Fantasy football season is one of the most thrilling times for sports fans. The weekly grind of setting your lineup, making trades, and keeping up with injuries can be exciting and overwhelming. One of the most critical decisions fantasy managers face each week is deciding who to start and who to sit. This is where NFL Start Em Sit Em advice becomes invaluable. By understanding matchups, trends, and player performance, you can maximize your lineup’s potential and give yourself the best shot at victory.
This comprehensive guide discusses what to consider when making your NFL Start Em Sit Em decisions, tips for specific positions, and examples of players to watch this season. Let’s dive in and help you dominate your fantasy league!
What is NFL Start Em Sit Em?
Before diving into specific strategies, let’s define what NFL Start Em Sit Em means. It’s a popular phrase in the fantasy football world that analyzes players’ matchups, performances, and situations to determine which players to start in your fantasy lineup and which to leave on the bench. Every week, fantasy analysts evaluate players based on their matchups, offensive schemes, and projected usage, offering insight into who is primed for a big game and who might underperform.
While no decision is foolproof, the right Start Em Sit Em calls can differentiate between a close win and a frustrating loss.
Why Matchups Matter in NFL Start Em Sit Em Decisions
One of the first things to consider when making NFL Start Em Sit Em decisions is the strength of a player’s matchup. Not all defenses are equal, and some teams struggle to defend specific positions.
For example:
- Wide Receivers vs. Weak Secondaries: If a team has a poor pass defense, their opponents’ wide receivers are likelier to thrive. Look for games where top receivers face teams with high yards allowed per pass attempt.
- Running Backs vs. Poor Run Defenses: If a defense struggles against the run, starting a running back with a high volume can significantly boost your team.
- Quarterbacks vs. Pressure Rates: If a team has an intense pass rush but a weak secondary, pocket-passers may struggle, but mobile quarterbacks who can extend plays might excel.
Keeping an eye on defensive rankings and recent trends will help you better determine who to start and sit with each week.
NFL Start Em Sit Em for Quarterbacks
Start Em
When choosing quarterbacks, look for those with favorable matchups or who are in high-scoring games. For example:
- Players in Shootouts: Games with high over/under totals often indicate offensive fireworks. Quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen are always must-starts in these games.
- Running QBs: Dual-threat quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts or Lamar Jackson provide a higher floor thanks to their rushing ability, even if they have a terrible passing day.
Sit Em
Sometimes, it’s best to bench a big-name QB if they face a top-tier defense. Examples include:
- Elite Pass Defenses: Benching a quarterback against the 49ers or Jets’ defense may be wise if you have a comparable option with a better matchup.
- Inconsistent Options: Players like Russell Wilson or Desmond Ridder may offer big games occasionally, but they’re risky plays against strong defenses.
NFL Start Em Sit Em for Running Backs
Start Em
Running backs thrive on volume and goal-line opportunities. Consider starting:
- RB1s in Great Matchups: Workhorse backs like Christian McCaffrey or Derrick Henry are auto-starts, but even mid-tier options like Travis Etienne can shine against weak run defenses.
- Pass-catching RBs in PPR: In leagues that reward points for receptions, running backs like Austin Ekeler or Alvin Kamara are excellent choices, especially if their team is likely to trail and throw the ball.
Sit Em
Be cautious with running backs in the following situations:
- RB Committees: If your running back splits carries (e.g., Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr.), they may not see enough volume to be productive, especially in tough matchups.
- Game Script Issues: If a running back’s team is expected to fall behind early, their usage may drop. For example, a two-down back like Rhamondre Stevenson may be less effective if the Patriots play from behind.
NFL Start Em Sit Em for Wide Receivers
Start Em
Wide receivers can explode in the right situations. Players to start include:
- WR1s in Favorable Matchups: Target receivers like Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase against weaker defenses. These players are must-starts nearly every week.
- Slot Receivers Against Zone Defenses: Players like Amon-Ra St. Brown or Cooper Kupp thrive against zone coverage schemes, where they can find soft spots in the defense.
Sit Em
Wide receivers are often boom-or-bust players, so bench the following:
- WR3s on Low-Volume Offenses: Players in run-heavy systems (like the Atlanta Falcons) may not see enough targets to justify starting.
- Inconsistent Deep Threats: Speedsters like Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Gabe Davis can have massive weeks, but they’re tough to trust when the matchup doesn’t favor big plays.
NFL Start Em Sit Em for Tight Ends
Start Em
Tight end is one of the most challenging positions in fantasy football, but a few players stand out:
- Elite TE1s: Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, and T.J. Hockenson are weekly must-starts.
- Streamers with Good Matchups: If you don’t have an elite option, look for tight ends playing against defenses that struggle to defend the position. For example, Dalton Kincaid may be a good start against teams like the Seahawks or Cardinals.
Sit Em
Avoid tight ends who fall into these categories:
- Touchdown-Dependent Options: Players like Hunter Henry or Dawson Knox may have some value, but they’re tough to trust without a touchdown.
- Inconsistent Usage: If a tight end hasn’t been consistently targeted (e.g., Kyle Pitts in certain weeks), it’s better to look for a safer streaming option.
Tips for Making Smart NFL Start Em Sit Em Decisions
Here are a few additional tips to guide your lineup decisions:
- Follow Injury Reports: Late-breaking injury news can drastically change players’ outlook. If a starting running back is ruled out, their backup could become a must-start.
- Check Weather Conditions: Rain, wind, and snow can significantly impact passing games, making running backs and defenses more valuable in those weeks.
- Monitor Snap Counts and Usage Trends: A player’s snap share and recent target/carry trends indicate their role in the offense.
- Don’t Overthink Studs: While it’s essential to consider matchups, don’t bench your top players unless you have an incredible alternative.
Conclusion
Making the right NFL Start Em Sit Em decisions is critical to fantasy football success. By analyzing matchups, keeping up with injury updates, and understanding trends, you can make informed choices to maximize your lineup’s potential. Whether deciding between two mid-tier flex options or debating benching a big-name player with a tough matchup, the key is to stay informed and trust the process.
Fantasy football is about balancing risk and reward; no decision is guaranteed to work out. However, by using this guide as a reference, you’ll be better equipped to make winning calls and climb the ranks in your league. So take a deep breath, lock in your lineup, and let the fantasy points roll in!
