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. Unless otherwise noted, all stats come from NFL Pro, Next Gen Stats or NFL Research.
Start 'Em
Ouch! Dallas' offense was rough without Dak Prescott last week, with 146 total yards, including just 49 net passing yards. Going against the Cooper Rush-Trey Lance combo, Philadelphia finished as the top scoring defense with 20 fantasy points. The Eagles logged three sacks, an interception and four fumble recoveries, while the Cowboys could only muster six points. Looks like we will be streaming defenses against this team for the foreseeable future.
The Vikings have fielded an awesome defense, scoring at least 11 fantasy points in four of their last five. On the season, Minnesota's D has posted at least 11 fantasy points in seven of nine games. That puts the unit in must-start territory. Brian Flores' group has a chance to really go off this week, as the Titans have allowed the second-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses.
The Jags scored just seven real-life points in their first game without Trevor Lawrence. With Mac Jones in the starting lineup again this week, the Lions are very much in play as a streaming option. Last week, Jones and Co. allowed 13 fantasy points and a top-four finish to the Vikings. Minnesota had three sacks and three takeaways in the game. The Lions' defense has provided multiple week-altering performances since Week 6, and Aaron Glenn's unit has a chance to do so again this week.
The Dolphins have not enjoyed much success as a fantasy defense this season. In fact, the next time the unit reaches double figures will be its first. This is all about the matchup. The Raiders have allowed the fifth-most sacks, thrown the fourth-most interceptions and lost the most fumbles in the entire league. In total, they have allowed the most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. Miami's in play as a streaming option.
Chicago's offense looks broken right now. The Bears have scored one offensive touchdown in their last three games. Rookie QB Caleb Williams has taken sacks on a league-high 11 percent of his dropbacks. The past two fantasy defenses to go against Chicago have scored 12 and 16 fantasy points. It's so bad, the Bears just fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Hopefully things get better sooner than later, but it will probably take more than a week, so the Packers are in play as a streaming option.
Sit 'Em
The Steelers' defense is really good ... but the Ravens' offense might be the best unit in the league. Baltimore has scored 30 or more real-life points in all but one game since Week 4. The Ravens can get you on the ground and through the air. Lamar Jackson has also taken sacks at the second-lowest rate in the NFL. That's why Baltimore has allowed the fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. Get away from Pittsburgh's defense in this one.
The Chiefs own a very good defense -- easily one of the best in the NFL. That does not mean you should play the unit this week against the Bills, though. Josh Allen has taken sacks at the lowest rate in the NFL. The Bills have also done a better job of taking care of the ball this season. That's why they have allowed the third-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses.
Don’t call me biased! This seems like a game to just avoid the defenses entirely. When these two teams get together, there tends to be a good amount of points scored. Plus, the Chiefs are in the bottom 10 in sack rate and fantasy PPG allowed to opposing defenses. Buffalo has been very up and down for fantasy purposes. Stream elsewhere this week.
The Eagles were the top-scoring fantasy defense last week. That does not mean you have to play the unit this Thursday. The exact opposite, actually. I would look to avoid Philadelphia against Washington, which has allowed the second-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. The Commanders take care of the ball, take sacks at a below-average rate and score a lot of points. Do not chase last week's D/ST production from Philly.
Philadelphia's offense has been red hot as of late, with the team averaging 32 PPG in the last four outings. The Eagles have the capability to beat teams on the ground or through the air. Since Week 5, the best a defense has managed against them was 10 fantasy points. So both the ceiling and floor seem low here. Get away from both defenses in this battle for first place in the NFC East.
