Fantasy Football RB Start Sit Week 9: Top Picks and Fades for Your Lineup

Week 9 of the 2025 NFL season presents critical fantasy football lineup decisions. The running back landscape is shifting due to injuries and new workloads. Managers need clear advice on who to start and who to sit for a crucial win.

Analysis of snap counts, matchups, and recent performance data reveals clear trends. Trusted sources like ESPN and NFL Network provide the statistics backing these recommendations. Making the right call at RB can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Running Backs to Start for a Winning Week 9

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal is a must-start. He re-established himself as the lead back with a 117-yard, one-touchdown performance in Week 8. According to ESPN, the Tennessee Titans defense he faces allows the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs.

Vidal’s workload appears secure with Omarion Hampton still sidelined. Backup Hassan Haskins does not threaten his touch count. This combination of volume and a positive matchup makes Vidal a high-end RB2.

Arizona’s Bam Knight is another strong start option. He has become the Cardinals’ primary ball carrier after multiple backfield injuries. Knight showed promise with 14 carries and three receptions in his last outing.

His Week 9 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys is highly favorable. The Cowboys surrender the second-most fantasy points to the position. Knight is a solid RB2 play until Trey Benson returns from injury.

Running Backs to Sit to Avoid Lineup Disasters

Carolina Panthers rusher Rico Dowdle is a recommended sit. His offense struggled immensely in Week 8, rendering him irrelevant due to negative game script. The Panthers’ quarterback situation with Bryce Young remains uncertain.

Dowdle also ceded significant snaps and a goal-line carry to Chuba Hubbard. The Green Bay Packers, his Week 9 opponent, have a top-three run defense. This creates a very low fantasy floor for Dowdle.

New Orleans Saints veteran Alvin Kamara is a risky play this week. He has averaged a paltry 3.06 yards per carry since Week 4. A nagging ankle injury has clearly limited his effectiveness on the ground.

The Los Angeles Rams defense he faces is brutal for running backs. They allow the second-fewest fantasy points to the position. It is wise to bench Kamara until he shows signs of a turnaround.

Setting your fantasy football RB start sit Week 9 lineup requires careful analysis of emerging roles and tough matchups. Trust the data and lean on players with clear volume and favorable situations to secure your victory.

Info at your fingertips

Why is Kimani Vidal a recommended start?

Vidal is the clear lead back for the Chargers and gets a prime matchup. The Tennessee Titans defense is one of the worst in the league against the run.

What is the main concern with Alvin Kamara?

Kamara is dealing with an ankle injury and has been very inefficient. He also faces a Rams defense that shuts down running backs.

Is Bam Knight a long-term fantasy solution?

Knight’s value is high for now, but it may be short-lived. His role is expected to diminish once Trey Benson returns from injured reserve.

How does game script affect Rico Dowdle?

When the Panthers fall behind, they abandon the run. This severely limits Dowdle’s opportunities and makes him a volatile fantasy play.

Which defenses are best to target with running backs?

Target running backs playing against the Titans and Cowboys. Both teams have consistently given up high fantasy points to the position all season.