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 expect a big year from the player I picked to win both OROY and DROY. The Jaguars have routinely said, first and foremost, Hunter will be a full-time offensive player, and that's what we saw in his lone preseason outing. While second-year wideout Brian Thomas Jr. draws No. 1 attention, Hunter will face CB2s and be in the slot. Hunter begins his NFL career with a strong matchup against the Panthers, who allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to receivers in 2024, including the second-most TDs. If you drafted Hunter, you believe. Don't waste time. Start him!
With Rashee Rice suspended for the first six weeks of the season, Worthy will likely operate as the Chiefs' WR1 and top target for Patrick Mahomes. Worthy was utilized more down the stretch in 2024, leading to him scoring 19-plus fantasy points in three of his final four regular-season games. He also posted one of the best Super Bowl performances by a wide receiver in history (eight catches, 157 yards, two TDs). Last season, Worthy put up 16.3 and 9.6 fantasy points against the Chargers, who tied for the fifth-most TDs allowed to receivers in 2024. Plus, I'm buying the fact that Kansas City wants to air the ball out more in 2025. Worthy is a high-upside start in Week 1.
Odunze disappointed as a rookie, but that was largely because he had the second-highest rate of uncatchable targets. With the Bears' improved offensive line and Ben Johnson calling the plays, I think we will see Odunze take the next step this season. He should be a go-to player for Caleb Williams -- especially in the end zone -- with Johnson moving him all around the field. Odunze kicks off Year 2 with a positive matchup on paper, as the Vikings allowed the second-most fantasy PPG and receiving yards to receivers in 2024. Start Odunze as a WR3 or flex option.
The second rookie on this list, the talented Egbuka should be Tampa's No. 2 target behind Mike Evans, given that Chris Godwin (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (neck) are out to start the season while Cade Otton's dealing with a leg injury. The rookie should see a lot of time in the slot, and last season, the Falcons tied for the fifth-most TDs allowed to slot receivers. They also gave up the most fantasy PPG and touchdowns and fourth-most catches to receivers in 2024. If you're still not sold, the Bucs averaged 28 points in two games against Atlanta last season, with Baker Mayfield tossing three TDs in each contest.
Shakir had a quiet preseason after an injured ankle kept him out for much of August. Last year, however, he brought one of the safer fantasy floors at the WR position, leading the Bills in targets, receptions and receiving yards and the NFL in separation created. Shakir ranked 12th among receivers in fantasy points per target and sixth in yards from the slot (501). Last season, the Ravens allowed the ninth-most yards to slot receivers and the fifth-most yards to the position in general. Shakir, who topped double-digit fantasy points in both games against Baltimore (including playoffs) in 2024, brings a safe floor and upside as Josh Allen’s go-to guy in what could be one of Week 1's higher scoring games.
Sit 'Em
Olave's production is reliant on starting QB Spencer Rattler, whom I don't want to have to trust right out of the gate. Last season, Rattler had a higher interception rate than touchdown rate, averaged less than 6.0 air yards per pass attempt and took a ton of drive-killing sacks. If the Saints struggle to move the ball again -- they topped 20 points once in Rattler's seven games last season -- Olave won't have many scoring opportunities. Olave's fantasy output is based too much on hope, and that's not how I want to live. In deeper leagues? Sure. But in regular PPR leagues with two or three WRs, there are better options.
The good news is Diggs, whose 2024 season ended in October with a torn ACL, is expected to suit up in the opener against the Raiders. The bad news, whoever, is fantasy managers don't know what Diggs will look like in the Patriots' offense. Will he be on a snap count? Is he 100 percent healthy or will he be shaking off the rust? And most importantly, has he built the needed chemistry with his new QB (Drake Maye) in a new offensive system? There are far too many questions to blindly throw the 31-year-old receiver into your lineup. I would play it safe and keep Diggs on the bench for now.
Fantasy managers might remember that the Lions were an auto-start for opposing receivers at the end of last season, largely because they were banged up. Heading into Week 1, though, this unit is pretty healthy. Plus, the Packers have a very crowded WR room -- Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and Savion Williams -- and seemingly anyone could be Jordan Love's top target in a given week. Until one of these targets emerges from the pack, I advise taking a wait-and-see approach. One last tidbit: Love threw one touchdown in two games against Detroit last year.
There is a narrative that Daniel Jones getting the start at QB is better for the pass catchers. I believe it is better for specific pass catchers. Josh Downs definitely gets a boost, as does Jonathan Taylor. Meanwhile, I think Tyler Warren would feast with either Jones or Anthony Richardson. For Pittman, though, there are a few reasons that give me pause. He primarily lines up out wide -- 68 percent of his snaps last season -- and Jones is more effective when throwing to the slot and middle portion of the field than he is throwing to the perimeter in recent years. Jones also hasn't aired the ball out much; over the last three seasons, he's thrown deep on just six percent of his attempts. I'd stay away from Pittman until we see if he can be a productive fantasy option with Jones at QB.
I believe that Deebo will make the Commanders better. I also believe that he is a better real-life player than fantasy option at this point in his career. With the 49ers in 2024, Samuel was the WR46 in fantasy PPG and posted a career low in fantasy points per touch (1.65). He's no longer the focal point of an offense, rather more a complementary piece. Deebo will provide the Commanders a unique weapon, which means good things for Jayden Daniels. I still have questions about how much consistent volume he will receive in Kliff Kingsbury's offense from week to week, so until we get clearer answers on his role, I'd stay away.
