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.
NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, all stats come from NFL Pro, Next Gen Stats or NFL Research.
Start 'Em
The Titans did not score a touchdown in Week 1, and Cam Ward was sacked six times. That was against the Broncos defense, which will make many QBs look silly. There will undoubtedly be growing pains with a rookie QB, and we can take advantage of that for fantasy purposes. The Rams created pressure on 41 percent of dropbacks and generated a sack on nine percent of dropbacks last week -- both top 11 in the NFL.
The Cardinals didn’t have the biggest fantasy day against the Saints last week, but if you have them, it's worth taking another shot against the Panthers. Carolina turned the ball over three times and allowed the Jaguars to finish as a top-five defense last week.
Arizona's D/ST flopped last week against New Orleans, but the Saints still struggled with Spencer Rattler at quarterback. They have scored 13 or fewer points in five of the eight games he has played in, going back to last season. That is an offense to stream against in fantasy.
There will be highs and lows with J.J. McCarthy, as evidenced by the first-time starter's performance on Monday Night Football. McCarthy made some really impressive throws ... and some that he undoubtedly wished he could've had back. McCarthy took a sack on 13 percent of his dropbacks, the third-highest mark in Week 1. And there was also that pick-six. Defenses might flop against the Vikings, but the upside is worth a dice roll.
The Rams were able to force two turnovers and three sacks against C.J. Stroud and the Texans, finishing as a top-five fantasy defense last week. Houston allowed pressure on over 40 percent of dropbacks. We chase sacks when streaming fantasy defenses.
Sit 'Em
You watched Sunday Night Football and saw what the Bills' offense did to a very talented Ravens defense. Baltimore's D/ST finished with -3 fantasy points. There are just certain offenses you do not play defenses against in fantasy, and the Bills are one of them.
The Eagles' offense continues to steamroll opposing defenses. Philadelphia allowed just one fantasy point to Dallas' defense last week. The Chiefs' D/ST also struggled in Week 1, finishing with just 3 fantasy points against the Chargers. Like the Bills, the Eagles have one of those offenses I do not play defenses against. Even the good defenses, like Kansas City.
There is a theme here! The Packers' defense looked great against the Lions and is one you could start most weeks. But Jayden Daniels and the Commanders are not an ordinary opponent. If you want to start Green Bay because you do not want to lose the unit or roster two defenses, I get that. But I would look to go in another direction.
I was very excited about the Giants' defense before the season. One week against the Commanders does not change that entirely, but I was discouraged that they created pressure at the third-lowest rate in Week 1. There is talent there, but we need to see it translate before you can start the unit in fantasy.
The Falcons managed to score just one fantasy point against Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. Houston created pressure at a below-average rate in Week 1. Tampa Bay can beat you in a number of ways. Consequently, the Bucs' attack has become an offense that I tend to avoid with my fantasy defenses.
