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
Last week was rough for Kirk Cousins. It wasn't just the four interceptions, but the way he threw them. Cousins struggled to move in the pocket, had no velocity on his throws and made some confusing decisions. Fans were calling for rookie Michael Penix Jr. to take over. In total, the Falcons gave up 19 fantasy points to the Chargers' D/ST, second-most by any squad in Week 13. All that bodes well for fantasy managers with Minnesota's defense. The Vikings are coming off a couple of down performances but have scored double digits in eight of 12 games. They are a great start this week.
The Giants have allowed some really big, week-altering fantasy days to opposing defenses, and those are the kinds of performances you should be chasing. Last week, Big Blue surrendered 17 fantasy points to the rival Cowboys, as Drew Lock was sacked six times. The week prior, Tommy DeVito took four sacks. Protecting the QB has been an issue for the G-Men all year. In total, they have allowed the third-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. The Saints are a strong streaming option this week.
You may not realize it, but the Seahawks have allowed the fifth-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses in 2024. Last week, they allowed 14 fantasy points to the Jets. They have allowed a top-six finish to each of the last three defenses they've faced. That includes the Cardinals in Week 12, when Arizona got Seattle for 11 fantasy points. Plus, the Cards have scored 11 or more fantasy points in three of their last four games. They are in play as a streaming option this week.
Caleb Williams and the Bears' offense have been playing better since they changed the play-caller. But they're still taking sacks at an extremely high rate -- the highest in the NFL, in fact. Despite playing well against the Lions last week, Williams was sacked five times. Defensively, the 49ers have not been their usual selves this season, but given the matchup and the six-team Byepocalypse, they are in play.
Sit 'Em
The Packers have fielded a tough defensive unit in real life and a reliable one for fantasy purposes. None of that matters this week. They're facing the Lions in Detroit -- need I say more? The Lions are a buzzsaw, allowing the third-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. The Packers got them in Week 9, in Green Bay, in a bad weather game ... and still scored just one fantasy point. Never start a defense against Ben Johnson's dynamic Detroit attack.
I think this game will be an absolute scorefest at Ford Field, so I would advise staying away from both defenses. We know the Lions boast one of the very best offenses in the NFL. The Packers are no slouches in this area, either, having allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. Plus, while this game is on Thursday, it's not a short week for either team (both played on Thanksgiving). That benefits the offenses. I want to start the offensive players, but sit the defenses.
Defensively, the Chargers had a huge fantasy game last week against the Falcons. The unit has been more good than bad for fantasy purposes this season. Still, this is a week to get away from it. The Chiefs may not be the offensive juggernaut they used to be, but they still limit sacks and turnovers. They have also been clicking more on offense as of late. A big fantasy game seems unlikely for a defense against them.
Hopefully, you streamed the Cowboys' defense last week, as the unit exploded for 17 fantasy points against the Giants. Dallas' D has scored a combined 39 fantasy points in its last two games. That said, those were the group's first games with double-digit fantasy points since Week 1. I would look to get away from the Cowboys' defense against Joe Burrow and the Bengals. Cincinnati may not have a lot of wins, but the offense sure scores a ton of points. I would not chase the Dallas D's fantasy points from the last two weeks in this one.
