NFL Fantasy 2021 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 9: Defenses

The Bears had one of their best offensive games of the season, but there are still some trouble spots. Like their head coach Matt Nagy. Thank you, I’ll be here all week! The 49ers had four sacks last week, which seems like a reasonable expectation for the Steelers in this one. The Bears also turn the ball over, which makes the Steelers a really nice play this week. The Bears have surrendered the third-most points to opposing DSTs this year.

There was some dude all up in his feelings on Twitter last week because I had the Saints as a recommendation. And, well, I don’t think he returned to apologize. They never do. But we liked the Saints last week (and they were second after Sunday). And we love the matchup this week against the Falcons, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. The Saints have eight sacks in their last two games.

I was cool on the Panthers last week (cool on, not cool with) and that was a mistake. This Panthers team can still generate some pressure and had a nice outing against the Falcons. I blew that one. I like this matchup against the Patriots, who can give up some points to opposing DSTs (though the Chargers weren’t great last week). The Panthers had 11 points last week and have notched five sacks in their last two.

This is kind of interesting question. The Dolphins are 1-7 in a lost year where many have picked them to reach the playoffs. But they have the Texans, who -- outside of the Jets -- have allowed the most fantasy points to DSTs this season. I like the matchup. They were fine against the Bills. But didn’t generate any turnovers or sacks. They are a mild start because of the matchup.

The Broncos were good against the Football Team on Sunday, having recorded five sacks. Their highest total since Week 3 against the Jets. Denver finished with 13 points against Washington. But it was its first double-digit point total since that game against the Jets. And all of this sounds positive. However, the Broncos traded Von Miller. The season is over for the Broncos. Unless this becomes one of those things that inspires the team. Which I’m not counting on.

Hey, I had the Titans as a sit last week. But let’s look at the process. The Colts scored 31 point against them and the Titans generated only one sack. But I should have figured that Carson Wentz was going to have an amazing pick-six; I mean, who didn’t see that one coming? I’m not going to chase the points against the Rams, who have allowed the fourth-fewest points to opposing defenses this year.

Did anybody else notice the Packers played the TNF before taking on the Chiefs giving them extra time to prepare. And the Chiefs are on a short week, having just played the New York Giants on Monday night. I know the Packers fans' response will be “keep crying about it, Bears fan.” (I was born in the greater Chicagoland area if you are new to the column, and if so, welcome.) But the Packers don’t give up a lot of production to opposing DSTs. Even the Cardinals managed just a sack and a point last week.

The Eagles were the leading DST in Week 8 after Sunday. But let’s be clear, that was playing the Detroit Lions. I know many people (myself included) thought the Lions had a chance in that one. But let’s chalk up the Eagles' performance as more a great game against a bad team. The Eagles have scored a point or fewer four times this year and in two of their last three. The Chargers are one of the toughest teams against DSTs.