Week 9 Fantasy Streamers: Top QB, TE, and DEF Picks

Well, we survived the Bye-Pocalypse! All three of my Stream of the Week picks scored 14+, and this article featured the QB5, TE4, and both of the top-two DEF/ST from Week 8. It was a damn good week. Now, let’s keep it rolling in Week 9.

Each week, I highlight five streaming options at QB, TE, and DEF. These players are available in at least 50% of ESPN leagues and can still provide a matchup edge. With fantasy teams hoarding many of these start-one positions, I have also added a “Look Ahead Option” so you can plan for next week as well. Now, let’s dive into this week’s picks and find the upside you need.

Accountability

Am I any good at this? I’ll let the numbers speak for themselves. In this section, you’ll see how my Stream of the Week (SOTW) and Best Pick finish every week. Since I always provide five options, my Best Pick is the one that scores the most points, even if I didn’t designate it as the Stream of the Week. Essentially, the Best Pick line shows what you could achieve if you streamed only from my weekly lists.

Scores and rankings are based on PPR scoring and 4-point passing touchdowns. Although the world uses 6-point passing touchdowns, data providers prefer 4-point systems, and I am trying to keep this simple.

If you want to see my old picks, this link will take you to my past Stream of the Week articles.

Week 9 Fantasy Streamers

Quarterback

Sam Darnold @ WAS

Yes, Darnold has been hit-or-miss this year, but sometimes you start a QB to get a piece of a WR. Washington is bad against both QBs and WRs, and I think Jaxon Smith-Njigba is going to feast this week. The Commanders allow the fifth-most fantasy points to QBs and have allowed each of their last two opponents to throw for three touchdowns. They are also the team that allowed Tre Tucker to score three TDs on them a few weeks back, so it’s no surprise they also allow the tenth-most points to WRs. There is a good chance Jayden Daniels misses this game, which should lead to a big Seattle win.

Other Options

• Trevor Lawrence @ LV
• Aaron Rodgers vs. IND
• Joe Flacco vs. CHI – Could miss the game, watch the injury reports.
• Tua Tagovailoa vs. BAL (Thursday)
• Look Ahead Option: RUN IT BACK! Darnold plays ARZ in Week 10.

Tight End

Noah Fant vs. CHI

Let me start by saying that while Fant gets a lot riskier if Joe Flacco misses the game, I am still recommending him. In the first three games with Jake Browning at QB, Fant was targeted 14 times and scored a TD. He doesn’t have the same ceiling with Browning at QB, but his floor remains safe. The Bears’ defense helps this along. They have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to TEs this season, and four TEs have hit double-digit fantasy points against them.

Other Options

• Juwan Johnson @ LAR
• Theo Johnson vs. SF
• AJ Barner @ WAS
• Jonnu Smith vs. IND
• Look Ahead Option: Juwan Johnson plays CAR in Week 10.

Defense

Los Angeles Chargers @ TEN

If you’ve followed along with this article this season, it is no surprise that I am picking the Chargers. I like to pick on Cam Ward. The rookie has not been great this year, and the Titans are allowing the second-most fantasy points to DEF/ST. They give up more than four sacks and almost two turnovers per game. It just so happens that the Chargers are top-10 in the NFL in both sacks and interceptions. I truly think this game will be a blowout in favor of Los Angeles, which should bode well for their defense.

Other Options

• Jaguars @ LV
• 49ers @ NYG
• Ravens @ MIA (Thursday)
• Bears @ CIN
• Look Ahead Option: Browns play NYJ in Week 10.

Be sure you’re following Ryan on X/Twitter! If you’re looking for more, you can find Club Fantasy’s Week 9 rankings here!