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
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland’s defense enters Week 10 rested and ready after a bye, and the timing couldn’t be better for a matchup against a struggling Jets offense. The Browns have produced 10 sacks, four interceptions, and two fumble recoveries over their past two games, showcasing their elite pass rush anchored by Myles Garrett. Meanwhile, the Jets have given up the fourth-most sacks in the NFL and have been held to 11 or fewer points in two of their last three contests. This combination of pressure and offensive inefficiency sets up perfectly for Cleveland’s defense to capitalize. With the Jets ranking near the bottom in both total yards and points per drive, the Browns are positioned to deliver one of the top fantasy football defensive performances of the week.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills’ defense has been an inconsistent fantasy option this season, but the matchup against Miami puts them firmly back in play. Buffalo ranks second in the NFL in sack rate and has a history of playing the Dolphins tough. Miami has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses, and the turnover issues have piled up with the Dolphins committing more giveaways than any other team in the league. There’s also growing concern that Tua Tagovailoa could be benched if struggles continue, potentially giving the Bills a chance to face a reserve quarterback. Given Buffalo’s ability to pressure the passer and create turnovers, they’re a prime streaming option this week.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers’ defense has quietly been better on the field than in fantasy football, but Week 10 offers a prime opportunity to change that. Carolina faces the Saints, who are starting rookie quarterback Tyler Shough after a rough debut that included a sack, an interception, and a fumble lost. New Orleans has struggled mightily on offense this season, averaging just 15.3 points per game, the second-fewest in the league, while also giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. The Saints’ offensive line has been leaky, allowing 21 sacks and failing to protect the quarterback against even average pass rushes. The Panthers have shown they can create pressure, and if they can force a few turnovers, this could be one of their best fantasy outings of the year.
DEF to Sit
Green Bay Packers
The Packers defense has flashed at times this season, but continues to disappoint from a fantasy football standpoint, with only one game exceeding eight points. A matchup against the high-powered Philadelphia Eagles makes things even worse. The Eagles have given up the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses while committing the fewest turnovers in the league. Philadelphia also averages over 26 points per game and has scored 28 or more in four of its last six contests. Green Bay’s defensive production has been declining, allowing 23 or more points in two of its last three games. The Packers’ defense belongs firmly on fantasy benches in Week 10.
Atlanta Falcons
While the Falcons’ defense has shown flashes this season, this week’s matchup with the Indianapolis Colts is one to avoid. The Colts lead the league in scoring at 32.2 points per game and have given up the fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Indianapolis protects its quarterback well, taking sacks at the sixth-lowest rate while limiting turnovers and maintaining offensive balance. Atlanta’s defense has been inconsistent, posting single-digit fantasy outings in two of its last three games, and it lacks the explosiveness needed to offset a poor matchup. With that in mind, fantasy managers should sit the Falcons and look elsewhere for a defensive play in Week 10.
Kickers to Start
Jason Myers SEA
Jason Myers has been one of the most reliable kickers in fantasy football this season, scoring nine or more fantasy points in five of his last six games. In his first matchup against the Cardinals, he connected on three of four field goals, including one from 50-plus yards, while adding two extra points for a 13-point fantasy outing. Arizona’s defense continues to give up scoring chances, allowing four kickers to top 11 points since Week 3 and multiple field goals in nearly every game. Seattle’s offense has been effective at moving the ball, but often stalls in scoring range, creating perfect conditions for Myers to thrive. His consistency, leg strength, and favorable matchup combine to make him a top-five kicker option for Week 10 fantasy lineups.
Cairo Santos CHI
Cairo Santos has been consistent for the Bears, providing a steady source of fantasy football production week after week. Over the last five games, Chicago’s kickers have combined for 68 points, and Santos himself has scored in double digits multiple times during that span. The Bears’ offense has improved in moving the ball but continues to stall near the red zone, giving Santos frequent field-goal opportunities. He’s 11-for-14 on the season and perfect on extra points, providing both reliability and volume. Facing a Giants defense that has allowed over 10 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers, Santos is set up for another strong outing in Week 10.
Kickers to Sit
Cam Little JAC
Cam Little made headlines in Week 9 with a record-breaking 68-yard field goal, but fantasy football managers should temper expectations this week. Before that performance, Little hadn’t made a field goal since Week 5, and now he faces a Texans defense that has stifled opposing kickers all season. Houston has allowed the fewest fantasy points to the position, surrendering just five total field goals all year and holding all but one kicker to five or fewer fantasy points. Their bend-but-don’t-break defense limits long field-goal attempts, drastically reducing scoring opportunities. While Little’s leg strength is undeniable, his inconsistency and the poor matchup make him a clear sit candidate in Week 10.
Joshua Karty LAR
Joshua Karty has been a fantasy non-factor in recent weeks, scoring five or fewer points in four straight games. The Rams’ offense has been converting drives into touchdowns, which limits Karty’s field-goal chances, and his accuracy has been shaky at just 10-for-15 on the season. Adding to the uncertainty, Los Angeles brought in Harrison Mevis to compete for the starting job, raising the possibility of reduced opportunities or even a split role. Facing the 49ers only makes things worse. San Francisco has allowed fewer than seven fantasy points per game to opposing kickers and rarely gives up long attempts. With poor form, job insecurity, and a tough matchup all working against him, Karty should remain on the waiver wire this week.
