The D/ST position in fantasy football is often underestimated. Yet, selecting the right defense can be the crucial difference between victory and defeat each week.
You should never start a strong NFL defense in a poor matchup, as it doesn't necessarily translate to fantasy points. The best approach for the D/ST position is solely based on matchups.
Here are our Week 9 D/ST fantasy rankings, best starts, sleepers, and some matchups to avoid.
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Fantasy Defense Rankings Week 9: Start or sit D/ST
Week 9 Fantasy Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST | PK | Half-PPR Cheat Sheet
Updated Nov. 2:
| Rk | Team Defense | OPP | Rk Chg |
| 1 | Los Angeles Chargers | @TEN | ⬆️ 1 |
| 2 | Detroit Lions | MIN | |
| 3 | Denver Broncos | @HOU | |
| 4 | Indianapolis Colts | @PIT | |
| 5 | Los Angeles Rams | NO | |
| 6 | Chicago Bears | @CIN | ⬇️ 1 |
| 7 | New England Patriots | ATL | ⬆️ 2 |
| 8 | Green Bay Packers | CAR | |
| 9 | San Francisco 49ers | @NYG | |
| 10 | Seattle Seahawks | @WAS | |
| 11 | Pittsburgh Steelers | IND | |
| 12 | Cincinnati Bengals | CHI | |
| 13 | Kansas City Chiefs | @BUF | |
| 14 | Buffalo Bills | KC | |
| 15 | Atlanta Falcons | @NE | |
| 16 | Carolina Panthers | @GB | |
| 17 | Houston Texans | DEN | |
| 18 | Washington Commanders | SEA | |
| 19 | Jacksonville Jaguars | @LV | |
| 20 | New York Giants | SF | |
| 21 | Minnesota Vikings | @DET | |
| 22 | Tennessee Titans | LAC | |
| 23 | Baltimore Ravens | @MIA | TNF |
| 24 | New Orleans Saints | @LAR | |
| 25 | Miami Dolphins | BAL | TNF |
| 26 | Dallas Cowboys | ARI | |
| 27 | Las Vegas Raiders | JAX | |
| 28 | Arizona Cardinals | @DAL | |
| BYE | Philadelphia Eagles | BYE | |
| BYE | New York Jets | BYE | |
| BYE | Cleveland Browns | BYE | |
| BYE | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | BYE |
Week 9 D/ST byes
- Cleveland Browns
- New York Jets
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 9 top fantasy defenses?
By far, the Detroit Lions are the best defense to start in Week 9. Regardless of whether they get Carson Wentz or J.J. McCarthy, the Lions will be able to get to the QB.
While the Chargers' defense has not been impressive as of late, they picked it up on TNF against the Vikings. In Week 9, they get a Tennessee Titans offense that is inconsistent at best.
Week 9: Top fantasy D/ST steals
Green Bay's defense has been lackluster from a fantasy standpoint, but they may get to face Andy Dalton in Week 9.
The Steelers may pose a threat to some managers, but the Colts' defense has been one of the best in the league. They should be able to hold an offense that is not as good as it seems.
Fantasy Week 9: Defenses to dodge
A good rule of thumb for the D/ST position is never to play the Dallas Cowboys and avoid their opponents' defensive units. So for this week, don't play the Cardinals.
Baltimore is still an avoid for me, even though they play the Dolphins.
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