As Week 9 of the 2025 Fantasy Football season approaches, managers must navigate another set of byes and matchups. While four teams are off this week, the overall fantasy landscape looks promising. Players from struggling defenses should be prime targets for those seeking favorable matchups to boost their fantasy scores.
Week 9 Fantasy Football: Top Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Matchups
Here’s a breakdown of key matchups to consider for the week, focusing on quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.
Quarterback Matchups
- Caleb Williams – Chicago Bears
Opponent: Cincinnati Bengals
Opponent Rank vs. QB: 29th
Williams faces a favorable Bengals defense weakened by injuries. Expect significant scoring opportunities for both him and his receivers. - Jared Goff – Detroit Lions
Opponent: Minnesota Vikings
Opponent Rank vs. QB: 7th
Coming off a bye, Goff will leverage a home advantage. The Vikings’ susceptibility to passing may lead to Goff’s solid performance. - Bo Nix – Denver Broncos
Opponent: Houston Texans
Opponent Rank vs. QB: 1st
Nix faces a daunting Texans defense. While capable, his output may be limited due to the strength of Houston’s defensive line.
Running Back Matchups
- Kimani Vidal – Los Angeles Chargers
Opponent: Tennessee Titans
Opponent Rank vs. RB: 30th
With impressive recent performances, Vidal is positioned to excel against a struggling Titans defense, making him a strong RB2 option. - Travis Etienne Jr. – Jacksonville Jaguars
Opponent: Las Vegas Raiders
Opponent Rank vs. RB: 13th
After a few quiet weeks, Etienne faces a less competent Raiders defense, potentially reigniting his scoring chances. - Alvin Kamara – New Orleans Saints
Opponent: Los Angeles Rams
Opponent Rank vs. RB: 1st
Kamara’s declining performance and the strength of the Rams’ defense may lead to a challenging week for him.
Wide Receiver Matchups
- Zay Flowers – Baltimore Ravens
Opponent: Miami Dolphins
Opponent Rank vs. WR: 4th
With Lamar Jackson likely back, Flowers is set for a breakout performance against a weak Dolphins secondary. - Marvin Harrison Jr. – Arizona Cardinals
Opponent: Dallas Cowboys
Opponent Rank vs. WR: 32nd
Favorable matchup conditions make Harrison a strong candidate for significant fantasy points this week. - Courtland Sutton – Denver Broncos
Opponent: Houston Texans
Opponent Rank vs. WR: 1st
With a tough matchup ahead, Sutton may struggle to secure substantial fantasy points against a solid Texans defense.
Tight End Matchups
- Zach Ertz – Washington Commanders
Opponent: Seattle Seahawks
Opponent Rank vs. TE: 22nd
Ertz should benefit from a healthier Commanders’ offense and a weak Seahawks defense against tight ends. - Hunter Henry – New England Patriots
Opponent: Atlanta Falcons
Opponent Rank vs. TE: 1st
Henry is unlikely to find success this week against a strong Falcons defensive line that effectively limits tight end production.
As managers finalize their lineups for Week 9, understanding these matchups can be crucial. Players with advantageous situations can provide significant returns, while those facing tough defenses may need to be benched. Stay updated with El-Balad for ongoing fantasy football insights and updates.
