Are you gearing up for a postseason fantasy football league, or perhaps fine-tuning your DFS lineup? If so, you won’t want to miss this week’s edition of Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em! This guide is your ultimate resource for navigating the best and worst matchups of the week, helping you make informed decisions about your fantasy roster. Each week, I’ll dive into players who could either shine or falter based on their upcoming opponents.
For your final lineup decisions, don’t forget to consult my fantasy player rankings, which I update daily!
Quarterback Matchups to Consider
Baker Mayfield vs. Commanders (8 p.m. ET, NBC): Mayfield has been on fire lately, scoring at least 19 fantasy points in five consecutive games, including two outings where he topped 28 points. While the Commanders’ defense has been tough on quarterbacks in the latter half of the season, DK Sportsbook has set this game total at 50.5, hinting at a potential shootout. Mayfield is definitely worth a look in your postseason fantasy formats.
Sam Darnold at Rams (Mon. 8 p.m. ET, ESPN): Darnold stumbled to finish the regular season, posting just 7.6 points in a loss to the Lions. However, he had scored 19-plus points in all but one of his previous seven games. With the Rams’ defense allowing an average of around 18 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks in the second half of the season, Darnold is a solid start.
Jordan Love at Eagles (4:30 p.m. ET, Fox): Love struggled down the stretch, scoring fewer than 15 points in four of his last five games and throwing one touchdown or fewer in all but one of those contests. Facing the Eagles, who allowed just nine touchdown passes and the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, I’d keep him on the sidelines.
Russell Wilson at Ravens (Sat. 8 p.m. ET, Prime Video): Wilson’s performance dipped at the end of the regular season, scoring only 11.5 points against the Bengals. He has failed to score more than 15.4 points in three of his last four games. Given his struggles against the Ravens, where he combined for just 21.7 fantasy points in two meetings, it’s wise to bench him.
Running Back Recommendations
Bucky Irving vs. Commanders (8 p.m. ET, NBC): Irving has taken command of the Buccaneers’ backfield, garnering over 35 percent of the touches in each of his last three games. The Commanders have allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs in the second half of the season, making Irving a top-five option this weekend.
Joe Mixon vs. Chargers (Sat. 4:30 p.m. ET, CBS): Mixon’s numbers have been concerning, as he scored fewer than 11 fantasy points in five of his last six games. However, the Texans need to lean on him to defeat the Chargers, whose run defense has allowed five backs to score 14 or more points since Week 11. This matchup could be favorable for Mixon.
Najee Harris at Ravens (Sat. 8 p.m. ET, Prime Video): Harris also struggled down the stretch, scoring fewer than 12 fantasy points in four of his last five games. In a previous matchup against the Ravens, he managed just 4.2 points. Given Baltimore’s stingy defense, I’d be cautious about starting him.
Brian Robinson Jr. at Buccaneers (8 p.m. ET, NBC): Robinson Jr. finished the regular season poorly, scoring single digits in his last three games. The Buccaneers have surrendered the fewest fantasy points to running backs in the second half of the season, so it’s best to avoid Robinson Jr. this week.
Wide Receiver Insights
Ladd McConkey at Texans (Sat. 4:30 p.m. ET, CBS): McConkey has been a revelation, averaging 18.7 points per game and scoring no less than 14.3 fantasy points in his last seven games. With the Texans allowing the most fantasy points to slot receivers, he should be in your lineup.
Jalen McMillan vs. Commanders (8 p.m. ET, NBC): McMillan has quietly become a fantasy star, scoring a combined seven touchdowns in the last five weeks. Despite a tough matchup on paper, his consistent production makes him a reliable starter.
Cooper Kupp vs. Vikings (Mon. 8 p.m. ET, ESPN): Kupp’s numbers have taken a nosedive, as he was held to single digits in four of his last five games. With such a concerning trend, it’s wise to think twice before starting him, even in a potentially high-scoring game against the Vikings.
Jayden Reed at Eagles (4:30 p.m. ET, Fox): Reed has been a disappointment, averaging just 11.6 fantasy points this season. With a tough matchup against the Eagles, he’s not a trustworthy option for your lineup.
Tight End and Defense Recommendations
Mark Andrews vs. Steelers (Sat. 8 p.m. ET, Prime Video): After a rocky start, Andrews has turned it around, scoring 10-plus points in all but one of his last eight games. He’s found the end zone in each of his last six games, making him a must-start against the Steelers, who have struggled against tight ends.
Cade Otton vs. Commanders (8 p.m. ET, NBC): Otton has seen his production decline recently, averaging just 6.6 fantasy points over his last five games. With the Commanders allowing only 11.4 fantasy points per game to tight ends, it’s best to keep him on the bench.
Ravens defense vs. Steelers (Sat. 8 p.m. ET, Prime Video): The Ravens’ defense has stepped up, and facing a struggling Steelers offense makes them an attractive option. Pittsburgh has averaged just 14.3 points and 258.5 yards over their last four games.
Broncos defense at Bills (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Despite a strong regular season, the Broncos should be avoided against the high-flying Bills. Buffalo’s offense has been one of the most prolific at home, making the Broncos a risky start.
As you prepare for Wild Card weekend, remember to analyze these matchups carefully. The right decisions could be the difference between advancing in your fantasy league or going home early. Good luck!
