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
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are coming off their most dominant defensive performance of the season, recording eight sacks, forcing two turnovers, and holding the Jets to just six points in Week 16. They now face a Titans offense that has been inconsistent, making New Orleans an appealing D/ST start in most formats. Tennessee has allowed 51 sacks through 16 weeks, and the Saints have demonstrated a strong ability to get after the quarterback. Their defense has limited opponents to 20 points or fewer in three straight games, showing a trend of effectiveness regardless of matchup. Fantasy managers can expect the Saints to generate sacks, turnovers, and potentially a defensive touchdown against the Titans this week. Get them into your lineup for a top 8 defensive performance on Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers enter Week 17 in a prime position to make a defensive statement against the Browns, who have struggled with turnovers and sacks in recent weeks. Pittsburgh has pressured quarterbacks effectively, recording six sacks against the Lions while limiting scoring despite some yardage allowed. With Shedeur Sanders under center, who has been intercepted six times in his last three games and sacked 12 times, the Steelers are likely to generate additional takeaways. The team has consistently capitalized on mistakes and poor line play from opposing offenses, and Cleveland has been prone to turnovers recently. Managers should feel confident starting Pittsburgh’s D/ST as a top-tier option, with upside for sacks, interceptions, and potentially a defensive touchdown.
New England Patriots
New England’s defense faces a favorable matchup against the Jets, who will start rookie quarterback Brady Cook. Cook has struggled under center, throwing six interceptions and being sacked 17 times in limited action this season, while the Jets’ offense has been ineffective overall. The Patriots have forced turnovers in three straight games and are top 10 in fantasy points per game, consistently delivering sacks and takeaways. New England’s defense also benefits from playoff motivation, as seeding and momentum are critical for their postseason push. Their pass rush and coverage units have been strong, pressuring quarterbacks into mistakes and generating fantasy-relevant stats. Against a Jets offense that struggles to sustain drives and score, the Patriots are a reliable fantasy start capable of producing multiple turnovers, sacks, and potential touchdowns.
DEF to Sit
Buffalo Bills
The Bills’ defense is an easy sit in Week 17 against the Eagles, who boast one of the league’s most balanced and high-powered offenses. Philadelphia has scored 60 combined points in its past two games and has been efficient in both the run and pass game, making Buffalo’s DST matchup unfavorable. Jalen Hurts has been protected well, taking just six sacks over the last seven games, and the Eagles have generated limited turnovers, further suppressing defensive scoring opportunities. While Buffalo performed well at Cleveland in Week 16, the mismatch against a versatile Philadelphia offense is stark. The Bills’ D/ST has also struggled against explosive rushing attacks, leaving them vulnerable to both yardage and scoring. Fantasy managers should avoid playing Buffalo this week, as the combination of a tough opponent and low scoring ceiling makes them a high-risk, low-reward option.
Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia’s own defense is also a risky start in Week 17. While their D/ST has generally been solid, allowing an average of 19.3 points per game, they now face a Bills offense that ranks fourth in points per game and third in total yards. Josh Allen remains effective despite a minor foot issue, and the team’s balance in run and pass creates challenges for opposing defenses. The Bills have minimized turnovers and sustained drives efficiently, reducing opportunities for sacks and defensive touchdowns. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere, as the Eagles are unlikely to produce meaningful statistics in this matchup and carry a high risk of underperforming.
Kickers to Start
Andy Borregales NE
Andy Borregales has been remarkably consistent since Week 8, missing just two field goals and making all 22 extra points over seven games. Even though he had a quiet Week 15, he still carries top-12 upside entering Week 17 against the Jets. He faces a team that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing kickers this season, with multiple kickers scoring double-digit points recently. Borregales has attempted at least three field goals in nearly every game, showing reliability and a high floor. The matchup is ideal for fantasy managers seeking steady scoring from a kicker, especially in championship lineups. With his combination of volume, accuracy, and opponent struggles, Borregales is a must-start option this week.
Evan McPherson CIN
Evan McPherson has seen his fantasy value increase with Joe Burrow’s return, benefiting from a potent Cincinnati offense. He has converted the majority of his field goals and extra points over the past four games, with seven field goals and 12 PATs, highlighting his consistency. While he has struggled on deep attempts, most of his scoring comes from within manageable ranges. Facing an Arizona defense that allows the second-most fantasy points to kickers, McPherson is positioned for a high-floor, high-ceiling outing. Cincinnati’s ability to sustain drives gives him multiple opportunities to score. Fantasy managers can expect McPherson to deliver top-five kicker production in Week 17.
Kickers to Sit
Tyler Loop BAL
Tyler Loop has struggled in recent weeks, scoring single digits in three of his last four games. The Ravens’ offensive struggles, compounded by Lamar Jackson’s injury, limit his scoring opportunities. With backup Tyler Huntley likely under center, drives may stall, reducing field goal attempts and PAT chances. Loop’s FG percentage remains solid, but his volume and consistency have declined, making him a risky start. The Packers’ defense has also limited opposing kickers to 6.1 fantasy points per game over the last eight weeks. Managers should avoid Loop, as his matchup and offensive environment significantly cap his upside this week.
Jake Elliott PHI
Jake Elliott has been highly unreliable recently, scoring three or fewer points in four of his last five games. He missed multiple field goals last week, including two attempts in a win over Washington. The Bills, his Week 17 opponent, have limited fantasy scoring opportunities for kickers, allowing just over six points per game over the past eight weeks. Elliott has struggled to deliver consistent results, compounding his risk. With the Bills’ stout defense and his recent inefficiency, he is a low-upside option for fantasy managers. Avoid starting Elliott, as the matchup and recent trends suggest a minimal chance for meaningful production.
