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
Despite seeing a bunch of volume last week, Sutton nearly didn't deliver for fantasy, but a late touchdown took care of that! Still, he had nine targets when every other Bronco had five or fewer. The 12.2 fantasy points represented his low mark since the zero-point game in Week 7. From Week 8 on, he has averaged 18.9 fantasy PPG. Sutton is giving WR1 production, and now he gets the Chargers, who have allowed the second-most yards and most touchdowns to receivers since Week 11. Sutton got them for 15.3 fantasy points in Week 6. He is a great start this week.
There is a case to be made that Smith-Njigba has taken over as the WR1 in Seattle. He's definitely the one I feel best about this week. He has scored at least 11 fantasy points in seven straight games, averaging 20.2 fantasy PPG in that span. For the season, that average would make JSN the WR2 in fantasy (behind only Ja'Marr Chase). He received a team-high 12 targets last week and was the first read on 50 percent of passes -- the fourth-highest rate in Week 15, per Fantasy Points Data. He is in play this week against the Vikings, who have allowed the most yards and fantasy PPG to WRs this season. They've allowed the most yards since Week 11 and second-most fantasy PPG in the last month. Ideally, Geno Smith (knee) will be at quarterback for the Seahawks, but Sam Howell targeted Smith-Njigba four times on 14 throws in relief work this past Sunday, so the wideout remains in play regardless of who's under center.
It's going under the radar just how awesome McConkey has been, especially as of late. The second-round rookie has averaged 17.5 fantasy PPG in his last four games, quickly becoming the top target for Justin Herbert and the Chargers. Typically, I do not love starting receivers against the Broncos because of Patrick Surtain II, but McConkey runs two-thirds of his routes from the slot, so he should largely avoid the stellar outside corner. Denver plays man at the fifth-highest rate in the NFL; McConkey is third in the NFL in yards against man coverage, behind only CeeDee Lamb and A.J. Brown. The budding star is a good play this week.
Nabers is a top-10 fantasy receiver this season despite catching passes from a revolving door of Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, Drew Lock and Tim Boyle. That's the definition of QB proof. The rookie exploded last week for 24.2 fantasy points, giving him seven straight games in double figures. He has at least eight targets in every game since Week 2 and double-digit targets in six of his last seven outings. His 30 percent target share leads the NFL. This week, Nabers faces the Falcons, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy PPG and the most touchdowns to receivers. You may have concerns about New York's quarterback, but the matchup and volume keep this dynamic first-year receiver in play.
MORE START OPTIONS: Bengals' Tee Higgins (vs. Browns), Bears' Keenan Allen (vs. Lions).
Sit 'Em
Cooper did not receive a single target in last week's shootout win at Detroit. A receiver cannot score fantasy points if the ball is not thrown his way. Also concerning: He was fourth among Bills receivers in snaps, logging just 44.1 percent. Tight end Dalton Kincaid and wide receiver Keon Coleman both returned from injury for that contest, which was obviously notable. Those two were active in Cooper's first two games with Buffalo, and the veteran wideout received just seven total targets in those contests. The Patriots are not a scary matchup, but due to the volatile usage last week, Cooper becomes a boom-or-bust option. The risk is high enough where, if you can get away from Coop, you should.
Hopkins has failed to reach 40 yards in two straight games -- and in four of his last five. He has finished with single-digit fantasy points in half his games since joining Kansas City, topping 15 just once. The Chiefs have struggled to put up numbers, and now QB Patrick Mahomes is dealing with an ankle injury. Plus, this is a tough matchup, as the Texans have allowed the lowest passer rating when targeted and fourth-lowest completion percentage on passes to WRs since Week 11. Hopkins could see a whole bunch of Derek Stingley Jr. I would look to go in another direction this week.
Stefon Diggs has more fantasy points this season than Dell, despite the fact that the veteran tore his ACL in Week 8. Dell has scored fewer than 11 fantasy points in five straight games. He has fewer than 10 fantasy points in his last two games combined. Dell has averaged just 6.6 fantasy PPG with Nico Collins in the lineup this season. His high mark in those games is 11.2 fantasy points. C.J. Stroud is struggling to put up numbers and it is trickling down; last season feels like a very long time ago. The Chiefs have struggled against wideouts as of late, but it does not matter. Dell has been far too underwhelming to trust in the fantasy playoffs. I would drop him before I would start him.
Pittman has played nine full games with Anthony Richardson this season. He is averaging 8.4 fantasy PPG in those outings and has only hit double digits once. He often finishes with around nine PPR points. You could live with that if he were mixing in some big games, but that just has not been the case. Now he faces the Titans, who have yielded the sixth-fewest yards and just 11 touchdowns to receivers this season. They've allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy PPG to the position. There is not enough upside here to trust Pittman with a trip to the finals on the line.
