Who Should I Start for Fantasy Football Week 9? Matthew Stafford, Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence, Justin Herbert, Drake Maye, Geno Smith, J.J. McCarthy Mac Jones, Bryce Young, Jacoby Brissett

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (knee) has been named the team's Week 9 starter, though regular starter Brock Purdy (toe) has not yet been ruled out and may be available off the bench. Jones has already started six games in Purdy's stead, passing for 1,597 yards and eight touchdowns with a 65.9% completion rate, and throwing five interceptions.

In Week 9, the Niners face the Giants, who have given up three straight top-12 finishes to opposing quarterbacks. Jones might struggle to see the same success, as he will be short on help and protection. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) is still out, as is starting center Jake Brendel (hamstring). Jones projects as a low-end QB2 and should be avoided given the matchup and the lingering possibility of Purdy being healthy enough to sub in if Jones can't get the offense going.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is set to return to the starting lineup on Sunday against Detroit, but the biggest question for fantasy managers should be whether the team can keep him upright. The Vikings, who have the second-worst sack rate in the league, are coming off a miserable showing last week in which they ran just 47 plays and gained 146 yards.

Left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) has been in and out of the lineup, right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee) has no designation this week but missed all of last game, and center Ryan Kelly (concussion) is on injured reserve. Still, with skill players like wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, there is at least some hope that McCarthy's return can provide a jolt to an offense that sorely needs it.

Playing at Detroit is a tough start, however, so managers should consider McCarthy only in deeper leagues with a superflex spot.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been an excellent fantasy surprise so far this season, ranking as the overall QB10 with 1,866 yards, 17 touchdowns, and two interceptions so far. He's coming off a bye, and right before that bye, he struck for an international record five passing touchdowns against the Jaguars in London. Stafford returns stateside in Week 9 to play against the New Orleans Saints, who have been struggling immensely.

We could see Los Angeles go run-heavy in an anticipated lopsided game, but there should be many opportunities for Stafford to pass, too. New Orleans has allowed the 11th-most fantasy quarterbacks in 2025, putting Stafford in a great spot to thrive once again. We expect him to showcase more turnover-free football while throwing for at least a couple of touchdowns.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence should serve as a solid QB2 in Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders defense hasn’t been the best overall this season but is even weaker against the pass than the run, so the Jaguars game plan should be to throw the ball early and try to mount a quick lead.

That will be slightly more difficult with rookie receiver Travis Hunter (knee) being placed on IR, but the Raiders offense may also be prone to turnovers and help out from a field position perspective. In what seems to be a mismatch on paper, Lawrence should be in for a solid fantasy day in Week 9 in Vegas.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett will officially make his third straight start in Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schefter reports that Cardinals QB1 Kyler Murray (foot) is "making progress" in his recovery from a foot sprain and "could have a role Monday night."

It's unclear exactly what Murray's potential role would be, as a foot injury would seemingly limit his ability to be effective as a rusher. Brissett has arguably outplayed Murray this season. Across his two starts, Brissett has thrown for 599 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. The 32-year-old profiles as a solid fantasy QB2 in a very favorable Week 9 matchup against Dallas.