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. Unless otherwise noted, all stats come from NFL Pro, Next Gen Stats or NFL Research.
Start 'Em
Spencer Rattler started three games for the Saints in Weeks 6 through 8. The opposing defenses in those games scored 17, 20 and 12 fantasy points. In each of those weeks, that opponent finished as a top-three fantasy defense. Add in that the Saints playmakers continue to drop like flies, and that the Packers have been getting better fantasy results as of late. They have multiple sacks in four of their five games since the bye and had seven last week. Getting after the QB was an issue for Green Bay early on. But now, this is a must-start option in a fantastic matchup this week.
The Falcons have 13 sacks in their last three games. They showed last week they can take advantage of good matchups with 16 fantasy points against the Raiders. This one is once again about the matchup. The Giants, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses, are starting Drew Lock at quarterback. The journeyman has a 9.09 sack rate this season, which should be a fantasy boon for Atlanta's defense.
Last week, the Bengals' defense scored 19 fantasy points against the Titans ... and would have scored more if Jordan Battle hadn't dropped the ball before crossing the goal line, erasing an easy defensive touchdown. On the year, the Titans have allowed the most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. The Colts' defense has been more bad than good for fantasy purposes, but this matchup gives them the chance to have a week-altering performance. That is what I care about when it comes to streaming fantasy defenses.
The Bengals showed us last week they can take advantage of good fantasy matchups, going for 19 fantasy points against the Titans. And it should have been an even bigger day, but Jordan Battle inexplicably dropped the ball before crossing the goal line on a would-be defensive touchdown. Frustrating. Now the Bengals face the Browns, who have had turnover problems all year. Jameis Winston is never boring, but he had eight interceptions in his last three games. And you want to hear something crazy? Winston’s 4.1 percent interception rate is nothing compared to Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s 8.8 percent rate ... and DTR's getting the start on Sunday. The Bengals are in play again this week.
Sit 'Em
Hey, Ravens fans. Josh Allen is the MVP. But ... Lamar Jackson is still amazing, and you should never start defenses against him in fantasy football. The last time these two matched up, the Steelers held the Ravens' offense in check but still fell short of double-digit fantasy points. Not only is this rematch in Baltimore, but the Ravens have allowed the fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. On top of it all, T.J. Watt is banged up. I would play it safe and stream elsewhere this week.
The Bears have a decent defense. The Lions have an amazing offense. Detroit has allowed the third-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. It's common for the Lions to top 30 (even 40) points. The last time the Bears faced Detroit, they finished with just four fantasy points. The risk is far too high in the fantasy playoffs. There is very little chance at a big week -- and the more likely outcome is low single-digit fantasy points. You can stream a better option off the waiver wire.
We know the Eagles can beat teams on the ground. They showed last week that they can still win through the air, as well. On the year, they have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. The last time the Commanders faced them, they finished with just two fantasy points as a defense. After a hot start, Washington's D has now scored single-digit fantasy points in seven consecutive games. The unit's high mark in that span is seven fantasy points. Get away from the Commanders this week.
The Browns have a reputation for fielding a strong defense, but Jim Schwartz's unit has been anything but stout in fantasy this season. Cleveland's D has topped double-digit fantasy points just twice all year, with the last occurrence coming in Week 4. When the Browns faced the Bengals in Week 7, they scored just three fantasy points on defense. The Bengals are indeed under .500, but that is certainly no fault of their offense. Joe Burrow and Co. have been tough on opposing defenses all year. Don’t get cute in the semifinals!
