D/ST rankings for Week 9 fantasy football

Covid-19 update

The Packers and 49ers are playing in spite of multiple Covid-19 issues on both sides. The Texans and Colts both have had positive tests, but remain on track to play this weekend. The big news is for Lions-Vikings where Matthew Stafford is on the Covid-19 IR list as a high risk close contact. He can be cleared by Sunday, but needs to have no negative tests all week.

Week 8 was good for D/STs who played against Ben DiNucci, Jared Goff, Matthew Stafford, Carson Wentz, Sam Darnold and Lamar Jackson. You know that Carson Wentz is having trouble when he helps the Cowboys to the fourth-most D/ST points for the week.

Week 9 byes: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles

These D/ST’s on bye are mostly streaming options at this point.

Streaming options

Washington Football Team

Daniel Jones continues to show flashes of offense, but he’s also a turnover machine that has consistently been a good target for D/STs. Washington and Chase Young haven’t lived up to their potential in the pass rush, but a week off and a great matchup should help.

Houston Texans

The Jaguars are still in tank mode and they will evaluate rookie Jake Luton this week, which should mean turnover opportunities for the Texans. And with a week off to prepare, I’d expect DeShaun Watson and company to be able to put up points and push Luton into pass first mode.