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 backfield takeover in Tampa Bay is here. Irving played 55 percent of the snaps last week, totaling 12 carries (tied Rachaad White for the team lead) and six targets. He scored a touchdown and finished with 27.1 fantasy points, making him the fantasy RB3 on the week. The six targets were his second-most in a game this season and the consistent usage as a pass catcher helps elevate him. It was frustrating for Irving managers to see Sean Tucker getting work early, but after his goal-line fumble in the second quarter, he only had one touch on offense for the rest of the game. Irving should eat as the lead back against the Panthers, who have allowed the second-most rushing yards, most rushing touchdowns and most fantasy points per game to RBs. White is in play as a flex option.
I have been advocating for Chase Brown for a while. There is no way I am going to let something like a tough matchup stop me now! He has averaged 22.8 FPPG in his last three games and 17.6 FPPG since Week 4. He has one single-digit game in that span and just two with fewer than 14 fantasy points. The Steelers are tough against the run, but they have allowed double-digit rushing TDs. They are also in the bottom 12 in receiving yards allowed to the position. Given the recent production, paired with him averaging nearly eight targets per game in his last three contests, you can still trust Brown in this matchup.
Pollard bounced back in a big way with 21.9 fantasy points last week, and he remains in play this week. He averages 14.1 FPPG and has a fantastic matchup. The Commanders have allowed the most rushing yards to running backs. They’ve also allowed explosive runs at the second-highest rate in the league (14 percent). Given the volume he sees, the matchup and the fact that the Titans have had better quarterback play of late, Pollard is a strong start even with no teams on bye.
Last week was a floor game fantasy-wise for Dowdle, as he scored 10.8 fantasy points, but it was a more encouraging showing than it might have looked on paper. Dowdle played more than 60 percent of the snaps and carried the ball 19 times for 86 yards. He also had three targets. He gets a chance to build on that this week. The Giants have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards to running backs since Week 8. They are allowing nearly five yards per carry in that span. They have allowed the sixth-most receiving yards to backs this season. This should be a competitive game, one where game script could favor Dowdle. He is not a must-start with no byes, but he is a strong RB2 or flex play this week.
More start options: Carolina's Chuba Hubbard (vs. Bucs); Green Bay's Josh Jacobs (vs. Dolphins); New England's Rhamondre Stevenson (vs. Colts).
Sit 'Em
The past month has been up and down for Swift. He has averaged 11.9 FPPG and 53 rush yards in the last four games, slowing down a bit from the pace he set in Weeks 4-8. However, he is still useful most weeks in fantasy. This week might be a little different, though. The Lions have allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards, second-fewest receiving yards and second-fewest FPPG to RBs. They held Jonathan Taylor to just 3.5 fantasy points last week. Perhaps worst of all is Roschon Johnson continues to vulture goal-line touches from Swift. He is not a must-sit, but with a tough matchup on a short week and no teams on bye, if you have another option, take it.
We haven’t seen anywhere close to enough production to trust either of the Jaguars backs in fantasy football. Bigsby exited early in Week 10 with an ankle injury and missed Week 11, but Etienne still scored fewer than seven fantasy points in each game. We know the Jags are not afraid to have their top two backs split work when both are healthy. Last time we saw that was in Week 9, when Bigsby led the team in carries, Etienne led the squad’s RBs in targets and fantasy managers who started them led in frustration. The Texans are a tough matchup, allowing the sixth-fewest FPPG to RBs. With no teams on bye, avoid the Jacksonville backfield.
I know, I had Chubb as a sit last week and he came through with 19 fantasy points. He needed two touchdowns to get there. In fact, he’s averaging just 4.9 FPPG when he doesn’t score a TD this season. Touchdowns have accounted for 41 percent of his fantasy points in 2024. He’s still averaging a career-low 3.0 yards per touch (5.3 was his previous low) and he has just three catches in five games. Due to a lack of big plays, Chubb is purely a TD-dependent back. The Broncos have allowed just five rushing TDs to RBs this season. With no teams on bye, do not chase last week’s production.
Abdullah came through for those who streamed him last week, scoring 17.5 fantasy points to finish as the fantasy RB9. The Raiders have a fantastic fantasy playoff schedule, so if Abdullah or Alexander Mattison pull away volume-wise, they could be a surprise contributor to fantasy championships. That does not apply this week, though. The Chiefs have allowed the fewest rushing yards and FPPG to backs this season. They have allowed the sixth-fewest receiving yards to RBs since Week 8. Plus, Mattison might return from injury this week. Abdullah is a fine bench stash for later in the season, but do not start him in Week 13.
