Week 9 Fantasy Football Start/Sits - NFL 2025 (QB, RB, WR, TE)

Halloween has come and gone, and we here at 4QWI hope that your fantasy season hasn't been too spooky or scary. Whether you've already clinched a playoff berth or are fighting to get your first win, we got you with some fresh fantasy football advice to get you on your way.

Using data, gut feelings and ethereal projections, we will provide you the tools needed to get that juicy dub week after week with 100% accuracy. We will, of course, omit matchup-proof choices such as Puka Nacua and Josh Allen.

Quarterbacks: Austin

Start: Dak Prescott vs. Arizona Cardinals (MNF, 11/3 @ 8:15 PM EST)

Dak Prescott has been playing at an extremely high level this season, as he’s 3rd in passing yards (2,067), tied-3rd in passing TD’s (16), tied- 56th in INT’s (5), and 1st in QBR (79.5). All while averaging a completion percentage of 70.3% (204/290). Last week against Denver Dak couldn’t get much going, and this week he draws a defense that isn’t as tough as their previous opponent, but still have only allowed 8 total passing TD’s this season. I think Dak and the Cowboy’s offense is good enough to find success in the air, and with their defense as bad as it is, they are going to have to air it out to keep the lead. Arizona and Dallas both view their matchup as a must win, and I expect it to be an exciting offensive showdown. Unless you are a Lamar Jackson or Kyler Murray owner, Dak Prescott should be a lineup lock.

Start: Kyler Murray/Jacoby Brissett, ARI @ Dallas Cowboys (MNF, 11/3 @ 8:15 PM EST)

Still listed as questionable but expected to make his return, Kyler Murray draws a favorable matchup to come back to. The Cowboys are currently allowing 28.7 fantasy points to opposing QB’s this season per ESPN standard scoring rules. If Kyler Murray is unavailable, Jacoby Brissett immediately moves into a must start role for me. In the 2 of Brissett’s starts, he has completed 52 of 80 passes for 599 yards, 4 TDs and 1 INT. Brissett is already averaging great numbers, a matchup against Dallas would skyrocket him to a QB1. If Murray doesn’t play, Brissett is a sneaky FA pickup. If Murray plays, he’s poised for QB1 numbers.

Start: Aaron Rodgers vs. Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, 11/2 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Aaron Rodgers has been a rock for this Steelers team, showing signs of him old self throughout the season. Since Pittsburgh’s bye (Week 5), Rodgers has been playing surprisingly well, completing 68 of 100 passes for 703 yards, 8 TD’s on 2 INT’s. And in that span, Rodgers has faced tough defenses in Green Bay and Cleveland, but surprisingly threw both of his interceptions against Cincinnati in the three games. This week Rodgers faces a 7-1 Colts team that will force Pittsburgh to need to score a lot of points, and with Rodgers already heating up, this week may be the week he breaks 300 passing yards for the first time in 2025. Aaron Rodgers is a streaming BYE week or injury filler, as he’s only rostered in 37.8% of ESPN leagues.

Sit: Bo Nix, DEN @ Houston Texans (Sunday, 11/2 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Bo Nix draws quite literally the toughest matchup in the Houston Texans this week, who are giving up the fewest amount of fantasy points to opposing QB’s this week. Nix will have to be active in the rushing attack in order to build a strong fantasy performance this week, but I would be looking at other options if I was a Nix owner.

Sit: Jackson Dart vs. San Francisco 49ers (Sunday, 11/2 @ 1:00 PM EST)

After last week’s heartbreaking injury to Skattebo, Dart has now lost his top pass catching in Malik Nabers and top running back Cam Skattebo. Dart faces a decent 49ers defense that ranks pretty middle of the road, allowing 229 passing yards and 1.85 TD’s a game. Dart may have an okay game since he adds value with his legs, but if you’re looking for a QB that is locked for a good performance, look elsewhere.

Jaxson Dart

Sit: Caleb Williams @ Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday, 11/2 @ 1:00 PM EST)

After saying what I said about the Cardinals QB’s and their favorable matchup against Dallas, you’d think that same logic would apply here with Caleb Williams facing the Bengals, right? Wrong, dummy. Caleb Williams hasn’t amassed 285 passing yards since week 3 (vs DAL), and since his bye week (week 5), Williams has thrown for 709 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT’s, and rushed 11 times for 20 yards and 1 TD. Both TD’s came in week 6 by the way, so he is scoreless in the previous two games when he’s faced the 1-5 Ravens and the 0-6 Saints. As enticing as it is to have a game against the Bengals who rank 30th in passing yards/TD’s allowed, I simply don’t believe in Caleb Williams’ ability to capitalize on it. And although they are allowing tons of yards, the Bengals also have 8 interceptions through 8 weeks and 11 sacks. Be weary if you decide to start Williams this week.

Running Backs: @Jvr1210

Start: Kimani Vidal @ Tennessee Titans (Sunday, 11/2 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Probably one of the most, if not the most, sought-after waiver wire additions of the past three weeks, Kimani Vidal has stepped up big time with Omarion Hampton on the IR. In a run-heavy attack against the Minnesota Vikings, Vidal saw 23 carries for 117 rushing yards and a touchdown. Additionally, he has seen action in the passing game, with 8 receptions over the past three weeks, adding value to him in PPR formats.

This week sees the Chargers match-up with the Tennessee Titans, who allowed Rhamondre Stevenson to have his best game of the season and are allowing the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, and by far the most rushing TDs to opposing running backs. This week should be a great opportunity for Vidal to put up big points again, as he will be the primary back in a major mismatch against the Titans, which should allow the Chargers to continue opening up the running game.

Kimani Vidal

​Start: Chase Brown vs. Chicago Bears (Sunday, 11/2 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Chase Brown owners rejoice! Brown is a new man with Joe Flacco at the helm for the Cincinnati Bengals. Last week, Chase Brown had 73 yards and a rushing TD to go along with 32 receiving yards and a receiving TD on 3 receptions, which was good for a new season high in scrimmage yards. The week before that, Brown rushed for over 100 yards for the first time this season. Things are looking up for those owners who paid a high ADP price for Chase Brown coming into the season. This week, the Bengals matchup with the Bears, who have allowed over 1000 rushing yards this season and are allowing 5.3 yards per carry, which is the third highest in the league this season. This should be a favorable matchup for the Bengals and a great opportunity for Brown to stay hot. In case you needed the reassurance, start Chase Brown this week.

Sit: Tyrone Tracy Jr. vs. San Francisco 49ers (Sunday, 11/2 @ 1:00 PM EST)

I see a lot of individuals putting Tracy Jr. on their start lists. I just don’t believe it. The Giants just can’t seem to catch a break with injuries. After Skattebo’s devastating ankle injury, it feels like a lot of wind has been taken out of the Giants' sails. Yes, they still have Jaxson Dart, who has proven to be a dynamic QB to watch, but his dynamic duo is missing, and for me, Tracy Jr. doesn’t fit the bill. As the official starter in Week 1, Tracy Jr. ran for 24 yards on 10 attempts and added 2 receptions for 11 yards. In week 8, he added 39 yards on 10 attempts. It just isn’t as fun as the Skattebo show.

This week, the Giants line up against the 49ers, who have been rather average in most categories against the run this year, and are currently ranked 15th in fantasy points allowed to opposing RBs. I’d take a sit and wait approach unless you’ve got the rough end of the stick for RB BYE weeks this week.

Sit: Jacorey Croskey-Merritt vs. Seattle Seahawks (SNF, 11/2 @ 8:20 PM EST)

For those who own Croskey-Merritt, it has likely been a bit of a frustrating up and down ride. Croskey-Merritt has had two good games this year, the first in Week 1 where he had 82 rushing yards and a TD and again in Week 5 against the Chargers where he really broke free for 111 yards and 2 TDs or 14 attempts. The in-between and post week 5 games have been nothing but disappointment. The past three weeks have seen 39 rushing attempts for Croskey-Merritt, with those 39 attempts he has not found the endzone again, and has only mustered 119 yards, and has seen little to no action in the passing game. This week, the Commanders will play the Seahawks who have allowed the fewest rushing yards, the fewest rushing TDs, and the lowest yards per carry on the season so far. A bounce-back week against this defense is highly unlikely, and I’d start looking for a replacement for Croskey-Merritt.

Wide Receivers: @BreTT_Shevlin

Start: Marvin Harrison Jr. @ Dallas Cowboys (MNF, 11/3 @ 8:15 PM EST)

The Cardinals are coming off their Week 8 bye with the expected return of Kyler Murray. Despite an underwhelming fantasy season for MHJ to this point, a meeting with the Cowboys whose defense ranks 32nd vs. the pass — presents a prime opportunity for a breakout. The Cowboys also rank 31st in points allowed giving up 31.3 ppg. If Kyler can continue to push the ball vertically, Dallas has struggled to contain perimeter receivers, giving up multiple chunk plays downfield. With all that being said Marv is a WR2 with high upside this week.

Start: Kayshon Boutte vs. Atlanta Falcons (Sunday, 11/2 @ 1:00 PM EST)

The Patriots are blazing hot at the moment winning 5 straight going into this week vs Atlanta. Drake Maye has shown a massive improvement in year 2 and Kayshon Boutte has been the main recipient. Boutte currently leads all Patriots receivers with 5 TD receptions on the season and 4 of those have come in the last three weeks. Its been a while since the Patriots have had a consistent vertical threat out there and Drake has not been shy to air it out when needed. With the absence of Rhamondre Stevenson the Patriots could look to pass at an even higher rate. Between Maye’s 75%+ completion percentage and Boutte’s 18.7 yards per reception.. I’m all in on the boot dude (shoutout flightreacts)

Kayshon Boutte

Sit: Quentin Johnston @ Tennessee Titans (Sunday, 11/2 @ 1:00 PM EST)

This one’s tough because through the first four weeks of the season Johnston was set to have a 2nd year breakout of a season. However, the sudden emergence of Oronde Gadsden to what was an already deep receiver room to begin with, has complicated matters for Johnston owners. A matchup vs the Titans this week suggests we could see a heavy dose of Kimani Vidal. Tennessee will struggle just to even stay in this game which will likely lead to fewer passing attempts from Herbert. With multiple mouths to feed in this offense and game script favoring other players more so than Johnston, you’d be best keeping him on your bench this week.

Sit: Jameson Williams vs. Minnesota Vikings (Sunday, 11/2 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Jameson Williams was mentioned as a lot of people’s sleeper going into the season, but hasn’t been able to string together any level of consistency so far. With just 17 catches on the season, there’s not enough volume for him to be considered anything but a deep league flier at this point. The Vikings currently allow the 7th fewest fantasy points to wide receivers so the Lions will most certainly have their hands full on Sunday. Jamo has always been a boom or bust type of player, but this season has leaned a lot more towards the latter.

Tight Ends: @Endydoe

Start: AJ Barner @ Washington Commanders (SNF, 11/2 @ 8:20 PM EST)

I'm doing my best to grab some different names this week. As we've hit the midpoint of the season we're starting to really see where the Tight End rankings are shaking out, but one name that's flying under radars right now is Seattle's AJ Barner. Barner is TE18 entering this week, but he's strung together more respectable fantasy outings at his position than not. Other than being held to one catch on three targets in last Monday's game against the Texans, Barner cracked double digit PPR points in three straight games; in that streak he put together 13/156/3 stats.

On Sunday Night Football, Barner and the Seahawks travel to DC to take on the Commanders. This Commanders squad is currently allowing the fifth most fantasy points to Tight Ends on the season, and this includes five touchdowns, tied for third in the league. Barner's a solid option if you've got a BYE or a general need for the position this week.

AJ Barner

Start: Kyle Pitts @ New England Patriots (Sunday, 11/2 @ 1:00 PM EST)

I am on record earlier this season saying to not start Pitts, but against all odds he appears to be trending toward one of his best statistical seasons right now (the bar is on the floor). Pitts has a favorable matchup on deck as he takes on the New England Patriots; a team I saw give up a touchdown to both Browns Tight Ends last Sunday. In fact, the Patriots have allowed the fifth most fantasy points to the position on the season. In Foxborough against a high-powered passing attack, I see Pitts getting a healthy amount of looks tomorrow from Michael Penix Jr.

Sit: Hunter Henry vs. Atlanta Falcons (Sunday, 11/2 @ 1:00 PM EST)

Henry has been a true boom or bust option at the Tight End position this season, and we've seen a pretty steady decline as Drake Maye has bolstered his relationships with Kayshon Boutte, Stefon Diggs and even Henry's position-mate Austin Hooper who only has four less targets than Henry over the past three games. Along with that, Atlanta's got a stingy defense and have allowed just 12 catches for 105 yards and one touchdown to Tight Ends this season, which is good for the least fantasy points allowed to the position all season.

In the early of the season, Henry may have seemed like a draft day steal but he's really not doing it for me at this point, and especially considering the matchup, I'm leaving him benched this week and looking elsewhere.