NFL Fantasy Football 2025: Start ‘em, Sit ‘em – Week 9
Welcome back to Fantasy Football Start ‘em, Sit ‘em – where each week we explore some of my best picks for who should be starting in fantasy managers’ lineups, and who should be sitting the week out.
Week 8 saw Browns RB Quinshon Judkins leave early with a shoulder injury and Giants RB Cam Skattebo go down with a dislocated ankle. Skattebo underwent surgery on it and will miss the rest of the season. On the bright side, this week should see the return both Lamar Jackson, Brock Bowers, and Puka Nacua – players I’m sure fantasy managers have missed dearly.
Four teams are on byes this week, meaning managers are without players like Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Baker Mayfield, and Emeka Egbuka.
Ian’s Record: 35-28
Start ’em
Kyler Murray (QB, Cardinals) at Cowboys if he plays
Kyler missed the past couple of games with a foot injury, but if he’s able to return this week he should have a big day against a Dallas secondary that continues to allow points to stockpile against them (31.3 PTS/G allowed, 31st in the league).
The Cowboys have given up the most fantasy points to opposing QBs (next closest is 33 points less) as well as the most rushing yards to opposing QBs. Kyler should have a field day as Arizona tries to get back on track.
D’Andre Swift (RB, Bears) at Bengals
Swift has been on a tear recently, notching 100+ rushing yards in two of his last three games with three total touchdowns as well. If he can get 20 touches like he did against the Saints, he’ll be set up for a monster day as well.
Cincinnati is allowing an egregious 5.86 yards per carry and have surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing RBs by a long shot. Breece Hall just gashed this defense for 133 rushing yards and two scores – Swift will put up similar numbers behind a better offensive line.
DK Metcalf (WR, Steelers) vs Colts
Although Indy is sporting the best record in football, their secondary is the clear remaining weakness as it’s been obliterated by injuries (five DBs on IR). They’ve surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing WRs in the past five weeks as they shop for secondary help ahead of the trade deadline.
Meanwhile, Metcalf has scored in five of his last six games as he and Aaron Rodgers find their stride. Mike Tomlin’s offense does spread targets generously, but I like Metcalf to score some deep shots and find the endzone in what could turn into a high-scoring bout.
Kyle Pitts (TE, Falcons) at Patriots
While Atlanta lost in embarrassing fashion at home against Miami last week, Pitts is seeing his usage go up as he caught all nine of his targets for 59 yards.
I like his stock to continue rising as New England struggles against TEs. I like him even more if Kirk Cousins comes out for a second consecutive start, but beggars can’t be choosers.
Sit ’em
Bo Nix (QB, Broncos) at Texans
This is a tough one on the road for Nix. He’s certified himself as a top 10 fantasy QB, but I like him to cool down in this one.
Vikings RBs at Lions
The return of Aaron Jones presented a strange split between him and Jordan Mason (Jones five carries, Mason four carries) and overall is not an encouraging picture with how Minnesota’s offense has been sputtering.
Detroit has not allowed a rushing or receiving touchdown to a running back in three straight games. There could be some volume for either back if J.J. McCarthy is pushed back in early or they sign another QB on the fly, but either way it’s a no from me.
Jameson Williams (WR, Lions) vs Vikings
Williams isn’t getting the volume we were told he would be getting at the start of the season, and I feel like Minnesota will be able to limit him downfield with how well the secondary has been doing.
Hunter Henry (TE, Patriots) vs Falcons
Henry’s quieted way down since week 3 as he fights for his target share with Austin Hooper. If you want to chase his touchdown into this week then go ahead, but I would temper expectations amid New England’s hot streak.
Atlanta remains nasty against tight ends – but they did just get gashed by the lifeless Dolphins – regardless, Henry’s limited target share is what keeps him shaky for me.
BYES: NEW YORK JETS, CLEVELAND BROWNS, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
