A quarterback can deliver a strong performance without reaching the fantasy numbers managers expected. For example, Chicago's Caleb Williams showcased this on Monday night, leading the Bears to a 34-17 victory over Seattle while only throwing one touchdown. Meanwhile, many struggling offenses are relying on their quarterbacks to overcome issues with protection and inconsistent receiving, leading to some tough lineup decisions as we head into Week 9.
The upcoming schedule presents promising opportunities for quarterbacks who have already shown their ability to lead effective passing attacks. San Francisco will be back in action against Las Vegas, Detroit will travel to Miami, and Chicago will have another chance to build offensive momentum against Tampa Bay.
However, some matchups are less favorable, especially for quarterbacks facing turnovers, strong defenses, or health uncertainties. Below, you'll find the top starters, potential streaming options, and players that fantasy managers should consider benching this week.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em: Quarterbacks
Brock Purdy, SF (vs. LV)
Brock Purdy heads into Week 9 with one of the most favorable matchups for fantasy quarterbacks. Following a scheduled break, San Francisco will face a Raiders defense that recently allowed 33 points to the New York Jets, narrowly winning 38-33.
Las Vegas has struggled to stop explosive passing plays, and opposing quarterbacks have exploited coverage breakdowns. Purdy should find opportunities to exploit these weaknesses, especially when Kyle Shanahan employs formations designed to create advantageous matchups for his receivers. Despite significant injury issues within San Francisco's offense, Purdy has consistently provided reliable passing production when his receiving options are available. The addition of veteran offensive players has also given Shanahan greater flexibility in crafting his weekly game plans.
The Raiders' defensive struggles could allow Purdy the chance to generate multiple touchdown opportunities without needing an unusually high passing volume. His efficiency in San Francisco's offensive system makes him particularly appealing against defenses that struggle to defend intermediate routes. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on the status of San Francisco's injured offensive players, but Purdy remains a strong QB1 option with a great opportunity to exceed his recent averages.
Jared Goff, DET (@ MIA)
Jared Goff has another chance to deliver a strong fantasy performance as the Detroit Lions prepare to face a Miami defense that has struggled to contain opposing passing attacks. In Week 8, the Lions narrowly defeated the Minnesota Vikings 19-15, although their offensive performance was much less explosive than what fantasy managers have come to expect. Minnesota’s aggressive defensive strategy limited Detroit's opportunities for sustained passing production, forcing them into tough situations.
Miami presents a different challenge on defense. The Dolphins have allowed opposing quarterbacks to generate significant fantasy points, especially when offenses find success in favorable passing situations established through their rushing game, and Detroit has the personnel to exploit these weaknesses.
Goff's effectiveness relies heavily on having a clean pocket, but the Lions have shown they can protect him through balanced play-calling and quick passing concepts. A potential concern is that if Detroit builds a comfortable lead, they may shift their focus to the running game. However, even in that scenario, Goff could still accumulate considerable production during the early possessions.
Caleb Williams, CHI (vs. TB)
Caleb Williams deserves another chance in fantasy lineups after leading the Chicago Bears to an impressive road victory against the Seattle Seahawks. He completed 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and one touchdown, while also avoiding any interceptions. Although his individual fantasy production was limited due to three rushing touchdowns by the backfield, his performance was crucial in helping the Bears control the game.
This is an important consideration when evaluating his upcoming matchup against Tampa Bay. Since Williams returned from his hamstring injury, Chicago's offense has become more effective, with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson finding ways to incorporate various receiving options and create favorable passing situations.
In previous games against Atlanta and New England, Williams threw for over 300 yards, proving his ability to generate significant production when the team needs a more aggressive passing strategy.
Other Starts: Dak Prescott, DAL (@ IND); Patrick Mahomes, KC (vs. NYJ).
Week 9 Fantasy Football Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks
Justin Herbert, LAC (vs. HOU)
Justin Herbert has become one of the most frustrating quarterbacks in fantasy football because his passing talent has not consistently translated into production this season. In Week 8, the Chargers scored only nine points against the Rams, with Herbert completing 24 of 32 passes for 257 yards, but he did not throw a touchdown and also threw two interceptions. This continues a concerning trend of turnovers.
Through seven games, Herbert has recorded just five passing touchdowns, and the Chargers have struggled to establish a reliable offensive identity. The upcoming matchup against Houston presents another tough challenge. The Texans have effectively limited opposing quarterbacks, making it harder for struggling offenses to sustain productive drives.
While Herbert can generate significant yardage when the Los Angeles team falls behind, his recent performances reveal how little fantasy value those completions provide without touchdowns. For managers in deeper leagues, alternatives may be limited, but traditional formats offer several quarterbacks with more favorable matchups and stronger recent offensive production.
Daniel Jones, IND (vs. DAL)
Daniel Jones remains the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, despite another disappointing performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, fantasy managers should be cautious about placing their trust in him.
In Week 8, the Colts suffered a 42-7 defeat, during which Jones completed 19 of 28 passes for 144 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions before leaving the game in the fourth quarter. Head coach Shane Steichen has confirmed that Jones will continue as the starter in the upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys, believing that the veteran quarterback gives Indianapolis the best chance to win.
While this decision maintains some continuity, the offense has struggled significantly throughout the season. Jones has thrown five touchdowns against nine interceptions over eight games, and the Colts have frequently lost possessions due to turnovers.
Article Continues BelowKyler Murray, MIN (vs. BUF)
Kyler Murray is heading into Week 9 with concerns regarding both his performance and his physical condition following Minnesota's first loss of the season. The Vikings fell to the Detroit Lions with a score of 19-15, and Murray struggled to deliver consistent passing production. His connection with the receiving corps has been uneven, which has led the offense to rely heavily on its defense to stay competitive.
After the game, the team disclosed that Murray was experiencing hamstring soreness. Head coach Kevin O'Connell stated that the team would continue to evaluate the injury before deciding on Murray's availability for the game against Buffalo.
This uncertainty is significant for fantasy managers, as Murray's rushing ability is a crucial aspect of his potential production. If he is limited by the injury, he may be less inclined to scramble or extend plays, which could reduce the opportunities that typically distinguish mobile quarterbacks from traditional pocket passers.
Buffalo also enters this matchup following an impressive defensive performance against Baltimore, where they limited the Ravens to just 10 points.
Other Sits: Bryce Young, CAR (vs. DEN); Gardner Minshew, ARI (@ SEA).
Final Takeaway
Week 9 presents promising opportunities for quarterbacks going up against defenses that have struggled to stop sustained offensive production. Purdy and Goff are in favorable matchups, while Williams is an intriguing option as Chicago continues to improve its offensive consistency. On the other hand, Herbert and Jones carry significant risks due to their recent underperformance, and Murray's injury adds another layer of concern for fantasy managers.
It's important to prioritize quarterbacks whose recent performances indicate reliable touchdown potential, while also keeping an eye on the latest injury reports before finalizing your lineup decisions.