We have passed the halfway mark of the 2025 Fantasy season. And, although teams have gone on win streaks and losing streaks, it’s never too late to bounce back. This week is a great week to get a win. Here are my Week 9 Start/Sits based on data and analytics, as well as my personal opinions, and hopefully, these picks can help you get another win.
Quarterbacks
START: Daniel Jones (vs PIT): The Jones-led Colts are red hot, holding the best record in the NFL after scoring 38 points in back-to-back weeks. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ defense has struggled, giving up 33 and 35 points in consecutive games — and allowing over 25 to both Jordan Love and the aging Joe Flacco in those two weeks. With Jonathan Taylor thriving on the ground, the play-action game is wide open for Jones to take advantage. He’s thriving behind a strong offensive line and balanced attack, similar to his best seasons in New York with Saquon Barkley. He is averaging an above-average 20 fantasy points per game.
SIT: CJ Stroud (vs DEN): Stroud faces a brutal matchup this week against a Denver defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. The Broncos generate pressure on a league-high 45.9% of dropbacks, and Stroud’s passer rating dips to just 56.8 when under pressure. That combination spells trouble for the young quarterback. As talented as Stroud is, trusting him against this relentless Denver front could be risky.
Running Backs
START: D’Andre Swift (vs CIN): The Bears’ run game continues to improve each week, and Swift remains the clear lead back in Chicago’s offense. Sharing some of the workload with rookie Kyle Monangi has kept Swift fresh and explosive. This week, he faces a Bengals defense that has allowed a league-high 1,057 rushing yards — a matchup made for a big performance.
SIT: Alvin Kamara (vs LAR): Kamara has averaged just 12.25 touches per game over his last four outings — a tough volume to rely on for consistent fantasy production. The Rams’ defense has been stout against the run, allowing only one rushing touchdown all season. With rookie quarterback Tyler Shough making his first career start, the Saints’ offense could struggle to move the ball. Given the limited workload and tough matchup, Kamara is best left on the bench this week.
Wide Receivers
START: Brian Thomas Jr. (vs LV): If Brian Thomas Jr. suits up in Week 9, he needs to be in your lineup. The Raiders’ defense has allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, setting up a prime matchup for the rookie. Thomas has only found the end zone once this year — a game in which he topped 20 fantasy points — but this week’s matchup gives him a great chance to deliver another big performance.
SIT: Cortland Sutton (vs HOU): Troy Franklin has begun to eat into Sutton’s target share in Denver’s offense, limiting his fantasy upside. Sutton’s biggest value comes as a red-zone threat, but that advantage may not matter this week — the Texans have allowed just three receiving touchdowns to wide receivers all season, the second fewest in the NFL. With a shrinking role and a tough matchup, Sutton is a risky play.
Tight Ends
START: Zach Ertz (vs SEA): Ertz has been a reliable fantasy starter whenever Jayden Daniels is under center, and with Daniels expected to play Sunday night, his outlook improves. The Seahawks have struggled to contain tight ends this season, making this a favorable matchup. Expect Ertz to be a key red-zone target for Daniels and a strong option to plug into your tight end spot in Week 9.
SIT: Hunter Henry (vs ATL): Even with New England’s passing attack emerging as one of the
League’s best, Hunter Henry’s production has been inconsistent. He’s topped 50 receiving yards in just two games this season — and hasn’t done so since Week 2. The Falcons have been elite against tight ends as well, allowing only 12 receptions to the position all year. While Henry always carries touchdown upside, his floor remains low in this tough matchup.