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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Wide Receivers to Start
Jakobi Meyers JAC
Jakobi Meyers has been a stabilizing force for the Jaguars’ passing offense since arriving midseason. Over Jacksonville’s six-game winning streak, Meyers has averaged 13.9 fantasy points per game while establishing himself as Trevor Lawrence’s most trusted target. He leads all Jaguars wide receivers in targets over the last four games with 31, well ahead of Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington, and he continues to see consistent red-zone looks. Meyers has scored double-digit fantasy points in five of his seven games with the team and has recorded three touchdowns during that span. While he has yet to post a 100-yard receiving performance this season, his steady target volume and red-zone usage have provided a reliable weekly floor. Over his last three games, Meyers is averaging 8.3 targets and continues to operate as the clear WR1 in this offense.
Looking ahead to Week 17, Meyers draws an ideal matchup against the Colts, who have struggled mightily against wide receivers. Indianapolis has allowed the second-most receiving yards per game to the position and ranks among the bottom defenses in fantasy points allowed to wideouts. Over the past three weeks alone, Colts receivers have given up 581 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating vulnerability in both short and intermediate coverage. Trevor Lawrence’s recent form further boosts Meyers’ outlook, especially in championship week. His consistent usage, coupled with a favorable matchup, makes him one of the safest WR2 plays on the slate, and he carries upside for double-digit targets or a potential touchdown. Fantasy managers can expect a reliable floor and solid ceiling in Week 17, making him a cornerstone option in any lineup.
DJ Moore CHI
DJ Moore has surged back into fantasy relevance over the past two weeks as injuries have reshaped Chicago’s receiving corps. With Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III sidelined in Week 16, Moore stepped into a featured role and delivered five catches for 97 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. He has now scored at least 21.9 PPR points in back-to-back games and in three of his last five outings, demonstrating both consistency and high ceiling. Moore has also posted two of his best air-yards-per-target performances of the season during this stretch, showing increased downfield usage and big-play potential. Last week, he earned a season-high 21 percent target share, reinforcing his status as Caleb Williams’ primary option. His role as the WR1 in the offense has become more secure, and he is clearly the focal point of Chicago’s passing attack in meaningful situations right now.
For Week 17, Moore remains a strong start against a San Francisco defense that has shown vulnerability in the secondary. While the 49ers rank middle of the pack overall, they have struggled against better offenses and recently allowed the Phillip Rivers-led Colts to have a nice day through the air. San Francisco has also struggled to generate consistent pressure, increasing the likelihood of a pass-heavy game script that favors Moore. With Odunze out, Moore should once again dominate targets and red-zone opportunities. Moore profiles as a confident WR2 with upside in what could turn into a high-scoring Week 17 matchup, and he could also flirt with WR1 numbers this week. Fantasy managers should expect him to maintain volume and produce meaningful points in a critical championship week contest.
Zay Flowers BAL
Zay Flowers has quietly put together an elite season as the unquestioned centerpiece of Baltimore’s passing attack. He has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards, while no other Ravens player has even reached 400, underscoring his dominance within the offense. Flowers ranks as the WR17 in fantasy points per game, fueled by a massive 27.6 percent target share and a 33.2 percent first-read rate. He has earned 31, 42, and 35 percent of team targets over his last three games, highlighting just how concentrated his usage has become. The main limitation in his fantasy profile has been touchdown production, as he has seen limited red-zone opportunities despite strong overall efficiency. Flowers has been especially effective against zone coverage, recording roughly 500 more yards against it than any other Raven.
In Week 17, Flowers remains a strong start against a Packers defense that has struggled against wide receivers since Week 12. Green Bay has allowed the seventh-most receiving yards and the most touchdowns to the position during that span. They also play zone coverage at one of the highest rates in the league, a scheme Flowers has consistently shredded throughout the season. Even with Lamar Jackson doubtful, Flowers should remain the focal point of the passing game, as Tyler Huntley has already shown a willingness to target him heavily. Given Green Bay’s recent defensive issues and Flowers’ dominant role, he offers a strong combination of volume and matchup-driven upside in championship week. Fantasy managers can expect him to lead the passing attack, maintain a high target share, and continue producing consistent PPR points, making him a top WR2 option with potential WR1 upside in Week 17.
Wide Receivers to Sit
Ladd McConkey LAC
Ladd McConkey has been an inconsistent fantasy option for much of the season, with sporadic flashes offset by several low-scoring performances. While he did deliver against the Cowboys last week in a favorable matchup, that performance came in one of the best possible situations for a receiver. McConkey has scored fewer than five fantasy points in three of his last five games, highlighting a floor that is too low for championship week. Since Week 8, he has produced just four top-24 weekly finishes, and over the last eight weeks, he ranks WR36 in PPR FPG. McConkey has primarily aligned in the slot, giving him some separation from tough perimeter defenders, but even there, the floor is limited. He averages 1.94 yards per route run and a 15.9 percent first-read share, and while his target share is moderate, it hasn’t translated into consistent fantasy points.
Looking at Week 17, McConkey draws a brutal matchup against the Houston Texans, who allow the second-fewest fantasy points per game to receivers and the third-fewest touchdown passes. They also rank elite in pressuring the quarterback and limiting completions, particularly in slot coverage where McConkey operates frequently. Jalen Pitre has excelled in slot coverage since Week 13, allowing a mere 45.5 percent catch rate and a passer rating of just 26.3. The Texans are middle of the pack against slot receivers in yardage but stingy in points allowed, making it difficult for McConkey to generate meaningful production. In championship week, his low floor and tough matchup make him a risky WR3/flex option at best. Fantasy managers would be better served by exploring higher-floor alternatives with safer target volume.
Emeka Egbuka TB
Emeka Egbuka entered the Buccaneers’ offense with promise but has struggled to produce consistent fantasy value over the past several weeks. The rookie has topped 10.4 PPR points only once in his past 11 games and has reached double-digit fantasy points just twice since Week 6. While he possesses deep-threat potential—ranking second in deep targets in the NFL—his connection with Baker Mayfield has been inconsistent, and he has failed to generate touchdowns or high-volume games. Over the last six weeks, Egbuka has averaged just 7.1 fantasy points per game, topping nine points only once. Even when healthy, Tampa Bay’s crowded receiving room limits his opportunities, especially with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin commanding consistent targets. Last week against Carolina, Egbuka saw just two targets, the lowest on the team, and finished with a career-low five fantasy points, illustrating his low floor and lack of dependable usage.
In Week 17, Egbuka faces a difficult matchup against the Miami Dolphins, who rank 10th-best against wide receivers and allow the second-fewest yards per game. The Dolphins have also effectively limited No. 2 receivers recently, allowing just 35.3 receiving yards on 2.7 receptions per game over their last three outings. Egbuka’s target volume remains highly uncertain, and his touchdown upside is minimal, with zero red-zone targets in his last three games. Despite early-season flashes, he has proven to be a boom-or-bust option and would be a risky choice in fantasy finals. Only in deeper leagues or in desperate three-receiver sets does he carry any appeal. For championship week purposes, Egbuka is firmly a sit due to low floor, low ceiling, and tough matchup.
Marvin Harrison Jr ARI
Marvin Harrison Jr. returned from a two-game absence in Week 16 against Atlanta but was limited to just 29 snaps and three targets, finishing with a single 14-yard reception. While he did drop a potential touchdown, the game illustrated just how tentative his usage may be going forward. Harrison is still dealing with a lingering heel injury, and head coach Jonathan Gannon indicated his playing time may increase, but only if it doesn’t risk further harm. Over the past week, Harrison played just 50.9 percent of the snaps, compared to his teammates Elijah Higgins and Xavier Weaver, who saw comparable or greater opportunity. His inconsistent snap count, combined with limited targets and the Cardinals’ lack of offensive stakes, creates a high-risk fantasy situation. Harrison’s upside remains muted, particularly in PPR formats where targets drive value, and he is only appropriate in deeper three-receiver leagues at this point.
Week 17 presents another challenging matchup, as Harrison faces a Cincinnati Bengals defense that ranks fourth-fewest in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. The Bengals have stifled opposing perimeter receivers, giving up only 26.3 fantasy points per game and just two receiving touchdowns to wideouts since Week 10. Meanwhile, running backs and tight ends are the primary scoring threats, which further limits Harrison’s ceiling. Even if his snaps increase slightly, Harrison’s opportunity share is unlikely to grow meaningfully, making production unreliable. Michael Wilson may see marginally more opportunity, and the combination of a tough defense, limited playing time, and lingering injury concerns make Harrison an unappealing start in fantasy finals. Managers should consider him a high-risk WR3/flex option only in deep leagues or as a desperate bench fill. His low floor and uncertain health make it difficult to trust him with championship stakes on the line.
