We are past the halfway point of the fantasy football season, and while we only have two teams on a bye this week, filling in your lineup can still be a challenge. Just look at the defensive line. We are still waiting for the return of Myles Garrett, although the Rams opened his practice window. We are three weeks away from the target date for Micah Parsons’ season debut for the Packers. Plus, T.J. Watt and the Steelers are on their bye week. So who should you start at DL in Week 9 in your IDP fantasy football league? Read on for that answer and more.
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Who to Start in IDP in Week 9
Carl Granderson, Saints DL
The eighth-year rusher out of Wyoming is in the midst of a career year. He has 5.5 sacks in six games, putting him just three back of his career-high 8.5, which he set in 2023. Now he faces a Cleveland Browns team that has given up the most sacks in the league this season.
The Saints are in last place in the NFC South, but they are just one game behind the first-place Panthers. New Orleans is coming off its bye and will be looking to kickstart the second half of the season. They have not won a game at home all season.
I expect a motivated Saints team to get after Deshaun Watson and for Granderson to make a play or two behind the line of scrimmage.
Start Granderson in IDP this week.
Josiah Trotter, Bucs LB
We know that the second-round pick out of Missouri has tackling in his DNA. His father is a former 1st-team All-Pro, and his brother is an Eagles linebacker. But I don’t think we knew he’d be this good this early. Trotter leads the Bucs in tackles with nearly 10 per game and is ninth overall in the league.
The Bucs will be in Chicago taking on the Bears’ #2-ranked rushing offense on Sunday night. Trotter should have ample opportunities to prove his tackling prowess and continue to climb the list of league leaders.
Trotter is an easy lineup lock this week in IDP.
Kevin Byard, Patriots DB
Give me the veteran safety as a spot starter this week in IDP. Byard has recorded seven tackles in three straight games and nabbed his first interception of the season last week against the Dolphins.
We know that he is a ballhawk, having had six seasons with four or more interceptions. Plus, he faces a Packers team that is second in the NFL in completions.
Byard should have a busy day in the Patriots’ secondary trying to slow down the Packers. He has a safe floor as a tackler, and anything he can do in terms of passes defended or interceptions is a plus.
Start Byard in IDP if you need a fill-in at DB.
Check out all of our Week 9 Rankings: Flex Rankings | QB Rankings | RB Rankings | WR Rankings | TE Rankings | MOP Rankings
Who to Sit in IDP in Week 9
Laiatu Latu, Colts DL
Indianapolis has lost four straight and has already started selling off pieces. Latu, the 2024 1st-round pick, seems to be a cornerstone from which to build upon. He led the Colts with 8.5 sacks a year ago and still has a year left on his rookie deal.
Latu only has two sacks so far this season and faces a Cowboys team that does not allow many (only three teams have allowed fewer). Dallas typically passes the ball a ton (fourth-most attempts), which would theoretically give Latu more chances to rush the passer, but the game script could alter things this week. If Dallas gets ahead early, the less likely it is that Latu makes a splash play in the backfield.
Avoid playing Latu at DL in IDP this week.
Terrell Bernard, Bills LB
The 6-1 Bills play host to the 6-1 Vikings on Monday night in what is the best game of the week on paper. The main draw is the Bills’ #2-ranked offense going up against the Vikings’ #2-ranked defense.
The other side of the ball is not nearly as glamorous. Bernard and the Bills have the 23rd-ranked defense in the NFL. They’ll be tasked with defending against a Vikings offense that is ranked just 29th.
Facing a bad offense does not portend much success for linebackers in IDP. Case in point, the Vikings faced the 29th-ranked Lions’ defense last week in a similar matchup, and the leading tackler for Detroit made just five tackles.
Bernard should have a quieter day at the office on Monday night. Look elsewhere at LB in IDP.
Travis Hunter, Jaguars DB
Even with Hunter getting points for offense and defense (depending on your league setup), he is still a sit for me this week. The Jaguars are facing a Ravens team on Thursday night without Lamar Jackson. Expect Baltimore to be run-heavy and limit the passing attempts for UDFA QB Joe Fagnano.
It’s a short week, so I don’t anticipate too much on the offensive end for Hunter. The Jaguars scored 42 points on the Colts in Week 8, and Hunter’s only contribution on offense was a five-yard run.
Hunter is an IDP cheat code, but I would stay away if you can in Week 9.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 9 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!
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