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
Big defensive fantasy performances against the Raiders are becoming more and more common. With Kenny Pickett starting for Las Vegas last week, the Eagles picked up four sacks, one takeaway and shut out the Raiders. That offense is in shambles. It is top two in fantasy PPG allowed to defenses this season. It has taken sacks at the highest rate in the NFL and has struggled to protect the ball. Houston brings week-winning upside in this one, no matter who's playing quarterback for Vegas.
J.J. McCarthy has shown growth in recent weeks, but that doesn't mean fantasy managers should stop streaming against him. The Vikings have allowed the second-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses this season and have taken sacks at the highest rate in the league. They have struggled with turnovers and putting points on the board. The Giants have recorded multiple sacks in each of their last four games. They are a streaming option due to the matchup.
The Titans' offense has been better in recent weeks, but it's still worth taking a shot against. Tennessee has taken sacks at the fifth-highest rate and had issues with turnovers at times. The Chiefs may be eliminated from playoff contention, but their defense has recorded seven sacks in the last two games. Steve Spagnuolo's unit is in play for those streaming defenses.
The Saints aren't typically a defense worth starting, but they are in play this week due to the matchup. The Jets are in the top eight in fantasy PPG allowed to defenses this season. With Brady Cook on the field in the last two games, the Jets have taken nine sacks and yielded five giveaways -- and the undrafted rookie is getting another start for Gang Green. New York is in the top three in sack rate allowed. The Saints are a streaming option.
ANOTHER START OPTION: 49ers at Colts.
Sit 'Em
The Browns are a strong defense, and Myles Garrett is chasing history. This week, though, they face a Bills offense that has been wreaking havoc with Josh Allen and James Cook. Defenses have scored more than five fantasy points just once against the Bills in the last five games. This season, Buffalo has given up the eighth-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. Do not risk it with the Browns in the fantasy playoffs.
New England's defense and special teams crumbled in the second half last week. The fear is that carries over to this week's contest against a Ravens offense featuring Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Baltimore's attack has slowly started to look dangerous again. It might not be the elite unit it was in 2024, but I wouldn't risk starting a defense that has to face the Ravens in a must-win fantasy game.
The Chargers' defense has been great all season and is finally starting to get some well-deserved credit. That unit has scored 12-plus fantasy points in its last two games, but the Cowboys' offense is a tough matchup. Dallas has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses and has the ability to win on the ground, which has been the Chargers' weakness. Plus, the Cowboys' dynamic receiving duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens is a tough matchup even for a strong secondary.
The Panthers and their defense have been very up and down this season. Carolina's D has reached double-digit fantasy points once in its last seven games. Now, that unit faces Tampa Bay, which just got back a lot of offensive weapons. The Bucs might be a middle-of-the-pack matchup for opposing defenses on paper, but I would avoid going against them now that the offense is back to full force.
