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Week Nine of the NFL poses a problem for fantasy football fans who love to play the matchups, in particular with the defenses.
Four teams you usually always play guys against are the Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, and St. Louis Rams. Unfortunately, you will now be forced to make some tough decisions for your lineup this week.
Below, in our Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Week Nine Defense Rankings, we dissect the teams who are playing this week, but, as you will see, there are a lot of average plays at best going into Week Nine on defense.
BRUNO BOYS DEFENSIVE STAR SYSTEM
5-Stars (* * * * *) - Bruno Boys Top Plays of the Week
4-Stars (* * * *) – Bruno Boys Very Solid Plays of the Week
3-Stars (* * *) – Bruno Boys Average Plays of the Week
2-Stars (* *) – Bruno Boys Try to Avoid Playing this Week
1-Star (*) – Bruno Boys Do Not Start Unless You COMPLETELY Have To
Key Abbreviations: YPG (Yards Per Game); PPG (Points Per Game)
1. (Green Bay Packers) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Green Bay’s defense has been solid this season despite their low sack totals on the year (12). They are in the top 5 in yards allowed (283.4) and top 10 in points allowed (19.1). The Packers have created 17 turnovers on the season, which could increase in a big way with one of the worst teams on the schedule in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers will start rookie Josh Freeman at quarterback, showing they have quickly moved through the depth chart giving everyone a chance behind center (Byron Leftwich, Josh Johnson). Unless Tampa Bay somehow wakes up with Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Barry Sanders in their prime, on the field and ready to play, this should be a big day for the Packers defense.
Bruno Boys Stars: * * * * *
2. (New Orleans Saints) vs. Carolina Panthers
The Saints defense has become a must start in fantasy football, thanks to the ball hawking unit making big plays every week. New Orleans has 21 turnovers on the year, 16 of those coming from interceptions (most in the NFL).
This season, the Saints have given up 326 yards and 22 points per contest with 17 sacks. With the turnover machine in quarterback Jake Delhomme and his Carolina Panthers coming to town, and even with the stout running game who could run all over the field, this should be a big day for the New Orleans defense.
Bruno Boys Stars: * * * * *
3. (Seattle Seahawks) vs. Detroit Lions
Did the Detroit Lions really only score 10 points on the pitiful St. Louis Rams defense? Although superstar wide receiver Calvin Johnson should return for Detroit in this game, the Seahawks defense should have no problem limiting their opponent on offense to have a big fantasy day. Seattle has allowed 325.7 yards and 21 points per game while totaling 18 sacks and 9 turnovers.
The Seahawks defense is a top 15 defense with the potential to do big things, especially with an extremely favorable matchup. This week is one of those instances you may want to grab them off the waiver wire if the unit is available.
Bruno Boys Stars: * * * * *
4. (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Houston Texans
The Colts defense has been a bit of a surprise this year, as they went from being a fringe start in fantasy football to being a unit that needs to be in your lineup almost regularly. Houston does have a very good offense, led by quarterback Matt Schaub. Look at what the Houston Texans offense lost last week alone, their 2nd best pass catcher in tight end Owen Daniels and benching the super athletic running back Steve Slaton with fumbling issues.
The Texans offense could be in for a rough adjustment period until they get things straightened away and figure out their niche. Indianapolis has given up 292.1 yards and a league low 13 points per contest while adding 20 sacks and 12 turnovers. While you may hesitate to roll with the Colts defense, it’s tough imaging them not having a very good day with their strong play and less playmakers for Houston to turn to.
Bruno Boys Stars: * * * *
5. (Pittsburgh Steelers) at Denver Broncos
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense has gotten better and better each week, mainly due to the return of star safety Troy Polamalu. The Steelers have allowed 291 yards and 18.4 points per game while totaling 21 sacks and 10 turnovers.
Denver’s offense has been a pleasant surprise but the Baltimore Ravens may have found the way to beat the Broncos. Baltimore forced Denver to throw deep as they covered all the short passing routes. Pittsburgh will need to do the same thing and if they do, could be in for a huge day.
Bruno Boys Stars: * * * *
6. (Denver Broncos) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite struggling a bit against the Baltimore Ravens, Denver should be able to bounce back this week. The Broncos pass defense has been very strong this year and the key to the Pittsburgh Steelers offense is their passing game, not the run attack.
This game has all the makings to be a defensive game, with two top 10 defenses squaring off. No need to freight about the others offensive weapons and instead have faith in the defenses you normally would start every week. This year, Denver has allowed an NFL low 266.7 yards and the 2nd lowest 13.7 points per game. The Broncos have totaled 23 sacks and 12 turnovers this season.
Bruno Boys Stars: * * * *
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