Fantasy football is basically a game of managing regret. You spent a high draft pick on a "set it and forget it" defense, and now you're staring at a Week 9 matchup that looks like a total trap. It happens every year. We get halfway through the season, injuries pile up, and suddenly the units we trusted in September are giving up 30 points to backup quarterbacks.
Week 9 of the 2025 season is particularly weird. We have the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, and Cleveland Browns on bye. That is a massive chunk of "reliable" fantasy defenses suddenly unavailable. If you were coasting on the Jets' pass rush, you're now scouring the waiver wire for scraps. Honestly, it might be the best thing that happens to your team this week.
Stop chasing names. Start chasing bad offenses.
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Week 9 DST Rankings: The Heavy Hitters and the Real Steals
When you look at the Week 9 DST rankings, the top spot isn't a team with a scary logo. It’s the Los Angeles Chargers. Why? Because they’re playing the Tennessee Titans. The Titans have been a gold mine for fantasy defenses all year. They take sacks at the second-highest rate in the league and turn the ball over like they're getting paid for it. If the Chargers are sitting on your waiver wire—and they might be, because people still don't "trust" them—grab them. They just put up five sacks against Minnesota. Tennessee is an even easier target.
The "Must-Start" Tier
- Los Angeles Chargers (@ Tennessee): It's the matchup, stupid. Tennessee is giving up over 13 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. That’s a massive floor.
- Detroit Lions (vs. Minnesota): The Vikings are reportedly handing the keys back to rookie J.J. McCarthy. He’s talented, sure, but he took nine sacks in just two starts earlier this year. The Lions' front four is going to eat.
- Los Angeles Rams (vs. New Orleans): The Saints are a mess. Between injuries to the offensive line and starting a rookie like Tyler Shough, they're vulnerable. The Rams rank second in the NFL in sacks right now. This smells like a multi-turnover game.
- Green Bay Packers (vs. Carolina): Bryce Young might be back, but that doesn't make the Panthers a scary offense. The Packers lead the league in yards allowed per play. Even if they don't get five sacks, they'll keep the score low enough to be a top-10 play.
The Streaming Trap: Don't Get Cute
Streaming is a lifestyle. I get it. But there’s a difference between "playing the matchups" and "praying for a miracle." Take the Jacksonville Jaguars. They’re playing the Raiders, which looks great on paper because Las Vegas leads the league in turnovers. But Jacksonville's defense has been a rollercoaster. They have a high ceiling, but their floor is in the basement. If you’re a heavy favorite in your matchup, maybe avoid the Jags and take a steadier option like the New England Patriots against Atlanta.
New England has been quietly elite. They rank 5th in EPA per play allowed over the last month. If Michael Penix Jr. is still banged up for the Falcons, the Patriots become a top-5 play instantly.
Why the "Elite" Units are Risky Right Now
Look at the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. Usually, these are auto-starts. Not this week. They're playing each other. When Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes share a field, the scoreboard usually breaks. Both these offenses take care of the ball and don't allow many sacks. Playing either defense here is basically asking for a zero-point outing. Bench them. I know it feels wrong to sit a "top" defense, but you're playing for points, not reputation.
The Sleeper Nobody is Talking About
The Indianapolis Colts are playing Pittsburgh. Most people see the Steelers' record and stay away. But look closer. The Colts' defense has been one of the most consistent units in the league over the last six weeks. They're disciplined. They don't give up big plays. Meanwhile, the Steelers' passing game is... well, it's the Steelers' passing game. If you’re in a deep league and the "sexy" options are gone, Indy is a very safe floor play.
What the Numbers Actually Tell Us
If you’re a nerd for stats (guilty), look at Pressure Rate. Sacks are flashy, but pressure is what causes interceptions. The Denver Broncos rank 3rd in pressure rate. They’re facing a Houston Texans team that has a vulnerable offensive line. Despite Houston's star power, C.J. Stroud has been under fire lately. Denver is a sneaky high-upside play if you're chasing a win against a superior opponent.
Actionable Tips for Your Week 9 Lineup
- Check the Weather in Green Bay: If it’s a typical November frozen tundra day, that Packers DST becomes even more valuable against a dome-ish team like Carolina.
- Monitor the Vikings QB Situation: If Sam Darnold somehow starts over McCarthy, the Lions are still a "start," but the ceiling lowers slightly. McCarthy is the guy you want to play against.
- Drop the Dead Weight: If you're holding the Jets or Eagles through their bye, make sure your bench can actually support it. Don't lose your matchup because you're "saving" a defense for Week 11.
- The 21.5 Rule: Generally, if Vegas projects an opponent to score more than 22 points, you should look for other options. The Titans, Saints, and Panthers are all projected well below that this week.
Next steps for your Saturday: Check the final injury report for New Orleans. If their starting center is out, the Rams' interior rush (Kobie Turner and company) will dominate. If you're still undecided, prioritize the Los Angeles Chargers above everyone else—the Titans' offensive line is simply too broken to ignore.