Fantasy football managers know that every lineup decision can make or break a week, and choosing the right players to start or sit is where championships are won. With the 2025 NFL season underway, matchups, stats, and trends are more important than ever. From favorable matchups and scoring trends to players you should avoid in tough spots, my weekly positional start and sit guide is built to give you an edge.
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DEF to Start
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals underwhelmed with just five fantasy points in Week 1, but the process was right, and they’re worth rolling out again. Carolina’s offense coughed up three turnovers last week and allowed Jacksonville to finish as a top-five defense. Bryce Young continues to struggle with ball security and reads against NFL defenses. That’s a matchup fantasy managers should target until he proves otherwise. Arizona’s pass rush and opportunistic secondary give them a path to a strong finish at home.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams impressed in Week 1 with three sacks, two takeaways, and just nine points allowed against Houston. They pressured the quarterback on 41% of dropbacks and finished with a sack on nine percent, both top-11 marks in the league. Now they face rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who was sacked six times in his debut against Denver. Rookie mistakes plus defensive pressure is a recipe for fantasy success. Available on waivers in many leagues, the Rams are a prime streaming option this week.
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco held Seattle in check last week, producing 11 fantasy points and looking like a reliable unit once again. Now they get a favorable matchup against New Orleans, an offense that has scored 13 or fewer points in five of Spencer Rattler’s eight career games. Arizona’s defense struggled against the Saints in Week 1, but still managed to put up a double-digit fantasy score. The 49ers have a much stronger roster and should be able to capitalize. Pencil them in as a top-10 option this week.
DEF to Sit
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City must be avoided this week against the Eagles’ high-powered offense. Philadelphia shredded Dallas’ defense in Week 1, holding them to just a single fantasy point, and Jalen Hurts’ group rarely allows sacks or turnovers. The Chiefs themselves struggled in Week 1, getting tormented by an improved Chargers offense. While their defense has been strong in the past, this is a matchup that tilts heavily toward the offense. Keep Kansas City on your bench in Week 2.
New York Jets
The Jets’ defense has plenty of talent, but the matchup against Buffalo makes them a sit this week. Josh Allen and the Bills looked dominant in their opener, dropping 34 points on a tough Ravens defense that finished with -3 fantasy points. That’s the type of ceiling-crushing offense fantasy managers want no part of. While New York’s defense may keep the game competitive, the fantasy scoring outlook is grim. High-scoring environments sink defenses, and that’s likely the case here.
Kickers to Start
Cameron Dicker LAC
Dicker put up nine fantasy points in Week 1 and is set up for even more success against the Raiders. Dating back to last season, only two teams have allowed more points to kickers. In two games against Las Vegas last year, he combined for 24 points, showing this matchup can deliver. With a high projected point total and a divisional rivalry, he carries top-five kicker upside. Fantasy managers can confidently start him.
Chad Ryland ARI
Ryland scored 10 fantasy points in Week 1 and draws another great matchup in Week 2 against Carolina. The Panthers have been the most generous defense to opposing kickers dating back to last season, giving up nearly 11 points per game. Ryland has posted double digits in five of his last seven contests, making him one of the most consistent options at the position. With Arizona’s offense moving the ball effectively but still prone to stalling in the red zone, Ryland has a strong chance to deliver again.
Kickers to Sit
Younghoe Koo ATL
Koo managed eight fantasy points in Week 1 but missed a crucial late field goal, and his ceiling remains capped. He hasn’t scored more than nine fantasy points in any of his last nine games. The matchup also works against him, as Minnesota has allowed the fewest points to kickers since the start of last season. Playing indoors usually boosts kickers, but this isn’t the week to take that gamble. Koo should remain on fantasy benches until his role improves.
Harrison Butker KC
Butker scored 10 fantasy points in Week 1, but consistency has been an issue for him. He has only three double-digit games in his last six games dating back to last year. Now he faces an Eagles defense that is great at limiting kicker production, holding opponents to seven or fewer fantasy points in 10 of their last 18 regular-season games. In what could be a touchdown-heavy affair, Butker’s opportunities may be limited. He’s best avoided in Week 2.
