Halloween is upon us, and for many in the fantasy football community, 2024 has been more trick than treat. After knocking on Christian McCaffrey's door, fantasy managers were given floss instead of candy. The Cowboys gave out pencils. Many wouldn't even splurge for the good fun-sized candies.

Fantasy managers are running scared this time of year. With so much week-to-week volatility, crafting the right lineup could be up there with picking the winning lottery numbers. These crucial start or sit decisions could catapult your squad to a playoff berth or have you deleting the fantasy app earlier than usual.

While you debate the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end spots with countless options, there are just 32 D/ST weekly to pick from. The Steelers and 49ers are taking the week off, bringing the number to 30 before factoring in the ones unavailable already in your league. If you play your cards right, picking the right D/ST can win the week.

Here are four D/ST units that can deliver a full-sized candy bar and four D/ST units that won't end up in the snack bowl in Week 9.

NFL POWER RANKINGS: NFL power rankings Week 9: NFC East places Commanders and Eagles in top 10, but how high?

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 9 D/STs

Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Most of the attention is focused on the Kansas City offense, but the defense deserves some love too. They aren't dominant for fantasy purposes, ranking around league average, but a matchup with Tampa Bay makes them a worthy start. The Buccaneers are coming into the week fairly thin at receiver following the loss of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. The Chiefs traded for pass-rusher Josh Uche this week and already boast game-wrecker Chris Jones as part of a daunting front. Baker Mayfield's interceptions have ticked up recently, throwing at least two in the last three games. Kansas City should be able to force some turnovers against this banged-up Tampa unit.

Washington Commanders (at New York Giants)

Dan Quinn's first season in the nation's capital has been a great success. His stamp on the Washington defense is already evident, with the unit taking a big leap after struggling through the first few weeks. That includes against the Giants, who the Commanders knocked off in a field goal fest. Washington still held Big Blue under 20 points in Week 2, something they've done in four of the past five games. While Quinn's work isn't done, his unit should have no problem containing an anemic New York attack led by Daniel Jones.

Buffalo Bills (vs. Miami Dolphins)

Dolphins fans will be left holding their breath as Tua Tagovailoa takes another crack at the Bills. The quarterback owns a 1-7 record against Buffalo in a house of horrors on the road or at home. We can also factor in that Tagovailoa's concussion history prominently features the Bills, who have knocked him out of two contests with head injuries over the last three years. That includes Week 2 of this season, which forced Tagovailoa out of action for five weeks. Buffalo is forcing just under two takeaways per game, registering at least one in every game. Considering the familiarity and history between these two squads, the Bills are one of the better starts this week.

New Orleans Saints (at Carolina Panthers)

Whether it's Bryce Young or Andy Dalton, the Panthers make for a great matchup for fantasy purposes this week. Carolina just dealt Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens, making their offense even worse than it already was. The Saints' fall from grace has been extreme, but there's no reason why they can't put together a good showing against a division foe on the road.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 9 D/STs

Green Bay Packers (vs. Detroit Lions)

While Green Bay has one of the top D/ST units this season in fantasy, a matchup against the high-scoring Lions makes the Packers an immediate fade. Detroit looks like arguably the best team in the sport and leads the league with 33.4 points per game. Even though divisional matchups are typically more competitive, fantasy managers should want no part in slowing this machine down.

New York Jets (vs. Houston Texans)

The Jets defense is a lot like how children view mascots. At first, they're scary. After all, why would a large creature be anything but terrifying? Then suddenly you learn it's just another person underneath the costume, and the props are fake. The Jets unit used to be the costume contest winner for the scariest Halloween outfit. They've taken a big step back this year, and the league has begun to realize that it's just your harmless neighbor who is quick to help everyone out. With Gang Green's leaky run defense allowing 125.8 rushing yards per game, Joe Mixon should have a field day even though the Texans are without Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs.

New York Giants (vs. Washington Commanders)

Even though Jayden Daniels is nursing a rib injury, we want no part of going against this dynamic Commanders offense. The Giants pass rush is a concern, averaging a league-leading 4.4 sacks per game, but Daniels' ability to escape could neutralize them. Kliff Kingsbury has made Washington's group a threat through the air and on the ground. Couple that with the fewest turnovers per game in the league (0.4), and we have a recipe for keeping the G-Men warming the bench.

Denver Broncos (at Baltimore Ravens)

As the top-ranked D/ST unit in the league, it will be hard to bench Denver in Week 9. However, if your team has another option, then strongly consider it. The Ravens are a big step up in competition for a Broncos defense that's feasted on some horrible offenses this season. For reference, Denver has played the Panthers, Saints without Derek Carr, Chargers, Raiders, Jets, Buccaneers, Steelers and Seahawks this season. Outside of Tampa, none of those teams would be confused with a dynamic offense like the Ravens. Denver's unit is solid, but this is a good week to fade them if possible.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 9: 8 D/STs to start or sit