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
Omarion Hampton LAC
Omarion Hampton has steadily carved out a role since returning from a seven-game absence with a foot injury. He has scored at least 14.7 PPR points in two of three games since his return, though he played fewer snaps than Kimani Vidal in the first two matchups against Philadelphia and Kansas City. Hampton broke out against Dallas in Week 16, carrying 16 times for 85 yards and a touchdown while adding one catch for 10 yards on two targets. Since Week 14, he has averaged 16 touches and 75.6 total yards per game, generating a 9.1% explosive run rate. His missed tackle rate sits at just 14%, with 1.50 yards after contact per attempt, showing that while he benefits from his offensive line, he can still gain meaningful yardage. With a 53.2% snap rate, 33% route share, and 6.9% target share last week, Hampton has proven he can handle a substantial workload when Vidal is absent. His consistent touches and involvement in both the run and pass game make him a reliable fantasy contributor.
Looking ahead to Week 17, Hampton could see an expanded role if Vidal (neck) misses another game. Houston has allowed a running back to score at least 13.4 PPR points in four of their past five contests, and explosive plays have been allowed to backs recently, including James Cook and Ashton Jeanty. While the Texans generally defend the run well, Hampton’s volume and touchdown equity give him RB2 upside. He has reached at least 15 touches and 65 total yards in three straight games since returning from injury. With the Chargers likely to lean on him in a potential bell-cow role, fantasy managers should feel confident starting Hampton, especially in PPR formats where his receiving work adds floor. If he can find space and reach the end zone, Hampton has the upside to produce a strong fantasy line in Week 17.
Kenneth Gainwell PIT
Kenneth Gainwell has been one of the Steelers’ most reliable fantasy backs over the past several weeks. He has scored at least 16.2 PPR points in five of his last six games, including a three-game streak, and has recorded at least five receptions in five of those outings. Gainwell has averaged 19 fantasy points per game in his last six contests, with four total touchdowns contributing to his consistent production. His pass-game usage has been a key factor in his fantasy rise, averaging 6.3 targets per game during that span and reaching seven targets in each of the last three games. The Steelers’ offense has increasingly revolved around Gainwell and Jaylen Warren, especially without DK Metcalf, making him a focal point in both rushing and receiving roles. Cleveland has struggled against running backs recently, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing backs over the last five weeks.
For Week 17, Gainwell presents an enticing RB2 with RB1 upside against a Browns team that has allowed at least 17.4 PPR points to a running back in seven consecutive games. Cleveland’s defense has been vulnerable to both rushing and receiving backs, ranking fifth in rushing yards allowed and first in rushing touchdowns to RBs since Week 12. With Metcalf out, Gainwell could see an uptick in targets, continuing his role as Pittsburgh’s most reliable pass-catching back. Warren’s presence limits total touches slightly, but Gainwell’s combination of volume, receptions, and red-zone involvement makes him a solid start. Managers can expect him to see consistent touches and targets, translating to a high floor, while the matchup and potential goal-line work give him meaningful upside for fantasy championships.
Michael Carter ARI
Michael Carter has become the Cardinals’ lead back over the last two weeks following Bam Knight’s injury. Carter has handled 67% of the team’s snaps and 64% of the running back carries during this stretch, emerging as the early-down workhorse. In Week 15, he carried 14 times for 56 yards and added four receptions for 38 yards, while playing 80% of offensive snaps. He followed that with 11 carries for 65 yards against Atlanta in Week 16, though he did not see a target in the passing game. While Arizona’s offensive line has struggled with injuries, Carter’s touches consistently translate into yards, giving him a reliable floor in fantasy. Corey Kiner and Emari Demercado remain limited in involvement, leaving Carter as the primary back in a backfield that favors volume-driven contributors. His combination of early-down work and snap share ensures he can produce fantasy points even in games where the Cardinals fall behind early.
In Week 17, Carter faces the Bengals, who have allowed the most rushing yards to running backs this season. He presents an intriguing upside, especially in deeper leagues or for managers needing RB depth. Carter’s role as the primary early-down back, along with his consistent snap share, gives him a chance to rack up meaningful touches and yardage. While his target share in the passing game has been inconsistent, he has recorded 19 receptions since Week 11, providing additional PPR value when involved. Given the Bengals’ susceptibility to rushing attacks and Carter’s volume-based role, he is a high-upside FLEX or low-end RB2 option this week. Fantasy managers can expect him to handle the bulk of the workload, with potential for scoring and yardage accumulation in a favorable matchup.
Running Backs to Sit
Rico Dowdle CAR
Rico Dowdle has struggled to produce consistently in recent weeks. He has not reached 13 fantasy points in his last four games and has failed to run for 60 yards since Week 9. Explosive plays have been rare, and Chuba Hubbard has been more involved in the backfield, limiting Dowdle’s opportunity in both the rushing and passing game. Despite leading the backfield in touches over the past two games, he managed just 25 carries for 78 yards and one touchdown with five catches for 19 yards on seven targets. The Panthers’ matchup against Seattle, which has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs this season, does not offer much upside. Dowdle’s ceiling appears limited, and while he is still the lead back, his production has slipped, ranking him as the RB36 in expected fantasy points since Week 12. His floor is low, and managers should proceed cautiously.
Looking to Week 17, Dowdle remains a low-end FLEX at best. Seattle has been particularly stingy against the run, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry over the last eight weeks and surrendering only five rushing touchdowns all season. Even with Dowdle leading the backfield, the matchup is unfavorable, and he is unlikely to produce meaningful fantasy points. Chuba Hubbard continues to see involvement, which could further limit touches and targets. Dowdle’s volume alone is not enough to overcome Seattle’s defensive strength, and managers should consider benching him in critical lineups. His upside is limited, and the combination of a tough opponent and reduced explosive potential makes him a risky fantasy option for Week 17.
Breece Hall NYJ
Breece Hall’s production has plummeted in recent weeks, largely due to quarterback instability. With Brady Cook under center over the last three games, Hall has averaged just 6.1 fantasy points per game, scoring no touchdowns and averaging only two targets per contest. Defenses have keyed on him as the primary threat, limiting big plays and opportunities. Last week, Isaiah Davis saw more targets than Hall, reflecting his declining role in the passing game. The Patriots, his Week 17 opponent, have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season, further limiting Hall’s upside. He has failed to reach double-digit PPR points in four of his past six games and has scored just one touchdown in that span. Hall’s usage has not translated into fantasy production, making him a difficult option for lineups heading into Week 17.
In Week 17, Hall projects as a clear sit in most formats. New York is likely to play from behind against New England, reducing opportunities for early-down rushing, and the Patriots’ run defense limits explosive plays. His target volume remains minimal, and with his previous struggles under Brady Cook, there is little reason to expect a turnaround. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for RB options, as Hall’s floor is low and his ceiling is capped by matchup and offensive situation. This is not the week to rely on Hall, even in PPR leagues, as his combination of low scoring, minimal receiving involvement, and tough opponent makes him a high-risk, low-reward choice.
Woody Marks HOU
Woody Marks is expected to return in Week 17 after missing Week 16 due to an ankle injury, but his role in the Texans’ offense remains uncertain. He has struggled in fantasy despite consistent touches, with only one game over 7.9 PPR points in his last four outings before injury, though he has had at least 17 total touches in each of those contests. Jawhar Jordan has emerged as a secondary option over the past two weeks, and Nick Chubb is also likely to factor into the offense. Marks’ production has been floor-dependent, and he has not shown much upside in recent games. The Chargers, his Week 17 opponent, are ranked fifth in fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs and have tightened their defense against the run in recent weeks. Their backfield defense has limited rushing and receiving yards, allowing just one touchdown to a running back since Week 12.
Heading into Week 17, Marks is a volume-based, low-end FLEX option at best. Even with linebacker Denzel Perryman (suspended), the Chargers should be able to contain him, and his previous struggles suggest limited upside. Jawhar Jordan’s recent performances indicate he may continue to see a meaningful share of touches, further suppressing Marks’ fantasy ceiling. Marks’ return from injury adds risk, and his role is not guaranteed to be bell-cow in nature. Managers should be cautious and consider alternative options in competitive lineups. While he will see touches due to his volume role, the matchup and competition in the backfield make him a difficult start for Week 17, with modest scoring potential at best.
