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 Justin Jefferson. 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
Noted Bears fan Adam Rank used to pen this column -- and based on how often I've been featuring Swift lately, you might think Rank's back on the job. The volume is simply too good to get away from. He has played over 60 percent of the Bears' offensive snaps in all but one game. He has 16 or more carries in five straight games and is often involved in both the passing game and near the goal line. Now he gets to face the Patriots, who have allowed the second-most rushing yards to backs this season and -- by far -- the most since Week 5. In total, they have allowed the sixth-most fantasy PPG to opposing RBs. Swift remains a strong start.
The Chargers' defense is tough, especially against running backs, but there is still reason to get excited about starting Pollard this week. He has played over 80 percent of the Titans' offensive snaps in three straight games and has never played less than 60 percent in a game this season. He's logged 16-plus carries in all but one game and averages four targets per contest. Plus, he has scored 14.7 fantasy points or more in all but two games, showing he brings a safe floor. Lastly, as difficult as it is to run against them, the Bolts have allowed explosive runs at the second-highest rate in the NFL this season. Pollard remains a start, despite the opponent.
Stevenson's had an up-and-down season, but he has played over 70 percent of the Patriots' offensive snaps and topped 22 fantasy points in two straight games. He has scored 17 or more five times in nine games. He sees consistent pass-game usage and goal-line work. The Bears seem like a tough matchup on paper, but they're giving up 5.1 yards per carry to opposing backs. They're also allowing explosive runs at the fifth-highest rate in the NFL. Sticking with Arizona's James Conner in this matchup worked last week, so do the same with Stevenson here.
The Chase Brown breakout arrived! My bold prediction last week was that Brown would run for 100 yards and finish as a top-10 RB in fantasy -- and he shattered both benchmarks in a performance that generated a season-high 26.7 fantasy points. He's averaged 16.6 fantasy PPG since Week 4 and should continue to lead the way, even with Khalil Herbert joining the Bengals. If anything, Herbert could play the role Zack Moss once inhabited in Cincinnati's backfield, but it might take him some time to get there. The Ravens' run defense is very tough, but Brown had two explosive runs against them back in Week 5, finishing that earlier matchup with over 16 fantasy points. Plus, Baltimore has allowed the fourth-most receiving yards and tied for the fifth-most receiving touchdowns to RBs this season. Despite the matchup, there is too much upside to get away from.
Don't look now, but Harris is in the midst of his best fantasy stretch in years. Harris has run for more than 100 yards in three straight games, logging a touchdown in two of those. He eclipsed 16 fantasy points in each of those three. He is averaging 20 touches per game. And this week's matchup offers him a good chance to keep that hot streak going, as the Commanders have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards to RBs in the NFL. They also have surrendered explosive runs at the highest rate in the league. We know Harris has a safe floor, thanks to volume. On Sunday, he could show his upside again.
The Giants backfield belongs to Tracy. The rookie stepped in when Devin Singletary was injured, and he's continued to roll even with Singletary back in the fold, playing 67, 57 and 72 percent of the team's offensive snaps in the three games since the veteran's return. Tracy logged 17 and 22 touches in the last two games. He's shown that he has a high ceiling, and we could get another big game this week against Carolina. The Panthers have allowed the most rushing yards and rushing touchdowns to RBs, and they've also struggled against backs in the passing game; in total, they have allowed the most fantasy PPG to RBs. Tracy needs to be started this week.
Sit 'Em
The Bucs backs continue to eat off each other's plates. In Week 9, Irving and White split the work on passing downs, while Irving led in carries and White played more snaps and got the goal-line touchdown. This split lowers the floors of each back, and neither brings a ton of upside -- especially not in a tough matchup against San Francisco. The 49ers have allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards to backs this season, giving up just 3.7 yards per carry and negative-29 rushing yards over expectation. They have allowed explosive runs at the third-lowest rate in the NFL. If you can get away from Irving and White, I would.
With Travis Etienne returning to the field in Week 9 following a two-game absence, Bigsby played 52 percent of the Jaguars' offensive snaps, logging a team-high eight carries. However, he was not utilized in the passing game and finished with just 2.2 fantasy points. Was Etienne getting eased in, or is this how Jacksonville's backfield will operate going forward? We are still not sure, but this is a tough matchup for whoever totes the ball in this backfield. Minnesota has allowed the third-fewest rushing yards to RBs this season. They've allowed just three rushing TDs and are in the bottom eight in explosive runs allowed to RBs. I do not love either Bigsby or Etienne, but I lean toward the latter as the pass catcher in a game where the Jags could be in catch-up mode.
It was already tough to trust Williams, but it become even tougher to do so after Sean Payton said Audric Estime will be used more moving forward. Is Denver opting for a three-headed committee, with Jaleel McLaughlin remaining involved? That would be a nightmare scenario for Williams, who already has failed to top 12 fantasy points in all but two games this season. The floor is already low, and now there might be more competition for touches. Plus, the Chiefs are the toughest matchup for RBs. They have allowed the fewest yards to running backs in the NFL -- in fact, no other team is within 100 yards of them. They allow just 3.1 yards per carry and also limit the pass-game usage of RBs. Sit Williams.
Since returning from injury in Week 5, Mostert has averaged 14 touches, 65 scrimmage yards and 9.9 fantasy PPG. He's topped 50 percent of the Dolphins' offensive snaps in just one of four games. In his best game, he put up 16 fantasy points -- but 12 of those came off touchdowns, showing he is extremely dependent on getting into the end zone. When Mostert is not scoring TDs, he is more of a floor play with little upside. This week, he faces the Rams, who have been better against the run of late. Since Week 5, L.A. has allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards and just one touchdown. In the last month, the Rams have given up the fifth-fewest fantasy PPG to RBs. With the Dolphins now mixing in a third RB, you can get away from Mostert.
I'm not sure if there is a bigger fan of Brooks in the fantasy industry than me. I have him on a ton of my fantasy teams and dubbed him the biggest league winner before the season (Jayden Daniels was second). Then the Panthers completely slow-walked his debut while he continued to recover from an ACL tear suffered in college, and that gives me a lot of pause heading into his first career appearance. I do not anticipate Brooks seeing a ton of work immediately; he will likely play a secondary role behind Chuba Hubbard. Maybe he takes over the Miles Sanders role right away, or perhaps all three are involved. I want Brooks on my rosters and still believe he has a lot of upside. But until we see it happen, you can take a wait-and-see approach.
