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
The clear frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Daniels produced his best game of the season last week against the Eagles, throwing for five touchdowns and running for 81 yards. In total, his monster performance generated 34.4 fantasy points. Since the team's mini-bye, following Washington's TNF loss to the Eagles in Week 11, Daniels has averaged 29 fantasy PPG. During that span, he's thrown for 12 TDs, run for two more and has averaged 64 rush yards per game. That is elite production. This Sunday night, he faces a Falcons squad that has allowed the most passing TDs and seventh-most fantasy PPG to opposing QBs. Daniels completes the fantasy season as a definitive league-winner.
Not just an indoor cat anymore. ... Goff showed us this past weekend in Chicago he can play in the elements, throwing for 336 yards and three scores in frigid temps. He will be outdoors again in Week 17, but the conditions should be far more pleasant. Goff has averaged 29.5 fantasy points over his last three games, compiling 11 total touchdown passes. He has multiple scoring strikes in four straight games and in six of his last seven. The 49ers have been a tough matchup on paper, but I am not sure there is a defense in the league right now that can slow down this Lions offense. Despite the matchup and despite being outdoors, I would start the very reliable Goff in championship week.
Nix came through with 21 fantasy points last week in a bounce-back effort. It was his sixth game this season with 200-plus pass yards, multiple pass TDs and zero interceptions. Nix has averaged 19.7 fantasy PPG since Week 5 -- a pace that would make him the QB6 on the season -- and now faces a Bengals defense that has allowed the seventh-most passing yards, fifth-most passing touchdowns and sixth-most fantasy PPG to QBs this season. This game has massive playoff implications for both sides, but as it pertains to the Broncos, a win and they're in the tournament. Against the high-powered Bengals offense, we could see an aggressive game from Nix and the Broncos. Or they could be forced into chasing points. Either way, expect a lot of volume for the rookie.
Playing from behind for much of last week, Purdy threw the ball 40 times in Miami. He finished with 21 fantasy points for the second time in three weeks. Purdy could have a similar game script this week against the high-powered Lions offense. Detroit has allowed the third-most passing yards and eight passing touchdowns since Week 12. Their injury-ravaged defense has allowed the most fantasy PPG to QBs in the last month. Chasing points against that banged-up unit could be a recipe for success for Purdy.
DEEPER START OPTIONS: Justin Herbert (at Patriots), Bryce Young (at Buccaneers), Anthony Richardson (at Giants), Drake Maye (vs. Chargers).
Sit 'Em
In a game against the Panthers in which the Cardinals trailed throughout, Murray managed to score 20 fantasy points -- his first 20-point performance since Week 10. His final tally was largely due to him running again, which is ideal, but not something he's done consistently enough this year. Although Murray did have quite a bit of success against L.A. when the two teams met in Week 2 -- the Rams have morphed into a completely different team since then. They've allowed fewer than 10 points in consecutive games for the first time since 2015 and just six passing touchdowns since Week 12 (fifth fewest). Murray, meanwhile, has just five passing scores in his last seven games overall, and one or fewer in four of his five most recent games against the Rams. If you're still in the championship, I suggest looking for an alternative QB1 if you can.
Smith took advantage of a great matchup last Sunday and produced his best fantasy performance since Week 9. It was the just the fourth time this season he topped 18 fantasy points. He'll likely face a tougher test Thursday night. The Bears have allowed the third-fewest fantasy PPG to QBs and fourth fewest passing TDs this season. Factor in that this game will be played in Chicago ... in December ... on a short week -- and that's not the ideal recipe for offensive success. Given that Smith has hit his floor more than his upside on average this year, and I'd look to go in a different direction this week.
After a hot run, Rodgers came back to reality last week with just 256 passing yards, one touchdown and 12.8 fantasy points. Despite his improved passing of late, he's actually only topped 18 points once since Week 10. That performance came in a fantastic matchup with the Jaguars. He does not have a great matchup this week, though. Although the 41-year-old did score 17.8 points against the Bills back in Week 6, the forecast in Buffalo this weekend currently calls for rainy conditions. Plus, the Bills rank in the bottom 10 in fantasy PPG allowed to QBs overall this year. Given the lack of clear upside, I'd stream elsewhere during championship week.
Rush has been playing good ball lately. He's topped 15 fantasy points in four of his last six games, with multiple passing touchdowns in three and more than 290 pass yards in two. Still, I do not want to chase points or get too cute this week against Philly. Prior to Daniels going off against them last week, the Eagles had allowed the third-fewest fantasy PPG to QBs. They have allowed the third-fewest passing yards this season. If you have been streaming QBs, Rush may have helped you along he way. There are better options to stream this week, though.
