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
I have been pounding the table for Fields since March, so there's no way I am suggesting to sit him in a revenge game in Week 1! Fields' rushing ability drives my bullishness: He has the most rushing yards ever in a game by a quarterback (178 vs. Miami in 2022) and is one of three QBs to ever run for 1,000 yards in a season. He thrives on outside runs, and the new Jets OC Tanner Engstrand comes from a Lions offense that earned chunk ground gains on the perimeter. I also expect a Jets "Tush Push," meaning the QB is always a threat for a rushing TD or two. Early last year, Fields was on pace to be the QB6 as the Steelers starter. He posted career-high passing metrics due to throwing more short passes and not being asked to constantly air it out like he was in Chicago. I expect much of the same with Engstrand at the helm. The Steelers are a tough matchup on paper, and Fields hasn't always been the fastest starter, but given the rushing upside, I am starting him where I drafted him.
Nix did not throw his first touchdown pass until Week 4 last year. He still finished as the QB8 in fantasy points per game and threw the second-most TD passes ever by a rookie quarterback (29, only trailing Justin Herbert's total of 31 in 2020). He was giving top-five production down the stretch, partially because he adds sneaky value with his legs. Last year, Nix ran for 430 yards and four touchdowns. That bodes well for him on Sunday, as the Titans allowed the sixth-most rushing yards and third-most rushing touchdowns to QBs last season. They were stingy through the air, but Nix was good enough in 2024 to earn Sean Payton's trust. You drafted him to be your starter, so start him!
In the early goings of a season, fantasy is about minimizing risks where you can. Baker is about as safe as they come. While I do question if he can duplicate the ceiling we saw last season, Mayfield has shown that he is a secure option. He has finished as a top-10 fantasy QB in two straight years. Last season, he was a top-10 fantasy QB in 12 different weeks. He threw three touchdown passes in each of his two games against the Falcons, who allowed the second-most TD throws last season. In total, Atlanta allowed the seventh-most fantasy PPG to QBs in 2024. These two teams know each other well, and when they've gotten together lately, the matchups have produced a lot of points.
Last season, Kyler failed to live up to the lofty expectations placed on him by the fantasy community. He finished as the QB10 and ran for the second-most yards and touchdowns of his career. There is room for improvement as a passer, but he brings a safe floor and some upside. Now he has a chance to get off to a great start in 2025, facing New Orleans. In 2024, the Saints gave up the sixth-most passing yards and second-most rushing yards. I get that some may worry about the Cardinals having a lead and pounding the ball with their backs. But we are still figuring so much out early on that I would rather play Murray and his safe floor in a favorable matchup than take a gamble.
If you waited on QB or are in need of a streamer right out of the gate, this is someone I like. I'm the self-proclaimed conductor of the Drake Maye hype train, so I believe in his talent. I also believe the situation around him has greatly improved from last year. Plus, I expect to see Maye run more this year, after then-head coach Jerod Mayo said the Pats were encouraging Maye not to use his legs last year. Plus, it is a strong matchup on paper. The Raiders did make a lot of changes, but they allowed the third-most fantasy PPG to QBs last season. In what should be a competitive game, Maye brings enough upside to stream if you need to go that route.
Sit 'Em
This will be Goff's first game in years without Ben Johnson. There may be some hiccups early on. Furthermore, Green Bay is not a place where Goff has played well as of late. Since becoming a Lion, Goff has averaged 206 passing yards per game in four games at Lambeau Field. He has thrown four touchdowns and two interceptions in those games. Plus, the Packers allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy PPG to QBs last season. Oh, and now Micah Parsons is a Packer. Given it is Goff's first game with the new play-caller, going against a good defense, in a place where he has struggled, I would look to get away in Week 1. I'd play all of my Start 'Em QBs over him, as well as Caleb Williams.
The Chargers will be in São Paulo, Brazil, on Friday night. You know you are going to be watching the game, but avoid the temptation to force players from this one into your lineup. There are plenty of options you can start, but Herbert would be one I avoid. He has struggled against the Chiefs in recent games. In three outings over the last two years vs. the division rivals, Herbert has averaged 217 passing yards per game with three total touchdowns and two interceptions. These teams know each other very well and that has led to lower-scoring bouts. In fact, the Chargers have not topped 17 points against the Chiefs since November of 2022. The Bolts should also be expected to run a good amount in this one. Kansas City is a middle-of-the-pack QB matchup, but given the history and the fact that Herbert was likely drafted as your QB2, I would get away from him in the opening week.
There was a period last year when Detroit's defense was extremely beat up, making the numbers look like a unit you could stream against. But it was a tough defense before getting ravaged by injury, and the Lions open this season with better health. Plus, Love has struggled against the Lions. Last season, he totaled one touchdown and one interception in the two showdowns. He has one touchdown and three interceptions in his last two home games against Detroit. Love was largely drafted as a QB2, so you should have better options in Week 1.
Stroud is coming off of a down season, largely because he was under pressure at the second-highest rate in the NFL. There is an easy argument to be made that Houston's O-line got worse this offseason following the trade of Pro Bowl LT Laremy Tunsil. Last season's Rams finished in the top 10 in QB pressure percentage. Stroud could bounce back and rekindle his rookie form, but we have to see it first before just plugging him back into lineups. Especially in a week with no byes. You likely drafted another QB higher. Go with that guy.
There is a J.J. McCarthy hive that believes the first-year starter will break out in a big way. I get the logic, as the Vikings have fantastic weapons and Kevin O'Connell provides a super fantasy-friendly system. This is the 22-year-old's first real game in the NFL, though. And it comes on the road, in Chicago, on Monday Night Football. The 2024 Bears allowed the second-fewest fantasy PPG to QBs and the fewest passing touchdowns. Sam Darnold had mixed results against this defense last year. There will be weeks to start McCarthy, but take a wait-and-see approach to open the season.
