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 Lamar Jackson. 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 Broncos were a highly drafted defense, and while the unit has been reliable, we have yet to see a huge performance yet. It could come this week. The Vikings sacked Jake Browning four times last Sunday. On the season, the Bengals have taken sacks at the fifth-highest rate in the league. Plus, Browning has thrown five interceptions over the last two weeks. Minnesota got the Bengals for 30 fantasy points last week. You must start the Broncos.
Tennessee is not doing much to help their No. 1 overall pick, Cam Ward. The Titans have allowed pressure at the second-highest rate and sacks at the third-highest rate this season. The Texans have generated sacks at the 10th-highest rate in the NFL. Every defense to face Tennessee has scored at least eight fantasy points and two have scored 13 or more. Start the Texans.
The Bears had their best defensive showing of the season last week against the Cowboys. They piled up two sacks, three interceptions and a fumble recovery. In total, the unit finished with 11 fantasy points for the second time this year. Chicago could have another good showing against the Raiders, who have taken sacks at the fifth-highest rate in the NFL and surrendered pressure at the fourth-highest rate. Defenses have scored 11 or more fantasy points in each of the last two games against Vegas.
Pittsburgh is coming off a strong defensive performance, scoring 16 fantasy points last week. They recorded five sacks, four fumble recoveries and an interception against the Patriots. Do not expect turnovers like that this week, but you can still chase the sacks. The Vikings have taken sacks at the highest rate in the NFL. They have allowed pressure at the fifth-highest rate. The Steelers are worth a shot this week.
Buffalo's defense has had one good game for fantasy purposes so far this season. The second one could be on tap this week. The Saints have struggled to put up points with Spencer Rattler at quarterback. They've also had issues on special teams, allowing a punt-return TD last week. The Bills have a knack for bullying the lesser offenses in the league. They are in play as a streamer this week.
Sit 'Em
The Chiefs have talent on defense, but it doesn’t matter. The Ravens have Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers and a bunch of potent role players. In fact, no defense scored a fantasy point against them across the first two weeks. Last week, the Lions had seven sacks and still finished with just eight fantasy points. Do not play defenses against the Ravens.
Cleveland's defense is the strength of the team. Last week's inspired effort in the 13-10 upset of Green Bay proved that we can still use this unit in fantasy. And there will be plenty of weeks to use it in the future. But against the Lions, in Detroit -- where we've seen Jared Goff and Co. be an absolute force for years now -- is simply not the time. Look what the Lions did against the Ravens this past Monday night. Stream elsewhere.
Micah Parsons revenge game! He certainly will look to make a splash in his return to Dallas, and Green Bay might field the best defense in the NFL -- but that hasn't translated into a ton of fantasy success so far this season. The Packers' high mark on the year is currently the 10 fantasy points they posted in Week 1. And last week was the first time a defense finished with more than three fantasy points against the Cowboys. Given that, and the lack of big fantasy days for this defense, I would look to get away.
So far this season, defenses have finished with zero, zero and -4 fantasy points against the Colts. That includes the very dangerous Broncos defense. Indianapolis has taken sacks at a league-low rate of just two percent of dropbacks. The Rams are another tough test for the Colts, but until we see any defense have fantasy success against Indy, I would stay away.
This might appear to be a good matchup on paper, but it's a trap. The Jaguars have allowed pressure and taken sacks at the second-lowest rates in the NFL. No defense has finished any week with more than five fantasy points against them. Plus, the 49ers have scored just five in two straight games and have yet to reach double digits on the season. Not to mention, Nick Bosa is done for the season. Do not fall for the trap.
