Fantasy football managers know that every lineup decision can make or break a week, and choosing the right players to start or sit is where championships are won. With the 2025 NFL season underway, matchups, stats, and trends are more important than ever. From favorable matchups and scoring trends to players you should avoid in tough spots, my weekly positional start and sit guide is built to give you an edge.
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DEF to Start
Los Angeles Chargers
Fantasy football managers should be locking in the Chargers’ defense as a start for Week 9. Every defense that’s faced the Titans this season has finished inside the top 10 in fantasy points, with five of those finishing in the top three. Tennessee’s offense has been a goldmine for opposing defenses, ranking second in sack rate and fourth in giveaways. The Chargers are coming off a five-sack performance, and their pass rush has quietly found rhythm with the return of Khalil Mack. Facing a struggling Titans offense that averages the fewest points and total yards per game, this is the perfect setup for a defensive breakout. The matchup couldn’t be better, and the Chargers’ momentum makes them one of the safest and highest-upside defensive starts for Week 9.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ defense has been one of the best units in football and looks to build on it this week against the Saints. They rank fourth in sack rate and sixth in pressure rate, showing an ability to make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. The Saints have struggled mightily to protect their signal-callers, allowing nine sacks and eight turnovers over the last two games. The Rams are coming off a bye week, giving them extra time to prepare for rookie Tyler Shough, who’s making his first start for New Orleans. With dynamic young pass rushers like Byron Young and Jared Verse combining for 12 sacks, Los Angeles is ready to dominate again.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville’s defense is a sneaky strong start in fantasy football this week against the Raiders. Las Vegas has turned the ball over more than any team in the league and has allowed double-digit fantasy points to opposing defenses in four of seven games. The Jaguars’ defense has been up and down, but they’ve shown a high ceiling with three performances of 11 or more points. With an improved pass rush and a secondary that’s already recorded eight interceptions, Jacksonville is primed for another big day. Start the Jaguars’ defense with confidence this week against a struggling Raiders team.
DEF to Sit
Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills
Fantasy football managers should sit both the Chiefs and Bills defenses this week. Whenever these two teams meet, offensive fireworks tend to follow. Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen both have elite track records against one another, and neither defense has found much success slowing the other down. The Bills allow the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses, while the Chiefs allow the fifth-fewest, meaning both offenses protect the ball and avoid sacks at a high rate.
This game projects to be one of the highest-scoring of the week, making both defenses poor fantasy starts. Kansas City ranks among the league leaders in offensive efficiency and rarely gives up takeaways, while Buffalo’s balanced offense moves the ball with ease. With a Vegas total over 52.5 points, expect a shootout that minimizes defensive scoring opportunities. Keep both the Chiefs and Bills D/ST units on the bench in Week 9.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Sit the Steelers defense in lineups. Pittsburgh’s defense has been wildly inconsistent, with three double-digit outings and three poor performances of two points or fewer. This week, they draw a difficult matchup against the Colts, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Indianapolis has one of the most efficient offenses in the league, taking care of the ball and ranking third in lowest sack rate allowed. The Colts’ offense, led by Jonathan Taylor and Daniel Jones, has surrendered just nine sacks and four total turnovers all season. With the Colts playing clean football and putting up points, Pittsburgh’s fantasy ceiling is capped by its struggles. Sit the Steelers defense this week and look elsewhere for a more favorable fantasy matchup.
Kickers to Start
Jason Myers SEA
Jason Myers is an excellent start for Week 9 fantasy lineups. He’s averaged nearly 10 fantasy points per game this season, with only one outing under eight points. Myers has been one of the most consistent kickers in football, hitting 12-of-14 field goals and all 18 extra points. He’s also shown range, converting three kicks from 50 yards or longer. Against the Commanders, who have allowed at least eight points to five different kickers, Myers is poised for another strong performance. Washington’s defense has allowed opponents to attempt over two field goals per game, creating a perfect environment for Myers to thrive. With top-five potential, he’s a must-start fantasy kicker in Week 9.
Brandon McManus GB
Brandon McManus is an underrated start in fantasy football this week as the Packers face the Panthers at home. Carolina has allowed at least two field goals in three straight games and ranks second in most fantasy points allowed to kickers. McManus remains one of the league’s more reliable kickers with an 82% career average. Green Bay’s offense should provide plenty of scoring chances as 6.5-point favorites in a game with a projected 45-point total. With 3-4 field goal attempts possible in a favorable home matchup, he’s a top-10 fantasy kicker candidate. Don’t let him sit on the waiver wire; he’s a great start this week.
Kickers to Sit
Harrison Butker KC
Sit Harrison Butker in fantasy football for Week 9. Butker has struggled lately, failing to top seven fantasy points in each of his last four games. The matchup doesn’t get easier, as the Bills have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers this season. Buffalo’s defense has kept opposing kickers under six points in four of eight games and limits opportunities by forcing red-zone stops. Kansas City’s offense has also limited Butker’s ceiling, converting over 60% of red-zone drives into touchdowns, leaving few chances for field goals. Keep him on the bench this week and explore streaming alternatives with higher volume potential.
Wil Lutz DEN
Wil Lutz should be a sit in all fantasy football leagues this week. While he’s scored nine fantasy points in three of his last four games, the matchup against Houston is brutal. The Texans have held opposing kickers to five or fewer fantasy points in all but one game this season, and have allowed just kickers to score 6.2 PPG this season. Lutz’s opportunities could be extremely limited with Denver’s offense struggling to sustain drives against a stout Texans defense. With Denver projected to score under 20 points as road underdogs, Lutz is an easy sit for Week 9 fantasy lineups.
