Top Fantasy Football Matchups for Week 9
As the NFL season progresses into Week 9, fantasy football managers can look forward to several advantageous matchups. With four teams on a bye week, including the Eagles and Buccaneers, identifying favorable pairings is crucial. This week, a number of struggling defenses are in action, creating significant opportunities for offensive production. The Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, and Dallas Cowboys have consistently been generous to opposing fantasy players, making them key teams to target.
Quarterback: Favorable Matchups
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (at CIN)
Despite some inconsistencies this season, Caleb Williams faces an ideal bounce-back scenario against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals’ defense has been one of the most vulnerable in the league, a situation compounded by an injury to their top player, Trey Hendrickson. Cincinnati struggles against both the run and the pass, which should allow the Bears’ offense to establish a balanced attack. Expect Williams to find success connecting with receiver Rome Odunze, setting the stage for a strong fantasy performance.
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (vs. MIN)
Coming off a bye week, Jared Goff returns to a favorable home game against the Minnesota Vikings. Goff has historically performed well at home, and this matchup plays to his strengths. While the Vikings possess a stout run defense, their secondary is susceptible to the passing game. Furthermore, if Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy returns from injury and keeps the game competitive, it could force the Lions into a more pass-heavy game script, further boosting Goff’s fantasy potential.
Quarterback: Temper Expectations
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (at HOU)
After a successful outing against a vulnerable Cowboys defense in Week 8, Bo Nix confronts a much tougher challenge in the Houston Texans. The Texans feature one of the league’s most formidable defenses, particularly at home. Their suffocating defensive line and talented secondary are likely to limit the Broncos’ offensive output in what could be a low-scoring affair. While Nix’s mobility offers some upside, fantasy managers should not expect significant production and may want to consider other options this week.
Running Back: Favorable Matchups
Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers (at TEN)
In the absence of starter Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal has emerged as a reliable workhorse for the Chargers. Over the past three games, he has recorded two 100-plus-yard rushing performances and secured 11 receptions. This week, he faces a Tennessee Titans defense that has struggled mightily to stop the run, recently allowing a huge game to Jonathan Taylor. The Chargers should have little trouble exploiting this weakness, making Vidal a solid RB2 play.
Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (at LAV)
Travis Etienne Jr.’s production has been limited recently as the Jaguars’ offense has struggled to create explosive plays. However, a matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders offers a perfect opportunity for a turnaround. After facing three of the league’s top defensive fronts in consecutive games, Etienne now gets a Raiders defense that has been porous against the run. Coming off a bye, Jacksonville will look to correct its offensive issues, and Etienne should see ample scoring opportunities, positioning him for RB2 value.
Running Back: Temper Expectations
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (at LAR)
Alvin Kamara’s fantasy output has declined sharply in recent weeks, a trend that is likely to continue against the Los Angeles Rams. The Saints’ quarterback uncertainty has hampered the entire offense, and the Rams boast one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL. Kamara’s value in recent years has been heavily supplemented by his role in the passing game, but his target share has diminished. Facing an elite defense, it may be a long day for the Saints’ offense and for Kamara’s fantasy managers.
Wide Receiver: Favorable Matchups
Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens (at MIA)
Zay Flowers is poised for a breakout performance in Week 9 with the anticipated return of quarterback Lamar Jackson from a hamstring injury. The matchup is ideal, as the Ravens face a susceptible Miami Dolphins secondary. The Dolphins lack a defensive back who can consistently match Flowers’ agility in the open field. With Jackson back under center, Flowers should see plenty of scoring opportunities and can be started with confidence.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals (at DAL)
Marvin Harrison Jr. has been a matchup-dependent fantasy asset this season, consistently producing in favorable situations. Week 9 presents another prime opportunity against the Dallas Cowboys, whose defense has repeatedly allowed over 300 passing yards to opponents. Given this highly favorable matchup, Harrison has a clear path to delivering WR2 value this week.
Wide Receiver: Temper Expectations
Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (at HOU)
While Courtland Sutton has performed as a quality, if inconsistent, WR2 this season, he faces a significant challenge against the elite Houston Texans defense. With his quarterback, Bo Nix, also expected to struggle, Sutton’s prospects are diminished. The Texans feature a talented group of cornerbacks, including Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, who will make it difficult for Sutton to produce. Fantasy managers should lower their expectations for him this week.
Tight End: Favorable Matchup
Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders (vs. SEA)
Zach Ertz has had a quiet 2025 season, largely due to playing with a backup quarterback and being part of an inconsistent Commanders offense. However, Week 9 offers a chance for a rebound. Washington’s offense is trending toward full health, and they face a Seattle Seahawks defense that has been among the worst in the league at defending tight ends. With the defense focused on other offensive weapons, Ertz could find space to operate and become a valuable streaming option.
Tight End: Temper Expectations
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (vs. ATL)
Hunter Henry has not been a relevant fantasy option for several weeks, and that is unlikely to change against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons’ defense is particularly effective at shutting down opposing tight ends. While Henry always offers touchdown potential in the red zone, his overall usage is too low to be relied upon. Managers in need of a tight end should explore more reliable options this week.
