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
The Raiders have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. The Chiefs scored eight points against them back in Week 8, and that was with Gardner Minshew at QB. Now it will be Aidan O’Connell starting for the Raiders. He could be an improvement, but until we see it, I am still starting defenses against Las Vegas with confidence. In the one full game O'Connell played this season, the Steelers scored 11 fantasy points and finished as the fourth-best fantasy defense of the week.
The Giants allowed 10 fantasy points to the Bucs last week, their third game surrendering double digits this season. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are coming off a monstrous fantasy performance and have four or more sacks in two of their last three games. They are a strong streaming option this week, whether it's Tommy DeVito or Drew Lock at quarterback for the Giants.
The Commanders defense flopped against the Cowboys last week, but now they get a chance to make it up to those who streamed them. The Titans have allowed the most FPPG to opposing defenses. They have taken the third-most sacks in the league. Will Levis has been sacked 20 times in his last three games. Even last week, when the Titans played well offensively, they allowed 19 fantasy points to the Texans. They have allowed numerous week-altering fantasy performances. That keeps Washington in play.
The team playing the Cowboys has had the top fantasy defense of the week in two of the three games Cooper Rush has started this season. In those three games, the opposing defenses averaged 13.7 FPPG. Things have been rough for the Giants, but this is all about the matchup. Plus, you'll be watching this game on Thanksgiving. Why not add a little fantasy intrigue into the mix?
More start options: Buccaneers (at Panthers), Bills (vs. 49ers, if Brock Purdy doesn't play).
Sit 'Em
The Eagles defense has been outstanding this season. They have rebuilt their secondary and continue to get pressure up front while being tough on the run. It's one of the reasons they are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. It does not matter this week, though. Do not start defenses against Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the Ravens. They have allowed the fewest FPPG to opposing defenses. You are better off rolling the dice with a worse defense in a better matchup.
Did you read the blurb above? Do not play a defense against the top offenses in the league, even if the defense is one of the better ones. Plus, these are hard times for the 49ers' D. They scored negative fantasy points last week and have put up single-digit points in all but one game this season. Reputation and muscle memory are the only reasons they're so highly rostered. The Bills have allowed the second-fewest FPPG to opposing defenses. Get away from the Niners.
Are you going to make me say it again? The Bears have had one of the best defenses in the league. I don't care. The Lions are an absolute buzzsaw. They have scored 40-plus points four times, and they’ve allowed the third-fewest FPPG to opposing defenses. This just isn't an offense you want to play against in fantasy, especially as we get to the time of the year where these games mean so much more. There are better options this week.
Have you caught on to the theme this week? I would much rather play a subpar defense in a favorable matchup than a strong defense against a top offense. The Bengals have allowed the 10th-fewest FPPG to opposing defenses. They may be fighting for their playoff lives, but it's certainly not because they have struggled to score points on offense.
