While there aren’t a lot of great matchups for fantasy defense in Week 9, there are definitely a few that stand out from the pack. Here’s a look at the Week 9 fantasy defense rankings.

1. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are a very solid defense. Add in the fact that they are going against Josh Freeman and the Buccaneers and you have the makings of a great start.

2. New Orleans Saints
In the fantasy world, the Saints defense might be the best of the best. Their aggressive style puts fantasy points on the board. Against the Panthers, they should cause havoc.

3. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks usually aren’t a very good fantasy start but when they are home against a banged up version of the Lions, they are a safe bet to be productive.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Broncos aren’t the best of opponents to go against but the Steelers are elite enough to make things happen.

5. New England Patriots
At home against the Dolphins should be a juicy matchup for the Patriots in Week 9 of the 2009 fantasy football season.

Troy Polamalu and the Steelers will do your fantasy team good

Going with an overrated fantasy football player can make the difference between a victory and a loss. Here’s a look at some overrated players for Week 9 of the 2009 fantasy football season.
QB Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
Although Tony Romo is playing very well as of late, the Cowboys tend to struggle in Philadelphia. Don’t be too high on him solely based on his recent play.
RB Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints
Pierre Thomas is scoring touchdowns but he’s quietly losing his grip on the running back job in New Orleans. Mike Bell is getting more than a fair share of carries and …read more

As we venture into Week 9, there are a few fantasy football waiver wire pickups worth a mention. If these guys are available on your fantasy league’s waiver wire and you need to fill a gap, sign these fantasy sleepers and be confident in their production.
QB Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers
Alex Smith was decent in his first start of the season against the tough Colts. Against the Titans in Week 9, Smith is very much a sleeper. He could be huge.
RB Ryan Moats, Houston Texans
The Texans were mad at Steve Slaton for his fumbling. They gave Ryan Moats a shot …read more

While there weren’t too many huge performances in Week 8 of the 2009 fantasy football season, there were a few that are worth mentioning. Here’s a look at the best fantasy football performances on Sunday.
QB Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Although Brett Favre will get all the attention, Aaron Rodgers actually had fantasy owners smiling even brighter after the game. Despite a plethora of pressure, Rodgers had 287 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and more than 50 yards rushing.
RB Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
Chris Johnson has been all or nothing this year. Week 8 was one of his “all” games. With Vince …read more

Devin Harris of the New Jersey Nets injured his right groin recently and will be sidelined at least about a week. He’s going to visit a specialist and there’s a chance he could be out for a while. The first game he missed was Saturday night against the Washington Wizards.
In the first two games of the season, Harris had 30 points, 15 assists and 11 rebounds. However, his fantasy basketball value was limited because he shot only 32.3% from the field, missed all four of his three-point attempts and hit just 71.4% of his free throws.
With Harris out, the fantasy …read more

Early on in the 2009-10 NBA season, there are a few fantasy basketball sleepers that are making their names known. These players could be able to step up and help you win a fantasy basketball championship this season. Here’s a look at the sleepers we have seen so far:
C Ben Wallace, Detroit Pistons
It seemed like Ben Wallace’s career was over. In the last few seasons, he did next to nothing. But he’s starting for the Pistons at center and he’s putting up stats. It might not last but he’s valuable for the time being.
PF Marreese Speights, Philadelphia 76ers
Although Marreese Speights …read more

If you need a lot of points in a hurry for your fantasy football team in Week 8, get your hands on one of these fantasy defenses. These defense rankings show the top four defensive plays that are sure to be valuable.
1. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are at home against the Raiders. What more do you want? The Raiders are horrible and the Chargers are hot. Expect greatness.
2. Chicago Bears
Although not the dominant defense we’ve gotten used to in the fantasy world, the Bears are still dangerous. They should have success in Week 8 against the Browns.
3. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts …read more

In Week 8 of the 2009 fantasy football season, there are a number of intriguing fantasy quarterback options. However, these ten QBs stand out from the rest as players you want in your fantasy lineup.
1. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
It doesn’t really matter who the Colts are playing — you have to start Manning if he’s on your team.
2. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
Like Peyton, you start Drew Brees if you have him on your team. Against the Falcons, he’s a great start.
3. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
Home against the Raiders, the Chargers will have all they can eat in Week …read more

Pau Gasol got his championship ring on Tuesday, however he wasn’t able to play due to a sore hamstring. Diagnosed with a strained right hamstring, Gasol’s injury is expected to keep him out only a matter of days.
While Gasol is out, the fantasy basketball value of many of his teammates will be high. Andrew Bynum will get more touches in the low block with Gasol out, which makes him a better fantasy player. Lamar Odom will also get more playing time.
Once Gasol is able to get back on the court, he’ll continue to be a valuable fantasy basketball player. He’s …read more

Heading into Week 8 of the 2009 fantasy football season, it’s time to swing for the fences on your waiver wire claims. You don’t want a run of the mill player — you want to catch lightning in a bottle. Here are some fantasy football super sleepers who fit the bill:
QB Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers
The Alex Smith Era is back on in San Francisco. The Niners are giving the reins to their team once again to the former number one overall pick. Last week, Smith looked impressive. Perhaps he can actually keep it up and live up to his …read more