Oct 19, 2025; London, United Kingdom; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Braden Fiske (55) tackles Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) during the second half of an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

By Week 9, every fantasy football manager is either feeling sharp like a Sean McVay play caller or panicking like someone who just realized they benched a 30-point scorer. This is the part of the season where lineups can make or break playoff hopes, and the margin between genius and regret can come down to a single third down. So grab your coffee, open your fantasy app, and let’s talk about who deserves the green light and who might belong on the bench this week.

Start ‘Em:

Los Angeles Rams D/ST - They host the New Orleans Saints, whose offense just gave up 26 fantasy points to the Tampa Bay D/ST last week, per ESPN. The Rams’ defensive front has been relentless, finding ways to disrupt quarterbacks and limit explosive plays. The Saints offense will be led for the first time by Tyler Shough, and Los Angeles should capitalize on short fields and third-down pressure. Expect a productive fantasy day for anyone rolling with the Rams defense.

The Green Bay Packers D/ST - Deserves a lock spot in starting lineups this week. Hosting the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau, Green Bay’s defense has spent the last several weeks making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. They rank among the league leaders in sacks per PFF, and their young linebackers have improved in coverage. This is an opportunity for the Packers defense to pile up fantasy points through sacks and turnovers.

Detroit Lions D/ST - Should feast at home against the Minnesota Vikings. J.J. McCarthy returns from injury and heads back to his home state of Michigan, but the welcome might not be friendly. Detroit’s pass rush has been smothering, while its secondary has tightened against deep plays. Expect McCarthy to be under heavy pressure all afternoon, making this an ideal week to fire up the Lions' defense.

Sit ‘Em:

New Orleans Saints D/ST - draws a nightmare matchup against a surging Rams offense. Matthew Stafford looks like an MVP candidate, Puka Nacua is back from injury, and Davante Adams has been coming on strong. The Saints' defense has struggled against balanced passing attacks, and this week’s road matchup does not look promising. Avoid this defense in all formats.

Arizona Cardinals D/ST - also belongs on the bench, as they have to deal with a Dallas offense that has been lighting up the scoreboard. Dak Prescott is in total control, spreading the ball to Cee Dee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson while running back Javonte Williams continues to find open lanes. With how efficient this Cowboys group has been, the Cardinals' defense is likely to spend most of the afternoon chasing plays.

Tennessee Titans D/ST - faces a dangerous Chargers offense that seems ready for a breakout performance. With Justin Herbert regaining form and the passing game starting to click, the Titans' defense could find itself on its heels early. Tennessee has given up several big plays recently, and this week looks like another tough outing for their unit.

Sometimes the most brilliant fantasy move isn’t flashy, but it’s simply avoiding a defensive disaster. Week 9 is all about matchups, and the wrong D/ST choice can ruin your Sunday faster than a missed field goal in overtime.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 9: D/ST Edition

Reporting by Tyler Whitcomb, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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