The Steel Curtain defense is on bye for Week 9, leaving a massive hole in countless fantasy lineups right as we hit the halfway point of the 2026 season. So many managers are scrambling for a D/ST replacement, and Justin Boone’s got the lowdown on some units you need to snatch off the waiver wire. You absolutely cannot afford to miss out on these matchups.
The Chiefs Are Hungry, and Geno Smith’s Flying Into Trouble
Talk about a motivated team! The Kansas City Chiefs are hosting the New York Jets and they are looking to end a two-game skid. You know what that means: a dangerous, focused defense at home. The early spread has the Chiefs favored by 10 points, which is a prime setup for any D/ST playing in their own stadium. On the other side, we know what Geno Smith can do. He is prone to turnovers, and a pissed-off Chiefs defense is going to feast on those opportunities. If you can grab them, the Chiefs D/ST is still rostered in only 43% of leagues. What are you waiting for?
Motor City’s Defense Is Locking Down Opponents
Don’t look now, but the Detroit Lions defense has been quietly balling out. Since their Week 6 bye, this unit has limited opposing offenses to just 17 points or fewer in back-to-back weeks. That’s some serious consistency, and it looks like it could absolutely continue this week when they head to Miami. The Dolphins are not exactly a high-flying offense, in fact, they are allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to D/STs this season. At just 28% rostered, the Lions are a fantastic stream with a high floor and real upside.
Don’t Sleep on the Saints, Or These Deep Shots
Another defense coming off their bye, the New Orleans Saints, has a juicy matchup at home. They’re facing a Cleveland unit that currently ranks 29th in points scored this season. That is abysmal. Before their bye, the Saints D/ST put up 12 or more fantasy points in two out of three games. That kind of production against a struggling offense? Yes, please. They’re only rostered in a tiny 3% of leagues, making them a pure deep dive steal. If you are really desperate and digging for diamonds, also keep an eye on the Giants, who visit Philadelphia, and the Cowboys at Indianapolis. Both are only 3% rostered.
Week 9 is a make-or-break for a lot of fantasy squads, and grabbing the right D/ST can make all the difference. Get on that waiver wire, secure your defense, and let’s go win some matchups!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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