As we dive into Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season, fantasy football managers face some tough decisions. With the Steelers and 49ers on bye, key players like Brock Purdy and George Pickens are unavailable. Additionally, injuries are starting to pile up as we approach the midseason mark, making lineup choices even more critical.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em: Quarterbacks
Vinnie Iyer is back with another edition of the Decider, your go-to source for positional rankings and start ‘em, sit ‘em advice. Let’s break down the quarterbacks you should be starting this week based on matchups, usage, and overall performance.
Regular Starts
- Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. JAX)
- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (vs. DEN)
- Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (at NYG)
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (vs. MIA)
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. LV)
- Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (if he plays, vs. DET)
- Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (vs. CHI)
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. TB)
Stronger Starts
9. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (at ATL): Expect Prescott to be busy, throwing often against a weak Falcons pass defense, which could also struggle against the Cowboys’ running game.
10. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (at SEA): With his top receivers back in action, Stafford is primed to make big plays, especially if they can establish the run.
11. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (vs. LAR): In what should be a competitive matchup, Smith will likely need to air it out against a vulnerable Rams secondary.
12. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons (vs. DAL): Cousins should be ready to throw plenty to keep pace with Prescott.
13. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (at ARI): Look for Williams to bounce back in Arizona, going toe-to-toe with fellow Heisman winner Kyler Murray.
14. Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (vs. IND): Darnold has a solid floor, projecting around 250 yards and two touchdowns against a Colts defense that may struggle.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks
Now, let’s talk about the quarterbacks you might want to avoid this week.
Weaker Starts
15. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (at BAL): Despite decent passing numbers, Nix may struggle against a tough Ravens defense, especially as a rookie on the road.
16. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at KC): Mayfield has been productive, but facing the Chiefs in a prime-time game is a challenging task.
17. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (at GB): Goff’s volume has dipped, making this a tough matchup against a strong Packers defense.
18. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (at NYJ): With injuries affecting his receiving corps, Stroud may find it hard to produce against a resurgent Jets defense.
19. Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns (vs. LAC): The Chargers’ pass defense has been tough, and Winston could struggle under pressure.
20. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (at BUF): Historically, Tua has had a tough time against the Bills, making him a risky start this week.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em: Running Backs
Now, let’s shift gears to the running backs. Who should you be starting this week?
Regular Starts
- Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams (at SEA)
- Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons (vs. DAL)
- Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens (vs. DEN)
- Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. JAX)
- Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (at CAR)
- Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks (vs. LAR)
- Joe Mixon, Houston Texans (at NYJ)
- D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears (at ARI)
- De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins (at BUF)
- Breece Hall, New York Jets (vs. HOU)
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions (vs. TEN)
- Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (at MIN)
- James Cook, Buffalo Bills (vs. MIA)
- David Montgomery, Detroit Lions (at GB)
- Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans (vs. NE)
- Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers (at DET)
- Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots (at TEN)
- Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders (at NYG)
- Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. TB)
- James Conner, Arizona Cardinals (vs. CHI)
- Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings (vs. IND)
- Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars (at PHI)
Stronger Starts
23. Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. LV): As the lead back, Brown is poised for a strong performance against a struggling Raiders run defense.
24. Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (vs. WAS): If he clears concussion protocol, Tracy could shine against a Commanders defense that struggles against the run.
25. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers (vs. NO): Expect Hubbard to see increased volume at home, especially if the Saints can’t pull away.
26. Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders (at CIN): After a tough matchup against the Chiefs, Mattison should find more running room against the Bengals.
27. Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins (at BUF): Mostert may not see a lot of touches, but he remains a reliable touchdown threat.
28. Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons (vs. DAL): Allgeier could be worth a FLEX play, especially against a struggling Cowboys run defense.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Sit ‘Em: Running Backs
Let’s look at the running backs you might want to bench this week.
Weaker Starts
29. J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers (at CLE): The Browns have been tough against the run, making this a challenging matchup for Dobbins.
30. Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (at BAL): The Ravens’ run defense is formidable, making it hard for Williams to find success.
31. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns (vs. LAC): After facing a tough Ravens front, Chubb has another challenging matchup against the Chargers.
32. Bucky Irving and Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at KC): Both backs will face a tough Kansas City defense, making them risky starts.
33. Braelon Allen, New York Jets (vs. HOU): Allen’s production may dwindle as he shares touches with Hall.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em: Wide Receivers
Wide receivers can make or break your fantasy week. Here are the players to start.
Regular Starts
- Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings (vs. IND)
- CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys (at ATL)
- Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. LV)
- A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. JAX)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (at GB)
- Malik Nabers, New York Giants (vs.WAS)
- Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams (at SEA)
- Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams (at SEA)
- DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. JAX)
- Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders (at NYG)
- Garrett Wilson, New York Jets (vs. HOU)
- Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers (vs. DET)
- Drake London, Atlanta Falcons (vs. DAL)
- Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (at BUF)
- DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks (if he plays, vs. LAR)
- Davante Adams, New York Jets (vs. HOU)
- Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints (at CAR)
- Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts (at MIN)
- Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens (vs. DEN)
- Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals (vs. CHI)
- Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans (vs. NE)
- D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears (at ARI)
- Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons (vs. DAL)
- Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (at BUF)
Stronger Starts
25. Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. TB): Worthy should thrive in a favorable matchup, especially with Mahomes at the helm.
26. Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (at CLE): After a strong performance last week, McConkey could exploit a beatable Browns secondary.
27. Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills (vs. MIA): Coleman has emerged as a reliable target in a high-stakes matchup.
28. Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (at BAL): Sutton should find opportunities against the Ravens’ defense.
29. Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (vs. DET): Doubs can still be effective even without Love, especially against a poor pass defense.
30. Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears (at ARI): Allen’s savvy route-running can exploit the Cardinals’ secondary.
31. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks (vs. LAR): He has the potential to shine if Metcalf draws coverage away.
32. Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts (at MIN): With Flacco under center, Pittman could see increased targets.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Sit ‘Em: Wide Receivers
And now, the wide receivers to consider benching this week.
Weaker Starts
33. Tank Dell, Houston Texans (at NYJ): With key injuries, Dell may struggle against a strong Jets secondary.
34. Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns (vs. LAC): Tillman could be contained by a solid Chargers defense.
35. Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders (at CIN): Meyers may find it tough to produce in this matchup.
36. Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings (vs. IND): With Hockenson back, Addison’s target share may be limited.
37. Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills (vs. MIA): Cooper may take a backseat to other offensive weapons.
38. DeAndre Hopkins, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. TB): While the matchup looks good, it’s wise to wait and see how he’s utilized.
39. Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants (vs. WAS): Robinson’s targets have dwindled, making him a risky start.
40. Diontae Johnson, Baltimore Ravens (vs. DEN): Johnson may not see the volume he needs to be effective.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em: Tight Ends
Finally, let’s look at the tight ends you should be considering.
Must Starts
- Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. TB)
- Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders (at CIN)
- Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (at GB)
- Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at KC)
- Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals (vs. CHI)
- Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons (vs. DAL)
- Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars (at PHI)
- Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (vs. DEN)
Stronger Starts
9. Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys (at ATL): Ferguson should see plenty of targets as Prescott looks to exploit the Falcons’ secondary.
10. David Njoku, Cleveland Browns (vs. LAC): Njoku has developed a strong rapport with Winston, making him a solid start.
11. Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (vs. MIA): Despite a tough matchup, Kincaid can still find success against the Dolphins.
12. T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings (vs. IND): If healthy, Hockenson is a must-start in this matchup.
13. Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers (vs. DET): Kraft can still be effective, especially if he finds the end zone.
14. Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. LV): If Tee Higgins is out, Gesicki could be a solid play in a favorable matchup.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Sit ‘Em: Tight Ends
And here are the tight ends you might want to avoid this week.
Weaker Starts
15. Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (at ARI): Kmet’s inconsistency makes him a risky play this week.
16. Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders (at NYG): Despite targets, Ertz may struggle in this matchup.
17. Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (at TEN): The Titans are tough on tight ends, making Henry a weak start.
18. Tyler Conklin, New York Jets (vs. HOU): Conklin’s role may diminish as the team focuses on wide receivers.
19. Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (at NYJ): Schultz hasn’t seen enough targets to warrant a start.
20. Noah Fant, Seattle Seahawks (vs. LA): Fant’s production has been inconsistent, making him a risky option.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em: Defense/Special Teams
Finally, let’s take a look at the defenses you should be starting this week.
Stronger Starts
- Minnesota Vikings (vs. IND)
- Kansas City Chiefs (vs. TB)
- Los Angeles Chargers (at CLE)
- New York Jets (vs. HOU)
- Baltimore Ravens (vs. DEN)
- Buffalo Bills (vs. MIA)
- New Orleans Saints (at CAR)
- Washington Commanders (vs. NYG)
9. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. JAX): The Eagles’ defense has improved and should be able to pressure Trevor Lawrence.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (vs. LV): With Burrow leading, the Bengals could build a lead and force the Raiders into mistakes.
11. New England Patriots (at TEN): This matchup is too good to pass up for a streaming option.
12. Tennessee Titans (vs. NE): Depending on the Patriots’ QB situation, the Titans could also be a viable play.
13. Chicago Bears (at ARI): While Kyler is playing better, the Bears could surprise after a strong performance against the Commanders.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Sit ‘Em: Defenses
And here are the defenses you might want to bench this week.
Weaker Starts
14. Houston Texans (at NYJ): The Texans have struggled in the passing game, making them a risky start on the road.
15. Green Bay Packers (vs. DET): The Packers can generate takeaways, but this matchup against the Lions is tricky.
16. Detroit Lions (at GB): The Lions had a good run, but playing at Lambeau makes this a tough matchup.
17. Cleveland Browns (vs. LAC): While they can stop the run, Herbert is a challenging quarterback to contain.
18. Denver Broncos (at BAL): The Ravens are likely to dominate the ground game, limiting the Broncos’ opportunities for big plays.
As we gear up for Week 9, make sure to analyze your lineups carefully and adjust based on the latest news and matchups. With the right decisions, you can keep your fantasy season alive and thriving!
