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
Mayfield has just two passing touchdowns in his last three games. That should change this week against a Raiders defense that has allowed the seventh-most passing touchdowns on the season, including 11 since Week 9, the second-most in that span. Mayfield has generally been very reliable for fantasy. Since Week 4, he has just two games with fewer than 18 fantasy points and routinely tops 22. The Bucs aren't likely to take their foot the gas with every game important to their playoff push, and NFL Pro has them holding a big advantage in the pass game.
Don’t look now, but Darnold has become one of the safest QBs in fantasy football. Since Week 2, he has topped 18 fantasy points in all but three games -- scoring 16 points in one of those contests. He has multiple passing touchdowns in three straight and in five of his last six games. He also has been running a bit more, and while 20 rush yards per game doesn’t sound like much, it adds value. (It’s like adding 50 passing yards.) The Falcons are in the top eight in touchdowns allowed. Darnold is a safe option in a week without many of them.
Last week was rough for Herbert, who was constantly under pressure and finished with fewer than eight fantasy points. Still, he has earned a little trust, given his recent production. He averaged 21 fantasy PPG in the five games prior to Week 13. This week, he faces the Chiefs, who have allowed the fifth-most passing yards and eighth-most passing touchdowns since Week 9. NFL Pro gives the Chargers’ passing attack a slight advantage in this matchup. With six teams on bye, Herbert remains in play.
The Bills are a tough matchup, and I typically would not recommend starting a player against them. But with a bunch of big-name quarterbacks on a bye, this isn’t a normal week. Stafford may have to throw more than usual in this indoor game against a high-powered Bills offense. It has the potential to be a scorefest -- or, at the very least, could have Stafford chasing points. Plus, the veteran QB has thrown multiple touchdowns in five of six games since his top receivers, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, have returned. A safe floor keeps him in play with six teams on a bye.
STREAMING OPTIONS: Raiders' Aidan O’Connell (at Buccaneers), Browns' Jameis Winston (at Steelers), Titans' Will Levis (vs. Jaguars), Cowboys' Cooper Rush (vs. Bengals).
Sit 'Em
Tagovailoa has been on a roll when it comes to fantasy, and the Dolphins return to South Beach. However, the Jets' defense presents arguably the toughest matchup a fantasy QB can have. New York has allowed the second-fewest passing yards this season and given up just nine passing TDs, making it the only team that hasn’t allowed double-digit pass TDs in 2024. The Jets’ weakness is against mobile quarterbacks, but Tagovailoa hasn’t run much since returning from his latest concussion. In addition, in two games against the Jets last season, Tua threw one touchdown and failed to top 250 pass yards in each game. In five games against them in his career, he has thrown six TDs and five INTs while averaging 189 pass yards per game. If you have another option, take it.
The Seahawks may be winning, but Smith is not having a great fantasy year. Despite Seattle ranking fifth in pass attempts in 2024, Smith has just three games with 18-plus fantasy points. He has recorded two passing touchdowns over his last three games and only thrown multiple passing touchdowns in two games this season. This week, he gets the Cardinals, who held him to just 12.4 fantasy points in Week 12. Arizona has allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards and just three touchdowns since Week 9. People may not have noticed, but those young corners in Arizona are playing lights out. I would get away this week.
Not only have Williams’ results improved since Thomas Brown began calling plays, but he looks more like the playmaker we saw at USC. This week is a big test for the rookie, as the 49ers have allowed the fewest passing yards since Week 9. They generate pressure and sacks at an above-average rate, which isn’t ideal for the Bears, who have allowed the second-most sacks in the NFL. NFL Pro has given the 49ers’ pass defense the clear advantage in this matchup. I was weary of doubting Williams this week, but I would get away from this matchup.
If you’re questioning this call, go watch Cousins’ four-INT outing against the Chargers last week. The veteran looks to be at the end of his rope. His mobility is a huge question mark -- even in the pocket -- and he simply had no velocity of his throws vs. L.A. Cousins hasn’t looked the same since last year's Achilles tear, to be honest. He has scored fewer than five fantasy points in two straight games and has averaged 9.7 fantasy PPG in games not against the Bucs this season. Plus, the Vikings' defense is a tough matchup. Get away from Cousins in this revenge game.
