TST NFL Fantasy Football Week 9 Start 'em, Sit 'em

Week 9 of the NFL season is here, and it's already shaping up to be another prime week for fantasy managers. From breakout stars to disappointing dud performances, making the right start or sit calls can make or break your lineup, especially with four teams on a bye this week. In this column, I will break down which players you can rely on and which players you can fade from this week's slate of games.  

While looking to help fantasy managers make difficult decisions to their lineup, we won’t be mentioning the players that are obviously no-brainers (ex. Ja’Marr Chase, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, etc.). So instead, we will explore more debatable scenarios. 

Quick note: I know not every player made the cut in this week’s column; I had to draw the line somewhere. This week, I included an additional section of players titled: "Honorable mentions" and "Lowlights". Keep an eye out for expanded coverage in future weeks where I hope to create a full rankings list for every player at their position.

Quarterbacks

Start ’Em

Dak Prescott (DAL) vs. Arizona Cardinals; Proj. FPTS – 18.9: Prescott had his worst game of the season last Sunday against the Broncos, throwing for just 188 yards and two interceptions, while the only touchdowns came on the ground and tight end Jake Ferguson was blanked. This week, he gets a chance to rebound against the Cardinals. Arizona has allowed the tenth-fewest fantasy points per game, but they struggle to generate pressure, ranking fifth-lowest in sack rate. Give Prescott time in the pocket, and he will execute. Start him.

Jaxson Dart (NYG) vs. San Francisco 49ers; Proj. FPTS – 21.1: Dart salvaged a tough day with a late rushing touchdown, marking a TD on the ground in four of his last five games. He’s averaged 22.82 fantasy points during that span. Facing a 49ers defense that has struggled to generate pressure since Nick Bosa’s season-ending injury, Dart should have more time to throw and room to be mobile. In three of the last four games, opposing QBs have finished with at least 19 fantasy points against San Francisco. Dart is a must-start this week.

Caleb Williams (CHI) at Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS – 19.6: Williams has struggled in fantasy recently, but this matchup is promising. The Bengals have allowed the second-most passing touchdowns, third-most passing yards, and seventh-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. They are also near the bottom in sacks. Consider Justin Fields last Sunday as a guide—coming off two low-scoring games, he threw for 244 yards, rushed for 31, and scored a passing touchdown, totaling 20.86 fantasy points. Ignore Williams’ recent struggles and focus on the matchup.

Honorable Mentions: Daniel Jones (IND) at Pittsburgh Steelers; Sam Darnold (SEA) at Washington Commanders; Drake Maye (NE) vs. Atlanta Falcons; Trevor Lawrence (JAX) at Las Vegas Raiders.

Sit ’Em

Bo Nix (DEN) at Houston Texans; Proj. FPTS – 16.7: Nix has been solid lately, finishing as QB1 in Week 7 and QB6 in Week 8, but this matchup is tough. Houston has allowed the fewest fantasy points, fewest passing touchdowns, and the third-fewest passing yards to quarterbacks. They’ve also thrown more interceptions (8) than touchdowns allowed (6). No QB has scored a top-12 fantasy outing against this defense. If you have a backup, consider sitting Nix this week.

C.J. Stroud (HOU) vs. Denver Broncos; Proj. FPTS – 16.9: Stroud has looked good over his last four games, but those performances came against defenses in the bottom half in pressure rate. Denver, which generates the most pressure and sacks in the NFL, is a much tougher matchup. The Broncos also allow the third-fewest fantasy points and passing TDs to QBs. Even without Patrick Surtain II, their defense is ferocious. Avoid Stroud. 

J.J. McCarthy (MIN) at Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS – 14.4: McCarthy has the talent to showcase Minnesota’s playmakers, but he remains inconsistent. He’s shown one good quarter out of eight and is behind a weak offensive line. The Lions matchup could force him to chase points, which makes him a risky start. Wait for more consistent performance before trusting him.

Lowlights: Aaron Rodgers (PIT) vs. Indianapolis Colts; Jordan Love (GB) vs. Carolina Panthers; Jayden Daniels (WSH) vs. Seattle Seahawks; Mac Jones (SF) at New York Giants; Michael Penix Jr./Kirk Cousins (ATL) at New England Patriots.

Running Backs

Start ’Em

Kimani Vidal (LAC) at Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS – 15.5: Vidal looked dominant on Thursday Night Football, rushing 23 times for 117 yards, catching a 10-yard pass, and scoring a touchdown for 19.7 fantasy points. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said Vidal looks like the No. 1 running back in the league. He has topped 125 scrimmage yards and 19 fantasy points in two of his three starts. This week, he faces the Titans, who have allowed the second-most rushing yards, most rushing touchdowns, and third-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Tennessee is also tied for the fourth-most yards before contact per carry. With the Chargers 4.5-point road favorites, a favorable game script should give Vidal plenty of opportunities to maximize his volume and ceiling. Start him.

Zonovan "Bam" Knight (ARI) at Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS – 11.9: Knight should face little competition as the Cardinals’ lead back after the team released Michael Carter and re-signed him to the practice squad. He has a golden opportunity this week against the Cowboys, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to running backs, along with the fifth-most rushing yards and second-most receiving yards. Dallas backs have also scored a combined 10 touchdowns this season. Knight is poised for heavy volume, making him a must-start as an RB2 or flex option.

Kyle Monangai (CHI) @ Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS - 15.4: I originally had D’Andre Swift as a dead-lock for Sunday’s game against the Bengals, but he’s out with a groin injury. Stepping in for Swift is Monangai, making his first NFL start. Other than Week 7, when he had 15 touches for 94 scrimmage yards, he hasn’t seen a big workload, but he’s been productive in the time he’s had, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He draws a favorable matchup against the Bengals, who have allowed the most fantasy points per game, second-most rushing yards, and third-most touchdowns to running backs. They’ve also struggled against backs in the receiving game, giving up the most touchdowns and third-most yards and receptions.

Honorable Mentions: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) vs. San Francisco 49ers; David Montgomery (DET) vs. Minnesota Vikings; Jaylen Warren (PIT) vs. Indianapolis Colts; Chase Brown (CIN) vs. Chicago Bears; TreVeyon Henderson (NE) vs. Atlanta Falcons.

Sit ’Em

Alvin Kamara (NO) at Los Angeles Rams; Proj. FPTS – 11.4: Kamara is at an all-time low in yards per attempt, yards per catch, and receiving yards per game. He’s largely a non-factor as a runner and receiver, compounded by a Saints offense that struggles to move the ball consistently. Kamara has finished outside the top 30 fantasy running backs in consecutive weeks and has cracked the top 25 just once in the last six games. This week, he faces a stout Rams defense that has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game and just one touchdown to running backs. Avoid starting Kamara.

Aaron Jones (MIN) at Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS – 10.7: Jones returned last Thursday against the Chargers but touched the ball just seven times for 30 scrimmage yards. He finished with a higher snap percentage than Jordan Mason (53%–35%), though that was Mason’s lowest snap count of the season even when Jones played earlier. Either way, Jones and Mason face a tough matchup this week against the Lions, who have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs, the third-fewest rushing yards, and the seventh-fewest receiving yards to backs. With McCarthy likely forced to pass frequently, Jones has limited upside. Avoid starting him.

J.K. Dobbins (DEN) at Houston Texans; Proj. FPTS – 11.3: Dobbins recorded his second 100-yard rushing performance of the season last week against the Cowboys. He had a couple of touchdowns taken from him by R.J. Harvey but still finished with double-digit fantasy points for the seventh time in nine games. The concern is his limited role in the passing game—he has one target in four of his last five games, and his season high in receiving yards is just 10. Lately, he and Harvey have split red-zone and goal-line work, which explains his three TDs last week. This week, Dobbins faces the Texans, who have allowed the sixth-fewest rushing yards and third-fewest receiving yards to running backs. Last week, Houston held Christian McCaffrey under 10 fantasy points. Look elsewhere this week.

Lowlights: Chuba Hubbard (CAR) at Green Bay Packers; Ashton Jeanty (LV) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars; Nick Chubb (HOU) vs. Denver Broncos; Zach Charbonnet/Kenneth Walker III (SEA) at Washington Commanders; Jacory Croskey-Merritt (DEN) at Houston Texans.

Wide Receivers

Start ’Em

Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) at Dallas Cowboys; Proj. FPTS – 13.1: Harrison appeared poised to turn a corner after his Week 4 game against the Cardinals, but he has reached double-digit fantasy points just once since. His sophomore season has been disappointing, but he has a chance to rebound this week against the Cowboys. Dallas has the league’s worst secondary, allowing the most fantasy points per game, most receiving touchdowns, and the second-most receiving yards to wide receivers. Expect a back-and-forth game with plenty of targets for Harrison. He is a must-start this week.

Rome Odunze (CHI) at Cincinnati Bengals; Proj. FPTS – 14.6: Odunze is the clear No. 1 option in the Bears passing attack. The second-year wideout leads the team in targets, air yards, end-zone targets, and deep targets this season. He faces a Bengals secondary that is middle of the pack overall but has allowed the second-most passing yards this season. Many of Cincinnati’s games have been high scoring, giving Odunze ample chances to reach the end zone. He is a must-start this week.

Brian Thomas Jr. (JAX) at Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS – 13.1: Thomas has a lot to prove Sunday in Las Vegas. As the team’s leading receiver, much of the pressure falls on him, especially after a rough sophomore season and trade rumors surrounding Hunter potentially taking the No. 1 spot. This game presents a chance for Thomas to get right and for Hunter to build on his first career 100-yard performance. The Raiders have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game and receiving touchdowns to wide receivers and have struggled to cover outside receivers, where Thomas has lined up on 74% of his routes. Both Jaguars receivers are worth starting given this matchup.

Honorable Mentions: Alec Pierce (IND) at Pittsburgh Steelers; Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) vs. San Francisco 49ers; Ladd McConkey (LAC) at Tennessee Titans; Jordan Addison (MIN) at Detroit Lions; DK Metcalf (PIT) vs. Indianapolis Colts.

Sit ’Em

Nico Collins (HOU) vs. Denver Broncos; Proj. FPTS – 16.5: Collins is set to return after missing last week with a concussion. He faces a tough matchup against the Broncos, who have allowed the fewest touchdowns and the second-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Denver’s secondary is middle of the pack in receptions and receiving yards and could show vulnerabilities without Patrick Surtain II. However, the Broncos generate the highest pressure rate in the league, which will make it difficult for C.J. Stroud to work downfield. Despite Collins’ name value, he is not recommended as a start this week.

Stefon Diggs (NE) vs. Atlanta Falcons; Proj. FPTS – 13.1: Diggs has posted back-to-back soft double-digit fantasy outings, far from his Week 5 revenge performance, when he caught 10 passes on 12 targets for 146 yards. Over the last three weeks, he has seen just 15 targets, partly because the Patriots spread the ball around with no consistent weekly pass catcher. This week, he faces the Falcons, who have allowed the fewest receiving yards and the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Given the matchup and limited volume, look elsewhere for fantasy production.

Keon Coleman (BUF) vs. Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS – 9.8: Nine weeks into the season, Coleman has shown little improvement. He had one standout performance in Week 1 but has otherwise produced disappointing outings. Part of the issue may be his role in the offense, as he is overshadowed by Khalil Shakir, who has excelled in the slot—a position where Coleman could thrive. This week, the Chiefs present a tough matchup, having allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers and the sixth-fewest yards to outside receivers, where Coleman lines up on more than 80% of his routes. Avoid starting Coleman this week.

Lowlights: Quentin Johnston (LAC) at Tennessee Titans; Matthew Golden (GB) vs. Carolina Panthers; Elic Ayomanor (TEN) vs. Los Angeles Chargers; Jameson Williams (DET) vs. Minnesota Vikings; Courtland Sutton (DEN) at Houston Texans.

Tight Ends

Start ’Em

Tyler Warren (IND) at Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS – 13.6: Warren had a down week Sunday against the Titans, scoring just 9.3 fantasy points. On the season, the rookie has finished under 10 fantasy points only twice. He is poised for a bounce-back against the Steelers, who allowed Tucker Kraft to have a big game recently. Pittsburgh has given up the second-most fantasy points, third-most receiving yards, and third-most touchdowns to tight ends. The Steelers also rely heavily on man coverage, which favors Warren, who leads the team in receiving touchdowns in man coverage. Barring any major changes to Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme, Warren is projected as a top-three tight end this week.

Kyle Pitts (ATL) at New England Patriots; Proj. FPTS – 10.9: Owners of Pitts should feel encouraged by his performance so far this season. He ranks second on the team in targets and has posted double-digit fantasy points in four games, including his last two. The Falcons have improved how they get Pitts the ball, using short, high-percentage passes that allow for catch-and-run opportunities. Whether it’s Michael Penix Jr. or Kirk Cousins under center this week, Pitts is projected for a third straight game with over 10 fantasy points, facing a Patriots defense that has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and fifth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. He is a solid start this week.

Zach Ertz (WSH) vs. Seattle Seahawks; Proj. FPTS – 10.0: Ertz has been difficult to trust on a weekly basis. Last week, he caught four passes on six targets for 16 yards, though he posted more than 10 fantasy points in each of the two prior games. His value has been affected by not having Jayden Daniels at quarterback, limiting both volume and scoring opportunities. Daniels is expected to return this week, giving Ertz a chance to regain fantasy relevance. The Seahawks have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points, seventh-most receptions, and ninth-most yards to tight ends. If Daniels does not play, Ertz should be left on the bench. Check the Commanders’ inactive list before kickoff.

Honorable Mentions: Colston Loveland (CHI) at Cincinnati Bengals; Jake Ferguson (DAL) vs. Arizona Cardinals; Oronde Gadsden II (LAC) at Tennessee Titans; Tucker Kraft (GB) vs. Carolina Panthers; Theo Johnson (NYG) vs. San Francisco 49ers.

Sit ’Em

Hunter Henry (NE) vs. Atlanta Falcons; Proj. FPTS – 9.1: I advised against starting Henry last week, and it proved correct. He scored a single touchdown from seven yards but had just one target overall. Henry had 24 targets through the early weeks but only 15 since Week 4, with just one end-zone opportunity. With that limited volume, it’s no surprise he has struggled to remain consistent in fantasy. This week, he faces the Falcons, who have allowed the fewest yards and fantasy points per game to tight ends. Look for a better option.

Dalton Kincaid (BUF) vs. Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS – 8.0: In three career meetings against the Chiefs, Kincaid has never surpassed 50 receiving yards. The matchup remains unappealing, as Kansas City has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game and the fifth-fewest yards to tight ends. With limited pass-catchers in the Bills offense, Kincaid could see a slight increase in volume, particularly near the end zone, but the Chiefs have allowed just one touchdown to tight ends this season. Consider looking to other options this week.

Evan Engram (DEN) at Houston Texans; Proj. FPTS – 7.8: Engram has been the biggest letdown among tight ends this season. During his time in Jacksonville, he was dominant and commanded a large share of targets. He was expected to be the “Joker” in Sean Payton’s offense, but that has not materialized. Engram ranks third on the team in targets but trails the next highest by nearly 20. While fantasy owners await his breakout game, this won’t be the week against the Texans. Houston has allowed the fourth-fewest yards and fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends and limits production through the passing game overall. Avoid starting Engram.

Lowlights: Chig Okonkwo (TEN) vs. Los Angeles Chargers; T.J. Hockenson (MIN) at Detroit Lions; Dalton Schultz (HOU) vs. Denver Broncos; Juwan Johnson (NO) vs. Los Angeles Rams.

Defenses

Start ‘Em 

Los Angeles Chargers Defense @ Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS - 7.1: The Titans’ offense is a goldmine for opposing defenses. Every team facing Tennessee has finished in the top 10 in fantasy points, with five defenses posting top-three finishes. Tennessee allows the second-most sacks and ranks fourth in turnover rate. The Chargers come off a strong performance against the Vikings, recording five sacks and an interception, making them a solid start this week.

Los Angeles Rams Defense vs. New Orleans Saints; Proj. FPTS – 8.2: I’m a big supporter of starting defenses against the Saints. New Orleans has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. Rookie Tyler Shough starts at quarterback this week, setting up a potential “welcome to the big leagues” scenario. The Rams defense has recorded 26 sacks, nine turnovers, and ranks sixth in pressure rate. Although they are the 10th-ranked fantasy defense, some teams dropped them due to their bye week. Check availability and start them if you can.

Jacksonville Jaguars Defense at Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS – 7.4: The Jaguars are an underrated fantasy defense, having recorded 12 or more fantasy points three times this season. This week, they face the Raiders, who have allowed opposing defenses to score 11 or more points in four of seven games and rank second in fantasy points allowed per game to defenses. Las Vegas also leads the league in turnovers, making Jacksonville a must-start this week.

Honorable Mentions: Detroit Lions Defense vs. Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos Defense @ Houston Texans. 

Sit ‘Em 

Kansas City Defense at Buffalo Bills; Proj. FPTS – 4.7: When the Chiefs and Bills meet, it usually means a high-scoring game—not for fantasy defenses. Kansas City has looked like a Super Bowl contender, but Buffalo’s defense has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. There are better streaming options this week.

Buffalo Bills Defense vs. Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS – 3.4: I would strongly recommend not starting either defense this week. This matchup projects to be high scoring with plenty of yardage. Buffalo’s defense has scored more than 10 fantasy points in just two games this season. The Chiefs have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, rarely give up sacks, and Patrick Mahomes has historically performed well against the Bills.

Pittsburgh Steelers Defense vs. Indianapolis Colts; Proj. FPTS – 3.3: The Steelers defense has been a disappointment this season. Once touted as historic, they’ve struggled, getting torched by Jordan Love and Tucker Kraft. Opposing offenses have figured out how to attack their secondary while avoiding the pass rush. This week, they face the Colts, led by MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor. Indianapolis’ passing game is efficient and careful with the ball, and the Colts don’t allow many sacks. Until the Steelers make adjustments, they should be avoided in fantasy.

Lowlights: Indianapolis Colts Defense @ Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks Defense @ Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings Defense @ Detroit Lions.

Kickers 

Start 'Em 

Chris Boswell (PIT) vs. Indianapolis Colts; Proj. FPTS: 8.6

Brandon Aubrey (DAL) vs. Arizona Cardinals; Proj. FPTS: 9.2 

Cameron Dicker (LAC) @ Tennessee Titans; Proj. FPTS: 9.1

Eddy Pineiro (SF) @ New York Giants; Proj. FPTS: 8.5

Matt Prater (BUF) vs. Kansas City Chiefs; Proj. FPTS: 8.4

Ka’imi Fairbairn (HOU) vs. Denver Broncos: Proj. FPTS: 7.9

Will Reichard (MIN) @ Detroit Lions; Proj. FPTS: 7.4

Sit ‘Em 

Joshua Karty (LAR) vs. New Orleans Saints; Proj. FPTS: 8.1

Brandon McManus (GB) vs. Carolina Panathers; Proj. FPTS: 8.5

Jake Bates (DET) vs. Minnesota Vikings; Proj. FPTS: 8.8

Michael Badgley (IND) @ Pittsburgh Steelers; Proj. FPTS: 8.8

Cam Little (JAX) @ Las Vegas Raiders; Proj. FPTS: 7.8

Ryan Fitzgerald (CAR) @ Green Bay Packers; Proj. FPTS: 7.5

Harrison Butker (KC) @ Buffalo Bills; Proj. FPTS: 8.6