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
He's back! You waited six long weeks to be able to get him in your lineup, why would you wait any longer! Plus, in case you forgot, he was the WR2 in fantasy PPG in his three healthy games last season. During that span, he scored 17-plus fantasy points every time out, led the NFL in catches (24) and ranked second in receiving yards (288). He was elite metrically, as well. I was convinced a top-five season was on tap. Then he suffered a season-ending knee injury. After the suspension to open this season, he is now over a year removed from the health setback. Plus, it is a great matchup against the Raiders, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy PPG and yards to receivers. They've allowed the second-most yards to out-wide receivers, and Rice played over half his snaps in that alignment last season. Also, 253 of his yards came against zone, and the Raiders play zone at the second-highest rate (87 percent). Patrick Mahomes' go-to guy in the red zone is back -- and he should be back in your lineup.
Samuel managed to suit up this past Monday night after being listed as questionable, but he did not enjoy a big fantasy outing. Still, he has scored 17-plus points in four of six games, eclipsing 20 in three of them. Plus, this is the best matchup for receivers. The Cowboys have allowed the second-most yards to wideouts, as well as the most touchdowns and fantasy PPG. They've given up the most yards to out-wide receivers and eighth-most to slots, which is big for Deebo, who bounces around. Even if Terry McLaurin returns to action this week, Samuel remains in play.
Perhaps last week's 2025 high-water mark (23 fantasy points) can be attributed to Quentin Johnston's absence. Or perhaps it was the start of things to come for McConkey. I believe he had been unlucky in previous games this season; yeah, he had some drops, but Justin Herbert also missed him on some open routes, too. We have seen three straight down weeks for Keenan Allen, so perhaps the veteran is starting to fade more into a complementary role. Either way, Ladd is in play for me after last week's showing. The Colts have allowed the fourth-most fantasy PPG to WRs, including the eighth-most to slot receivers and 12th-most to out-wide receivers. McConkey has played 60 percent of his snaps from the slot and 36 percent out wide. He is in play.
With Puka Nacua likely out for this London game, you should expect more targets to go to Davante Adams, who has already seen eight-plus targets in all but one game. He is the go-to guy in the red area and end zone, with the second most end-zone targets in the NFL. Not only should volume be on his side, but he plays 84 percent of his snaps out wide, and the Jags have been cooked by out-wide receivers. They have allowed the most yards to out-wide receivers, and only one team is within 150 yards of them. Adams is a must-play across the pond this week.
Sutton has either gone off or laid an egg this season, nothing in between. He has scored more than 17 fantasy points in four games ... and fewer than three in the other two. I would expect this to be one of the bigger weeks for him, as the Giants have allowed the third-most fantasy PPG to receivers. That includes the seventh-most yards to receivers lined up out wide, which is where Sutton runs nearly 80 percent of his routes. Play him.
He did so in different ways, but Addison scored 15-plus fantasy points in his first two games of the season. His first outing included the big play (an 81-yard catch), while his second was touchdown-enhanced. The Eagles are not a great matchup at first glance, but they have allowed the fourth-most yards to outside receivers. Addison has lined up out wide on 83 percent of his routes so far this season. Plus, he lines up on the right side at the highest rate of all Vikings, which is big if J.J. McCarthy starts, as the second-year pro clearly favors that side of the field.
Sit 'Em
I am not bold enough to sit A.J. Brown, but DeVonta Smith is someone who could potentially hit the bench this week. He has been very up and down, with two games of 19-plus fantasy points and four in the single digits. And thus far, he's big-play reliant, receiving more than five targets just twice. I would not rely on that this week, as the Vikings have allowed just two completions on deep passes (20-plus air yards). They have also given up the fewest yards to outside receivers and are middle of the pack against slot receivers. They've allowed one top-15 WR so far this season. Given the issues with the Eagles' passing attack and the matchup, it is OK to get away if you have another option you trust.
I have reached a breaking point with DJ Moore. He has averaged just 9.4 fantasy PPG this season, with fewer than 50 receiving yards in four straight games. He has broken double-digit fantasy points once -- and it took a touchdown to reach 12.8. He has just one end-zone target, which naturally limits touchdown opportunities. He is averaging 8.3 air yards per target with only three deep targets, limiting big-play opportunities. Moore has received just five targets in all but one game, when he had six. There is simply not enough volume to have fantasy success without touchdowns or big plays. And now, on top of all that, he's nursing a groin injury.
This is partly because of the matchup. The Falcons have a very legit defense and have taken outside receivers away all season. They have allowed the fifth-fewest yards to outside receivers and the third-lowest completion percentage on passes to those targets. In total, they have given up the sixth-fewest fantasy PPG to receivers. Plus, Jennings says he is playing with five broken ribs, multiple ankle sprains and a shoulder injury. Don't lean on him this week if you don't have to.
Downs is a solid floor player. Most weeks, you should expect something like around 10 fantasy points, with some down games and some TD-enhanced performances. The issue is Tyler Warren and Michael Pittman Jr. are likely to be the top targets most weeks. What I am saying is that Downs is like the new Wan'Dale Robinson -- just with less guaranteed volume and a bit more explosiveness. This week, though, he faces the Chargers, who have allowed the second-fewest yards to slot receivers. They have given up just one touchdown (while snagging three interceptions) on passes to the slot. In total, they have allowed the third-fewest fantasy PPG to WRs. I would get away.
The good news: Last week, Hunter played 79 percent of the snaps on offense, led the Jags in routes run and received seven targets. The bad news: It still didn't translate to many fantasy points. He has yet to hit double digits in a week. The usage is trending up, but until we see him and Trevor Lawrence connect more frequently, Hunter has to hit the bench. I still believe there is a lot of upside here, though, so don't drop him yet.
