Fantasy Football Expert Justin Edwards looks at the current Fantasy Football Defense rankings and projections for Week 9.
“After eight weeks of NFL action, there are a number of surprises in the football landscape, and the fantasy football Defense rankings are reflecting that.”
2025 Fantasy Football Defense Rankings
*As always, the projections and rankings are courtesy of 4for4’s Fantasy Football Defense rankings!
#TeamFF Pts1Colts8.62Patriots7.53Chiefs6.94Falcons6.55Eagles6.46Chargers6.47Bills6.38Buccaneers6.29Broncos610Packers611Steelers5.912Texans5.713Ravens5.61449ers5.615Bengals5.616Browns5.517Vikings5.418Giants5.419Saints5.420Jets5.2 Robert Goddin-Imagn ImagesFantasy Football D/ST Rankings, Who Should I Add Off Waiver Wires:
The Detroit Lions were the highest recommended D/ST waiver wire pickups this week.
Analysis
Detroit Lions — Rostered in 51% of Yahoo Leagues
The Detroit Lions’ defense has crushed nearly every opponent they’ve faced in fantasy this season (excluding the Chiefs and the Packers in Week 1), and they’re likely to draw sophomore J.J. McCarthy in his return from an extended injury absence next Sunday. They’re a strong bet to finish top-five fantasy defense on the week.
Read Matt Okada’s full Week 9 Waiver Wire Watch
What is another Matchup to Exploit in the Fantasy Football Defense Rankings?
The Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers stick out with a positive matchup during Week 9.
Analysis
Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints
With long-time vet Erik McCoy hitting the season-ending IR, New Orleans Saints center Luke Fortner logged his first start since the 2023 season (Jaguars) and performed quite well, allowing only one pressure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ front. Things figure to be a little more difficult in Week 9, as the Los Angeles Rams have the league’s second-highest pressure rate (17.8%) from defenders lined up as a DT.
Much of that has to do with Kobie Turner, who has 25 pressures on the year and ranks fifth in pass-block win rate (13%) among interior players. He will have plenty of chances to cause mayhem in the backfield across from Fortner and converted tackle Trevor Penning, who ranks 54th out of 60 qualifying guards in pass-block efficiency (95.9).
It’s looking like rookie Tyler Shough will get the starting nod at quarterback, a week after he and Spencer Rattler combined for two interceptions, five sacks taken, and only three points on the scoreboard. The Rams’ defense should be streamed anywhere available.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans’ offensive line has been improving throughout the year, but it’s not quite enough to keep Cam Ward upright, as he leads the league in sacks taken per game (4.25) and has the lowest rate of dropbacks per sack (9.35). It’s not entirely the o-line’s fault —their 38.1% pressure rate allowed ranks a modest 16th— but Ward’s 28.1% pressure-to-sack rate ranks 34th out of 35 qualifying quarterbacks.
Because these sacks create such a D/ST floor —and a lack of Titans’ scoring output does nothing to sway it— Tennessee ranks 31st in schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed to opposing defenses, locking them in as a weekly target.
*Read Justin Edwards’ full O-Line Rankings and Matchups to Exploit: Week 9*
Who are some Week 9 Fantasy Defenses to avoid?
Some options that have fallen out of the top-20 Fantasy Football Defense Rankings include: the Arizona Cardinals, the Tennessee Titans, and the Minnesota Vikings.
For more advice on who to start, check out the Fantasy Football DST Rankings Week 9
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