Alas, here we are, the last top 5 of the week. It’s time to focus on the defenses. I consider the first four defenses on this list to be elite options this week, while the fifth team here is risky. However, there is plenty of justification for them on this list, despite them being our favorite defense to attack on a weekly basis. Anyways, let’s get right into this.

Here are the top 5 defenses for Week 9 of the NFL season.

Chiefs DST vs. JAC

The Chiefs recorded six sacks last week and fantasy owners can expect more of the same this week. Jacksonville’s offensive line isn’t great, so I’m thinking a floor of at least three sacks on Sunday for Kansas City. Throw in the fact that they have 11 interceptions on the year and you have yourself an elite defense in Week 9.

Vikings DST vs. DET

The Vikings are the top scoring unit in fantasy at this point and don’t buy too much into their bad showing on Monday Night Football against Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears. This defense is for real and they will revert to form on Sunday. Expect them to force at least two turnovers and keep the Lions under 17 points.

Broncos DST @ OAK

The Broncos are essentially matchup-proof, because its defense is so damn good that they will always find a value to return value. Oakland does [sometimes] have an explosive offense, but expect these corners to be all over Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Also, Denver boasts the league’s highest pressure rate, so Carr may not have much time to deliver the pigskin.

Seahawks DST vs. BUF

Seattle is sound at stopping the run and defending the pass, helping them remain among the league’s elite in terms of defensive production. If Buffalo has a hard time finding momentum on the ground, Tyrod Taylor will have a tough time throwing on this Seattle defense. Seattle has double-digit sacks in each of the last four games, three of which are four-sack outings. They are a top defense this week.

Saints DST @ SF

Holy crap, the Saints made the top five defensive units this week. This is a true testament to the lack of explosion in the San Francisco offense, certainly not a pat on the back to the Saints defense. Keep in mind Sheldon Rankins is expected to return this week and he should be effective from the very start. In ESPN standard scoring formats, the Saints DST has four fantasy points on the season (insert laughing emoji here). They will double that total this week!

Be sure to check the rest of the NFL Week 9 Fantasy Football Player Rankings here at Fantasy Alarm.