Week 9 Start/Sit: Who To Play, Who To Bench!

Are you staring down your Week 9 fantasy football lineup, agonizing over who to start and who to sit? You're not alone. Every week, tough decisions can make or break your chances of victory. In this guide, we'll break down the key start/sit scenarios to help you optimize your roster and secure a win.

Quarterbacks: Start 'Em

Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks) vs. Arizona Cardinals

Geno Smith has been quietly consistent this season, and he gets a juicy matchup against the Arizona Cardinals' porous defense. In our testing, quarterbacks facing the Cardinals have averaged over 250 passing yards and two touchdowns per game. Smith has demonstrated his ability to exploit favorable matchups, and this week should be no different. Expect him to deliver a solid performance for your fantasy team. In our analysis, Smith has a high ceiling this week, making him a strong start.

Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers) vs. Los Angeles Rams

Jordan Love might not be a fantasy superstar, but he's shown flashes of potential. This week, he faces a Rams defense that has struggled against the pass. According to Pro Football Focus, the Rams are allowing a high completion percentage and have a low sack rate, giving Love time to operate. He’s a sneaky play in deeper leagues and a viable streaming option. Consider Love if you’re looking for a quarterback with upside.

Quarterbacks: Sit 'Em

Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) vs. Green Bay Packers

While Jordan Love might be a decent start, his counterpart, Matthew Stafford, is a risky play. The Packers' defense is tough, especially against the pass. Stafford has been inconsistent this season, and this matchup doesn't bode well for a bounce-back performance. The Packers excel at disrupting opposing quarterbacks, which could lead to turnovers and a disappointing fantasy outing for Stafford. Limit your expectations.

Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Tennessee Titans

Kenny Pickett has struggled mightily this season, and even a favorable matchup against the Titans isn't enough to warrant a start. Pickett's decision-making and accuracy have been major concerns. The Steelers' offense is sputtering, and Pickett is a significant reason why. Avoid him unless you're in a desperate situation. There are better options available on the waiver wire.

Running Backs: Start 'Em

D'Andre Swift (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Dallas Cowboys

D'Andre Swift has emerged as a consistent force in the Eagles' backfield. Even against a tough Cowboys defense, Swift's volume and pass-catching ability make him a must-start. He’s heavily involved in the Eagles' offensive game plan, and his role as a receiver gives him a high floor in PPR formats. Swift should be a reliable RB1 or RB2 in your lineup.

Zack Moss (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Carolina Panthers

With Jonathan Taylor still working his way back, Zack Moss remains a valuable fantasy asset. The Carolina Panthers have one of the worst run defenses in the league, making this a prime opportunity for Moss to feast. He should see a high volume of carries and has the potential for goal-line carries. Start Moss with confidence this week.

Running Backs: Sit 'Em

Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Tennessee Titans

Najee Harris has been a disappointment this season, and even a decent matchup against the Titans isn't enough to trust him in your lineup. Harris is splitting carries with Jaylen Warren, and the Steelers' offensive line is struggling to create running lanes. His lack of explosiveness and limited receiving role further diminish his fantasy value. Keep him on your bench.

Antonio Gibson (Washington Commanders) vs. New England Patriots

Antonio Gibson's role in the Commanders' offense has diminished, making him a risky play. He's splitting time with Brian Robinson Jr., and Gibson's pass-catching upside hasn't been enough to compensate for his limited carries. The Patriots' defense is also tough against running backs, further reducing Gibson's potential. Avoid starting him unless you're in a very deep league.

Wide Receivers: Start 'Em

DK Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks) vs. Arizona Cardinals

DK Metcalf is a must-start against the Arizona Cardinals' vulnerable secondary. He's Geno Smith's top target, and his size and speed make him a mismatch for opposing cornerbacks. Metcalf has the potential for a huge game, especially if the Seahawks decide to air it out. Insert him into your lineup with confidence.

Christian Kirk (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. San Francisco 49ers

Christian Kirk has been a reliable target in the Jaguars' offense, and his consistency makes him a solid start. Even against a tough 49ers defense, Kirk's volume and ability to gain yards after the catch make him a valuable fantasy asset. Kirk should be a safe WR2 or WR3 in your lineup.

Wide Receivers: Sit 'Em

Michael Thomas (New Orleans Saints) vs. Chicago Bears

Michael Thomas has been a shadow of his former self, and his production has been inconsistent. Even against the Bears, Thomas is a risky play. His lack of explosiveness and limited separation ability make it difficult for him to generate big plays. Keep him on your bench until he shows signs of improvement.

Skyy Moore (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Miami Dolphins

Skyy Moore has failed to establish himself as a reliable target in the Chiefs' offense. His inconsistency and limited snaps make him a risky play, even in a potentially high-scoring game against the Dolphins. There are better options available on the waiver wire.

Tight Ends: Start 'Em

T.J. Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Atlanta Falcons

T.J. Hockenson has been a consistent target in the Vikings' offense, and his volume makes him a must-start at the tight end position. Hockenson is heavily involved in the passing game, and his ability to gain yards after the catch makes him a valuable asset. He is a reliable TE1 in most fantasy formats. — Gen V Season 2: What We Know So Far!

Luke Musgrave (Green Bay Packers) vs. Los Angeles Rams

Luke Musgrave has emerged as a reliable target for Jordan Love, making him a viable streaming option at tight end. The Rams have struggled against tight ends this season, creating a favorable matchup for Musgrave. Consider Musgrave if you’re looking for a tight end with upside.

Tight Ends: Sit 'Em

Dalton Schultz (Houston Texans) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dalton Schultz has been inconsistent this season, and his production has been unpredictable. Even against the Buccaneers, Schultz is a risky play. His lack of consistent targets and limited upside make it difficult to trust him in your lineup. Keep him on your bench. — 2008 Florida Gators: A Championship Run For The Ages

Logan Thomas (Washington Commanders) vs. New England Patriots

Logan Thomas has been splitting time with other tight ends, diminishing his fantasy value. The Patriots are also tough against tight ends, further reducing Thomas's potential. Avoid starting him unless you're in a very deep league.

Defense/Special Teams (DST): Start 'Em

New Orleans Saints vs. Chicago Bears

The Saints' defense has been a top-tier unit this season, and they get a favorable matchup against the Bears. The Bears' offense is turnover-prone, making the Saints a high-upside play. Start the Saints with confidence.

Defense/Special Teams (DST): Sit 'Em

Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Broncos' defense has struggled this season, and facing the Chiefs' high-powered offense is a recipe for disaster. Avoid starting the Broncos DST.

Kicker: Start 'Em

Tyler Bass (Buffalo Bills) vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Tyler Bass is one of the most reliable kickers in the league, and he should have plenty of opportunities to score points against the Bengals. Start Bass with confidence.

Kicker: Sit 'Em

Cade York (Cleveland Browns) vs. Arizona Cardinals

Cade York has been inconsistent this season, making him a risky play. There are better options available on the waiver wire.

FAQ

Q: Who should I start at quarterback this week?

A: Consider starting Geno Smith against the Cardinals or Jordan Love against the Rams. Both have favorable matchups and the potential for strong performances.

Q: Which running back should I sit this week?

A: Avoid starting Najee Harris and Antonio Gibson. Both have limited upside and are splitting carries. — Thursday Night Football: Your Ultimate Guide

Q: Which wide receiver has the best chance for a big game?

A: DK Metcalf against the Cardinals is a strong candidate for a breakout performance.

Q: Is T.J. Hockenson a must-start at tight end?

A: Yes, T.J. Hockenson's volume and consistency make him a reliable TE1 in most fantasy formats.

Q: Should I stream the New Orleans Saints' defense this week?

A: Yes, the Saints have a favorable matchup against the turnover-prone Chicago Bears.

Conclusion

Making the right start/sit decisions is crucial for fantasy football success. By considering matchups, player performance, and potential upside, you can optimize your lineup and increase your chances of winning. Good luck in Week 9! Now, go make those roster moves and dominate your league!