By – Anthony Fishwick @FFootballFish

There is a good chance the number one defense was not started in week eight–because the Denver Broncos shockingly got the highest fantasy finish of the week against the Kansas City Chiefs. This is an excellent example of how divisional games can differ greatly in the NFL. Overall it was a successful week for defense, as 11 of the top 12 defenses finished with 12 or more fantasy points. In week nine the bye weeks are back for the Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and San Francisco 49ers. With those options off the table, let’s take a look at who I’ll be streaming in week nine.

Los Angeles Chargers (vs. New York Jets)

ESPN Rostered: 22% Sleeper Rostered: 32%

The Chargers will face off against the Jets on Monday night in week nine. Led by Zach Wilson, the Jets have only scored 21+ points in a game twice this year (once in week one against the Bills and again in week five against the Broncos). Wilson is completing under 60% of his passes and has thrown five interceptions, matching his touchdown total for the year. Wilson has also been sacked 23 times in the year. The Jets offense has been unproductive more often than not, but surprisingly, have not surrendered a fumble yet this year. The Chargers come in with six interceptions on the year and 23 sacks. While this may not lead to a large day of turnovers we should see a few sacks and a score below 21. I expect the Chargers to finish the week in the top 12.

New York Giants (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)

ESPN Rostered: 38% Sleeper Rostered: 20%

Week nine will see the Giants face off against the Las Vegas Raiders. I could see many people (myself included) streaming either team as both are great options for the week. My preferred option is the Giants, mainly due to the coaching and quarterback situation in Las Vegas. The Raiders will be rolling out Aidan O’Connell who has started only one game this year. While O’Connell is a promising prospect who excelled in preseason, he’s still a rookie learning the game at the NFL level. With two interceptions in his previous start, I believe we will see at least one turnover this week. In their last five games, the Raiders have not scored over 17 points. 

I expect this to be a low-scoring game with the Giants finishing in the top 12. 

Las Vegas Raiders (vs. New York Giants)

ESPN Rostered: 47% Sleeper Rostered: 23%

As stated above–both teams are great options! To dive into this side of the equation a bit more, The Raiders have 16 sacks on the year and six interceptions. The Raiders have only forced three fumbles on the year, both in the past two weeks. Daniel Jones will be back in at quarterback for the Giants, however he still lacks weapons on the offensive side. The Giant’s leading pass catcher Darren Waller will be out of action for the week further diminishing the resources available. The Giants defense only forcing five fumbles and four interceptions puts them towards the bottom in terms of turnovers. 15 sacks on the year are a bit inflated due to 10 of those taking place in the past two weeks. I would love to say this will be a defensive slugfest, but in reality, we’re likely looking at more of an offensive snoozefest. 

But wait, there’s more! 

As promised, I will briefly review my performance so far in the year. I measure this with both Sleeper and ESPN. Each week I try to predict three teams that will finish within the top 12 on the week. If they finish within the top 12 it counts as a “win” and if they do not it is a “loss.” This allows for a total potential of a 6-0 week–or a 0-6 week. Through week eight I am currently sitting at 48-16. You can reference the chart below for the weekly performances. 

*All stats are from Sleeper, ESPN, and Pro Football Focus