7 QBs to start or sit

The bye weeks are here again Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season, as both Pittsburgh Steelers And San Francisco 49ers gets a mid-season rest. That will remove it Brock Purdy and the resurrection Russell Wilson of the week 9 fantasy quarterback rankings, while the need for some streaming options at quarterback will emerge.

NFL quarterbacks remain quite healthy, at least compared to some of the other position groups out there. Jordan Love (groin) is dealing with his second notable injury of the season, but beyond that and the possible return of Derek Carrthere won’t be too many shakeups at the position from weeks 8 through 9.

The breadth of quarterback options across the league will give fantasy football owners plenty of potential signal-callers to consider for their lineups. Picking the right one won’t be easy, but targeting high-volume passers in favorable matchups that require them to throw a lot is usually the best strategy when evaluating fill-ins and streamers from the bye week.

Here’s a look at the quarterbacks to trust and fade in Week 9 of the fantasy football season.

Fantasy football starts them: Week 9 QBs

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Mahomes’ fantasy owners have been waiting all season to fire him at a favorable spot. That comes on “Monday Night Football” against a Buccaneers team that is giving up the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and has allowed at least four passing touchdowns in three of the last four games. Expect Mahomes to feast, especially as he develops more chemistry DeAndre Hopkins.

Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (bee Seattle Seahawks)

Stafford played two games with both this season Kuiper Kupp And Puka Nacua at his disposal. He is averaging 298 passing yards and 2.5 touchdowns per game in those games. The Seahawks are in the middle of the pack against quarterbacks this season, but they have allowed multiple passing touchdowns in four of their last five games. Stafford is perhaps the best and most available streaming option for Purdy owners, so feel free to join him this week.

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (bee Baltimore Ravens)

Nix is fresh off a four-touchdown performance against the Carolina Panthers. He can be trusted again at this spot, as the Ravens are one of three NFL teams to allow 17 passing touchdowns to quarterbacks this season. Nix will likely have to throw a lot, given Baltimore’s strong defense, and could add some scrambling distance to increase his floor. He has at least 25 rushing yards in five of his eight starts this year, so treat him as a strong streamer or a DFS sleeper.

Derek Carr or Jake Haener, New Orleans Saints (bee Carolina Panthers)

The Saints’ confidence during their six-game losing streak may not sound appealing, but it’s important to remember what they did against the Panthers in Week 1. Carr threw for 200 yards and three touchdowns in that game in a 47-10 romp over their division rivals.

If Carr returns to action, he could post similar numbers and establish himself as a top-10 fantasy quarterback for this week. If not, Haener will have to start over Spencer Rattlerthe struggling rookie and second-year distributor could end up being a great SuperFlex play or DFS sleeper. The Panthers have allowed 17 passing touchdowns to quarterbacks this season, so this looks like a great matchup.

Fantasy football sit ’em: Week 9 QBs

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Chicago bears)

It may seem strange to be at quarterback with a high rushing floor, but Murray has run for 19 yards or less in three of his last five games. The Bears allow just 11 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, second-fewest in the NFL, and have simply done a good job of limiting competition Jayden Daniels for the rookie’s unlikely Hail Mary at the end of the regulations. Murray could still push his way into QB1 territory, but his ceiling is much lower than normal against a quality defense.

Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (vs. Buffalo Bills)

Tagovailoa has made eight regular season starts against the Bills during his career. He has a 1-7 record in those games and has completed just 61.9 percent of his passes for an average of just under 200 yards per game with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions. Buffalo limited Tagovailoa to 145 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in Week 2, so don’t expect Tua to get revenge in this game.

Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks (vs. Los Angeles Rams)

Smith struggled in his first game of the 2024 NFL season without DK Metcalf (knee). The Seahawks quarterback failed to throw a touchdown for the first time all season and was unable to consistently move Seattle’s offense down the field. The Rams are in the middle of the pack against quarterbacks, but Smith is still just a low player if Metcalf can’t return to action ahead of Seattle’s Week 10 bye.

Fantasy football she starts, she sits, week 9

Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:

→ A good running back makes the difference. A bad running back can cost you a lot of points. Here’s who to start with and who to join in week 9.

→ The wide receiver position has been decimated this season. Protect yourself in Week 9 with start ’em, sit ’em advice for wideouts.

→ Tight ends can be the perfect X-factor for any fantasy team. Here’s who to start with and where to sit in week 9.

→ A good defense can shut down your fantasy opponent’s attack. Here are some D/ST options to start and wait for week 9.

→ Kickers are people too: Here are some of the most clutch kickers to have on your fantasy team in Week 9.