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
Caleb Williams and the Bears took at least seven sacks last week for the third time this season. The Bears have taken a sack on 11 percent of their dropbacks -- the only team in double digits in that category. Williams’ 56 sacks taken is the fifth-most ever through 13 games. It's why the 49ers, who played Chicago last week, scored double-digit fantasy points for just the second time all season and finished as the top-scoring D. This season, the Bears have allowed the eighth-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. They had some success against Minnesota in their first matchup, but it’s worth taking the shot here.
The Broncos have been highly reliable for fantasy purposes in 2024. They have scored double-digit fantasy points in three straight games and eight games total this season. Four times, they've scored 15 or more. That's a safe floor with a high ceiling, routinely providing the kinds of performances that can flip your week. This week, Denver gets the Colts, who have allowed some big weeks to opposing defenses this season. The chance at turnovers with this secondary is high.
The Giants are a team you should look to stream against for the rest of the season. They have scored 11 points or fewer in two of their last three games -- you don't have to worry about New York running up the score and hurting your D/ST as a result. They also take sacks at an above-average rate and have turnover issues. On the year, they have allowed the third-most fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. The Ravens' defense has week-altering potential this Sunday. That's what we chase in the fantasy playoffs!
The Jags have struggled to find much success on offense without Trevor Lawrence. They scored just 10 points last week and had two turnovers. In the last month, they have allowed more than seven fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. New York's defense has been disappointing for fantasy purposes this season, but the Jets still have a lot of talent on that side of the ball and they know former Patriot Mac Jones well. This is the kind of game Gang Green could feast in. The upside has this defense in play.
Sit 'Em
The Steelers boast a very good defense, both in real life and for fantasy purposes. But the Eagles field a very good offense. Saquon Barkley is running wild, anything near the goal line turns into a touchdown via the "Tush Push" and Philadelphia has a great 1-2 punch in the passing game. On the year, Philly has allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. The chances of Pittsburgh's defense putting up a big fantasy performance this week is lowered, which is why I would look to get away.
You saw what the Bills offense did last week, right? Josh Allen scored the most fantasy points by a QB in any game in NFL history. The Bills take sacks at the lowest rate in the NFL. They have allowed the third-fewest fantasy PPG to defenses. Detroit has been a very reliable fantasy defense this season, but this is not the week to trust the unit. This game -- indoors at Ford Field -- has scorefest written all over it. Go in another direction this week.
Don't call me biased! The Lions are an absolute juggernaut. I have no interest starting any defense against them in fantasy. On the season, they have allowed the second-fewest fantasy PPG to opposing defenses. They should be able to run all over the Bills. After observing what the Rams did to Buffalo last week, I do not see how you can trust Sean McDermott's defense at all this week. Do not get cute in the fantasy playoffs.
The Rams played a near-flawless game on offense last week, dropping 44 points on the Bills. Buffalo, which boasted the sixth-best fantasy defense entering Week 14, scored negative-four fantasy points. The 49ers' defense has only scored double-digit fantasy points twice this season. Given the lack of fantasy success and the opponent -- as well as the history between these two teams and coaching staffs -- I would get away from San Francisco's D in the opening weekend of the fantasy playoffs.
