RADIO
Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em and lineup advice for all 2025 Week 9 matchups. Joey analyzes in-depth Week 9 matchups via game-by-game breakdowns.
Welcome back, RotoBallers, to our Week 9 matchups analysis and fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em picks! If you are new to this series, this is our main weekly matchups column where we cover all games. Every week, we will offer in-depth analysis of every player in every game.
There will be four teams on bye this week (Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers). That means some fantasy managers might have to look for replacements. This article is a way to help guide you in making winning start/sit decisions based on juicy matchups to target (or tough matchups to consider avoiding).
So, let's dive in and look at the best starts and sits of the week. Good luck with your fantasy teams for Week 9!
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Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EST Games
Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots
Matchups We Love:
Pitts continues to be involved in Atlanta's passing attack. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy TE in three of the past four games, and his 19 targets over the last two weeks lead the team. Now, the Falcons' playmaker gets an excellent matchup in Week 9 against the Patriots. New England has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to TEs this year. That makes Pitts a low-end TE1.
Matchups We Hate:
There's a good chance that Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is back from injury this week. However, he will be a riskier QB2 option in Superflex formats. The Patriots have allowed just one QB to score over 14 fantasy points against them since Week 3. That's enough reason to sit Penix in most leagues this weekend.
WR Stefon Diggs
Things haven't been great for Stefon Diggs recently. He has finished outside the top 36 at the WR position in two of the past three games, and his snap share continues to hover around 52%. Unfortunately, things won't get easier for him in Week 9. The Falcons have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to slot WRs this year, where Diggs plays 55% of the time.
TE Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry has been held to single digits in PPR formats in four straight games, including a one catch performance last week against the Browns. With another tough matchup against the Falcons on deck, Henry should not be started as a TE1 in most formats. Atlanta has allowed the fewest fantasy points, the fewest receiving yards, and the fewest catches per game to opposing TEs in 2025.
Other Matchups:
QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye has been on a heater for fantasy managers. He has scored above 20 fantasy points in six of the past seven games and has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in three straight contests. While this matchup is tough against a Falcons defense that has allowed just one top-12 fantasy QB finish since Week 2, you are still starting Maye as a low-end QB1.
Bijan Robinson had arguably the best RB matchup last week against the Dolphins. However, the superstar RB had his worst fantasy output of the season (5.8 PPR fantasy points). Things won't get easier for him either in Week 9 against a Patriots defense that ranks first in rush yards allowed per game. Still, you are starting Robinson in every format.
BIJAN ROBINSON 81-YARD TD!
BUFvsATL on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/Nfb1IdvNK8— NFL (@NFL) October 14, 2025
Update: Stevenson has been ruled out. That means TreVeyon Henderson will likely draw the first start of his career in Week 9. He'll be a lower-end RB2 in this matchup.
Rhamondre Stevenson is currently battling a toe injury. But assuming he plays in Week 9, he will be a solid RB2 play against the Falcons. Atlanta ranks in the bottom 10 in both rush yards allowed per game and fantasy points allowed per game to opposing RBs. Considering Stevenson has played over 70% of the team's offensive snaps in three straight weeks, he should see enough volume to be an RB2.
WR Drake London
Drake London missed last week's game due to a hip injury, but his hip appears to be trending in the right direction. If he plays, London will be an easy WR1 for fantasy managers. He has finished as a top-5 fantasy WR in two of his past three games, and Christian Gonzalez hasn't really shadowed opposing WR1s this year. So, the Falcons' playmaker should be in all lineups.
Kayshon Boutte continues to surprise fantasy managers. He has scored above 13 PPR fantasy points in three straight games and has caught four touchdown passes over those three contests. Although his target share sits at 13.6% on the year, Boutte could be a potential flex play in 12-plus team leagues. Jaylen Waddle had 99 yards and one touchdown while working on the outside last week.
Injuries:
- Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) - out
Los Angeles Chargers at Tennessee Titans
Matchups We Love:
RB Kimani Vidal
Kimani Vidal has emerged as the clear RB1 in Los Angeles' backfield with Omarion Hampton (ankle) sidelined. He has rushed for over 115 yards in two of the past three games and finished as a top-10 fantasy RB in both of those weeks. Next up is a matchup against a Titans defense that ranks 31st in rush yards allowed per game and 32nd in rush touchdowns allowed. So, Vidal is a must-start RB2.
Matchups We Hate:
TE Chig Okonkwo
Chig Okonkwo has been a nice TE1 option in deeper leagues in recent weeks. He has finished as a top-16 fantasy TE in two of the past three games and has seen at least five targets in five of the last contests. However, this isn't the week to start Okonkwo in most formats. Only one TE has scored above 11 PPR fantasy points against the Chargers defense since Week 2.
Other Matchups:
QB Cam Ward
Fantasy managers can't be starting Cam Ward in any format this week. He has scored under 14 fantasy points in all eight of his games and has thrown just five passing touchdowns through eight weeks. For that reason, he should be a last resort in Superflex formats. The Chargers have also allowed the fifth-fewest pass yards per game this year.
Justin Herbert will come in as a strong QB1 option this week against the Titans. Herbert has scored 29.9 fantasy points (Week 7) and 26.3 fantasy points (Week 8) in back-to-back games. Considering he is also averaging 31 rush yards per game, he will have both a safe floor and a high ceiling this week. Tennessee has allowed a top-10 fantasy QB in consecutive games.
Titans RBs
This Tennessee running back room is a mess right now. It appears that Tyjae Spears has overtaken Tony Pollard for that RB1 role, given Spears has outsnapped him in two of the past three games. So, Spears will come in as a better flex play than Pollard this week. Both RBs, though, will be lower-end flex plays in 12-plus team leagues. Los Angeles ranks around league average in fantasy points allowed to the position through eight weeks.
Chargers WRs
All three Chargers WRs could be started in formats this week. Ladd McConkey has operated as Herbert's favorite target in the passing game in recent weeks, finishing with above 15 PPR fantasy points in three straight games. That makes him a high-end WR2 in this matchup. As for Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston, they will come in as more of WR3s.
Allen has been inconsistent for fantasy managers over the last few weeks, but this is an ideal matchup for the 33-year-old. The Titans have allowed the fifth-most receiving yards to WRs this year. Even though things have been rough for Johnston recently, he will be a nice start in most leagues. The Titans are without CB1 L'Jarius Sneed, and this secondary has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to outside WRs this year.
Titans WRs
With Calvin Ridley (hamstring) ruled out for this week's game, Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike will lead Tennessee's WR group once again. Fantasy managers shouldn't really be interested in Ayomanor since he hasn't scored in double figures in five straight games.
However, Dike can be started in some 12-plus team leagues this week. With back-to-back games of over 16 PPR fantasy points, he can be a solid play in Week 9. He is coming off an eight-target game last weekend, and the Chargers have allowed five WRs to score over 14 PPR fantasy points since Week 5.
TE Oronde Gadsden II
Oronde Gadsden has emerged as a TE1 option for fantasy managers. He has finished as a top-3 fantasy TE in back-to-back games while seeing 22 targets over the last three weeks. That strong stretch is enough to start him as a TE1 in most formats. The Titans have done a solid job against opposing TEs this year, but they have also let up a top-12 TE finish across two of the past three contests.
Injuries:
- Calvin Ridley (hamstring) - out
- Chig Okonkwo (foot)
Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals
Matchups We Love:
Caleb Williams hasn't been the best QB1 option in recent weeks. He has finished outside the top 16 at the QB position in three of the past four games, and his 17.5 fantasy points per game rank as the QB15 on the year. However, Williams will be a strong QB1 play this week against the Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed a top-12 fantasy QB finish in five of the past six games.
Update: Swift has been ruled out due to a groin injury. That makes Kyle Monangai a must-start RB2 in a fantastic matchup against the Bengals.
D'Andre Swift has been a much better fantasy option since the bye. He is averaging 20.5 PPR fantasy points per game over his last three contests while scoring a touchdown in three straight games. Now, he gets a fantastic matchup against a Bengals defense that has given up the most fantasy points and the most rushing yards to the RB position this year. That makes Swift a must-start RB2.
Update: Kmet will return in Week 9, so fantasy managers should sit Loveland in most cases.
If Cole Kmet (back) misses another game in Week 9, Colston Loveland can be started as a TE1 in some leagues this week. Loveland played a season-high 81% of the team's offensive snaps last week and saw five targets in that contest. Given that the Bengals have allowed the most fantasy points to the TE position this year, Loveland will be a top-12 play if Kmet misses.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Joe Flacco
Update: Flacco is questionable for Week 9.
It remains to be seen if Joe Flacco (shoulder) will suit up in Week 9. If he does, fantasy managers can trust him as a low-end QB1 in some 14-plus team leagues. Flacco has scored over 18 fantasy points in all three of his starts in Cincinnati, and the Bears are allowing the second-most passing touchdowns to QBs this year.
RB Chase Brown
Things appear to be trending up for Chase Brown. He totaled a season-high 108 rush yards in Week 7 and then scored a season-high 25.5 PPR fantasy points in Week 8 against the Jets. Assuming Flacco plays, Brown will be a solid RB2. The Bears rank 27th in rush yards allowed per game, and Derrick Henry just ran for 71 yards and two touchdowns against this defense a week ago.
Bengals WRs
You are starting Ja'Marr Chase no matter who is under center for the Bengals in Week 9. He has finished as a top-5 fantasy WR in five straight weeks. As for Tee Higgins, Flacco's availability will depend on whether fantasy managers should start him this week. If Flacco plays, Higgins will be a low-end WR2 against a Bears secondary that has allowed 10 receiving touchdowns to WRs in 2025.
Bears WRs
At this point, Rome Odunze is really the only WR fantasy managers can trust in this offense. He is coming off a seven-catch, 114-yard performance against the Ravens last week and is the clear WR1 in Chicago. His 25.5% target share ranks 17th among all WRs through eight weeks.
As for DJ Moore, fantasy managers should only start him in dire situations this week. He hasn't scored more than 13 PPR fantasy points in a game this season, and his 17.3% target share on the season is very concerning. For that reason, it might be best to leave Moore on your bench this week -- unless you have no other options.
Injuries:
- Joe Flacco (shoulder)
- D'Andre Swift (groin) - out
Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers
Matchups We Love:
QB Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones has been a massive surprise for fantasy managers through the first eight weeks. He ranks as the QB8 in terms of fantasy points per game and has finished as a top-10 fantasy QB in four of the past five games. Now, Jones goes up against a Steelers defense that has allowed a top-6 fantasy QB finish in back-to-back weeks. That makes him a strong QB1 option.
WR DK Metcalf
DK Metcalf will enter the week as a high-end WR2. He has finished as a top-15 fantasy WR in three of the past four games, and the Colts have allowed some big games to fantasy WRs this year. Indianapolis has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game and the second-most receptions per game to opposing WRs. That's enough to start Metcalf in most formats.
Colts WRs
Both Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs could be potential starts this week. Pittman will come in as a solid WR2 after scoring over 20 PPR fantasy points in two consecutive games. As for Downs, he can be a sneaky flex play in 12-plus team leagues this weekend. Pittsburgh has allowed the most receptions and the most receiving yards per game to opposing WRs.
TE Tyler Warren
Fantasy managers should continue to start Tyler Warren as a TE1. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy TE in seven of eight weeks this season, and this matchup against the Steelers is fantastic. Pittsburgh has allowed a top-10 fantasy TE in five of the past six games, including an overall TE1 finish to Tucker Kraft last week (seven catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns)
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Aaron Rodgers will come in as a middle-of-the-pack QB2 option this week against the Colts. Rodgers has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in three straight games, and this game has one of the highest over/unders (50.5) of the week. So, fantasy managers can start him in most Superflex formats. Indianapolis has given up a 300-yard passer in three of the past five games.
Jaylen Warren had a tough matchup last week against the Packers, which explains his subpar fantasy day. Although the Colts haven't allowed a top-12 fantasy RB finish since Week 1, the Steelers RB will still come in as a solid RB2 this week. Spears just scored 17.2 PPR fantasy points against Indianapolis' defense last week, and Warren has seen at least 15 touches in back-to-back games.
Jonathan Taylor will come as an RB1 again this week. He has been the best fantasy RB this season and has scored above 34 PPR fantasy points in two straight games. He's a must-start every week.
Injuries:
None
Denver Broncos at Houston Texans
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
QB Bo Nix
Bo Nix has been a better fantasy option in recent weeks, finishing as a top-7 QB in two straight games. However, he will fall out of QB1 status this week in a difficult matchup. Houston has allowed the fewest fantasy points per game and the fewest passing touchdowns per game to QBs this season. Considering this defense has yet to allow a top-12 QB finish, Nix is more of a QB2.
QB C.J. Stroud
After some early-season struggles, C.J. Stroud has now finished as a top-14 fantasy QB in four straight games. Despite his recent strong play, Stroud will be a lower-end QB2 against the Broncos. Denver has allowed the third fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs and just limited Dak Prescott to 8.6 fantasy points last week.
All signs point to Derek Stingley Jr. shadowing Courtland Sutton in this game. That is not great news for Sutton, considering Stingley has been one of the better coverage corners in the NFL this season. That makes the Broncos' playmaker a lower-end WR2 this week. The Texans have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing WRs.
TE Evan Engram
Things appear to be trending up for Evan Engram. He has caught at least four passes in five straight games, and his target share is up over 18% during this five-game stretch. However, Engram will be a riskier TE1 in deeper formats this week. Houston is allowing just 4.6 receptions per game to opposing TEs, and only one TE has finished as a top-16 option since Week 4.
Dalton Schultz didn't have the best fantasy game last week (two catches for 24 yards) and will be more of a TE2 in Week 9 against the Broncos. Denver has given up the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game and the fourth-fewest receptions per game to opposing TEs. Just last week, this defense held Jake Ferguson in check with a one-catch performance.
Other Matchups:
RB J.K. Dobbins
J.K. Dobbins continues to be a reliable RB2 option for fantasy managers. He has finished as a top-24 RB option in six of eight games, and his 111 rush yards last week were a season-high. For that reason, Dobbins will continue to be a low-end RB2 in Week 9. The Texans are allowing one rush touchdown per game this season, which means the 26-year-old should be in most lineups.
Texans RBs
It might be hard to trust Nick Chubb and Woody Marks this week. The Broncos haven't allowed over a 60-yard rusher since Week 2, and this 50/50 split between Chubb and Marks hurts both of their fantasy values. Therefore, Chubb will come in as a flex play in 14-plus team leagues, while Marks can be started in 12-plus team leagues.
Since Marks brings a little more to the receiving game, he is a slightly better start in most formats. He has caught at least three passes for 20-plus yards in three of the past four games. However, we shouldn't necessarily expect a big role in the passing game for him this week, especially since Denver ranks first in receptions allowed to RBs.
WR Nico Collins
All signs point to Nico Collins returning in Week 9 after he missed last week's game due to a concussion. While WR1s playing against the Broncos aren't usually on the hate list, the absence of Patrick Surtain II makes this a much better start for Collins. He will be a high-end WR2 this week, considering Denver's secondary allowed both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens to total over 70 yards a week ago.
Troy Franklin had the best game of his young career last week, catching six passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, fantasy managers can't expect a similar performance from him in Week 9. Houston has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points and the second-fewest touchdowns per game to opposing WRs this year. That makes Franklin a riskier flex play.
Injuries:
None
San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants
Matchups We Love:
QB Brock Purdy
Update: Purdy is questionable for Week 9, but Mac Jones will start. Jones could be started in some 14-plus team leagues in a good matchup.
There's a good chance that Brock Purdy will return in Week 9 following a multi-week absence. If Purdy does indeed return on Sunday, he should be started as a QB1 in most leagues. He has scored above 18 fantasy points in both of his starts this season, and the Giants have allowed a top-10 fantasy QB finish in three straight games.
It doesn't matter who Christian McCaffrey is playing against; you are starting him in all formats. After a subpar fantasy day last week, look for McCaffrey to bounce back in a big way in Week 9. The Giants have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points and the fourth-most rush yards per game to opposing RBs.
Wan'Dale Robinson didn't do much last week, catching just three passes for 48 yards. However, Robinson will come in as a high-end WR3 in this matchup against the 49ers. San Francisco has given up the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing slot WRs this year, and Jaylin Noel and Braxton Berrios caught a combined 10 passes in the slot against this secondary last week.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Jaxson Dart
Since taking over as the Giants' starter in Week 4, Jaxson Dart has scored above 19 fantasy points in five of those five games. As a result, the rookie will come in as a solid QB1 play against the 49ers. San Francisco has let an opposing QB score over 19 fantasy points in three of the past four weeks, which included Stroud throwing for 318 yards and two touchdowns against this defense a week ago.
With Cam Skattebo (ankle) out for the season, Tyrone Tracy Jr. will take over as the team's top back moving forward. For this week, he will come in as a solid RB2 play. The 49ers have allowed a top-14 fantasy RB finish in five of the past five weeks while also ranking 28th in receptions allowed to the RB position. That means Tracy will have some receiving upside in this matchup.
49ers WRs
Ricky Pearsall (knee) will miss another game this week. That means Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne will lead this WR room for another week. Both WRs will come in as solid flex plays in 12-plus team leagues. The Giants have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points, fifth-most receptions, and second-most receiving yards to opposing WRs this year.
George Kittle will remain a strong TE1 option for fantasy managers this week. New York just allowed Dallas Goedert to score two touchdowns last week, and Kittle should continue to operate as a top target in this San Francisco offense. The 32-year-old veteran has finished as a top-10 TE in two of his three games this season.
TE Theo Johnson
Theo Johnson has been a solid TE1 since Dart has taken over as the starter. He has finished as a top-14 option at the position in three of five games. However, he will be more of a TE2 this week in a tougher matchup against the 49ers. San Francisco ranks 10th in fantasy points allowed to opposing TEs this year.
Injuries:
- Brock Purdy (toe)
- Ricky Pearsall (knee) - out
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
Matchups We Love:
Vikings WRs
Both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison can be started in leagues this week. Jefferson will continue to be a WR1, while Addison will be more of a WR3. It'll be interesting to see how the return of J.J. McCarthy impacts both Vikings WRs this week. But considering the Lions are beat up in the secondary and have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to WRs this year, both are solid starts.
Matchups We Hate:
Vikings RBs
Aaron Jones Sr. returned from injured reserve last week and played a season-high 53% of the team's offensive snaps. His return to the field definitely hurts Jordan Mason's fantasy upside. For Week 9, both Jones and Mason will be risky flex plays. It appears to be a 50/50 split in this backfield, and the Lions haven't allowed a top-24 RB finish in five of the past six weeks.
The Lions want to get Jameson Williams more involved in the passing game. But until we see it, he will continue to be a risky flex option. He has a tougher matchup on the outside against Isaiah Rodgers, and the Vikings have allowed the fewest receptions per game to opposing WRs. So, he'll be a boom-or-bust WR4 this week.
Other Matchups:
QB Jared Goff
Jared Goff hasn't exactly been a solid QB1 option this year. He has finished outside the top-16 at the QB position in four of the past five games, and his 17.2 fantasy points per game rank as the QB18. Therefore, Goff is more of a QB2 in Superflex formats this week. The good news for him is that Minnesota has allowed over 23 fantasy points to a QB in back-to-back games.
QB J.J. McCarthy
McCarthy will return in Week 9 following a multi-game absence. In his two starts this season, McCarthy has scored 23.2 fantasy points (Week 1) and 4.8 fantasy points (Week 2). So, he will be more of a QB2 play this week against the Lions. Detroit has allowed only two QBs to finish top-12 at the position through eight weeks.
Letting it riiiiiiiiiip 🎯🎯@jjmccarthy09
📺: Back Together Weekend on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/pO1wTTjLaj
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 26, 2025
Lions RBs
You are starting Jahmyr Gibbs in every format in Week 9. As for David Montgomery, he will be a lower-end RB2. Although he has seen 10 touches or fewer in two of his past four games, this is a matchup where Montgomery could have a solid fantasy day. The Vikings have allowed over 95 rush yards to an RB in three of the last four contests.
Amon-Ra St. Brown will remain a must-start WR1 in Week 9. He has been fantastic for fantasy managers this year, and that won't change in this matchup against the Vikings.
T.J. Hockenson has been one of the more disappointing TEs in fantasy to start the season. He is averaging just 7.9 PPR fantasy points per game while finishing outside the top 14 at the TE position in four straight contests. Therefore, Hockenson should only be a TE1 option in 16-plus team leagues this week.
TE Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta will be a TE1 play this week against the Vikings. He has finished as a top-4 fantasy TE in two of the past three games, and Minnesota has allowed some big fantasy games to opposing TEs in recent weeks. Gadsden scored 18.7 PPR fantasy points last week, and David Njoku scored 18.7 PPR fantasy points back in Week 5 against this defense.
Injuries:
None
Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers
Matchups We Love:
TE Tucker Kraft
Kraft is coming off a career performance last week, catching seven passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns en route to an overall TE1 finish. With a matchup against the Panthers on deck in Week 9, the Packers playmaker will be a strong TE1 play in all formats. Carolina has allowed the sixth-most receiving yards per game to opposing TEs.
Matchups We Hate:
Panthers RBs
It's best to stay away from both Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard this week. Although Dowdle is expected to start and see more opportunities, this is not the week to start any Carolina running back. The Packers are allowing just 70.3 rush yards per game this season while allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to RBs. That makes both RBs risky flex plays.
Packers WRs
At this point, the only Packers WR that fantasy managers can trust is Romeo Doubs. Matthew Golden is non-existent in the passing game, and he should not be started in most formats. As for Doubs, expectations should be tempered for him this week. Jaycee Horn will be his primary matchup on the outside, and Carolina has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to WRs this year.
So, Doubs is more of a lower-end WR3 this week.
Other Matchups:
QB Bryce Young
Bryce Young will return in Week 9, but he will be more of a low-end QB2 in Superflex formats. Young has scored under 14 fantasy points in four of his last five starts, and the Packers have one of the better defenses in the NFL. As a result, he is just too risky to start in most formats. Green Bay has also allowed the fewest rushing yards to opposing QBs this year.
QB Jordan Love
Jordan Love finished as the overall QB1 last week behind a 360-yard, three-touchdown game. After that big fantasy performance, Love will be a low-end QB1 this week. The Panthers have allowed a top-10 fantasy QB in four of the past five weeks, including a 23.2 fantasy point day from Josh Allen a week ago.
RB Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs has been a touchdown machine for the Packers yet again this season. He has scored at least one touchdown in six of seven games this season. That makes him a must-start RB1 this week against the Panthers. Although Carolina has only allowed two RBs to finish top-12 at the position this year, you are still starting Jacobs in every format.
This is usually the point of the season when rookies start to break out. That's good news for Tetairoa McMillan, who is fresh off a seven-catch, 99-yard performance last week. Given that the Packers allowed two Pittsburgh WRs to finish top-14 at the position last week, McMillan will be a solid WR2 play in Week 9.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
Jacksonville Jaguars at Las Vegas Raiders
Matchups We Love:
QB Geno Smith
Geno Smith has not been the best fantasy QB option in recent weeks. He has scored under 10 fantasy points in three straight games and has finished outside the top 24 at the QB position in four consecutive contests. However, Smith can be started in some deeper Superflex formats this week. Jacksonville has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to QBs.
Jaguars WRs
Update: Hunter was placed on IR due to a knee injury he suffered in practice. Parker Washington and Dyami Brown should now be considered potential flex plays in some 14-plus team leagues.
Both Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter can be started in most leagues this week. Thomas has a fantastic matchup on the outside against a Las Vegas secondary that ranks in the bottom seven in fantasy points allowed, receptions allowed, receiving yards allowed, and receiving touchdowns allowed per game to WRs this season.
That also works in Travis Hunter's favor. Before the team's Week 8 bye, Hunter had his best offensive game of his short career by catching eight passes for 101 yards and one touchdown. Now, following the bye, the expectation is that the rookie will stay involved in Jacksonville's passing attack. That's enough to start him as a solid WR3.
Raiders WRs
Both Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker can be started in some formats this week. Although both WRs have been inconsistent fantasy options through the first eight weeks, this matchup against the Jaguars is a great one. Since Jacksonville has allowed the second-most fantasy points to outside WRs this year, that actually makes Tucker a sneaky WR3 in this game.
As for Meyers, fantasy managers can also start him as a WR3. The Jaguars have allowed the third-most receiving touchdowns per game to opposing WRs this year. With the trade deadline also just days away, this could be a game where Las Vegas feeds the 29-year-old the ball to increase his trade value.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Trevor Lawrence will come in as a low-end QB1 this week against the Raiders. Lawrence has finished as a top-14 fantasy QB in three straight games, which should give fantasy managers confidence in rolling with him as a QB1 in most 14-plus team leagues. This Las Vegas defense has plenty of holes in its secondary.
After a hot start to the year, Travis Etienne has cooled off significantly. He has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in three straight games. However, he can be started as a solid RB2 this week against the Raiders. Etienne continues to be the primary back in this Jacksonville backfield, and the Raiders are allowing 1.1 rush touchdowns per game this season.
It'll be interesting to see if Ashton Jeanty gets the bye week bump that most rookies see in their first year. While his fantasy production has been up and down through the first half, Jeanty is still an RB2 start in most cases this year. Fantasy managers, though, should temper expectations from him in this matchup, considering Jacksonville has yet to allow a 60-plus-yard rusher this year.
TE Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers is back! After missing the last three games due to a knee injury, Bowers will return to the field for the first time since Week 4. Although some fantasy managers might be scared to play him right away, the 22-year-old will be a strong TE1 play in Week 9. The Jaguars have allowed a TE to score in double figures in PPR formats in four straight weeks.
Injuries:
- Travis Hunter (knee) - out
New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
QB Tyler Shough
Tyler Shough will make his first career start in Week 9. Unfortunately, this is not an ideal matchup for the rookie. The Rams have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing QBs and have let up just four passing touchdowns since Week 4. For that reason, Shough will be a risky QB2 in Superflex formats.
RB Alvin Kamara
Update: Kamara is questionable due to an ankle injury.
Alvin Kamara has looked like a completely different RB in 2025. He hasn't rushed for over 35 yards since Week 4, while being held to under 10 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games. With a matchup against the Rams upcoming in Week 9, Kamara will be a risky flex play in most formats. Los Angeles is allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to RBs this year.
Other Matchups:
Matthew Stafford could be started as a QB1 in some 14-plus team leagues this week. He has finished as a top-10 fantasy QB in three of his past four games, and Stafford will get his star WR back in Puka Nacua. Considering the Saints have allowed a top-14 fantasy QB finish in five of eight contests, the veteran is a fine play.
Kyren Williams will come in as a high-end RB2 this week against the Saints. He is the clear top back in Los Angeles' backfield, with two top-12 fantasy RB finishes over his last three games. Given that New Orleans has allowed five RBs to finish top-12 at the position against them through eight weeks, Williams should be in all lineups.
Saints WRs
Update: Shaheed is questionable due to a hip injury.
It'll be interesting to see how both Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed do with Shough under center. However, Olave will still be a solid WR2, while Shaheed will be more of a middle-of-the-pack flex play in 12-plus team leagues. The good news for both of these WRs is that Los Angeles has allowed the eighth-most receiving yards to WRs this season.
Spencer Rattler finds Chris Olave for a Saints TD
NOvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/N28zj2rJid
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025
Rams WRs
Puka Nacua will play in Week 9 after practicing in full on Thursday and Friday. Therefore, you are starting him in all formats. As for Davante Adams, he will come in as a solid WR2 play. He was averaging right around 14 PPR fantasy points in the first six games with Nacua to begin the season, and the Saints can't match up with Adams on the outside.
Juwan Johnson could emerge as a security blanket for Shough in the middle of the field. Nonetheless, Johnson should not be started in most cases this week against the Rams. Los Angeles has allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game and the eighth-fewest receiving yards to opposing TEs this season.
Injuries:
- Alvin Kamara (ankle)
- Rashid Shaheed (hip)
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills
Matchups We Love:
RB Kareem Hunt
With Isiah Pacheco (knee) listed as week-to-week, Kareem Hunt is in line to start for the Chiefs this weekend. This start comes in a fantastic matchup against a Bills defense that has allowed the second-most rushing touchdowns this season. Buffalo has let an RB score in five straight games. As a result, Hunt is a low-end RB2 this weekend.
Matchups We Hate:
Khalil Shakir had his best fantasy game of the season last week, scoring 20.8 PPR fantasy points. But Shakir might find that same level of success this week against a very good Chiefs secondary. Kansas City has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing slot WRs this year, where Shakir lines up 69% of the time. So, Shakir is a tougher WR option to trust in Week 9.
In his return following an oblique injury, Dalton Kincaid only caught one pass for 23 yards last week. Unfortunately, things don't get easier for him in Week 9 against a Chiefs defense that has allowed just one TE to finish top-16 at the position this season. Therefore, Kincaid is harder to trust as a TE1 play this week.
TE Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce was fantastic for fantasy managers a week ago, catching six passes for 99 yards and one touchdown. Those numbers helped him finish as the overall TE2 for the week. This week, though, Kelce has a tougher matchup at the TE position. The Bills haven't allowed a TE to finish top-18 at the position through eight weeks. You're still probably starting him as a TE1, but expectations must be tempered.
Other Matchups:
QB Josh Allen
Josh Allen definitely has a tougher matchup this week. The Chiefs rank fifth in fantasy points allowed, third in pass yards allowed, and fifth in pass touchdowns allowed per game to QBs this year. However, that all doesn't matter to Allen. He is a must-start QB1.
The Bills have done a good job against opposing QBs in fantasy this year. Buffalo ranks second in fantasy points allowed, second in pass yards allowed, and sixth in pass touchdowns allowed per game this season. Still, you're starting Mahomes as a QB1 in every format.
RB James Cook
James Cook will continue to be a must-start RB1 in fantasy. He is coming off the best game of his career, rushing for 216 yards and two touchdowns. That's enough reason to start him in every format -- despite the tough matchup against the Chiefs' front seven.
Chiefs WRs
If you have Rashee Rice, you should continue to start him in every format. He has scored above 20 PPR fantasy points in both of his games this season. As for Xavier Worthy, he will be more of a WR3 this week against the Bills. Buffalo doesn't allow many big plays through the air, considering it ranks sixth in yards allowed per completion through eight weeks.
Injuries:
- Isiah Pacheco (knee)
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Seattle Seahawks at Washington Commanders
Matchups We Love:
QB Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold has sneaky QB1 upside this week against the Commanders. Washington has allowed a top-10 fantasy QB finish in three straight games and currently ranks 28th in both fantasy points allowed and pass yards allowed to the QB position through eight weeks. That's enough to start Darnold as a QB1 in 14-plus team leagues.
TE AJ Barner
AJ Barner didn't do much the last time we saw him in Week 7, catching just one pass for seven yards. However, he could be a potential start in 16-plus team leagues this week. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in four of the past six games, and the Commanders have allowed a TE to finish top-4 at the position in back-to-back weeks.
TE Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz has been a bit disappointing in fantasy this year. But in five games with Jayden Daniels this year, Ertz has scored 11.6 PPR fantasy points, 18.4 PPR fantasy points, 0 PPR fantasy points, 16.3 PPR fantasy points, and 12.7 PPR fantasy points. Given that Seattle has allowed five different TEs to score in double figures in PPR formats against them since Week 3, Ertz can be started as a low-end TE1 in some leagues.
Matchups We Hate:
Fantasy managers can't trust Jacory Croskey-Merritt in most formats this week. He has scored 5.8 PPR fantasy points (Week 6), 4.2 PPR fantasy points (Week 7), and 2.5 PPR fantasy points (Week 8) in three straight games. That's enough to sit him in most formats. On top of that, the Seahawks have allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game this season.
Other Matchups:
Jayden Daniels will return from his hamstring injury in Week 9. So, fantasy managers should start him as a QB1 this week. Daniels has scored above 17 fantasy points in all five of his starts, and his rushing upside always gives him a higher ceiling. With the Seahawks allowing a top-12 fantasy QB finish in two of the past three games, start the Commanders QB with confidence.
Seahawks RBs
It's hard to trust either Seattle RB in fantasy moving forward. Kenneth Walker III has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in three straight games, and Zach Charbonnet has become a touchdown-dependent flex option. Although Charbonnet has yet to total over 50 rush yards in a game, he will be a higher RB2 play than Walker this week due to his touchdown upside.
With Terry McLaurin (quad) out for this week, Deebo Samuel Sr. will operate as Washington's WR1. In four games with Daniels this season, he is averaging 17.3 PPR fantasy points per game. That makes him a solid WR2 play this week against the Seahawks.
Seahawks WRs
Update: Kupp is questionable for Week 9.
The only WR that fantasy managers should be starting in Seattle is Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He is averaging 22.1 PPR fantasy points per game this year and currently ranks first among all WRs in receiving yards per game (117). Therefore, he is a must-start WR1. As for Cooper Kupp, it's best to sit him in all formats even if he plays in Week 9. The veteran was limited in practice on Thursday due to a hamstring/heel injury.
Injuries:
- Terry McLaurin (quad) - out
- Cooper Kupp (hamstring/heel)
Matchup Analysis - Monday Night Football
Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys
Matchups We Love:
QB Kyler Murray
Update: Jacoby Brissett will start in Week 9. He will be a low-end QB1 in a fantastic matchup against a Cowboys defense that ranks dead last in fantasy points allowed to opposing QBs.
There's a strong chance that Kyler Murray will be back in Week 9 after missing multiple weeks due to a foot injury. If he plays, Murray will be an easy QB1 start in all formats. The Cowboys have allowed the most fantasy points, the most passing touchdowns, and the second-most rushing yards to opposing QBs this year.
RB Bam Knight
Bam Knight will enter Week 9 as a sneaky RB2 play. He has emerged as the top back in Arizona's backfield, and this is a favorable matchup for him against the Cowboys. Dallas has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing RBs this year, which has included allowing over 17 PPR fantasy points to an RB in four of the last five games.
This is a prime opportunity for Marvin Harrison Jr. to have his best game of the season. The Cowboys have allowed the most fantasy points, the most receiving touchdowns, and the third-most receiving yards per game to opposing WRs. Just last week, Franklin torched this Dallas secondary behind a 26.9 PPR fantasy point day.
Jake Ferguson was quiet in last week's loss, catching none of his two targets. However, fantasy managers should expect Ferguson to bounce back in Week 9. The Cardinals have allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and the fourth-most receptions per game to opposing TEs. This defense just recently allowed Tucker Kraft to score 16.8 PPR fantasy points back in Week 7.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Dak Prescott
Considering Dak Prescott has finished as a top-8 fantasy QB in four of the past five weeks, he will be a solid QB1 option this week. Even though the Cardinals have allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing QBs through eight weeks, Prescott has been lights out at home to begin the season.
Javonte Williams will remain an RB1 for fantasy managers this week. The Cardinals rank 21st in fantasy points allowed per game, 23rd in rush touchdowns allowed per game, and 23rd in receptions allowed per game to opposing RBs. That's enough to start him in every format.
Cowboys WRs
Both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are must-starts in Week 9. Both WRs totaled over 70 yards in last week's loss, and this is a much better matchup for these two Dallas playmakers. The Cardinals are giving up 12.7 receptions per game to opposing WRs. So, that makes Lamb a WR1, and Pickens more of a WR2 this week.
TE Trey McBride
Trey McBride balled out in two games with Jacoby Brissett, scoring 21.2 PPR fantasy points in Week 6 and 29.4 PPR fantasy points in Week 7. With Kyler Murray returning, McBride will continue to be a strong TE1 play in all formats. The Cowboys have allowed a TE to score in double figures in PPR formats in three of the past five games.
Injuries:
- Kyler Murray (foot)
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