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 Justin Jefferson. 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 Patriots have been a little up and down for fantasy purposes, but they have shown they can take advantage of favorable matchups. That's exactly what they have this week. The Titans have taken sacks at the third-highest rate in the NFL. They have allowed pressure at the fifth-highest rate. They are also top five in giveaways per game. In total, they have allowed the most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. The Patriots are a great play this week.
Pittsburgh's defense has found its groove. The unit has scored 10-plus fantasy points in each of its last three games, racking up 17 total sacks in that span. The Steelers have generated sacks at the second-highest rate in the league this season. The Bengals did look better with Joe Flacco at quarterback, but that offensive line is still an issue. Plus, the Steelers know Flacco very well. They are a strong option this week.
The Chiefs have a good real-life defense, but the unit has not enjoyed a ton of fantasy success this season -- partly due to facing a lot of tough offenses. That changes this week against Las Vegas. No team has thrown more interceptions this season than the Raiders. They are also in the bottom five when it comes to sack rate. They have given up the fourth-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. Play the Chiefs.
I may be a huge fan of Justin Fields for fantasy purposes, but that doesn't mean you can't stream defenses against him and this winless New York team. The Jets have allowed pressure at the highest rate -- by far -- in the NFL. They are in the top three in both quick and unblocked pressures allowed. That has led to them taking sacks at the second-highest rate in the league. They have also experienced fumble issues. The Panthers are an enticing steaming option this week.
As I write this, we are unsure which Minnesota QB will start this week. Either way, the Eagles are in play, as the Vikings have taken sacks at the highest rate this season. They have allowed at least three sacks in every game. Both Carson Wentz and J.J. McCarthy have been sacked six times in a single game this season. The Eagles have struggled to get after the QB, but I would expect them to do a better job of that this week. They have not been what they were last year on the defensive side of the ball, but this matchup has them in play.
Sit 'Em
The Chargers' defense has only reached double-digit fantasy points once this season. So, it's not the best option to begin with, but this is more about the matchup. The Colts have taken sacks at the lowest rate in the NFL. They are also in the bottom 10 in giveaways. In total, they have allowed the fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. Get away from the Chargers.
The Buccaneers' defense has enjoyed two big fantasy days in the last month, including this past week's 11-point effort against San Francisco. Doesn’t matter: Tampa Bay plays Detroit this week. The Lions have allowed the second-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. They have taken a sack on just four percent of plays, which is in the bottom 10 in the NFL. They are also in the bottom five in giveaways. Never play a defense against Detroit in fantasy.
If I had a vote for MVP, it would currently go to Baker Mayfield. He is playing at such a high level, and the Bucs put up a lot of points each week. They also average the fewest giveaways per game and are in the bottom 10 in sacks taken. This could be a scorefest, given the two offenses. I would sit both defenses in fantasy.
The Cowboys' defense gives up a ton of points, which usually means the Cowboys' offense scores a bunch of points. Dallas' games are the best for fantasy purposes -- unless you are looking for a fantasy defense. In total, the 'Boys have allowed the third-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. With Dak Prescott playing at an MVP level, do not play Washington's defense.
Arizona's defense has had one big fantasy game so far this season. I would not expect a second one this week against Green Bay. The Packers are in the bottom 10 in fantasy PPG allowed to opposing defenses. They are also in the bottom five in giveaways per game. Given that Green Bay can win in a number of different ways, I would not look to play a defense against the Pack in fantasy.
