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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Running Backs to Start
Jaylen Warren PIT
Jaylen Warren has quietly been one of the most consistent and efficient backs in football this season. He currently ranks as the RB17 in fantasy points per game while commanding the 22nd-highest snap share and 21st-highest opportunity share among running backs. His ability to create after contact has set him apart, ranking ninth in missed tackle rate and 14th in yards after contact per attempt among 62 qualifying backs. Over his last three games, Warren has taken on 79 percent of the team’s carries and seen every goal-line opportunity, a clear indication that the Steelers trust him in critical situations. His workload has translated into steady fantasy production, topping 13 fantasy points in five of seven games while averaging 17.1 touches and 85.3 total yards.
This week, Warren draws a dream matchup against the Chargers, who have been shredded by opposing running backs. Since Week 5, Los Angeles has allowed the second-highest explosive run rate, the fourth-most yards before contact per attempt, and the third-most yards after contact per carry. They’ve also struggled to stop big plays on the ground, allowing 4.9 yards per carry and ranking 11th-lowest in stuff rate. Warren’s combination of power and burst matches up perfectly against this defense’s weaknesses. His volume, goal-line work, and favorable matchup make him an easy start in all fantasy formats for Week 10.
David Montgomery DET
David Montgomery remains a crucial part of Detroit’s offensive identity, even if the fantasy production has not matched that so far this year. The Lions have leaned heavily on their run game this season, ranking second in rushing rate league-wide. Montgomery has seen consistent usage, recording at least 11 carries in six of his eight games, totaling over 500 yards and five touchdowns. His rugged running style and ability to grind between the tackles have helped keep drives alive and wear down defenses. He’s also handled seven of Detroit’s nine goal-line attempts, maintaining his status as the team’s preferred red zone option.
In Week 10, Montgomery faces a Commanders defense that has completely fallen apart, especially after losing several key players, including Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin. Washington’s front seven has been worn down in recent weeks, allowing consistent chunk plays on the ground and struggling to close out drives. Detroit’s offense should find itself in scoring position often, setting Montgomery up for multiple goal-line opportunities. While Jahmyr Gibbs will have a bigger workload, Montgomery’s touchdown potential and volume make him a strong fantasy start this week in what could be a blowout win.
Kyle Monangai CHI
Kyle Monangai is coming off a breakout performance against the Bengals, where he totaled 198 scrimmage yards on 29 touches and finished as the RB3 on the week. The rookie’s physical running style and burst through contact have become key components of Chicago’s offense, especially with D’Andre Swift nursing a groin injury. Monangai has made the most of his chances, producing over 17 fantasy points in both games where he’s received double-digit carries. His vision and ability to stay upright through arm tackles have been major assets, giving Chicago an efficient and reliable ground presence. Even with Swift potentially returning, Monangai has earned a meaningful role in this offense moving forward.
The Bears now face the Giants, a team that has been gashed on the ground all season long. New York has allowed the second-most rushing yards and fantasy points per game to opposing backs, while also surrendering explosive runs at the highest rate in the NFL. Whether Swift plays or not, the Bears should find success on the ground behind an improving offensive line. Monangai’s combination of efficiency, recent production, and matchup makes him a strong start in Week 10, with RB2 upside if Swift remains sidelined.
Running Backs to Sit
Rachaad White TB
Rachaad White’s workload has been strong, but his efficiency continues to be a concern for fantasy managers. Since taking over as the lead back in Week 5, he’s averaged 16.8 touches for 65.6 total yards per game while ranking just 1.3% in explosive run rate and 1.70 yards after contact per attempt. White’s volume has kept him afloat, but Tampa Bay’s offensive line struggles have capped his upside. In recent weeks, his snap share has begun to slip slightly, with Sean Tucker carving out additional touches before the team’s bye. With limited breakaway potential and declining efficiency, White will need heavy volume or touchdowns to produce.
Unfortunately, the matchup this week could not be worse. The Patriots have been elite against the run, allowing just 3.1 yards per carry, two rushing touchdowns, and the fewest rushing yards per game to running backs. They also rank among the league’s best in limiting yards before and after contact and have given up the fewest explosive runs in football. White has been held under nine fantasy points in back-to-back games and now faces an opponent that neutralizes everything he does well. Even if White catches a few passes, White is a risky fantasy start in Week 10 and should be benched if you have a viable alternative.
Travis Etienne JAC
Travis Etienne continues to be heavily involved in Jacksonville’s offense, ranking 12th in snap share and eighth in red zone touches among running backs. He’s averaging 17.3 touches and nearly 89 total yards per game, serving as a steady source of volume for fantasy managers. However, his efficiency has taken a step back in recent weeks, as he ranks outside the top 20 in explosive run rate and missed tackle rate. Etienne remains a dynamic weapon, but he’s been held under 10 fantasy points in three of his last four games despite significant workloads. The Jaguars continue to split goal-line opportunities with rookie Bhayshul Tuten, further limiting Etienne’s touchdown potential.
The challenge doesn’t get any easier this week against Houston. The Texans have been elite versus the run since Week 5, ranking second in fewest rushing yards allowed per game, third in lowest missed tackle rate, and top 10 in yards after contact allowed. Only one back all season has finished as a top-10 fantasy performer against them. Etienne has also struggled historically in this matchup, scoring fewer than nine points in two of his last three games against Houston and just two touchdowns in seven career meetings. He’s not a must-sit given his usage, but in a week loaded with tough matchups, Etienne is a risky play best avoided if you have a safer option.
Tyrone Tracy Jr NYG
Tyrone Tracy Jr. entered last week’s matchup with optimism, stepping into an expanded role with Cam Skattebo sidelined. However, it was Devin Singletary who outperformed him, logging more snaps and touches while providing more overall efficiency. Tracy managed just eight touches for 37 total yards despite a 44.6% snap share, and his per-touch numbers have been disappointing all season. He’s averaged just 2.08 yards after contact per attempt and has broken very few tackles, suggesting limited upside even in a favorable game script. With the Giants seemingly committed to a committee approach, Tracy’s role remains uncertain heading into Week 10.
Now facing the Bears, Tracy’s fantasy outlook doesn’t inspire much confidence. Chicago’s defense has quietly turned into one of the league’s best against the run, allowing the 11th-fewest rushing yards per game since Week 5. They’ve also been elite in limiting yards after contact and forcing negative plays, ranking first in yards after contact allowed and top 10 in missed tackle rate. Unless Singletary takes a back seat unexpectedly, Tracy’s limited role and lack of explosive production make him an easy sit in Week 10. Even with volume, the efficiency concerns and a tough matchup make him difficult to trust in fantasy lineups.
