Fantasy Football Start/Sit This Week: Start 'Em or Sit 'Em for Week 9

Making the right fantasy football start/sit decisions can make all the difference between winning and losing your matchup. With the 2026 NFL season entering Week 9, fantasy managers have several difficult lineup decisions to navigate, especially with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans on bye.

Recent production, changing workloads, and favorable matchups can help identify players primed to outperform expectations. Meanwhile, some recognizable fantasy names could struggle to deliver their usual production. Here are five players to start and five players to sit in fantasy football for Week 9.

Using our fantasy football projections as a guide, let’s get you prepped for this week’s fantasy football decisions.

This article is geared toward 12-team, half-PPR scoring formats with only one starting quarterback -- though the general advice can be loosely applied to most formats. Injury information may change after this article is published. You can stay up to date with this week’s injury news via our NFL player news page.

All betting references refer to the NFL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. All statistics via NFL Next Gen Stats and Pro Football Focus unless otherwise stated.

Week 9 Fantasy Football Start/Sit

Fantasy Football Starts for Week 9

Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have a favorable offensive environment this week, making Dak Prescott a strong starting option against the Indianapolis Colts. Prescott has thrown for 2,046 yards and 14 touchdowns across eight games, averaging 19.1 fantasy points per outing. He managed just 195 passing yards and one passing touchdown against Arizona last week, although he salvaged his fantasy performance with a rushing score. With the Cowboys playing indoors against a vulnerable opponent, Prescott has a good chance to return to QB1 production.

Jonah Coleman, RB, Denver Broncos

Jonah Coleman has become an intriguing fantasy option in the Denver Broncos' backfield following an injury to RJ Harvey. Coleman handled 11 carries and drew five targets in last week's victory over Kansas City, accumulating 104 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. He gets an excellent matchup with the Carolina Panthers, who have surrendered 28.1 PPR points per game to running backs, the second-most in the league. Coleman doesn't have a lengthy track record of significant NFL usage, but his growing role and quality matchup put him firmly in the RB2 conversation.

Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Rashee Rice is an appealing fantasy start as the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to host the New York Jets. Rice drew eight targets and scored a touchdown in last week's loss to Denver, reaffirming his importance in Kansas City's passing attack. The Jets have been relatively solid against wide receivers, allowing the ninth-fewest PPR points per game to the position, but Rice's ability to accumulate short and intermediate receptions helps overcome that concern. His consistent involvement makes him a worthwhile WR2 start, particularly in PPR formats.

Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions

Sam LaPorta is positioned for a productive performance when the Detroit Lions visit the Miami Dolphins. Miami has struggled against tight ends, allowing 19.2 PPR points per game to the position, the third-most in the NFL. While Detroit's offense features plenty of competition for targets, LaPorta remains an important option in the passing game, particularly near the end zone. With the Lions implied to score nearly 29 points, the combination of matchup and touchdown potential makes LaPorta a solid TE1 for Week 9.

Fantasy Football Sits for Week 9

C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud has a difficult matchup this week when the Houston Texans visit the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers have permitted the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, creating a challenging situation for Houston's passing attack. Stroud threw for just 153 yards in his most recent outing against the Giants, although he did manage two touchdowns. Without much rushing production to support his fantasy ceiling, Stroud is especially dependent on passing volume and efficiency. He's better left on the bench in standard one-quarterback leagues.

George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys

George Pickens has a more difficult path to fantasy production this week despite Dallas' positive overall offensive outlook. Pickens drew just four targets against Arizona last week and has seen 62 targets this season compared to 92 for CeeDee Lamb. That discrepancy underscores his secondary role in the Cowboys' passing attack. Indianapolis has also limited opposing wide receivers to 27.4 PPR points per game, the seventh-fewest in the NFL. Pickens still carries big-play and touchdown upside, but his target volume makes him a risky WR3 or flex option this week.

DJ Moore, WR, Buffalo Bills

DJ Moore faces an uphill battle for fantasy production when the Buffalo Bills travel to the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have been outstanding against opposing passing attacks, surrendering the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Moore was targeted seven times in Buffalo's Week 8 victory over Baltimore, but the Bills have several options competing for opportunities in the passing game. Minnesota's ability to limit explosive plays and receiving production makes this a particularly uncomfortable matchup. Moore is a risky flex option and can be benched in favor of receivers with friendlier matchups.

Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots

Hunter Henry is a player fantasy managers should consider sitting despite his established role in the New England Patriots' offense. Henry has accumulated 29 receptions for 326 yards and two touchdowns across seven games this season, averaging 46.5 receiving yards per appearance. He also draws a difficult matchup against the Green Bay Packers, who have surrendered only 9.0 PPR points per game to tight ends, the second-fewest in the NFL. Henry's inconsistent production is particularly concerning in a matchup that offers little room for error. Consider a streaming alternative with greater target upside.

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills

Dalton Kincaid delivered a strong fantasy performance last week, catching four of six targets for 86 yards and a touchdown against Baltimore. However, fantasy managers shouldn't automatically expect another big game against the Vikings. Minnesota has allowed just 7.1 PPR points per game to tight ends this season, the fewest in the NFL. Kincaid also played only 57% of the snaps last week. Although Kincaid’s receiving ability makes him difficult to dismiss entirely, this is a week to consider alternatives in more favorable spots.

Fantasy Football Start/Sit FAQ

Who should I start in fantasy football this week?

The best starts are typically players with strong recent usage, favorable matchups and a reliable path to touches or targets. Matchup-specific factors and changes in workload should also be considered before setting your lineup.

Who should I sit in fantasy football this week?

Players can be worth sitting when they face difficult matchups, have seen their role decrease or carry significant risk due to injuries or inconsistent usage. Even proven players can be matchup-based sits in a given week.

How do you decide who to start or sit in fantasy football?

Start/sit decisions should account for a player's expected volume, recent production, matchup, offensive role and game environment. Comparing those factors against your other lineup options can help determine which player offers the best combination of floor and upside.

Should I start a player with a difficult matchup?

It depends. A difficult matchup can lower a player's expected production, but high-volume players can still deliver strong fantasy performances regardless of the matchup. The player's role and expected opportunity should usually carry more weight than matchup alone. Another huge factor is whether or not you have quality alternatives on your roster.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.