It’s fantasy championship week, folks! Let’s set those fantasy lineups and take home a championship! Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups in a given week for fantasy football leagues. Each week, I’ll examine the quarterbacks who could either exceed or fail to meet expectations based on their weekly opponent.
For your final lineup decisions, check out my fantasy player rankings. I update them daily! Also, make sure you subscribe to the Fantasy Dirt Podcast with Lindsay Rhodes and me, as we break down all things fantasy football five days a week!
Start ‘Em: Kickers to Consider
When it comes to kickers, making the right choice can be the difference between victory and defeat. This week, Chase McLaughlin stands out as the K Start of the Week. Facing the Panthers, McLaughlin has shown he can deliver, scoring 15 or more points in two of his last four games. In Week 13, he put up 15 points against Carolina, who has allowed kickers to score at least eight fantasy points ten times this season. With nine kickers netting 12 points or more against them, McLaughlin is a must-start.
Another kicker to consider is Jake Bates, who will face the 49ers on Monday night. Although he has scored a modest 14 points in his last two games, the 49ers’ defense has been generous to kickers, allowing an average of 9.6 fantasy points over the last eight weeks. Bates should be a top-10 option this week.
Don’t overlook Tyler Bass either. He has accumulated 22 fantasy points over his last two games, and with the Jets allowing the second-most points per game to kickers since Week 9, Bass is poised for a strong performance.
Defenses to Stream
Now let’s talk about defenses. The Dolphins are the DST Start of the Week as they take on the Browns. Fantasy managers looking for a streaming option should grab Miami, which has thrived against the Browns’ struggling offense. Cleveland has committed 21 turnovers and allowed 26 sacks in the last eight weeks, making the Dolphins a prime target for fantasy points.
The Colts defense is another great option against the Giants. New York has been a mess offensively, averaging just 14 points and 279.3 yards per game since Week 9. With the Giants allowing 12 sacks in that same timeframe, the Colts could be a sneaky play that pays off big.
The Chargers also have a favorable matchup against the Patriots. Despite their recent struggles, the Patriots have committed 13 turnovers in the last eight weeks, making the Chargers a viable streaming option.
Kickoff with Caution: Sit ‘Em
On the flip side, there are kickers you might want to avoid. Jason Sanders faces the Browns this week, and while he had a standout performance against the 49ers, the Browns have limited kickers to just 6.3 points per game at home. With potential rain showers looming, it might be wise to keep Sanders on the bench.
Harrison Butker is another kicker to consider sitting. He has been inconsistent this season, scoring single digits in four of his last eight games. Against the Steelers, who have allowed an average of just 5.8 points per game to kickers at home, Butker is not a reliable option.
Finally, Matt Gay has struggled to find his rhythm, failing to score more than eight points in four straight games. With the Giants allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to kickers at MetLife Stadium, Gay is best left on the sidelines.
Defenses to Avoid
When it comes to defenses, the Jets are a team to steer clear of this week. Their performance has dipped significantly compared to last season, and facing the Bills in Buffalo is not a favorable matchup. Josh Allen will be eager to bounce back from a poor outing, making the Jets a risky choice.
Also, consider avoiding the 49ers defense against the Lions. They have struggled to generate pressure, recording only 15 sacks since Week 9. With the Lions boasting one of the most explosive offenses in the league, the Niners are unlikely to deliver the fantasy points you need.
Lastly, the Falcons defense, which previously had a strong showing against the Giants, faces a tougher challenge against the Commanders. Defenses have averaged just 4.5 fantasy points per game when facing Jayden Daniels and his offense, making the Falcons a fade this week.
Complete Player Rankings
As you finalize your lineups, be sure to check out my complete rankings for all positions: QBs, RBs, WRs, TEs, Ks, and DSTs. I’ve got you covered with daily updates to help you make the best decisions leading up to game day.
In this critical week, remember that every point counts. Whether you’re starting a kicker or a defense, make sure you’re informed and ready to take home that championship trophy! Good luck, and may your fantasy dreams come true!
