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 Jahmyr Gibbs. 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
The Patriots defense has been a bit up-and-down for fantasy purposes this season, but the unit has shown it can put up numbers in the right matchup. The Jets would classify as exactly that. They’ve allowed the fourth-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses in 2025, taking sacks at the second-highest rate of any team (one of two squads with a sack rate higher than 10 percent). The Saints scored 19 points against Brady Cook & Co. last Sunday; the Jaguars put up 10 the Sunday before that. The Pats are a must start this week.
The Vikings have been great for opposing fantasy defenses all season long. They've taken sacks at the third-highest rate in the NFL and have had turnover issues, too. The Giants scored a season-high 15 fantasy points against them last week, recording four sacks, two takeaways and a defensive touchdown -- with a second score called back. Plus, rookie Max Brosmer is in line to make his second career start; in his first, the opposing defense (Seattle) scored 30 fantasy points.
The Giants defense is far from a consistent fantasy option, but the unit has shown it can take advantage of a favorable matchup. Enter the Raiders. Although Vegas' offense is coming off one of its best performances of the year -- against a tough Texans defense, no less -- it's hard to overlook the Raiders' season-long struggles leading up to last weekend. They've allowed the second-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses this season and have taken sacks at the highest rate in the league. I like New York as a streaming option this week.
The Bucs are typically a defense to stream against, but I'm taking the opposite approach this week due to the matchup. The Dolphins had three giveaways against Cincinnati last week with rookie Quinn Ewers at the helm. Although the Bengals were not able to get any sacks, the Bucs should fare better there. Tampa Bay has recorded multiple sacks in three of its previous four games.
OTHER STARTING OPTIONS: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs; Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts.
Sit 'Em
All eyes will be on this game on Sunday afternoon. There are plenty of fantasy options to play in this matchup -- just stay away from the defenses. The Bills offense has allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses, with Josh Allen and James Cook capable of scoring points in bunches. With the Eagles also able to light up the scoreboard (especially of late), this could lowkey be a scorefest. The Eagles defense has had better fantasy results recently, but I'd avoid them this week.
Like I said above -- avoid both defenses in this one. The Eagles rank bottom-10 in fantasy PPG to opposing defenses this year and have averaged 30 points over their previous two games. I don't think you can trust Buffalo's 30th-ranked run defense against Saquon Barkley, who ranks second in the league in rushing over the past three weeks (332 yards on 5.3 ypc).
Detroit has allowed the fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses this season. They can beat you through the air and can win on the ground -- the latter being an area in which the Vikings have struggled some this season. The floor is low and the upside is not worth the risk in this one.
The 49ers defense has been a solid option in recent weeks due to favorable matchups. The Bears are not a favorable matchup. Chicago has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses this season and should have success running against San Francisco. The Niners have struggled to get after the QB and force takeaways this year, scoring in double-digits only once. The floor is low for the 49ers this week. Avoid them.
