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
Last week, I advised sitting Wilson against the Texans. He turned 11 targets into 16 fantasy points and finished as a top-20 WR on the week. He's averaged 24.7 fantasy PPG in contests without Marvin Harrison Jr. And given what he did against Houston's ferocious defense, he is now a strong start the rest of the way -- including this week against the Falcons, who have been lit up by receivers as of late. They've allowed the second-most yards and most touchdowns to receivers since Week 11. They've given up the second-most fantasy points per game to WRs in the last month. Wilson is a MUST-START if Marv sits, but he remains in play regardless.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Williams has been heavily featured in this article lately, and he just continues to come through. Since Dan Campbell took over play-calling in Week 10, Jamo has averaged 19 fantasy points per game. To put that into perspective, only Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Puka Nacua, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Drake London top that figure on the season. Now, Williams gets the Steelers, who have struggled against speedy options. This is one of the fastest players in the league. Start him!
Metcalf is on a bit of a hot streak with 14-plus fantasy points in two straight and three of four. And the Lions are a fantastic matchup, as they have given up the most yards to receivers on the season and since Week 11. Their seven touchdowns allowed to wideouts since Week 11 is one off the league high. (They've also allowed the second-most touchdowns to WRs on the season.) Detroit struggles against deep passes, allowing the second-most yards on throws of 20-plus air yards. The Lions are top two in fantasy PPG allowed to receivers this season and in the last month. There is also a good chance the Steelers could be chasing points and having to throw more than usual, which bodes well for the team's top receiver. It's been a disappointing season for Metcalf, but he can make up for it with a big effort in the fantasy semifinals.
Full disclosure: This was originally going to be Rashee Rice, but then Andy Reid revealed on Wednesday that the receiver is in the concussion protocol. So, like Ross in Friends, we pivot! The last month has been extremely disappointing for McConkey, but because of this matchup, he remains in play. Dallas has allowed the most touchdowns and fantasy PPG to receivers, while giving up the third-most yards. The Cowboys remain in the top four in touchdowns and fantasy points allowed to receivers over the last month, with an opposing wideout posting a top-12 total in each week. Given the QBs and offenses in this game, it could be a higher-scoring affair than the Chargers have found themselves in lately. Due to the matchup, Ladd's a viable option for the fantasy semifinals.
OTHER START OPTIONS: Buccaneers' Mike Evans (at Panthers); 49ers' Jauan Jennings (at Colts).
Sit 'Em
I had been talking up Egbuka in recent weeks, believing he and Baker Mayfield were just missing on many connections. Egbuka has the lowest catchable-target rate since Week 6. He also has the second-highest drop rate in that span. But Mike Evans returned to action last week, and even though he only played about half the snaps, he led the team in targets. Meanwhile, Chris Godwin led the receivers in snaps and routes. Plus, Jalen McMillan is back and could eat into Egbuka's opportunities. On top of all that, the Bucs might run a lot in this one, given Carolina's struggles there. The Panthers have allowed just 10 touchdowns to receivers this season, and they do a nice job of limiting production on the deep ball.
This was a difficult call because Robinson sees so much volume and generally brings a safe floor. For those of you who want to start him, I get it. But my fear is that floors typically tend to get lowered in tough matchups. The Vikings have allowed the fewest fantasy PPG to receivers this season. The last time a wideout scored a touchdown against them? Back in Week 9. Robinson has averaged 9.5 fantasy PPG this season when he does not score a touchdown. Minnesota also has allowed just a 58 percent completion rate on passes to WRs -- both on the season and since Week 10 -- so you may not be able to rely on PPR points here. If you are debating between Wan'Dale and another option, go in the other direction.
Just like last week, I want no part of the Colts receivers. I am rooting for Philip Rivers, but that does not mean I need to risk the fantasy semifinals on him. Last week, albeit it in an extremely tough matchup, Rivers completed just two passes of 10-plus air yards. Of his 27 attempts, 18 were thrown less than 10 air yards. Rivers also spread the ball out, quickly going through his progressions. Five different players had between four and six targets. Jonathan Taylor was the only Colts skill player to top 11 fantasy points. The 49ers are a better matchup than the Seahawks were last week, but the floor is too low, and we genuinely do not know what the upside is. I would play it safe and avoid Colts wideouts.
In the three games since Terry McLaurin returned, Samuel has averaged six targets, four catches, 45 yards and 8.4 fantasy PPG. Marcus Mariota can support one high-end WR, but I do not believe he can double up. I would especially get away from Samuel this week, considering he is facing the Eagles, who have allowed just six touchdowns to receivers this season, the second-fewest in the NFL. They are in the bottom eight in fantasy PPG allowed to receivers on the season. They're also bottom 10 in yards allowed to receivers since Week 10. Get away from Deebo with your season on the line.
