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
Typically, I drop my fantasy defense during its bye week. But I made an exception for the Broncos. They lead the NFL in pressures and rank second in sack rate, behind the Browns. They also could be getting reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II (pectoral) back this week. They’ve had two weeks to prepare for backup QB Marcus Mariota and the rest of the Commanders offense, which has had its fair share of turnovers. Denver is a must-start.
Seattle has put up 11-plus fantasy points five times this season while scoring nine points or fewer just three times. That's about as solid of a floor and ceiling as you'll find in a fantasy defense. On Sunday, they'll face the Vikings, who have allowed the third-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. Minnesota QB J.J. McCarthy, whose game status remains uncertain as he goes through concussion protocol, has struggled mightily in his first year as the team's starter. Turnovers have been among his biggest issues. In fact, McCarthy is the first QB to throw an interception in each of his first six career starts since DeShone Kizer. He’s also been sacked 20 times in those six starts. If McCarthy's unable to go, the Vikings will turn to undrafted (and untesed) rookie Max Brosmer. Either way, ride with the 'Hawks this week.
I am still a believer in Cam Ward. He is starting to look more comfortable of late and has flashed in a league-worst situation. That said, I am going to keep streaming against the Titans in fantasy football. Ward has taken sacks at the third-highest rate among qualified QBs while the Titans offense, as a whole, has allowed the most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. We have seen units post huge performances against them numerous times already this season. The Jaguars have done a much better job of getting after the QB in recent weeks, with 13 sacks over their last four games after recording just eight over their first seven games.
Last week, the Raiders scored one real-life point for every sack Geno Smith took (10). That is not a formula for success. And it's not a one-off, either. Over the last three weeks, the D/ST facing Vegas has finished as a top-six fantasy defense. More broadly, the Raiders rank third in sacks taken and fantasy PPG allowed to opposing defenses. The Chargers have been up and down during the 2025 fantasy season, but they have shown they are capable of putting up a big number at times. They also have three-plus sacks in three of their last four games. They are in play this week.
Fantasy playoff note: If you've been streaming defenses this season, see if you can pick up the Giants D/ST and stash it for your playoff run. New York faces the Commanders, Vikings and Raiders from Weeks 15-17.
Sit 'Em
The Packers enter this divisional clash fresh off a huge 18-point day against a different NFC North opponent. Not only was last week's performance against the Vikings the Packers' best of 2025, but it was only their second time scoring in double figures all season. The first time? In Week 1, against the Lions, when Green Bay had 10. I suspect the Lions will put up more of a fight in Round 2, especially at home and on Thanksgiving. In fact, this game has score-fest written all over it. So maybe avoid the Packers and their much-better-in-real-life-than-in-fantasy defense this week.
The Cowboys' offense proved against the Eagles last week that they are still capable of putting up numbers on a tough defense. And as great as the Chiefs have been at taking away receivers, the Cowboys present as a truly unique assignment. After all, Dallas' 1-2 punch of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens is one major reason the unit has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. Given the QBs and offenses squaring off in this Thanksgiving Day game, we could see a lot of points in this one. Best to stay away from both defenses, frankly.
So far this season, Minnesota's real-life defensive success (11th in total defense) hasn't translated into a ton of fantasy points. Since their huge 30-point performance against Jake Browning and the Bengals in Week 3, they've only eclipsed 3 fantasy points once. They have just two takeaways in that eight-game span. We know the Seahawks and MVP candidate (at least he should be) Jaxon Smith-Njigba can put up points in bunches. Factor in the Sam Darnold revenge game angle, and I want no part of the Vikings' defense this week!
The Texans had eight sacks and three takeaways for 15 fantasy points against the Bills last Thursday night. But that doesn't mean you should play Pittsburgh against Buffalo this week. The Bills have still allowed the 10th-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. We all know Josh Allen and Co. can light up the scoreboard if they get hot. Do not chase last week's points.
