Daniel Jones (QB - IND) vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have allowed back-to-back games of at least 342 yards and three touchdowns to Joe Flacco and Jordan Love. Jones has scored 20+ points in each of the past three games, and that trend will continue in Week 9 against Pittsburgh. The Colts have also scored 30+ points in six of eight games this season.
Joe Flacco (QB - CIN) vs Chicago Bears
Flacco has thrown for at least two touchdowns in his first two starts for the Bengals since being acquired by the Cleveland Browns. Chicago is allowing 23.4 points per game to the quarterback position, which is the ninth-most among all defenses. In a game with a 52.5 over/under, start as many offensive weapons in this game as you can.
Sam Darnold (QB - SEA) vs Washington Commanders
Darnold is coming off a lackluster Week 7 performance against a stout Houston Texans defense. Out of the bye, the 28-year-old quarterback finds himself in a much more favorable matchup against the Commanders, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Fire up Darnold as a low-end QB1 in Week 9.
Caleb Williams (QB - CHI) vs Cincinnati Bengals
If the second-year quarterback cannot exploit a defense that just allowed 39 points to the New York Jets, then maybe it’s officially time to become worried about Williams moving forward. In the meantime, give the former 2024 first-overall pick another chance against the Bengals, who have allowed the second-most passing touchdowns per game (2.4) and the third-most passing yards per attempt (7.83).
Jordan Love (QB - GB) vs Carolina Panthers
The only pushback to this decision is that Green Bay may lean on the run game in the second half with a commanding lead. However, Love is coming off an ultimate heater, completing 20 straight passes. The Panthers have allowed 19.6 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season.
Sit 'Em
Bo Nix (QB - DEN) vs Houston Texans
Nix has produced eight total touchdowns in his last two outings, but that came against two defenses allowing the fourth and most fantasy points to quarterbacks. The Texans are allowing the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2025. The second-year quarterback has shown glimpses of great play, but there have been stretches of head-scratching production.
C.J. Stroud (QB - HOU) vs Denver Broncos
Avoid Stroud on the other side of this matchup. The 24-year-old quarterback was sharp in Week 8 against the San Francisco 49ers, completing 30-of-39 pass attempts for 318 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Although Patrick Surtain II is going to be out due to a pectoral injury, the Broncos’ pass rush may make it impossible for Stroud to operate from a clean pocket.
Jared Goff (QB - DET) vs Minnesota Vikings
Goff has failed to surpass 250 yards in four of the last five outings and may have a difficult time meeting that mark in Week 9 against the Vikings. Minnesota’s secondary is allowing the eighth-fewest passing yards per game (188.0).
Jayden Daniels (QB - WSH) vs Seattle Seahawks
Even if Daniels is healthy enough to start against the Seahawks, fantasy managers should tread lightly and consider other options at the position this week. Seattle’s defense is underrated, ranking 18th against fantasy quarterbacks.
Michael Penix Jr. (QB - ATL) vs New England Patriots
Penix Jr. has thrown for multiple touchdowns in just one game this season. It does not help that he is dealing with a bone bruise in his knee. In Week 9, the second-year quarterback faces a Patriots defense that has allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season.
By Dominic Orrico
Start 'Em
Tyrone Tracy (RB - NYG) vs San Francisco 49ers
Cam Skattabo went down with a horrific ankle injury this past Sunday and will be out the rest of the season, and Tracy will handle all the roles in the backfield. He is in a matchup with San Francisco, a team that gives up 107 yards to running backs this season. Tracy will be a focal point on this offense and be a solid RB2 start.
Bam Knight (RB - PIT) vs Dallas Cowboys
I want any running back against this Dallas Cowboys defense. The Cowboys are giving up 22.58 fantasy points on average to running backs. With Michael Carter being sent to the practice squad and no Trey Benson still out, this is all of Bam Knight's backfield.
Chase Brown (RB - CIN) vs Chicago Bears
Chase Brown believers can finally rejoice. He had his breakout game last week against the Jets, where he scored 25.5 fantasy points. He should have another solid performance against a Bears team that let Derrick Henry have a resurgence last week as well.
D’Andre Swift (RB - CHI) vs Cincinnati Bengals
On the other side of the coin, Swift has been sensational the past couple of weeks, giving the Bears' run game an explosion. With the combination of volume and the Bengals' run defense being dead last in the league, he’s a great start this week.
Kamani Vidal (RB - LAC) vs Tennessee Titans
Vidal is the lead back in this offense, and the Titans are allowing 23.25 fantasy points per game to running backs. This high-scoring offense will give him plenty of opportunities to repeat his previous RB1 efforts.
Sit 'Em
Woody Marks (RB - HOU) vs Denver Broncos
Despite the decent outing last week against the 49ers, Marks’ big game came from a 40-yard catch. In addition, the volume he had helped him to 15 points in Week 8. Denver’s defensive line has been strong, only allowing 16 points per game to RBs this season. With Marks splitting carries with Chubb, it’s best to look for other options this week.
JK Dobbins (RB - DEN) vs Houston Texans
This is the same situation as Woody Marks and Nick Chubb in Houston. RJ Harvey continues to get prime PPR opportunities, handling more and more of the pass-catching role. While Dobbins is a great running back, Houston is the best against RBs, only allowing 15 points per game and 75 rushing yards.
Rico Dowdle (RB - DAL) vs Green Bay Packers
Dowdle has fallen from grace. He faces a Green Bay defense that held Jaylen Warren to under double-digit points in Week 8, and is the 3rd-best against the run.
Alvin Kamara (RB - NO) vs Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are only allowing 10.57 fantasy points per game to running backs. Even though Kamara has been efficient on the ground, he hasn’t had enough volume in the passing game, or in general, to be started in tougher matchups.
Vikings Running Backs (RB - MIN) vs Detroit Lions
Since Aaron Jones came back from injury, his and Mason’s volume has diminished. They don’t have a favorable matchup. The Lions rank 4th in run defense against running backs.
By Dominic Orrico
Start 'Em
Josh Downs (WR - IND) vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Downs has been coming alive recently, scoring double digits in his last two games. His targets haven’t been too consistent, but in a good matchup against the Steelers, who have allowed the 4th-most yards to WRs, it’s safe to start him this week.
Jaylen Waddle (WR - MIA) vs Baltimore Ravens
Waddle is in line to have a fantastic matchup for Thursday Night Football. The Ravens are allowing 24.57 points to WRs per week. Waddle is also the number one target in this offense. He’s in line for a big day.
Juan Jennings (WR - SF) vs New York Giants
The Giants are TERRIBLE against WRs, and Jennings is averaging seven targets per game over the last two weeks. With Purdy coming back and safer QB play, he’s sure to be a solid start this week.
Brian Thomas Jr. (WR - JAC) vs Las Vegas Raiders
If there’s a game where Thomas Jr. comes back to life, it’s this one. The Raiders are 29th against receivers, allowing an average of 23 points per game to WRs. If he gets going, it’ll be in this game.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR - ARI) vs Dallas Cowboys
I am nervous about Kyler coming back for this entire receiving core. Still, this matchup seems to be the best for offenses to perform, as the Cowboys are dead last in the league against receivers.
Sit 'Em
Khalil Shakir (WR - BUF) vs Kansas City Chiefs
The Buffalo Bills' offense is not only crowded but also, other than a few names, relatively lackluster. Shakir is no different. He’s pulled in targets varying from four all the way up to nine. He’s also quite touchdown-dependent, and against a tough Chiefs defense that ranks 5th hardest against receivers.
Terry McLaurin (WR - WSH) vs Seattle Seahawks
Despite Seattle being mediocre against the pass, McLaurin isn’t a startable receiver. Other than Week 2, he’s had a high of four targets each game. With injury concerns, there are better options.
Jakaobi Meyers (WR - LV) vs Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jakobi Meyers hype is officially dead. This passing offense is underwhelming and can’t even support Brock Bowers. Until there’s a QB change to Las Vegas, or he gets traded, he’s a bench player.
Xavier Worthy (WR - KC) vs Buffalo Bills
Worthy isn’t a terrible start, but his volume will fluctuate with Rashee Rice back. The Bills are also allowing the 6th-lowest receiving yards per game to receivers.
Romeo Doubs (WR - GB) vs Carolina Panthers
The Packers' receiving room is way too crowded for weekly Doubs success. He’s going up against a Panthers team that’s 3rd against receivers. He hasn’t had a touchdown since week 4 as well.
By Alex Percey
Start 'Em
Orange Gadsden II (TE - LAC) vs Tennessee Titans
Gadsden has totaled over 200 yards and scored two touchdowns in the last two weeks. He looks to be the breakout tight end of the season, and has carved out a role for himself in the busy Chargers offense. He should be in your lineup every week.
Jake Ferguson (TE - DAL) vs Arizona Cardinals
To be frank, Ferguson let us all down last week. His zero-point performance almost cost me a matchup this week. Still, he has been the most consistent tight-end in the league this season, and should rebound against a weak Arizona linebacker core.
Colston Loveland (TE - CHI) vs Cincinnati Bengals
Loveland received a season-high five targets last week, looking like a bigger part of the Chicago offense with Kmet out with a back injury. It’s up in the air whether or not Kmet will be back this week, and if not, Loveland is a must-start against Cincinnati, the worst defense against tight ends in the league.
Kyle Pitts (TE - ATL) vs New England Patriots
As a Patriots fan, I’m appalled each week at how we cannot cover tight ends. While the defense has been great overall, the linebackers' coverage has been lacking all season. I’ll continue to suggest starting whichever TE matches up against my team, and this week it’s Pitts.
Mark Andrews (TE - BAL) vs Miami Dolphins
Andrews is poised to have his best game of the season this week. Firstly, Miami has a below-average defense against tight ends. Secondly, Lamar Jackson is back, and we know that he LOVES his veteran tight end, targeting him more than anyone else in the red zone. This creates an optimal situation for Andrews, who has struggled so far this year.
Sit 'Em
Hunter Henry (TE - NE) vs Atlanta Falcons
Hunter Henry’s fantasy production this year has been very touchdown-dependent this season. Though he is owned in most leagues, he has averaged just three targets a game since week four. Against the #1 defense against tight ends, he’s a must-sit in week 9.
Dalton Kincaid (TE - BUF) vs Kansas City Chiefs
Last week, the Bills absolutely blew out the Panthers 40-9. You would think that their top tight end would put up numbers in that game, but he had a measly 3.3 points. This week, it won’t get better, facing a Kansas City defense allowing just six points per game to TEs.
Evan Engram (TE - DEN) vs Houston Texans
Many people had high expectations for Evan Engram entering the season. Everywhere he’s been in his career, he has commanded plenty of targets. However, he has found himself as the fourth option in the Denver offense and has disappointed his fantasy owners. Against the great Texans defense, I’d leave him on the bench.
Theo Johnson (TE - NYG) vs San Francisco 49ers
In recent weeks, the threat of Skattebo on the ground has opened up opportunities for Theo Johnson in the red zone. With Cam now out for the season, I expect that the Giants’ offense will take a hit. That, in addition to the fact that Johnson still isn’t seeing a consistent target share, makes him a sit this week.
Jonnu Smith (TE - PIT) vs Indianapolis Colts
No tight end has separated themself from the others in the Pittsburgh offense yet. The Steelers play the Colts this week, who have struggled against the position, but I don’t think Jonnu is worth starting.
