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
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have been one of the most disruptive fantasy football defenses in 2025, generating pressure at the highest rate in the NFL through two weeks. They just put up 14 fantasy points and now face Spencer Rattler in a tough road environment. Seattle is a 7.5-point favorite in a game with a low 41.5-point total, the exact type of setup that leads to DST success. With the Seahawks ranking top-3 in pass-rush win rate and already forcing four turnovers, they’re a must-start fantasy defense in Week 3.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers’ defense looks elite after stifling the Lions and Commanders, and Week 3 presents another juicy matchup. Cleveland’s offense has committed four turnovers in two games and is tied for the second-most interceptions in the NFL. They’ve also averaged just 16.5 points per game, setting up a perfect opportunity for Green Bay to capitalize. The addition of Micah Parsons has elevated this defense into a top-five fantasy unit, and with defenses facing the Browns scoring the fourth-most fantasy points so far, the Packers are a confident start across all formats.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are a sneaky fantasy football defense start this week against Tennessee. Rookie QB Cam Ward has shown flashes, but the Titans’ offensive line has been a disaster, giving up 11 sacks (most in the NFL) and allowing pressure at the second-highest rate through two weeks. Add in three turnovers and multiple dropped passes by his receivers, and this is a dream spot for Indy’s defense. Ward is talented, but rookies make mistakes, and the Colts’ defense is in a perfect position to exploit them. They’re one of the top streaming DST plays for Week 3.
DEF to Sit
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ defense has been rock-solid to open the season, ranking sixth in fantasy points after two weeks. Unfortunately, fantasy managers should avoid any DST facing Philadelphia. The Eagles have allowed just three sacks and zero turnovers through two games while giving up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to defenses. The Chiefs managed only three points in Week 2, and the Cowboys just one in Week 1 against this offense. Even with their hot start, the Rams’ D should be firmly on the bench in Week 3.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens bounced back in Week 2 with 17 fantasy points, but don’t be fooled, this is a week to sit them. Detroit’s offense ranks third in points scored, has turned the ball over just once, and is projected in a high-scoring matchup with a 51.5 total on DraftKings. Baltimore posted -3 fantasy points against Buffalo in Week 1, another high-powered offense, and this Lions unit could create a similar outcome. While the Ravens’ defense is talented, the matchup is far too risky to trust in Week 3.
Kickers to Start
Cameron Dicker LAC
Dicker hasn’t been a fantasy star yet, sitting tied for 15th among kickers, but Week 3 sets up perfectly. No team has allowed more fantasy points to kickers than Denver, and Dicker has a proven track record against them. In five career matchups, he’s scored at least nine fantasy points in four games and posted double digits in three. In what should be a competitive divisional game, Dicker is a safe start in all fantasy formats.
John Parker Romo ATL
John Parker Romo exploded for 18 fantasy points in Week 2, drilling all five of his field goals, including a revenge game against his former team. He’s now scored double digits in four of his five career appearances, proving to be more than just a one-week wonder. This week, he faces Carolina, who has allowed kickers to average 11.5 fantasy points per game so far. With Atlanta’s red-zone struggles continuing, Romo is a sneaky top-five kicker play in Week 3.
Kickers to Sit
Matt Gay WAS
Matt Gay has been one of fantasy’s least reliable kickers to open 2025, totaling just seven points in two games while missing two of his three attempts from 50+ yards. He connected on just 3-of-9 kicks from that range last year, and the struggles have clearly carried over. Facing the Raiders is no relief, as their defense has held opposing kickers under nine points in seven straight games. Gay should be firmly benched in Week 3.
Will Reichard MIN
Reichard is another kicker off to a slow fantasy start, tied for 15th in points at the position. His Week 3 matchup against the Bengals makes things even tougher, as Cincinnati’s defense has allowed just 13 total points to kickers this season. No opposing kicker has reached double digits against them since Week 13 of last year. Reichard simply doesn’t carry the scoring upside in this matchup and belongs on the sit list.
