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 Christian McCaffrey. 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
Seattle had a disappointing fantasy day last week in L.A., but that was to be expected against the Rams. Let's not lose sight of the fact that the 'Hawks have been the top scoring fantasy defense through first 11 weeks of the season, generating a number of week-altering outings. On Sunday, Seattle's D will face the Titans, who have allowed the most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses this year. Tennessee has had issues with sacks and turnovers. We've seen several defenses turn out week-winning performances against the Titans already in 2025, and I think Seattle has a strong chance of joining that list.
The Packers are a tough real-life defense, but less so when it comes to fantasy. That said, I would take another chance on them this week against J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings. Minnesota has allowed the fourth-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses thus far, taking sacks at the fifth-highest rate. McCarthy has also thrown at least one interception in all five of his starts, with multiple picks in three. Micah Parsons and his friends deserve your confidence this week.
The Browns have been a favorable matchup for fantasy defenses this season, regardless of who they've lined up under center. This week, Shedeur Sanders will make his first career start. Although I think Sanders has a lot of talent, he's shown a tendency to take too many sacks -- an issue that dates back to his days at Colorado. He also hasn't spent much time practicing with the 1s this year, which could've contributed to the interception he threw last week after entering in relief of Dillon Gabriel (concussion). The upside is simply too high to ignore with the Las Vegas D in this one.
Both defenses are in play in this matchup of two-win teams. The Raiders have allowed the third-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses, in large part due to Geno Smith's season-long struggles. He ranks fourth in sacks taken (31) and tied for first in interceptions (13). We've seen a number of week-altering defensive performances come at the Raiders' expense. Plus, the Browns have been excellent when it comes to getting after the QB. They have at least three sacks in four straight games, with multiple takeaways in all but one of them. They put up 17 fantasy points against the Ravens last week. Give the Browns a go this weekend.
I had already written up my defenses when the Michael Penix Jr. news broke, so everybody gets a bonus pick this week. Falcons backup Kirk Cousins has made three appearances this season, including one start, and has yet to throw a touchdown pass. In his lone start, against Miami, the Dolphins finished as the seventh-highest scoring defense of the week. Cousins has limited mobility and declining arm strength at this stage in his career. And with Drake London hurt, the Saints are a strong streaming option this week.
Sit 'Em
Houston's defense has been one of the best fantasy units this season. That doesn’t mean you have to start the D against Josh Allen and the Bills, though. Buffalo has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy PPG to defenses in 2025. Even with the team's recent turnover issues, the Bills are pretty good at limiting sacks and are always capable of lighting up the scoreboard. I do my best to avoid playing fantasy defenses against certain teams, and Buffalo is absolutely one of them.
Tough matchup for the Eagles' talented defense. The Cowboys have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing units, showing repeatedly that they can put points up in bunches with their explosive passing attack. While Dak Prescott has struggled at times against the Eagles, if he's force into playing catch-up, he could air it out even more than usual. There are streaming options I would rather play than Philly this week.
Kansas City's defense has scored a mere 2 fantasy points in back-to-back games. The unit has reached double-digits just three times in 10 games. So, forgive me for expressing some concern ahead of a matchup with the Colts, who have allowed the second-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses so far. Due to the matchup, the low ceiling and the potential for a high-scoring game, you should go in another direction this week.
One game, two defenses, two sits. The Colts' defense scored single-digit fantasy points in each of the five games leading into their Week 11 bye. Hard to expect that to change against a Chiefs team that ranks seventh in total offense and ninth in points per game. Also, this is shaping up to be a must-win game for Kansas City. Given the stakes, the offenses and the QB on the other side, I would lean toward another defense.
