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 2026 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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Defenses to Start
Cincinnati Bengals DEF
Cincinnati has become an appealing defensive streaming option because of its ability to generate pressure. The Bengals have recorded 14 sacks through four games, while their 8.59% sack rate ranks fourth in the NFL. That production gives Cincinnati a path toward fantasy points even without relying on defensive touchdowns or multiple interceptions. The Bengals haven’t been dominant in every defensive category, but their ability to disrupt opposing passing games is particularly valuable when evaluating streaming defenses.
Miami is one of the best offenses to target with fantasy defenses, allowing 9.3 fantasy points per game to opposing D/ST units, the sixth-most in the NFL. The Dolphins also rank 30th in offensive EPA per play (-0.144), 29th in dropback EPA (-0.099), and 31st in offensive success rate (34.8%). They’ve failed to score more than 13 points in any of their first four games, creating an opportunity for Cincinnati to capitalize on an offense struggling to sustain drives. Miami’s combination of poor passing efficiency and limited scoring makes this an especially appealing matchup for a defense capable of generating pressure. I’m comfortable starting the Bengals as one of my preferred streaming options for Week 5.
Denver Broncos DEF
Denver is a defense I’m willing to trust in favorable matchups because of its ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt drives. The Broncos have generated double-digit sacks through four games, giving them a foundation for fantasy production beyond simply limiting points allowed. Their defensive front is capable of creating difficult passing situations, which becomes especially important against opponents struggling to consistently move the football. I don’t need Denver to generate multiple turnovers to consider it a worthwhile start, but I do want a matchup where its pass rush has a realistic opportunity to make an impact.
The Chargers have been one of the best matchups for fantasy defenses, allowing 9.8 D/ST fantasy points per game, the third-most in the NFL. Los Angeles also ranks 31st in offensive EPA per play (-0.146) and 30th in dropback EPA (-0.115), demonstrating how consistently its passing offense has struggled. That’s an encouraging combination because opposing defenses have already produced strong fantasy performances against the Chargers, rather than simply benefiting from favorable underlying efficiency numbers. Denver’s ability to create pressure gives it a realistic opportunity to capitalize on those struggles, particularly if Los Angeles continues finding itself in obvious passing situations. With the Chargers ranking in the bottom two in offensive EPA and allowing nearly 10 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, Denver is a strong Week 5 start.
Cleveland Browns DEF
Cleveland is a more aggressive streaming recommendation, but its recent pass-rushing production gives me a reason to consider the Browns in Week 5. The defensive front is coming off a five-sack performance against Pittsburgh, demonstrating its ability to disrupt an opposing passing game and create fantasy-relevant negative plays. That performance is particularly encouraging because sacks can provide a useful foundation for defensive fantasy production even when turnovers are difficult to predict. Cleveland isn’t a defense I’m automatically starting every week, but the pass rush gives it an opportunity to outperform expectations in the right matchup.
The Jets are a more complicated opponent than Miami or Los Angeles, allowing only 4.8 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, ranking 21st in the NFL. New York also ranks 13th in offensive EPA per play (+0.018), with a respectable +0.160 dropback EPA. However, the rushing attack has been considerably less effective at -0.204 EPA per rush, and the Jets managed only 12 points against Chicago in Week 4. If Cleveland can limit the run and create longer passing situations, its defensive front could generate additional sack opportunities. I’m not treating the Jets as an easy matchup because their passing efficiency and fantasy points allowed suggest otherwise. Nevertheless, Cleveland’s recent five-sack performance makes the Browns a worthwhile lower-end streaming option.
Defenses to Sit
Buffalo Bills DEF
Buffalo hasn’t delivered the type of fantasy production managers expected through the opening month. The Bills are averaging just 3.3 defensive fantasy points per game and have allowed 29 points in three of their first four contests. That’s concerning because even when Buffalo has generated defensive stops, it hasn’t consistently translated into the sacks, turnovers, and scoring prevention needed for strong fantasy performances. I’m not suggesting the Bills lack defensive talent, but their actual fantasy production hasn’t justified treating them as an automatic start.
Los Angeles has allowed 7.8 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, the seventh-most in the NFL, so this isn’t a matchup I’d automatically avoid based on opponent fantasy points allowed. However, the Rams rank 15th in offensive EPA per play (+0.006), suggesting they’ve been closer to league average in overall efficiency than that fantasy matchup ranking might imply. Matthew Stafford also has enough receiving talent around him to generate explosive passing plays, creating additional risk for a Buffalo defense that hasn’t consistently limited scoring. There is certainly a path toward sacks and turnovers, but the Bills haven’t demonstrated enough fantasy production for me to confidently chase that upside. I’d rather stream a defense with a more favorable combination of recent performance and opponent vulnerability.
Seattle Seahawks DEF
Seattle has been one of the better fantasy defenses through four weeks, recording 11 sacks and six interceptions. That’s an encouraging combination of pressure and turnover production, and it’s why I wouldn’t consider dropping the Seahawks simply because of a difficult matchup. They’ve demonstrated that they can generate fantasy points in multiple ways, but even productive defenses can become risky starts when the opposing offense consistently protects the football and avoids negative plays.
San Francisco has been the worst matchup in football for fantasy defenses, allowing an average of -0.5 D/ST fantasy points per game, ranking 32nd in the NFL. The 49ers also lead the league in offensive EPA per play (+0.274), offensive success rate (54.1%), and dropback EPA (+0.539). Most importantly, San Francisco hasn’t allowed a sack through four games and has committed only two turnovers, leaving opposing defenses with very few opportunities to generate fantasy points. That’s particularly concerning for Seattle because sacks and takeaways have been major contributors to its success. The Seahawks have enough talent to create a big play against anyone, but I’m not willing to ignore how effectively San Francisco has protected the football. I’m holding Seattle rather than dropping it, but I’m not starting the Seahawks against the league’s most efficient offense.
Philadelphia Eagles DEF
Philadelphia has been one of the more disappointing fantasy defenses through the opening month, averaging only 2.5 defensive fantasy points per game. The Eagles haven’t scored more than five fantasy points in any of their first four contests, demonstrating that their defensive talent hasn’t translated into consistent fantasy production. That’s an important distinction because a defense can play reasonably well in real life without generating enough sacks, turnovers, or defensive scores to help fantasy managers. Until Philadelphia begins creating more of those opportunities, I’m not comfortable treating it as a weekly starter.
Jacksonville has allowed only 2.8 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, the sixth-fewest in the NFL. The Jaguars also rank seventh in offensive EPA per play (+0.142), seventh in dropback EPA (+0.222), and eighth in offensive success rate (48.5%). They’ve also generated positive rushing EPA (+0.049), giving them a balanced offensive profile that can make it difficult for opposing defenses to create obvious passing situations. Philadelphia could certainly play a competitive game defensively, but Jacksonville’s efficiency and the Eagles’ limited fantasy production create a difficult combination. With no performance above five fantasy points through four weeks, I’d rather use a defense facing an offense that provides clearer opportunities for sacks and turnovers.
Kickers to Start
Dominic Zvada NYG
Dominic Zvada has been one of the most productive kickers through four weeks, converting all nine of his field-goal attempts. Three of those makes have come from beyond 50 yards, demonstrating the range that can create substantial fantasy upside. The Giants haven’t been an especially efficient offense, ranking 23rd in EPA per play (-0.047), but they’ve still provided Zvada with consistent scoring opportunities. His perfect accuracy and ability to convert long-distance attempts make him an appealing option even when New York isn’t consistently finishing drives with touchdowns.
Washington has allowed 11.8 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers, the third-most in the NFL. That’s one of the strongest matchup numbers available at the position and gives me more confidence in Zvada’s opportunity to remain productive. The Commanders have allowed opposing kickers to generate double-digit fantasy production on average, which is encouraging for a Giants offense that hasn’t consistently finished drives with touchdowns. New York doesn’t need to dominate offensively for Zvada to benefit, particularly if it can generate multiple possessions that reach scoring range. With Washington ranking among the three most favorable kicker matchups, I’m comfortable keeping Zvada in my Week 5 lineup.
Chris Boswell PIT
Chris Boswell hasn’t been as accurate as fantasy managers are accustomed to seeing, converting seven of 10 field-goal attempts through four weeks. However, the volume remains encouraging, with Pittsburgh giving him an average of 2.5 attempts per game. Boswell has also connected from 56 yards, demonstrating that his range remains an asset despite the early misses. Three missed attempts are concerning, but I’m more interested in the fact that Pittsburgh continues giving him opportunities. The Steelers rank 25th in offensive EPA per play (-0.073), yet they’ve still generated enough scoring chances to keep Boswell involved.
Indianapolis has allowed 10.8 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers, the sixth-most in the NFL, making this one of the more favorable matchups for the position. Pittsburgh has already demonstrated that it can generate field-goal opportunities even when the offense isn’t particularly efficient, and the Colts’ defensive results suggest Boswell could receive additional chances. Aaron Rodgers doesn’t need to produce a dominant passing performance for Boswell to benefit, particularly if the Steelers can move into scoring range without converting every possession into a touchdown. His 70% field-goal conversion rate introduces more risk than usual, but the opportunity and matchup remain encouraging. I’m willing to start Boswell against a Colts defense that has allowed opposing kickers to produce double-digit fantasy points per game.
Spencer Shrader IND
Spencer Shrader has been one of the most reliable fantasy kickers through four weeks, converting all 11 of his field-goal attempts. He’s also made four kicks from beyond 50 yards, giving him significant upside in formats that reward long-distance field goals. Indianapolis has provided him with consistent opportunities despite ranking only 24th in offensive EPA per play (-0.048). That’s an encouraging combination because Shrader hasn’t needed an especially efficient offense to generate fantasy production. His accuracy, volume, and range have made him one of the strongest kicker options through the opening month.
Pittsburgh has allowed 10.5 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers, the ninth-most in the NFL. The Steelers have enough defensive talent to create problems for Indianapolis near the red zone, potentially forcing the Colts to settle for field goals rather than touchdowns. Shrader’s ability to convert from beyond 50 yards also gives him opportunities even when Indianapolis struggles to reach the red zone. With Pittsburgh allowing double-digit fantasy points per game to opposing kickers and Shrader already receiving substantial volume, this is a matchup I’m willing to target. His groin issue is worth monitoring before kickoff, although he previously played through the concern and remained productive. Assuming he’s healthy and active, I’m comfortable keeping Shrader in my Week 5 lineup.
Kickers to Sit
Jake Elliott PHI
Jake Elliott has been accurate through four weeks, converting all four of his field-goal attempts, but Philadelphia hasn’t given him enough opportunities to produce consistent fantasy numbers. Averaging only one field-goal attempt per game creates a difficult fantasy environment regardless of how reliable the kicker is. The Eagles also rank 29th in offensive EPA per play (-0.110), with a 36.7% success rate, demonstrating how frequently the offense has struggled to sustain drives. Elliott’s accuracy isn’t the issue; it’s the lack of consistent scoring opportunities.
Jacksonville has allowed only 6.3 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers, the sixth-fewest in the NFL. That’s a difficult matchup for Elliott because Philadelphia has already struggled to generate consistent field-goal opportunities. The Eagles could have difficulty sustaining drives against Jacksonville, limiting the number of possessions that reach scoring range. Even if Philadelphia moves the football more effectively than it did against Los Angeles, that doesn’t guarantee multiple kicking opportunities. With just four attempts through four games and an opponent that has consistently limited kicker production, I’m looking elsewhere at the position.
Trey Smack GB
Trey Smack has demonstrated impressive range through four weeks, converting six of seven field-goal attempts, including a 59-yarder. However, Green Bay hasn’t consistently provided him with enough opportunities to become a dependable fantasy starter. The Packers rank 26th in offensive EPA per play (-0.074), while their 38.8% offensive success rate ranks 31st. That’s concerning because an offense that struggles to sustain drives can leave its kicker without opportunities, regardless of how accurate he is from long distance. Smack has the ability to produce a strong performance, but the weekly volume remains difficult to predict.
Chicago has allowed just 6.3 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers, ranking 26th in the NFL. That’s an unfavorable matchup for Smack, particularly because Green Bay will need to generate more consistent offensive production than it has shown through the opening month. The Bears have been one of the league’s more efficient offenses, ranking eighth in offensive EPA per play (+0.116), which could create additional game-script concerns if Green Bay falls behind. However, Chicago’s offensive efficiency alone doesn’t establish how many field goals the Packers will attempt. The bigger issue is Green Bay’s own inability to consistently sustain drives. Smack’s range gives him upside, but I’d rather use a kicker attached to an offense generating more dependable opportunities.
Andy Borregales NE
Andy Borregales has converted five of seven field-goal attempts through four weeks, giving him a 71.4% success rate. While he’s demonstrated the ability to make kicks from 50 yards, New England hasn’t consistently generated enough opportunities to make him a dependable fantasy starter. Borregales didn’t attempt a field goal against Buffalo in Week 4 despite the Patriots scoring 29 points, illustrating how offensive scoring doesn’t necessarily translate into kicking production. New England ranks 22nd in offensive EPA per play (-0.043), and Borregales has averaged fewer than two field-goal attempts per game.
Las Vegas has been one of the most difficult matchups for fantasy kickers, allowing just 4.8 fantasy points per game to the position, the second-fewest in the NFL. That’s particularly concerning for Borregales because New England hasn’t established a consistent field-goal kicking environment. Even if the Patriots move the football effectively against the Raiders, that doesn’t guarantee multiple attempts, especially if their scoring opportunities result in touchdowns rather than field goals. Borregales’ 71.4% conversion rate adds another concern, and the Raiders’ defensive results provide little reason to overlook his limited volume. I’d rather start a kicker with a more established combination of accuracy and opportunity.
