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 Jahmyr Gibbs. 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
Myles Garrett is chasing history, and this week is huge for his chances of breaking the single-season sack record. The Titans have taken sacks at the second-highest rate this season. They have had turnover issues, and while I still remain a Cam Ward believer, the offense has struggled to put up points. It's all why Tennessee is allowing the second-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses this season. The Browns' defense is coming off of a dud, but it had three-plus sacks in each of the five games prior to that. Play Cleveland this week.
I think the Shedeur Sanders vs. Cam Ward matchup will be highly entertaining, but that doesn't mean defenses won't be in play for fantasy purposes. The 49ers, who pressure QBs at the lowest rate in the league, sacked Sanders three times and finished with 11 fantasy points against Cleveland last week. On the year, the Browns have allowed the fourth-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. Starting the Titans is worth a shot for those who have been streaming.
The Saints have proven to be a favorable fantasy matchup this season, allowing the fifth-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. In their last two games, the opposing defenses have scored 16 and 11 fantasy points against New Orleans. When the Bucs faced the Saints in Week 8, Tampa finished with 26 fantasy points after posting five sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown. While that seems unlikely to happen again, the upside is clearly high enough to stream the Bucs this week.
The Commanders have typically been a fantasy defense that we look to pick on. This week, Washington is actually in play due to the matchup against Minnesota. The Vikings have allowed the most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses and have taken sacks at the second-highest rate in the NFL (tied with Tennessee). Seattle's defense scored 30 against the Vikings last week, while the Packers got them for 18 in Week 12. Minnesota has allowed some week-altering performances regardless of who is in at quarterback. That makes the Commanders worth a shot this week.
Sit 'Em
In Joe Burrow's return, the Bengals scored 32 points on the road against the Ravens. The Bills' defense is coming off its second-best fantasy performance of the season. Prior to that game against Pittsburgh, it had scored six fantasy points or fewer in four straight contests. Buffalo has cracked double digits just three times and has just two sacks in its last four games. This could be a scorefest -- stay away from the defenses.
The Lions' defense has scored six fantasy points in its last four games combined. It has just two takeaways in the last four games. Now, Detroit faces the Cowboys, who should be able to put up points with their receivers. Dallas has allowed the third-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. Like the previous matchup, this has the chance to be a high-scoring affair. Get away from the defenses.
The Jaguars' defense has proven to be a reliable fantasy option of late. It has done a much better job getting after the QB since the Week 8 bye. This week, though, Jacksonville faces a Colts offense that has allowed the fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. I would look to avoid this matchup and stream a different defense.
The Chargers' defense is better than it gets credit for, but it's too risky to play that unit against the Eagles. L.A. has been tough against the pass but leaky against the run. This could be the time when Saquon Barkley runs wild. The Eagles also have the WR talent to win on the perimeter. In total, Philly has allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. I would get away from Los Angeles this week.
