IDP Start/Sit Week 9
In Week 8, we got 7 of 10 starts and sits correct. One of our starts was a push, meaning they scored 10 points. So, 10 points is not bad, but for us that is the bare minimum that we want for our starts. We are on a hot streak with 80% and 70% over our last two weeks. The games are getting more predictable, or at least the game scripts are. We see what offenses are doing, and based on that knowledge we have a better idea of who will help us win. Week 9 gets us one step closer to the fantasy football playoffs. This means the playoff stretch is soon, so every start and sit decision is critical! Let us keep the hot streak going!
*SIDE NOTE*—We consider a start as a player who will earn 10 or more points for you, while a sit scores less than 10 points.
Before we look at our Week 9 IDP Starts and Sits, let us take a look at how we did in Week 8.
|
|
11pts | PASS |
|
|
14pts | PASS |
| 18pts | PASS | |
| 14pts | PASS | |
| 10pts | PUSH |
|
|
13pts | FAIL |
| 1pts | PASS | |
| 0pts | PASS | |
| 5pts | PASS | |
|
|
17pts | FAIL |
**Injuries happen when we least expect it! In case of an all-of-sudden injury or reason a player cannot play, be sure to check out our pivot options too!**
STARTS
Defensive Line – Washington Commanders – Dante Fowler (@ NYG) – START
Fowler could be a sneaky good start this week despite playing less than 50% of the snaps last game. He has been highly productive with the opportunities received, recording four sacks over the last four weeks. His efficiency as a pass rusher suggests that even with limited snaps, he can still make a significant impact. The matchup against the New York Giants also plays in his favor. Their offensive line has struggled without star tackle Andrew Thomas. In Thomas’s absence, quarterback Daniel Jones has been sacked 11 times over the last two games, exposing major protection issues. Given Fowler’s recent form and the Giants’ struggles, it is a prime spot for him to keep his hot streak going. He has a strong chance to rack up pressures and sacks, even with a rotational role. Defensive game scripts may also favor him if Washington can build a lead. This could force New York into obvious passing situations. Fowler’s high motor and recent productivity suggest that he could deliver solid value in fantasy formats.
Edge Rusher – Cincinnati Bengals – Trey Hendrickson (vs LV) – START
Last week, the Las Vegas Raiders offensive line allowed five sacks. While Hendrickson struggled against the Eagles last week, he has been a dominant force this season. He recorded two sacks in each of his two prior games before last week. Hendrickson already has seven sacks on the year. This proves he is one of the more consistent pass rushers in the league. The Raiders’ offensive line has shown vulnerability, and Hendrickson will look to capitalize on these weaknesses to bounce back and get back in the sack column. Given his high motor and ability for disrupting the pocket, this matchup sets up well for Hendrickson to rebound. If the Bengals can force Las Vegas into passing situations, Hendrickson should have plenty of opportunities to create havoc.
Linebacker – New York Jets – Jamien Sherwood (vs HOU) – START (TNF)
Sherwood has emerged as a must-start option in IDP leagues, stepping up impressively in the absence of C.J. Mosley. With Mosley dealing with injuries, Sherwood has taken on a larger role in the Jets’ defense, becoming a tackling machine in recent weeks. He has recorded double-digit tackles in three of the last four games. He has the ability to read plays and close in on ball carriers effectively. His instincts and quick reactions have made him a key part of the Jets’ front seven, and he should continue to thrive with an expanded workload. Sherwood’s recent consistency makes him a reliable fantasy asset, especially in tackle-heavy scoring formats.
Additionally, the Texans are dealing with injuries to two of their top receivers, which may force them to rely more heavily on the run. If Houston leans on their ground game or short passes to compensate for their missing weapons, Sherwood will have plenty of opportunities to make tackles. His excellent closing speed allows him to track down runners and receivers quickly, minimizing gains and piling up fantasy points.
Linebacker – New Orleans Saints – Demario Davis (@ CAR) – START
The Panthers recently traded one of their top receivers. Their offense may shift toward a more run-heavy approach and simplified game plan to ease the development of quarterback Bryce Young. This strategy could create more opportunities for Davis to make impactful plays, particularly in stopping the run. Davis has been a steady performer this season, scoring double-digit fantasy points in five of seven games. As one of the Saints’ defensive leaders, he is well-positioned to rack up meaningful tackles against an offense likely focused on limiting mistakes. Over the past four weeks, Davis has averaged eight tackles per game. His ability to read plays and shoot through gaps makes him a reliable asset for fantasy managers. With the Panthers expected to lean on their ground game and short passes, Davis should see plenty of opportunities to rack up stops. His consistency and leadership within the Saints’ defense make him a trustworthy starter this week.
Defensive Back – Los Angeles Rams – Quentin Lake (@ SEA) – START
Seattle’s pass-heavy approach should provide plenty of opportunities for Lake to make tackles and generate fantasy points. While he is coming off his worst performance of the season, with just two tackles last week, Lake has proven to be a reliable option, averaging 8.5 tackles per game across six games played. His ability to read plays and close in on ball carriers with his speed makes him a key part of the Rams’ secondary. With Seattle likely spreading the ball to their receivers and backs, Lake will have multiple chances to make an impact. This matchup also presents an ideal opportunity for Lake to bounce back and return to the double-digit fantasy points column. The Seahawks’ offense is known for creating quick, intermediate passing plays, which could give Lake more opportunities to rack up tackles in the open field. If the Rams’ defense forces Seattle into extended drives, Lake’s involvement will only increase. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting Lake this week.
Additional Players to consider starting:
Los Angeles Rams – DL – Byron Young
New York Giants – DL – Brian Burns
Minnesota Vikings – LB – Ivan Pace
Seattle Seahawks – LB – Ernest Jones
Chicago Bears – DB – Kevin Byard
SIT
Defensive Line – Denver Broncos – Zach Allen (@ BAL) – SIT
While Allen showed promise early in the season, recording double-digit fantasy points in five of his first six games, his production has tailed off recently. Over the last two weeks, he has struggled to make the same impact, failing to generate the consistent tackles, pressures, or sacks that made him a reliable early-season option. This week’s challenge against the Ravens does not look well for a bounce-back, given the difficulties posed by their elusive quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Jackson’s mobility and quick release can negate pass rushers, reducing Allen’s chances to rack up impactful stats. The Ravens also have a solid offensive line that has protected Jackson well. Baltimore’s offense often relies on quick passes, designed rollouts, and read-options, further limiting Allen’s opportunities to make plays in the backfield. Given Allen’s recent struggles and the nature of the Ravens’ offensive scheme, this matchup sets up poorly for him to regain his fantasy momentum. It might be wise to wait for a better matchup before trusting him again in starting lineups.
Edge Rusher – Atlanta Falcons – Matt Judon (vs DAL) – SIT
The Cowboys have allowed six sacks over the last two games, but Judon has not been able to capitalize on similar opportunities this season. He has managed only 1.5 sacks so far. His struggles go beyond rushing the passer, as he has also had a hard time finishing plays and bringing down ball carriers on his own. Despite his talent and past production, Judon’s lack of consistency this year makes him a risky fantasy option, even against a vulnerable offensive line. If the Falcons fail to force Dallas into long passing situations, Judon’s chances to get after the quarterback will be limited. His recent lack of production and difficulty making solo tackles further reduce his fantasy value in leagues that rely on defensive stats. While the matchup might appear tempting on paper, fantasy managers may be better off looking for a more reliable edge rusher who can deliver consistent points. Judon will need to show improvement before he can be trusted again in starting lineups.
Linebacker – Arizona Cardinals – Mack Wilson (vs CHI) – SIT
The Bears have allowed plenty of sacks, but Wilson has not been able to take advantage of such opportunities this season, recording just one sack so far. His recent performances have also been underwhelming, with back-to-back games of fewer than 10 fantasy points. After averaging seven tackles per game over the first six weeks, Wilson has managed just seven total tackles in the last two games combined. These struggles make it difficult to trust him in starting lineups this week, even in what could be a favorable matchup on paper. While Wilson has shown upside earlier in the season, his recent dip in production suggests it is safer to keep him on the bench until he demonstrates he is back to his usual self. The Cardinals need him to be more effective for their defense to stay competitive, but IDP managers cannot afford to wait for him to return to form during a crucial fantasy stretch. Until he proves he can regain his consistency, we should explore other linebacker options who are currently performing at a higher level.
Linebacker – Carolina Panthers – Trevin Wallace (vs NO) – SIT
The return of fellow linebacker Josey Jewell limits Wallace’s opportunities to serve as the leader on defense, reducing his snap count and playmaking chances. While Wallace showed promise filling in during Jewell’s absence, the Panthers will likely revert to relying on Jewell as the primary linebacker now that he is healthy. With Jewell handling the majority of the responsibilities in the middle of the defense, Wallace’s role will likely be more limited, making him a risky option for fantasy managers this week. Although Wallace displayed flashes of IDP potential earlier, his fantasy value diminishes when Jewell is active and commanding the defense. Jewell has a more established track record. This means he will be the go-to linebacker for tackles and defensive calls. Even in a matchup against the Saints, who could provide some opportunities for tackles, Wallace’s reduced role makes it difficult to trust him in starting lineups. Until there is a shift in playing time or Jewell is sidelined again, Wallace is better viewed as a depth option rather than a weekly starter.
Defensive Back – Kansas City Chiefs – Justin Reid (vs Tampa) – SIT
Reid’s production has been inconsistent this season, making him a risky play. Two weeks ago, he posted a season-high 23 fantasy points, but he followed that with just four tackles last week. The Buccaneers’ offensive approach could further limit Reid’s impact. They may lean heavily on short passes and their running backs, who excel at making defenders miss. If Tampa Bay keeps the game close by emphasizing underneath routes and the run game, Reid’s opportunities to make big plays could be limited. For fantasy managers, Reid’s lack of reliability is concerning, as he has underperformed in three of his last four games. While he has shown flashes of upside, his inconsistency makes it difficult to trust him in starting lineups. Until Reid finds a way to deliver more steady production, it may be safer to explore other defensive backs with more reliable roles. Unless desperate for a high-risk, high-reward play, Reid is better suited for the bench this week, given both his recent struggles and the matchup dynamics.
Additional Players to Consider Sitting:
New York Jets – DL – Haason Reddick
Minnesota Vikings – DL – Andrew Van Ginkel
Los Angeles Chargers – LB – Junior Colson
Jacksonville Jaguars – LB – Devin Lloyd
Los Angeles Chargers – DB – Alohi Gilman
Be sure to follow us along all season long for weekly tips on who start and who to sit on the defensive side of the ball. Follow me on X @ThePPRShow for more fantasy football content and for offensive starts and sits be sure to check out @TFFGRobbie article too. Thank you for reading.
For a more detailed start/sit list, make sure you check out our Weekly IDP Rankings.