Oct 19, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs with the ball against New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Everyone knows Christian McCaffrey is the automatic start of Week 9, and unless you just woke up from a five-year nap, you also know Jonathan Taylor for the Colts is what the kids call a no-brainer in fantasy football right now. With both stars set to face soft run defenses like the Giants for CMC and the Steelers for JT, you’re not getting any hero points for locking them in. Now that we’ve gotten those obvious choices out of the way, let’s dig for some hidden fantasy gems and dodge a few landmines.

Start ‘Em:

DeAndre Swift, Chicago Bears - The matchup this week is too good to pass up. Swift gets Cincinnati, currently dead last in the NFL in run defense, giving up an average of nearly 130 rushing yards per game and allowing backs to rack up fantasy points like they’re collecting Halloween candy. Swift has seen a bump in volume and red zone opportunities since the bye, and barring an injury or the Bears deciding to try out a brand-new playbook from 1924, he’s got top-10 upside in all formats.

Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens - Do the Dolphins scare you? On defense, they shouldn’t. Miami currently ranks among the five worst teams in rushing expected points allowed. Henry’s workload can vary by game script, but he’s primed for his signature “how did he get six yards with four defenders on his back?” runs this week. The Dolphins are giving up more than 5 yards per carry, and Henry needs a crease the size of a mini-fridge to break a long one. If you bench him, people might start wondering if you’re in a fantasy league to make friends.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions - Gibbs faces the Vikings and their run defense, which lately has been more welcoming than a grandmother with extra cookies. They’re bottom five in fantasy points allowed to running backs, and Detroit’s offense is clicking. If Gibbs gets enough targets and carries to make sure your fantasy scoreboard lights up like the tree in Times Square. Expect volume, breakaway potential, and maybe some extra end-zone dances.

Sit ‘Em:

Jacorey Merritt Croskey, Washington Commanders - Whatever his hyphenated name is this week, is set to face the Seattle Seahawks, currently the most bruising run defense in the league. If you squint at the screen and see Merritt getting swarmed after a two-yard gain, don’t blame your internet connection. Seattle’s D is that good.

Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay isn’t playing around; their linebackers have developed an unhealthy obsession with stuffing running backs short of the line. If you’re thinking Dowdle might slip one past them, save yourself the disappointment and bench him. He’s probably only good for a handful of “nice try” points this week.

Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons - This one stings, but facing the Patriots means you need to consider a week-long break. New England is second in the NFL in run defense, only allowing 76 yards on the ground per game and having allowed the fewest fantasy points to backs in recent weeks. Even top RBs like Robinson struggle for yards and opportunities against that wall, so let someone else make the mistake of trusting talent over matchup this week.

Fantasy football is a game of guts and stats, so sometimes you’ve got to leave your ego at the door. Try explaining to your friends that you benched Bijan but started Henry and Swift, and when you win, just smile humbly and never admit you secretly flipped a coin. Good luck and may your backs break tackles and your sits stay very, very seated.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 9: RB Edition

Reporting by Tyler Whitcomb, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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