Which defense should I start in Week 9 Fantasy Football? Top 5 options to explore feat. Vikings DST vs Colts

Determining which defense to start each week of the fantasy football season is largely based on direct matchups. Managers would be wise to target a unit that has performed relatively well leading into a specific week, but one that is also facing off against a struggling offense. Here are the five best options for Week 5 of the 2024 season.

Week 9 Fantasy Football defense rankings

Which defense should I start?

#5 - New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints get one of the most favorable matchups in fantasy football this week when they face off against the Carolina Panthers. Bryce Young has been sacked nine times and thrown five interceptions despite starting only three games this season. He should give the Saints plenty of opportunities to score significant fantasy points.

#4 - Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have excelled at pressuring opposing quarterbacks this season. They have already totaled 24 sacks and forced 15 turnovers on their way to finishing among the top 12 defenses in six of their seven games this year. They will look to keep their strong form rolling against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9.

#3 - Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh as their head coach in the offseason. His signature has been dominant defenses, and this year has been much the same. They have totaled 18 sacks and forced ten turnovers while finishing among the top five weekly defenses three times this year. They have a strong chance to get another one against the Cleveland Browns' depleted offense.

#2 - Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills lost their top three defensive backs during the offseason, but they have still performed as one of the top fantasy football defenses in the 2024 season. They have finished among the top eight units in four of their eight games this season and have already totaled 20 sacks and forced 14 turnovers. They will look to keep things going against the Miami Dolphins.

#1 - Kansas City Chiefs

Sportskeeda's Who Should I Start tool recommends using the Kansas City Chiefs defense in Week 9 fantasy football lineups. Their matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers means they get to face off against Baker Mayfield, who has thrown seven interceptions across his past three games. He has also been sacked 20 times already, so the Chiefs defense has a favorable situation this week.