You have lineup questions, we have lineup answers -- at least we hope so. Start 'Em, Sit 'Em is here to help fantasy managers make difficult roster decisions. And you know what is a good move? Starting Ja'Marr Chase. But that's too obvious, so you won't see such simple analysis here. Instead, we're exploring more debatable situations. And if you can't find a player you are looking for, please check out the latest NFL Fantasy lineup rankings.
NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, all stats come from NFL Pro, Next Gen Stats or NFL Research.
Start 'Em
This is all about the matchup. Spencer Rattler is starting for the Saints. Last year, Rattler had a higher interception rate (2.2%) than touchdown rate (1.8%). He took a sack on 8.3 percent of his dropbacks, which was the eighth-highest mark in the NFL. Plus, the Saints scored fewer than 20 points in all but one of his six starts. They were held to 10 points or fewer in four of them. I'm streaming the Cardinals in a number of leagues, and you should do the same.
The Texans may not seem like the type of team to stream against. They have a good quarterback and weapons around him. However, only Caleb Williams had a higher sack rate than C.J. Stroud last year among QBs with 500 pass attempts. Plus, Houston's offensive line arguably got worse this offseason with the loss of left tackle Laremy Tunsil. When picking a defense to use in fantasy, I look for sacks and turnovers. Led by reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, the Rams are in play for Week 1.
This is the ultimate revenge game on opening weekend. Aaron Rodgers, formerly of the Jets, vs. Justin Fields, formerly of the Steelers. Both defenses are in play in this one. The Jets are worth a look because the 41-year-old Rodgers clearly doesn't have the same mobility he used to, and it led to him taking sacks at his highest rate in years in 2024. The Steelers could be a solid option because Fields is also prone to sacks -- and turnovers, too. New York still has a lot of upside on defense and the unit knows this QB well. I would roll the dice and lean on the Jets' talent in this one.
We've been streaming against Daniel Jones for years in fantasy football, and we're not about to stop just because he's had a change of scenery. His 7.5 percent sack rate was 11th-highest among QBs with 300-plus attempts last year. Over the last two seasons combined, Jones ranks bottom three in yards per attempt, touchdown-to-interception ratio and passer rating. Stream against him until he gives us a reason not to.
This one may seem a bit wild to some. We're all excited about the Bengals' defense in 2025 -- excited to play our fantasy stars against the unit, that is. Jokes aside, I do think Cincinnati is a sneaky streaming option in the season opener. Last year, Joe Flacco took a sack on 7 percent of his dropbacks. Additionally, Flacco has posted his highest interception rates in years in each of the last two seasons. If you waited to draft a defense and didn’t get an option you like, the Bengals could be a sleeper pickup.
Sit 'Em
You all watched the Eagles last year, right? You remember them being an absolute wrecking ball of an offense? How about when they scored 34 and 41 points in two games against the Cowboys' defense ... the latter coming with Jalen Hurts inactive. Oh, and the Cowboys no longer have Micah Parsons. Yeah, get far away from this defense in Week 1.
The Falcons' defense has the potential to one of the better units in the NFL. But we have to see it first. Especially as they draw a potent Tampa Bay offense to start the year. In 2024, the Bucs averaged 28 points per game against the Falcons, and Baker Mayfield threw three touchdowns in each game. When these two teams match up, a lot of points tend to be scored. Get away from both defenses in this one.
The Chargers' defense did a decent job of keeping Patrick Mahomes in check last year, and actually sacked him three times in each game. But the overall history against Mahomes is not great, and I don't want to start the unit against the Chiefs if I don’t have too. I'm expecting the deep ball back in the Kansas City offense, and we saw a lot of points in São Paulo last season. I would go in another direction.
The Bills and Ravens met twice last year, with the playoffs included. The Ravens averaged 30 points per game in those matchups. Their offense was an absolute buzzsaw last year. I would stay far, far away from defenses facing Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Co.
Like the Falcons, the Giants could sneakily end up fielding one of the better defenses in football this season. But, also like with Atlanta, we have to see it first. Especially considering the Falcons are opening up the new campaign against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders, who should be viewed as one of the offenses to permanently avoid in fantasy.
