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
Since Week 5, McConkey leads the Chargers in targets, catches, yards, touchdowns, YAC, air yards, end-zone targets and EPA. Whew, that's a long list. He also leads the team with a 23 percent first-read rate, per Fantasy Points Data. He’s averaged 17.5 fantasy PPG during that span. The Jags have allowed the second-most TDs to WRs in the last month. They have been torched out wide by receivers, which is where McConkey runs about one-third of his routes (34%). The second-year playmaker has worked his way back to being a must-start WR.
Although Higgins got off to a slow start this season, his arrow has been pointing up ever since Joe Flacco arrived in town. He’s averaged 19.3 fantasy PPG with the 40-year-old under center, scoring at least 11 in each game. He gets a fantastic matchup this week against the Steelers, who have allowed the most fantasy PPG and second-most yards to WRs. Higgins got them for six catches, 96 yards and a touchdown in Week 6. That was good for 21.6 fantasy points. And it wasn't a one-off, either. Higgins has scored 17-plus fantasy points in four of his last five games versus Pittsburgh. He is a must-play in Week 11.
Metcalf has scored in the single-digits in two straight games and in three of his last four. He has lost must-start status and is a WR many fantasy managers are considering benching. Well, don't start this week! There's no way I would sit him against Cincinnati. Although the Bengals held held him to 8 fantasy points in Week 7, they have allowed the most passing touchdowns and third-most pass yards per game this season. Metcalf is also the Steelers' go-to target in the end zone (7 targets). No other Steeler has more than two. The potential for him to score a touchdown and have an overall big fantasy day are both elevated due to the matchup.
What stood out about Waddle's terrific performance against the Bills last Sunday was his 21.7 air yards per target, which was the most by any Dolphin since 2019. He’s averaged 16 fantasy PPG since Tyreek Hill went down with a season-ending injury and has only one game with fewer than 14 points in that span. This week in Madrid, Waddle faces the Commanders, who have allowed the most yards and third-most fantasy PPG to receivers. The Bernabéu will be buzzing on Sunday, in part because Waddle is poised to ball out.
Watson could be line for a BIG week. Not only are the Packers suddenly thin weapon-wise, with Tucker Kraft out for the year, Matthew Golden dealing with a shoulder issue and Romeo Doubs' status uncertain after leaving Monday night's game early with a chest injury. But the Giants have been a prime matchup for opposing wideouts. New York has allowed the third-most yards and seventh-most fantasy PPG to receivers. The unit has also allowed the third-most yards to receivers on deep targets and plays man at the second-highest rate -- two areas where Watson excels. Since returning, Watson leads the Packers in yards and targets on deep passes, and also ranks second on the team in yards against man coverage. I really like Watson's upside this weekend.
Sit 'Em
I thought we were starting to turn a corner with Moore and his role in the Bears' offense. Then he put up a donut on just four targets against the Giants last weekend, in a game in which he had a favorable matchup and Caleb Williams attempted 36 passes. On the year, Moore is averaging just 5.3 targets per game with a career low 7.4 air yards per target (previous low was 9.0). You cannot rely on him racking up catches or big plays given the low air yards. That means he is a touchdown-reliant option against the Vikings, who have allowed just eight receiving scores to WRs all season. Moore is also dealing with a shoulder injury, so probably best to leave him out of your lineup this week.
Its been a disappointing fantasy season for the rookie. McMillan has hit the century mark only once this year and has hauled in just two touchdowns -- both against Dallas. He's mainly been a floor play. His mediocre production isn't necessarily of his own doing, considering the Panthers average the third-fewest pass yards per game. But fantasy managers only care about production. This Sunday, he'll face a familiar foe in a Falcons defense that's been stout against the pass and held the first-year pass catcher to 48 yards and 7.8 fantasy points in Week 3. Keep McMillan on your bench, if you can.
Earlier in the season, Samuel looked like he had found the fountain of youth. The well's run dry lately, as Samuel has averaged just 8 fantasy PPG over his last four games. He hasn't reached 50 yards in any of those games. Now he faces the Dolphins, who have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy PPG and third-fewest yards to WRs. They’re in the bottom eight in yards allowed to slot receivers and have allowed only one touchdown to them. Samuel has played 55 percent of his snaps from the slot.
Last week, I asked a simple question on X that generated some strong responses: Do the Broncos have a new WR1?
On the season, Troy Franklin leads the team in targets, catches, touchdowns, YAC and air yards. He also has twice as many end-zone targets as Sutton. While the longtime Bronco leads Denver in receiving yards, and many metrics still point to him being their best WR, he simply hasn’t seen WR1 usage of late. He's topped 11 fantasy points only once in his last five games. He has one touchdown over his last six. Do not expect things to get much better this week, as the Chiefs have allowed the fewest yards and sixth-fewest fantasy PPG to WRs. He hasn't topped 100 yards in even one of the 11 career games he's played against them. Stay away from Sutton this week.
Over the last couple of weeks Robinson has found himself in the top portion of this column. However, I would not put Robinson in my lineup with Jameis Winston getting the start for the Giants. The fourth-year pass catcher doesn't have a single red-zone target in his last five games and the Packers are allowing the second-fewest yards to slot receivers (and just two TDs). Not ideal for a guy who runs nearly 60 percent of his routes from that alignment.
