Welcome back, IDP Nerds! Week 9 is here, and with four more teams on bye, fantasy football managers are feeling the pressure. Waiver wires are thin, trade talks are heating up, and non-contending teams are starting to sell. The playoff picture in most leagues is taking shape, and every move matters from here on out. The Week 9 IDP Start/Sit recommendations and hidden gems are designed to help you gain that crucial edge to position your dynasty roster for a championship run.
Catch up with the Week 9 IDP Waiver Wire and check our Week 9 Start/Sit Rankings for final lineup decisions.
Weekly Accuracy Recap | Week 9 IDP Start Sit
| Week | Hit Rate | Start Rate % | Sit Rate % | Stream Rate % | Top Performer (Position) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 62.5% | 66.6% | 33.3% | 100% | Jarvis Brownlee – CB1 |
| Week 2 | 37.5% | 66.6% | 33.3% | 0% | Tykee Smith – DB11 |
| Week 3 | 38.4% | 33.3% | 66.6% | 25% | Cooper DeJean – DB17 |
| Week 4 | 61.5% | 83.3% | 66.6% | 25% | Cole Bishop – DB17 |
| Week 5 | 81.8% | 80% | 66.6% | 75% | Marcus Jones – DB8 |
| Week 6 | 36.3% | 60% | 50% | 25% | Yaya Diaby – DL8 |
| Week 7 | 76.9% | 83.3% | 66.6% | 75% | SirVocea Dennis – LB3 |
| Week 8 | 41.6% | 50% | 33.3% | 25% | Alex Wright – DL9 |
Weekly IDP accuracy metrics for Dynasty Nerds Start/Sit recommendations, Weeks 1–8 of the 2025 fantasy football season.
We knew Week 8 would be a challenge, and it definitely lived up to expectations. It was one of those weeks where you needed more luck than skill, and the results showed with a rough 41.6% accuracy. Injuries hit us again, and several players across the board failed to deliver. For the first time all season, our linebacker picks came up empty—just how it goes sometimes in IDP. On a brighter note, both of our defensive line recommendations, who were widely available in leagues, finished as top-12 performers. Let’s regroup, tighten up the data, and get things trending back in the right direction for Week 9.
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Players to Start | Week 9 IDP Fantasy Football
Defensive Line | Week 9 IDP Start Sit
| Player | Team | Opponent | Snap % | Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Hines-Allen | Jaguars | Raiders | 77% | ✅ |
| Mykel Williams | 49ers | Giants | 68% | ✅ |
Josh Hines-Allen | DL | Jacksonville Jaguars
How surprised would you be if I told you Josh Hines-Allen was the DL89 on the season? It’s crazy for IDP managers to wrap their heads around this one. Hines-Allen finished with 8 sacks last season on his way to a DL32 finish. The Jaguars EDGE rusher is struggling to convert pressures into sacks this season. His 33 pressures are the 8th most among EDGE defenders (PFF). Unfortunately, he’s only been able to record one half sack this season.
I’m all in on Josh Hines-Allen starting to turn it around this week. The Las Vegas Raiders are a good matchup for opposing defensive linemen this season, allowing the 13th most tackles per game (16.1) and the 11th most sacks per game (2.7). IDP managers should feel confident that the former double-digit sack pass rusher will bounce back in Week 9.
Mykel Williams | DL | San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers’ defensive front four should be in for a big day this week. The New York Giants are one of eight teams allowing over 3 sacks per game this season. The Giants’ offense gave up 5 sacks in Week 8 and now faces an angry 49ers defense, decimated with injuries this season. I love rookie Mykel Williams in this matchup. Despite disappointing performances this season, he has an excellent opportunity to record his second sack. Williams has 5 pressures and one sack over his last three games. There’s no better time to bank on production from your rookie DL than this week, with some highly productive pass rushers on the bye.
Linebackers | IDP Week 9 Start Sit
| Player | Team | Opponent | Snap % | Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrett Carter | Bengals | Bears | 59% | ✅ |
| Mack Wilson | Cardinals | Cowboys | 100% | ✅ |
Barrett Carter | LB | Cincinnati Bengals
IDP managers who listened to our advice in July are reaping the rewards of Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Barrett Carter. Since taking over as the full-time starter in Week 6, Carter is the LB6 overall, averaging 19.4 fantasy points per game. The former Clemson LB has collected 30 tackles over that three-game stretch and shows no signs of slowing down.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ linebackers face a top-12 positional matchup against the Chicago Bears, who surrender 18 tackles per game to linebackers. The Chicago offense has allowed an LB to record double-digit tackles in back-to-back games. IDP managers can bank on Barrett Carter for a huge performance in Week 9, which is not bad for a player sitting on waiver wires just a few weeks back.
Mack Wilson | LB | Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals LB Mack Wilson is coming off his worst game of the season in Week 7 before the team’s bye. Wilson has averaged 16 FPPG before his 6-point performance. The Dallas Cowboys offense has allowed 17 tackles per game to linebackers over the last 3 games. Wilson has relied heavily on tackles for his fantasy production this season. He has collected at least 6 tackles in 85% of his games. Let’s roll with the former Alabama LB to bounce back after the Cardinals bye in a big Monday Night Football matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9.
Week 9 IDP Trivia | Which rookie linebacker has averaged over 19 fantasy points per game since becoming a full-time starter in Week 6?
Week 9 Defensive Backs | IDP Start Sit
| Player | Team | Opponent | Snap % | Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Metellus | Vikings | Lions | 97% | ✅ |
| Jonas Sanker | Saints | Rams | 87% | ✅ |
Josh Metellus | DB | Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Josh Metellus is one of the most underrated defenders. His 14.74 FPPG average is 29th-best among DBs this season. The former Michigan Wolverine is coming off back-to-back seasons in Brian Flores’ defensive scheme, where he has registered 100 tackles or more. Metellus has made a splash with the impact plays this season, tying his career high in interceptions (2) and registering a half sack through his first 7 games.
The Minnesota Vikings will travel to Detroit for a divisional clash with the Lions. Josh Metellus had success against Detroit last season with 13 tackles in two games. Detroit has become a favorable matchup to opposing defensive backs, allowing the third-most tackles per game over the last month of the season. Fantasy managers should have no issue trusting Josh Metellus in this matchup.
Jonas Sanker | DB | New Orleans Saints
The IDP Nerds are familiar with New Orleans Saints DB Jonas Sanker. He was highlighted as a player to add in the Week 5 Waiver Wire. Sanker has found his role in this defense, playing 87% of the defensive snaps this season. He has recorded double-digit fantasy points in 5 of his last 7 games, including multiple 20-point performances. The rookie safety has expanded his role to play more box snaps with 33 snaps over the previous two games. The Los Angeles Rams have allowed 100 tackles to the safety position this season. Jonas Sanker and the reliable Saints defensive backs should see a boost in production for Week 9.
Top IDPs to Stream in Week 9 | Start/Sit Fantasy Football Advice
| Player | Pos | Team | Opponent | Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deone Walker | DT | Bills | Chiefs | ✅ |
| Keanu Benton | DT | Steelers | Colts | ✅ |
| Jaylen Watson | CB | Chiefs | Bills | ✅ |
| Amik Robertson | CB | Lions | Vikings | ✅ |
Deone Walker | DT | Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills defense has been unlucky with injuries this season, which has opened up opportunities for one of their rookies, Deone Walker. The University of Kentucky product has been solid this season, playing 52% of the defensive snaps as a rookie. Walker will see more opportunities in the absence of Ed Oliver, who will miss the remainder of the season with an injury.
Keanu Benton | DT | Pittsburgh Steelers
We are going with a second rookie defensive tackle to be a viable streaming option in Week 9. Keanu Benton has been a boom or bust player this season, with two games with 18 fantasy points or more and 7 fantasy points or less in his other 5 games. Keeping our fingers crossed we are streaming him on a boom week. The Indianapolis Colts allowed two sacks to interior defenders last week. The Colts will likely rely heavily on their run game with Jonathan Taylor again, which could lead to more opportunities for the rookie DT.
Jaylen Watson | CB | Kansas City Chiefs
The Buffalo Bills will host the Kansas City Chiefs in a marquee matchup in Week 9, which will be played in an atmosphere that resembles a playoff game. The Buffalo offense is the fourth most favorable matchup for opposing cornerbacks this season. Kansas City CB Jaylen Watson should see many targets and opportunities for an increased volume tackling game in a high-scoring matchup.
Amik Robertson | CB | Detroit Lions
IDP managers looking for a streaming option this week can turn to Detroit Lions CB Amik Robertson. Robertson has averaged 12 FPPG over his last three games and will likely be lined up across from Justin Jefferson in Week 9. Robertson has collected 11 tackles and an interception over the previous three games. There are many worse streaming options for fantasy managers in CB-required dynasty leagues.
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Players to Sit | Week 9 IDP Start/Sit
| Player | Pos | Team | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danielle Hunter | DL | Texans | Broncos |
| Pete Werner | LB | Saints | Rams |
| Camryn Bynum | DB | Colts | Steelers |
Danielle Hunter | DL | Houston Texans
It feels gross to recommend a sit at the defensive line position, especially when multiple teams are on the bye. Unfortunately, it’s what I must do, so I’m highlighting Danielle Hunter this week. The Houston Texans veteran EDGE rusher has been inconsistent this season, despite his four sacks, which rank tied for 22nd in the NFL. Hunter has accounted for 71% of his fantasy points in two games this season. He has 3 games this season with less than 4 fantasy points, which will not help you win your weekly matchup. I’ll be fading Danielle Hunter where I can this week against the Denver Broncos, who allow the fewest sacks per game in the NFL this season.
Pete Werner | LB | New Orleans Saints
Experienced IDP managers must feel like Groundhog Day with Pete Werner on their roster. It’s a yearly scenario where Saints’ LB Pete Werner delivers matchup-swinging performances for your team, and the next thing you know, he’s a part-time player and frustrating fantasy managers to no end. His snaps have decreased in the last three games, and he’s collected 8 fantasy points during his previous two games. IDP managers can’t justify having Werner in their lineups for the foreseeable future.
Camryn Bynum | DB | Indianapolis Colts
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a brutal matchup for opposing safeties this season. Indianapolis Colts DB Camryn Bynum has been an impact, play-dependent fantasy performer this season. His 10 FPPG average is not going to hurt your team, but it rarely swings a matchup in your favor. The Steelers allow just 11 tackles to the position this season, and as you can see on the Week 9 CheatChart, the Colts’ defensive backs face the most unfavorable matchup of any team.
Hidden IDP Gems | Week 9 Fantasy Football Start/Sit
- Myles Garrett joins Tuli Tuipulotu as the only IDP with a 60-point game this season
- Former teammates Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner are the only LBs with 80+ tackles
- Jamien Sherwood’s double-digit streak ends— first game under 10 fantasy points since Week 13 of 2024.
- Tykee Smith and Chamarri Conner are the only two DBs with 60 tackles or more.
- Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku leads all rookies in pressures (20).
- Major Slump for the reigning LB1— Zaire Franklin scored 350 FP in 2024, currently is LB50, and is on pace to score less than 200 FP in 2025.
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🧠 FAQ | Week 9 IDP Start/Sit Fantasy Football 2025
Q1: Is Josh Hines-Allen a safe start for Week 9 IDP fantasy football lineups?
A: Yes. Josh Hines-Allen (DL, Jaguars) is a prime bounce-back candidate against the Raiders. Despite ranking DL89 on the season, he has 33 pressures (8th among EDGE rushers) and draws a Las Vegas offense allowing 2.7 sacks per game, making him a strong start for Week 9 fantasy football.
Q2: How reliable is Barrett Carter heading into Week 9 IDP matchups?
A: Barrett Carter (LB, Bengals) has been a league-winning pickup since Week 6. He’s the LB6 overall over the last three weeks and averaging 19.4 FPPG. Facing a Chicago offense that ranks top-12 in tackles allowed to linebackers, Carter remains a must-start in all IDP formats for Week 9.
Q3: Should IDP managers start rookie Mykel Williams versus the Giants in Week 9?
A: Yes. The 49ers’ rookie Mykel Williams is in a spotlight matchup against a Giants offensive line giving up over 3 sacks per game. With 5 pressures in his last three games and expanded snaps due to injuries up front, he’s a viable DL2 streamer for Week 9 IDP start/sit decisions.
Q4: Who is the best defensive back to start in Week 9 IDP leagues, Josh Metellus or Jonas Sanker?
A: Both are strong starts, but Josh Metellus (Vikings) holds the edge this week versus Detroit. He’s averaging 14.7 FPPG and faces a Lions offense allowing top-3 tackle rates to DBs. Jonas Sanker (Saints) is also a safe DB2 play thanks to his box usage and 20-point upside against the Rams.
Q5: Which Week 9 IDP streamers could swing a matchup for fantasy managers?
A: Deone Walker (DT, Bills) and Jaylen Watson (CB, Chiefs) headline the Week 9 streaming targets. Walker steps into extra snaps with Ed Oliver out and faces the Chiefs’ interior line, while Watson should see heavy target volume in a Bills-Chiefs shootout — both are capable of double-digit fantasy weeks.
Trivia Answer | Barrett Carter — The Cincinnati Bengals rookie has recorded 30 tackles over his last three games and currently sits as the LB6 overall since taking over the every-down role. (click to return)
