Week 9 brings a mix of high-stakes matchups, critical injuries, and crucial bye weeks, forcing fantasy managers to make shrewd quarterback decisions to stay competitive. From top-tier talents facing tough defenses to waiver wire hopefuls with favorable matchups, understanding the landscape is key to securing a win.
As we delve deeper into the 2025 fantasy football season, Week 9 presents a unique set of challenges for managers, particularly at the quarterback position. With key players like Brock Purdy and Russell Wilson on bye, and the status of others such as Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Michael Penix Jr., and J.J. McCarthy in question due to injuries, identifying reliable starts and viable streamers is more crucial than ever.
The bye week schedule further complicates matters, with teams like Cleveland, the N.Y. Jets, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay all off. This necessitates a deep dive into waiver wire options and a critical look at matchups for your existing roster. Our analysis combines the latest 2025 expert rankings with insights from recent season trends and player performance data to help you optimize your lineup, as detailed by USA TODAY Sports in their Week 9 QB rankings for 2025.
Top Quarterback Starts for Week 9
Even with injuries and bye weeks, a handful of quarterbacks stand out as undisputed starts based on their consistent performance and favorable matchups. These are the players you confidently plug into your lineup, expecting high-end production.
- Patrick Mahomes II (KC) at BUF: Consistently a top-tier fantasy option, Mahomes faces a Buffalo Bills defense that can be challenged, especially with his elite receiving corps. His ability to deliver big plays makes him a weekly lock.
- Josh Allen (BUF) vs. KC: In what’s projected to be a high-scoring affair, Allen’s dual-threat ability makes him an absolute must-start. His rushing floor combined with passing upside provides a robust fantasy total against the Chiefs.
- Lamar Jackson (BAL) at MIA: If he returns from his hamstring injury as expected, Jackson’s rushing prowess alone offers a massive fantasy floor. He’s listed as a top-3 option in Week 9 rankings, highlighting his immediate impact. Managers should monitor his status closely before Thursday night’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
- Dak Prescott (DAL) vs. ARI: Prescott gets a favorable home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, a team that has historically struggled against strong passing attacks. He’s ranked as a top-5 QB, indicating high confidence in his Week 9 output.
For a comprehensive look at how experts view all positions, you can reference the full Week 9 rankings for every position by Elisha Twerski for Yahoo Sports.
Week 9 Quarterback Streaming Gems: Waiver Wire Wonders
For those navigating bye weeks or seeking an upgrade from an underperforming starter, the waiver wire can be a goldmine. Streaming quarterbacks strategically can often be the difference between a win and a loss.
Sam Darnold (MIN) vs. IND
Sam Darnold has proven to be a surprisingly consistent fantasy asset, often finishing as a top-10 weekly scorer. While his high-ceiling games (25+ fantasy points) have been rare, his floor is often solid. He faces the Indianapolis Colts, a team that has allowed top-12 production to opposing quarterbacks. This matchup, combined with his reliable per-game average of 17.4 fantasy points in the 2024 season, makes him a safe streaming candidate.
Bo Nix (DEN) at BAL
While his passing improvements in the 2024 season were debated, Bo Nix’s fantasy value is significantly bolstered by his rushing production. He logged 60-plus rushing yards in two of three games and either 60-plus yards or a touchdown on the ground in six of eight games during that season. Despite the Baltimore Ravens being a strong real-life defense, they have historically been generous to fantasy quarterbacks, often giving up 23+ fantasy points in five of six games in a prior season. His rushing upside makes him an attractive option even in a challenging matchup.
Derek Carr (NO) at CAR
Assuming Derek Carr is healthy and active, he presents a strong streaming opportunity in deeper leagues due to an excellent matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have been one of the NFL’s weakest defenses, allowing over 20 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks in previous seasons. Carr’s Week 1 performance against this same defense (21.3 fantasy points in 2024) serves as a compelling indicator of his upside here. Managers should closely monitor his injury status leading up to kickoff.
Quarterbacks to Sit in Week 9
Identifying quarterbacks with unfavorable matchups or concerning recent trends is just as important as finding starts. Avoiding these players can prevent a fantasy disaster.
- Daniel Jones (NYG) vs. WAS: Historically, Jones has been a basement-level QB2 in fantasy points per game. His efficiency metrics (yards per attempt, passer rating, highly accurate throw rate) have consistently ranked among the lowest. The Washington Commanders defense, particularly in previous seasons, tightened up considerably against the pass, making this a tough matchup for Jones.
- Justin Herbert (LAC) vs. CLE: Despite a recent QB1 outing in a prior season (QB9 against the Saints), Justin Herbert has generally struggled for consistent high-end fantasy production, often ranking as a QB25 in fantasy points per game. Facing the Cleveland Browns‘ defense, which has shown to be a middling unit against the pass, Herbert is likely to deliver another QB2 performance. While not a complete fade, temper your expectations.
- Jameis Winston (CLE) vs. LAC: Coming off a strong performance in a favorable matchup, Jameis Winston (if starting for Cleveland) faces a much tougher test against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers have a reputation for keeping quarterbacks in check, with low yards per attempt and success rate allowed. Winston’s upside is significantly capped in this Week 9 matchup.
- Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) vs. BAL: Returning from injury, Tua Tagovailoa faced a difficult Week 2 matchup in a prior season against the Buffalo Bills, where he threw three interceptions. This Week 9 encounter against a formidable Baltimore Ravens secondary poses a similar threat. The Ravens consistently rank among the best at limiting passing yards and passer rating, making Tua a definite sit.
The fluctuating landscape of quarterback play, particularly in 2025 with multiple key players’ statuses in question, demands careful attention. Whether you’re relying on top-tier talent or digging deep for streaming options, understanding both player-specific trends and defensive matchups is paramount. By making informed decisions based on expert rankings and detailed analysis, you can confidently navigate Week 9 and position your fantasy team for success.
