Quarterbacks: Who to Start and Sit

Start Em
- Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
Allen has been a fantasy quarterback of the highest order this season, and his game against the Raiders promises another great outing. He should pile up both passing yards and touchdowns, especially as he is quite good at making plays.
- Justin Fields (Chicago Bears)
Fields is a solid play this week with his dual-threat abilities. He faces a defense that has had problems against mobile quarterbacks, so he should have a pretty high fantasy ceiling.
Sit Em
- Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns)
Watson has been spotty and is facing a very tough matchup this week against the Steelers’ defense. Sit him this week.
- Rookie Quarterbacks
While rookies bring excitement, they’re often inconsistent. If you’re considering a first-year player like Bryce Young, it’s safer to explore other options for now.
Running Backs: Key Decisions
Start Em
- Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers)
McCaffrey continues to shine, and his ability to dominate both in rushing yards and receptions makes him a must-start.
- Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Harris has a favorable matchup this week, and his volume alone makes him a dependable RB1 choice.
Sit Em
- Miles Sanders (Carolina Panthers)
Sanders could struggle to find running lanes against a stout run defense. Other backs fare better in these situations.
- Cam Akers (Los Angeles Rams)
Inconsistent usage and a tough matchup make Akers a sit candidate this week.
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Wide Receivers: Matchup Matters
Start Em
- Stefon Diggs (Buffalo Bills)
Diggs is on a target machine, and with Allen heaving the rock, he is ready for a game of big opportunity. He should see plenty of high-yardage and touchdown potential.
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions)
St. Brown’s sure hands and chemistry with his quarterback make him a good WR1 play this week.
Sit Em
- Michael Pittman Jr. (Indianapolis Colts)
With a tough defense ahead, Pittman’s upside is capped. Find other options with more favorable matchups.
- Brandin Cooks (Dallas Cowboys)
Cooks’ inconsistent targets render him less of a play, especially against a stout secondary.
Tight Ends: Start and Sit Advice
Start Em
- Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens)
When healthy, Andrews is easily the best tight end in the NFL, and he’s almost a must-touch in the red zone.
- Darren Waller (New York Giants)
Waller is an absolute lock in the Giants’ passing game.
Sit Em
- David Njoku (Cleveland Browns)
Njoku has been pretty flaky this season, and this is a pretty scary matchup.
- Tyler Higbee (Los Angeles Rams)
Higbee’s snap count has declined for three consecutive games, so he is a candidate to sit on your bench in this week’s contest.
Defenses to Target or Avoid

Start Em
- San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers’ defense is still the league’s best, and they should have another feast against an opponent this week.
- Buffalo Bills
Facing the Raiders, the Bills’ defense is a good play this week. They should limit the yardage while forcing mistakes.
Sit Em
- Chicago Bears
The Bears’ defense has been terrible, and this week’s opponent may expose some of their weaknesses.
- New York Jets
Despite their talent, the Jets face a tough matchup against a high-powered offense. Bench them if possible.
Kickers: Don’t Overlook Them
Start Em
- Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens)
Tucker is as reliable as they come. His accuracy and range make him a top kicker every week.
- Evan McPherson (Cincinnati Bengals)
McPherson’s leg strength and the Bengals’ scoring potential make him a must-start.
Sit Em
- Cade York (Cleveland Browns)
York’s inconsistency makes him a risk, especially in a potentially low-scoring game.
- Matt Prater (Arizona Cardinals)
The Cardinals’ offense limits Prater’s opportunities, making him a bench candidate.
Final Picks: Start Em Sit Em Recap
Each fantasy week grows in importance as the NFL season continues. When it comes to the quarterback down to the defenses, making sure to choose those with the most favorable matchups or who will use players the most will be all that matters when you want your team to thrive. It may mean sitting household names who underperform. Having this information on your side enables you to bank on the points that will propel you to victories and keep championship dreams alive.

FAQs About Start Em Sit Em
What is “start ’em sit ’em” in fantasy football?
Deciding who to start for you and who to leave to the bench this week based on the player’s performance potential as well as a player’s matchup for that week.
How do I decide who to start and sit each week?
Take into account the matchups, the last performances, injury status, and strengths and weaknesses of the opponent. Other expert rankings and projections are also available.
Does the “start ’em, sit ’em” differ depending on whether this is a PPR or a standard league?
Yes, those who score via reception points get more value per catch in PPR for wide receivers as well as RBs who serve as a large part of the game’s passing offense.
Should my star players go out every week?
Not always. Even stars can have bad matchups or injuries that limit their upside. Analyze the situation every week to make informed decisions.
How big of a factor are matchups in “start em sit em” decisions?
Matchups are huge. A player’s production can go way up or down depending on their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.
When should I stream players?
If there are weak spots on your roster or injuries, then consider streaming options. This is picking free agents or waiver-wire players with favorable matchups.
What role does weather play in “start em sit em” decisions?
Weather can significantly impact games, especially outdoors. Rain, snow, or gusty winds can alter the passing and kicking involved in player performance.
Can I trust rookies in my starting lineup?
Boom or bust rookies. Some will hit the ground running, while others will take a little time to adjust. Usage and matchups will be key to making the call.
Conclusion
Fantasy football success comes down to preparation and smart decision-making. By following our “start em sit em” recommendations, you’re setting yourself up for a winning week. Stay updated on injuries, game-time decisions, and team news to make the most informed choices. Here’s to scoring big and dominating your fantasy league—good luck!