The next few weeks of fantasy football will be crucial for most teams. While some managers are firmly at the top (or bottom) already, most of us are fighting for a playoff berth. These start/sit decisions you make could determine whether you reach the playoffs or not, so let me help out.
As always, a brief disclaimer that this article will avoid the obvious. If you have Christian McCaffrey on your fantasy football team, you should probably start him. The goal here is to focus on borderline starters and players with thought-provoking matchups.
Quarterbacks
Start: Sam Howell
As everyone expected, Sam Howell is the NFL’s leader in passing yards through week 10. The Commanders aren’t afraid to let Howell air it out, and he’s now a top-three quarterback in fantasy football. Howell goes head-to-head against a New York Giants team that has given up 79 points over the last two weeks. This week is a layup for Howell as he looks to stay hot.
Sit: Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow travels to Baltimore for a primetime matchup against the Ravens. He’ll be without wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) once again. Hitting the road on a short week to take on a divisional opponent is less than ideal. Fantasy managers should explore other options at quarterback, if possible.
Running Backs
Start: Raheem Mostert
Fantasy football managers who roster Raheem Mostert might be panicking after some underwhelming performances. Mostert should get back on track in a friendly matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders this weekend. Even with the return of rookie sensation De’Von Achane, expect Mostert to be the lead running back for an offense known to score points in bunches.
Sit: Isiah Pacheco
Isiah Pacheco’s fantasy production has been heavily reliant on touchdowns this season. In four of the five games he’s failed to reach the end zone, Pacheco recorded single-digit fantasy points. Now isn’t the time to expect a touchdown from Pacheco. The Chiefs head to Philadelphia to face a defense that’s allowed just three rushing touchdowns all season.
Start: Tyjae Spears
Rookie Tyjae Spears has carved out a fantasy-friendly role within the Titans offense. Spears is firmly the third down back, and he steals a few carries from Derrick Henry each week. Spears faces a Jaguars defense that has allowed the most receptions to running backs this season. He has FLEX appeal with RB2 upside in the fantasy football world.
Sit: David Montgomery
David Montgomery had a field day against the Chargers defense last week, averaging nearly 10 yards per carry. He takes on the Bears this week, but the matchup isn’t as friendly as you’d think. Chicago’s run defense ranks toward the top of the league in yards, yards per attempt, and touchdowns allowed. Managers in deeper leagues might not have legit options to replace Montgomery, but temper expectations.
Wide Receivers
Start: DeAndre Hopkins
The hype has settled after a vintage performance from DeAndre Hopkins in week eight, but the usage remains promising. Rookie quarterback Will Levis is leaning on Hopkins, throwing the ball his way 25 times through three games. Hopkins draws a matchup against a bottom-5 passing defense this week, and Treylon Burks’ status remains in question. A bounce-back is brewing for Hopkins.
Sit: Amari Cooper
Amari Cooper had his way against the Steelers secondary in week two, but a lot has changed. Cooper will be catching passes from backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson this time around. He’ll also see a lot of rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who’s emerged over the last month. Expect another low-scoring, defensive battle between these AFC North rivals.
Start: All Packers WRs
If you have any Packers wide receivers on your fantasy team, start them. They have an ideal matchup against the Chargers at Lambeau Field. Just about every stat (or simply watching them play) says the Chargers defense is terrible. However, their offense can put up points and force Green Bay to pass throughout the game.
Sit: Adam Thielen
Adam Thielen’s elite production from earlier in the season has settled down. He’s averaging under 50 yards per game since Carolina’s bye week and hasn’t scored a touchdown during this stretch. Thielen and company travel to Dallas to take on a passing defense that ranks 2nd in yards allowed per game. Fantasy football managers don’t want any part of the Panthers offense this week.
Tight Ends
Start: Jake Ferguson
Somehow, Jake Ferguson currently leads the NFL in red zone targets. He’s scored a touchdown in three straight games, and Dallas projects to sleepwalk to a victory over Carolina. All signs point to another explosion from the Cowboys offense, so fire up Ferguson this week.
Sit: Dalton Kincaid
Dalton Kincaid has been consistently great for a few games, so now I must rain on the parade. Kincaid creates mismatches with his size and agility, but good luck finding a mismatch against the Jets defense. The Jets D has many players who can cover sideline to sideline. Give Kincaid a break, then throw him back in your starting lineup next week.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
