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After fantasy football managers have sifted through the waiver wire, they can take a look at the full list of defensive choices. But if you need a last-minute streaming option for defense and special teams in NFL Week 9, this is the place to be.
And for our first stop, we will look at the matchup in Las Vegas. The Jaguars have been a surprisingly capable defense this year, finishing as a starting unit in 12-team leagues five times. They looked awful against the Seahawks and Rams, but this week they get the shaky Raiders.
Raiders’ quarterback Geno Smith has been shaky, so the Jaguars’ defense deserves consideration, according to ESPN.
“It’s rough out there if you have to pick up a defense this week, so let’s take the potential upside of the Jaguars against Geno Smith and the Raiders,” Matt Bowen wrote. “Smith’s 10 interceptions (in seven games played) are tied for the most in the league, and he’s been telegraphing throws on the tape. Sure, the Jags haven’t recorded an interception in the past two games, but this unit had 10 picks in its first five games this season. That’s a big number. Let’s bet on the Jags to take the ball away this week.”
Maybe even Travis Hunter makes a big play on defense this week? Perhaps his first-ever pick-six?
If you’re in a league where everybody is napping, and the Rams are on the waiver wire, grab them, according to Pro Football Network.
“The Rams defense should be among the favorites to lead the way this weekend,” Jason Katz wrote. “The NFC West contenders rank fourth among all defenses in fantasy points per game this year (8.7) and have a dream matchup against the Saints on Sunday, with rookie Tyler Shough taking over at quarterback.
“The Rams’ defense is tied for eighth in turnovers (10) and is second in sacks (26) this season. They might not get a better opportunity to add to those numbers than they have this week.”
This has a lot to do with the Giants’ missing weapons. They already lost Malik Nabers, and then Cam Skattebo went down. The 49ers have their share of defensive injuries, but are still viable against the Giants, according to Fantasy Pros.
“The wind got completely taken out of the Giants’ sails by the tragic and gruesome ankle injury to rookie phenom Cam Skattebo last week,” Jacob Herlin wrote. “QB Jaxson Dart has played well in his [first] 5 career games, but has shown growing pains with 4+ sacks in 3 games, and a 3-turnover meltdown against the Saints in week 5. The 49ers aren’t nearly as likely to deliver one of those high sack totals as they would be if Nick Bosa and Fred Warner were healthy, but there is some decent upside here.”
If Jayden Daniels plays, this...
