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 Jahmyr Gibbs. 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
The banged-up 49ers have typically have been a defense to stream against, but this week they face a Titans team that has allowed the second-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. Tennessee has taken sacks at the fourth-highest rate and has had issues with giveaways, allowing some week-altering performances to defenses. The 49ers are coming off their best fantasy performance against the Browns, which proved they can take advantage of a good matchup.
Dallas is another defense fantasy managers have typically exploited, but the Cowboys are in play this week because they are hosting the Vikings, who have allowed the most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. The top scoring defense in two of the last three weeks faced Minnesota, putting up 18 and 30 fantasy points. The Vikings have taken sacks at the second-highest rate, have turned the ball over and have struggled to find the end zone. Dallas is worth the upside.
Justin Fields is dealing with a knee injury, while Tyrod Taylor exited Sunday's game with a groin injury. If both veterans are unable to suit up this week, that would make undrafted rookie Brady Cook the starter. When filling in for the injured Taylor, Cook threw two picks against the Dolphins. The Jets also took six sacks in that game. That has been an issue all season long, as New York has taken sacks at the third-highest rate. The Jaguars have generated pressure at a 38 percent rate since their bye week and have been elite against the run. They are a strong streaming option this week.
The Eagles are a much better real-life defense than fantasy unit. But it's worth taking a shot on them this week due to their matchup with the Raiders offense, which has allowed sacks at the highest rate in the NFL. Las Vegas has regularly turned the ball over and allowed the third-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. Also, Geno Smith is dealing with a shoulder injury, with NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reporting Wednesday that he's unlikely to play on Sunday. That would put Kenny Pickett in the starting lineup. The Eagles bring more upside than usual.
ANOTHER START OPTION: Seahawks (vs. Colts).
Sit 'Em
Los Angeles' defense has been a strong fantasy unit this season. The issue this week is the Rams are facing the Lions, who have allowed the fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses this season. It may be a road game for the Lions, but it is indoors and in a stadium Jared Goff knows very well. I expect a lot of points in this contest and would sit both defenses.
Buffalo's defense is coming off its best two-game fantasy stretch of the season. It has allowed a lot of yards and points but has been opportunistic when it comes to turnovers. New England's offense takes good care of the football. Considering this could be a higher-scoring game with Josh Allen and Drake Maye taking the field, I would get away from the Bills' defense despite some recent success.
New England's defense has been a reliable fantasy unit all season long. However, I would look in a different direction with the Pats facing the Bills in a must-win fantasy playoff situation. Buffalo's offense ranks in the bottom 10 in fantasy PPG allowed to opposing defenses. Perhaps New England makes a big play or two, but it's still not worth the risk. Play it safe with a better matchup.
Baltimore's defense has improved as the year has gone on, but it has not translated to a ton of fantasy success. In the Ravens' last two games, the defense has scored two fantasy points combined. Just two weeks ago, the Ravens finished with two fantasy points against Joe Burrow and the Bengals, who were without Tee Higgins in that game. The days of trusting Baltimore's defense are over. Stream elsewhere this week.
