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Fantasy Football Week 9 Sleepers: Top 5 Emergency D/STs to start

By Zachary Thompson

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Aug 18, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Caesar Rayford (49) sacks New York Giants quarterback Ryan Nassib (9) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Indianapolis Colts defeat the New York Giants 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Aug 18, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Caesar Rayford (49) sacks New York Giants quarterback Ryan Nassib (9) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Indianapolis Colts defeat the New York Giants 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /

If your team defense has let you sight and try the last few weeks or if they’re one of the six teams on a bye, there are still some nice options for you to plug into your lineup. The following are my top 5 plug-and-play options for week 9 which you can still get ahold of in many leagues on the waiver wire or via trade. All scoring references are to ESPN standard scoring so adjust for your league if necessary.

1. Indianapolis Colts

Coming off a bye, don’t forget how good the Colts defense looked at times including slowing Peyton Manning down just enough to get the win over Denver. The Colts have been able to get to the QB this season with some regularity and this week they face rookie signal-caller Case Keenum who could start turning the ball over if the Colts get to him. Houston has allowed the third-most points to opposing D/ST’s making the Colts a good option if you can get them before Sunday Night Football kicks off.

2. New Orleans Saints

Oct 27, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Akiem Hicks (76) and other defenders tackle Buffalo Bills running back Tashard Choice (20) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New Orleans defeated Buffalo 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Akiem Hicks (76) and other defenders tackle Buffalo Bills running back Tashard Choice (20) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New Orleans defeated Buffalo 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

The Saints allow points, but they come up with enough big plays that they make a pretty solid start this week as they travel to New York to take on the Jets who allow the fourth-most points to opposing D/ST’s. The Saints are coming off their third 13 point effort in the last five weeks holding the Bills to 17 points and forcing three turnovers.

3. Tennessee Titans

The Titans D faces the Rams who have given up double-digit points to opposing defenses in four of their last six games including a nine-point, two-turnover effort on Monday Night Football. Since St. Louis is coming off a short week, the Titans catch them at a good time as they come off their bye week.

4. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders defense has been good at home scoring double digit points in all four of their games in Oakland. Facing the Eagles with Nick Foles under center should allow them to turn in another solid effort even though they’re owned in under 10% of ESPN leagues.

5. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas welcomes in the Vikings who have allowed double-digit fantasy points to the opposing defense in six of their seven games. Dallas has been up and down, but except for the game against the Broncos, they’ve been solid at home. Even with DeMarcus Ware probably not playing, against Christian Ponder I think the Cowboys defense will produce.

If you have any questions about who I’d start/sit for week 9, you can find me on twitter @ZT_Sports or drop the question in the comments at the bottom of the page. For information on other positions, starter rankings, waiver wire pickups, and plenty of fantasy football insight, check out our Fansided fantasy football page.

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