In Week 8, only three defensive units logged over 10.0 FPTs. Even for a position as paltry as this, that’s a tough slate. Given the relativity, I’m going to grade our week last week on a curve, but not by much. We’ll still be ruthless and shrewd with regards to the defenses we feel, for Week 9, are suitable fantasy football starts, streams, and sits.
We were right-ish about starting the Packers defense against the Jags, but very wrong about starting the Bears against the Commanders. The Tyrique Stephenson hail mary notwithstanding. Brisker and Gordon were both out, and Caleb Williams couldn’t sustain any possessions until the fourth quarter. The Rams defense, as an honorable mention, was about average, with 5.0 FPTs.
We were, however, right about sitting the Vikings defense, but wrong about sitting the 49ers. Two-and-two again.
Time for a four-for-four week.
Start ‘Em
Los Angeles Chargers D/ST (at Cleveland Browns; 59.4% rostered)
The Chargers defense is coming off a game in which they allowed only six points, and sacked the combination of Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener five times. While the Saints managed to hang plenty of yardage, the Chargers won convincingly, and much of that yardage came during garbage time.
Something tells me this inspired Harbaugh unit has something to say about Jameis Winston’s revival. While the Los Angeles offense saw a lot of turnover in the offseason, what with the jettisoning of most all its receivers, the defense retained much of the personnel it had last year. They’re just simply better coached by new DC Jesse Minter.
And they have a chip on their shoulder. Not just from the past few years, either. I believe the walk-off 17-15 Cardinals loss hangs heavy on this Chargers team, and reminded them so much of what undisciplined, soft trench-play on both sides of the ball gets them.
I don’t necessarily know if I’m ready to say this Jameis Winston resurgence is enough to out-physical this 2024 Chargers defense. Let’s see if we can generate some turnovers with that quarterback pressure with which they smothered the Saints in Week 8.
Philadelphia Eagles D/ST (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars; 48.7% rostered)
It seems to all be coming together for the Eagles, even though they might be without Darius Slay on Sunday. The team’s Week 8 win showed balance in all three phases of the game, and this matchup against the Jaguars might be the perfect sluice to keep the momentum.
Because, indeed, this is so much about the Jaguars’ depleted wide receiver group. Parker Washington—while an extremely fun fantasy sleeper—is their WR1, and that’s not going to cut it. The loss of Slay in the secondary won’t be too brutal, seeing as C.J. Gardner-Johnson is still back there playing elite football at safety.
Good news, too, is that beat writers think Jalen Carter will play Sunday. Honestly—who is Trevor Lawrence going to throw to but for the Eagles defenders?
Sit ‘Em
Detroit Lions D/ST (at Green Bay Packers; 56.6% rostered)
Amazing performance last week, but we’re fading the Motor City this week. It was the Titans last week. Feels, in retrospect, like a meatball.
I think Jordan Love plays for Green Bay on Sunday. And, without that touchdown last week, the Lions defense would have only had 8.0 FPTs. Against Mason Rudolph & co.
I think this Packers offense is on the rise, and Jordan Love might chuck a pick or two. But this is too big a divisional matchup for that Packers offense to not fire on all cylinders at home.
Denver Broncos D/ST (at Baltimore Ravens; 77.3% rostered)
The stingiest defense in the league against the best offense in the league. There are better options out there (see above) with more advantageous matchups. You might want to ride the Bronco lightning, but there’s a lot of risk, here.
I’d look elsewhere.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $2.5M Fantasy Football Millionaire [$1M to 1st]
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
DraftKings promoters may sometimes play on personal accounts in the games that advice is offered on. Personal views on the games and strategies above do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. DraftKings promoters may also deploy different players and strategies than what is recommended above. DraftKings promoters do not have access to any non-public information.
