore is just one of many options in it.

Tight ends

Start: Sam LaPorta, Lions at Packers

LaPorta has been a questionable option for many weeks this season, but things have improved for him since Jameson Williams was suspended for two games. Last week, LaPorta caught all six of his targets for 48 yards and a score, his best streak of the season, and is primed to produce again this week. His opponent, Green Bay, is a top-10 matchup for opposing TEs, and LaPorta will be a primary option in the red zone in what could be a high-scoring game.

Other locks:

— Cade Otton to the Chiefs

— Kyle Pitts vs. Cowboys

—Zach Ertz to the Giants

— Mark Andrews vs. Broncos

Avoid: Hunter Henry, Patriots at Titans

Henry has thrived with Drake Maye inserted into the Patriots’ starting offense, either catching at least five passes, passing for 90 yards, receiving or a TD in his last three games. Still, Maye is in concussion protocol this week, meaning New England could be forced to start Jacoby Brissett this week against the Titans. Henry had only one game with more than two catches before Maye’s turn as the starter. The Titans are also a top-five matchup for opposing TEs, so Henry will have his work cut out for him regardless.

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This column was provided to The Associated Press by RosterWatch, www.rosterwatch.com.