Week 9 NFL and IDP Defensive Line Matchup Rankings

Maxx Crosby tops list of best Week 9 starts.

The Pittsburgh Steelers sacked rookie Titans quarterback Will Levis four times in their 20-16 victory over the Titans on Thursday Night Football. Their pressure probably helped them win. Levis still displayed his big arm and downfield accuracy when he had time to throw. He gained 262 yards on 22-of-39 passing for no touchdowns and a pick. The Steelers are always a tough matchup because of their strong defensive line. Levis shouldn’t be considered a bust who came down to earth just yet. He’ll have a more balanced matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10.

Now what are the best matchups for IDP players to pursue in fantasy football on Sunday and Monday?

The Steelers vs. Titans matchup was predictably the best to target. It matched my No. 1-ranked defensive line up with the worst offensive line in my positional rankings (and the third-worst in terms of sacks allowed per passing play). Together the two teams combined for the second-highest sack rate of defensive line and offensive line. The Titans also threw the ball a lot.

Now let’s look at the other top matchups to pursue.

Raiders Defensive Line versus Giants

The Raiders’ defensive line is having less statistical success than the Steelers, but the Giants offensive line is the worst in the league in terms of sacks allowed. Maxx Crosby, of course, is having a a productive season. He’s got 6.5 sacks. But the next best Raider (eight of them, including rookie DE Tyree Wislon) only has a single sack.

Chargers Defensive Line versus Jets