It’s getting deeper into the fantasy football season, and there’s one defensive unit that hasn’t hit the panic button yet. But let’s look at the overall picture. Here are the defense and special teams rankings for Week 9 of the 2026 season.
There’s more depth available this week as only two teams are on a bye. The Steelers and Titans won’t be available. Only one of those is a problem absence for fantasy managers.
Let’s see who’s at the top of the list.
Fantasy Football standouts
It’s probably hard to trust the Texans defense. But the Week 9 matchup feels right. The Chargers haven’t been good against anybody. Why would it change this week?
The Texans ranked No. 1 in the NFL last year with 277.2 yards per game. They were second with 17.4 points allowed. This year? They have allowed 30 or more points in three of the Texans’ seven games.
So what’s up? Head coach DeMeco Ryans said it’s just about playing the right way, according to ESPN.
“We have plenty of players,” Ryans said. “(And) we have plenty of scheme. We just have to execute. We have to execute a little bit better. If we execute a little bit better, the result can be different.”
One player still cooking is Will Anderson Jr. He leads the NFL with 7.5 sacks. And he should cause massive problems for the Chargers’ offensive line. But Anderson said opponents are better equipped this season to handle the Texans’ defense.
“Teams know us,” said Anderson. “You know what I'm saying? They know how we play. They know our style of play.”
However, general manager Nick Caserio backed his head coach.
“We have enough scheme,” Caserio said. “In the end, like, we don't have defensive calls where the calls are to let the receiver run open. If the defense calls for it to be pressed, to reroute the receiver at the line of scrimmage, and you don't reroute the receiver at the line of scrimmage, letting them go to the route, is that a scheme issue? Is that a player issue?”
But the Chargers are No. 28 in total yards. Even worse, they are dead last with 14.1 points per game. Lick your chops, Texans fantasy managers.
The Jaguars provide a good look for fantasy managers
Also a good pick is the Jaguars. They would have had a tough matchup this week against the Ravens. However, quarterback Lamar Jackson is done for the season. And backup Tyler Huntley is out for a while. The Ravens turned things over to Joe Fagnano, who went 10 of 21 for 91 yards with a pick in the 36-10 beatdown at the hands of the Bills.
Now the Jaguars get a chance to take a big swing at the Ravens’ sputtering offense. The loss of defensive lineman Davon Hamilton doesn’t help the situation, according to Sports Illustrated.
“We’re going to have guys that need to step up. We know what type of role D-Ham plays on our defense, and so the next person up has big shoes to fill, but there’s no disbelief that they can’t get the job done. We just have to keep going,” Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen said.
Other standouts
After their solid performance against the Vikings, the Lions get an even better matchup this week against the Dolphins, according to rotoballer.com.
“The Detroit Lions defense has a clear advantage in this game,” Joey Pollizze wrote. “The Lions have been one of the best teams at getting to the quarterback, and the Dolphins offensive line has been one of the worst at protecting the quarterback. Detroit will enter this matchup with the third-most sacks (24) and the second-best sack-per-game numbers (3.4) this season.”
Head coach Dan Campbell has his team playing well. However, losing linebacker Jack Campbell is a blow, according to detroitlions.com.
“I don't even know if I can put it into words,” Campbell said. “Look, when you get voted captain, that says a ton, especially with this group of guys. He earned every bit of that. He's trustworthy. He's dependable.
“He'll give you the shirt off his back. He's just all heart and all effort. Just an unbelievable person. Down to earth and very genuine. There's not a man on this team that doesn't respect Jack Campbell.”
Article Continues BelowFantasy Football sleepers
It might be a good week to roll the dice with the New York Giants. The Eagles' offense is that bad.
The Giants struck out on trading for Jeffery Simmons, according to nj.com. But they still have defensive talent.
“Because you’re turning over every stone,” head coach John Harbaugh, who called Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk about trading for Simmons. “We’re going to try everything. I’ll put it out there, man: We’re open for any call.”
This is a team that wants to win. And the Eagles are a division rival. This is a good matchup.
Another sleeper option is the Bears. They will get a crack at the Buccaneers. Yes, Tampa Bay ran wild against the Falcons on the ground. But the Bears’ defense has more teeth than the Falcons.
Fantasy Football Week 9 Defense Rankings
1. Houston Texans (HOU) at LAC
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (JAC) at BAL
3. Seattle Seahawks (SEA) vs. ARI
4. Detroit Lions (DET) vs. MIA
5. Kansas City Chiefs (KC) vs. NYJ
6. Denver Broncos (DEN) at CAR
7. New Orleans Saints (NO) vs. CLE
8. New York Giants (NYG) at PHI
9. Cleveland Browns (CLE) at NO
10. Chicago Bears (CHI) vs. TB
11. Los Angeles Rams (LAR) at WAS
12. Minnesota Vikings (MIN) vs. BUF
13. Buffalo Bills (BUF) at MIN
14. Dallas Cowboys (DAL) at IND
15. San Francisco 49ers (SF) vs. LV