Fantasy Football 2026: Week 9 preview — Start/sit and more

David Hartman provides his fantasy football start and sit advice for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season. The column highlights Matthew Stafford as the top Ride of the Week against the Washington Commanders and designates Drew Lock as the Sleeper of the Week against the Arizona Cardinals. Hartman also emphasizes the major fantasy implications of six NFL teams switching starting quarterbacks heading into the week.

Conversely, Hartman designates Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers as the Fade of the Week due to rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano making his first NFL start. Hartman also advises caution with several prominent running backs, recommending fades on Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and Josh Jacobs due to difficult matchups, limited snap counts, or injury concerns.