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’ defense hasn’t been a fantasy powerhouse this season, but the matchup with Tennessee makes them a strong streaming play. The Titans are averaging a league-worst 12.8 points per game while producing only 210.5 yards of total offense. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward has been under constant duress, taking 17 sacks (second-most in the NFL) while turning the ball over five times. To make matters worse, Tennessee’s wide receivers continue to struggle with drops, further stalling drives. Opposing defenses have been thriving against the Titans, with three of their four matchups producing at least 13 fantasy points. Given the offensive struggles and protection issues in Tennessee, the Cardinals’ defense has a great chance to exceed expectations this week.
Detroit Lions
The Lions’ defense has caught fire recently, racking up 14 sacks and six takeaways in their last three games. They’ve scored at least eight fantasy points in each contest during that stretch, including a 19-point explosion last week. Their Week 5 opponent, the Bengals, rank dead last in pass block win rate and will start backup quarterback Jake Browning. Opposing defenses have crushed Cincinnati in recent weeks, with the Vikings scoring 30 and the Broncos posting 10 against them. With momentum and matchup both on their side, the Lions D/ST is a must-start option this week.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ defense has been inconsistent, but Week 5 sets them up for success against the Las Vegas Raiders. Geno Smith has thrown a league-high seven interceptions and already has two games with three picks this season. The Raiders are also giving up sacks at the sixth-highest rate, which is ideal for a defense looking to capitalize on pressure. Indianapolis has produced six takeaways this year, including four interceptions, showing they can take advantage of sloppy quarterback play. Las Vegas also ranks as a bottom-10 scoring offense, failing to generate consistent points. With both turnover and sack potential in this matchup, the Colts D/ST is firmly on the streaming radar.
DEF to Sit
Denver Broncos
Denver’s defense has been strong both in real life and in fantasy, but this is not the week to deploy them. The Broncos face the Philadelphia Eagles, who haven’t allowed more than five fantasy points to any defense this season. Philadelphia has scored 31+ points in each of the last two games while committing only one turnover all year. Jalen Hurts has also been sacked just nine times, showing how efficient and well-protected the offense has been. While Denver’s defense can usually be trusted, this matchup simply doesn’t provide enough upside. If you’re in a must-win situation, pivot to another unit with more turnover and sack opportunities.
Washington Commanders
Washington’s defense has been one of the weakest fantasy options this season, and a road matchup with the Chargers won’t change that. The Commanders have forced only one turnover all year and continue to struggle generating consistent pressure. While the Chargers lost rookie tackle Joe Alt, their offense should still be able to put up numbers against a defense that hasn’t shown much resistance. Given the lack of turnovers, low sack production, and tough matchup, the Commanders D/ST is one to avoid in Week 5.
Kickers to Start
Ka’imi Fairbairn HOU
Fairbairn has been one of the most reliable streaming kickers this season, putting up at least nine fantasy points in two of his first three games. This week, he draws a favorable matchup against the Ravens, who lead the NFL in points allowed per game (33.3) and also give up 9.3 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers. Baltimore’s defense also will be missing multiple key starters. Fairbairn has shown consistency from the mid-range, making him a safe floor option with upside for double-digit production. If you’re looking for a plug-and-play starter, he’s one of the best options in Week 5.
Spencer Shrader IND
Shrader has been a surprise breakout at kicker, averaging an impressive 13.5 fantasy points per game through four weeks. Despite his production, he’s still widely available in fantasy leagues, making him a strong add-and-start option. This week, he faces the Raiders, who allow the third-most fantasy points to opposing kickers. Las Vegas also ranks in the bottom third of the league in scoring defense. Shrader’s volume has been steady, as the Colts’ offense has moved the ball well but often stalled in field goal range. With a strong matchup and steady usage, Shrader should once again deliver reliable fantasy production.
Kickers to Sit
Tyler Loop BAL
Loop has been steady as a rookie, averaging 10.3 fantasy points per game, but the matchup this week is brutal. The Ravens will be without Lamar Jackson, which lowers their overall scoring potential. On the other side, Houston’s defense has allowed the fewest points per game in the league (12.8) and is the toughest matchup for opposing kickers. The Texans have yet to allow more than five fantasy points to a kicker this season, and they’ve given up just one made field goal through four games. Loop has only three field goals in his last two outings, further limiting his upside. Given the circumstances, he’s a kicker to avoid in Week 5.
Daniel Carlson LV
Carlson has long been a dependable fantasy kicker, but his recent production has fallen off sharply. After scoring 10+ points in each of the first two weeks, he’s managed just nine combined over his last two games. Volume is a problem, as he’s attempted only three field goals in that stretch, including a blocked 54-yarder last week. Now he faces the Colts, who have been one of the toughest defenses against opposing kickers, allowing just 5.6 fantasy points per game. Until Las Vegas’ offense stabilizes, Carlson is best left on the bench.
