Below are our projected Team Defensive Fantasy Points (based on ESPN Standard Scoring) for Week 9 of the 2017 NFL Season. These projections are from a model that takes into account a number of variables including team and player offensive and defensive metrics, situational factors in the game (such as, indoors or outdoors, divisional game, days of rest, and more), and lastly overall team rating measured by statistics such as our Elo Ratings.

Another week, another ‘Must Start’ spot for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Will they ever get bumped from their throne? Here are my D/ST picks for Week 9 – remember people, it’s almost time to start thinking about your playoff approach (hint, check out Detroit’s schedule ROS).

Must Starts:

JAX vs CIN (Proj: 7.0 pts)

HOU vs IND (Proj: 12.7 pts)

PHI vs DEN (Proj: 6.7 pts)

Streamers I Like:

DET @ GB (Proj: 5.8 pts) : After starting the season as one of the hottest D/ST units in fantasy football, the Lions have come down to earth a bit, but still have only posted two weeks of single digit scoring. Heading to Lambeau Field would normally be a big red flag for just about any defense, but with Brett Hundley behind center, the Lions are a solid play on Monday night against the division rival. It’s also worth noting their ROS schedule – CLE, @CHI, MIN, @BAL, @TB, CHI, @CIN, GB. That’s a really solid stretch and playoff schedule for those of you in the conversation, so if the motor city kitties are still available in your league, pick ‘em up before somebody else does.

NO vs TB (Proj: 8.2 pts) It’s incredible to think that I’m writing about the Saints defense here again, but they continue to impress and are averaging 14.8 FPPG over their last 5 games, due largely in part to the 9 interceptions they’ve posted in that stretch. Whether it’s Jameis or FitzMagic this weekend, I like the chances that the trend continues for New Orleans who is arguably the hottest team in football and continues to play well at home. Owned in less than 50% of ESPN leagues, they’re a sneaky streamer pick if you’re in a pinch.

BUF @ NYJ (Proj: 4.9 pts) What’s more surprising, that the Bills have won 5 games this season, or that the Jets have won 3? Whichever it may be, both teams are superbly overachieving their expectations due largely in part to the play of Tyrod Taylor and Josh McCown. On the other side of the ball, the Bills defense has been solid, allowing only 16.4 points per game (3^rd best in the NFL) and boasting the league’s best turnover margin at +14. Despite their relative success, the Jets are still the Jets, and on a Thursday night scrum match, I’ve got a good feeling about the Bills defense doing its thing and having  a solid floor and high ceiling potential.

Steer Clear:

BAL @ TEN (Proj: 8.8 pts)

LAR @ NYG (Proj: 7.1 pts)

TEN vs BAL (Proj: 9.1 pts)