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 Saints’ defense is a sneaky streaming option this week thanks to a favorable matchup against the Jets, who rank in the top eight for fantasy points allowed to defenses. Rookie QB Brady Cook is expected to start again, and he has been prone to mistakes, throwing three interceptions and taking three sacks last week. New Orleans has tallied multiple sacks in five of its last seven games, and the Jets rank third in sacks allowed this season, creating upside for turnovers and negative plays. While the Saints rank low in pressure rate overall, their ability to generate sacks and capitalize on a weak offensive line makes them playable in all formats. Fantasy managers can look for sack accumulation and potential takeaway bonuses. Overall, this defense offers a high-floor streaming option for Week 16.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ defense offers strong fantasy potential in Week 16 despite being out of playoff contention, thanks to a favorable matchup against the struggling Titans. Tennessee ranks 31st in points per game and has allowed 49 sacks and 17 giveaways this season, making them vulnerable to pressure. Kansas City has recorded seven sacks over the last two games and ranks ninth in pass rush win rate, showing the ability to generate consistent QB pressure through its blitzes. While the Titans’ offense has improved slightly, the combination of turnovers and pass rush opportunities makes this D/ST a safe streaming option. Fantasy managers can expect sack accumulation and occasional turnovers to boost fantasy scoring. The matchup sets up well for both sack points and potential interception bonuses. Overall, the Chiefs are a startable D/ST in most leagues this week, even though they have nothing to play for.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo’s defense presents an excellent fantasy matchup against the Browns and rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Cleveland’s offensive line is injured and underperforming, allowing 40 sacks and 20 giveaways on the season, while Sanders has thrown six interceptions in five games. Despite a spotty season, the Bills have a high ceiling against weak offensive lines, particularly in a matchup where the Browns have scored eight points or fewer in two of their past three contests. Buffalo’s defense has allowed just 10 sacks, three fumbles, and four interceptions over the last three games against similar competition. This unit provides strong upside for turnovers and sacks, making it a top-three D/ST option for Week 16. Fantasy managers can expect a high floor with the potential for big-play scoring. Overall, the Bills are a strong start in all formats this week.
DEF to Sit
New England Patriots
The Patriots’ defense enters a difficult matchup against the Ravens, who feature Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry in a potent offense. New England has been inconsistent this season and has been struggling with their injuries on the defensive line as of late. Baltimore’s efficiency and low turnover rate further reduce the likelihood of defensive scoring. Last week, in another tough matchup, they gave up 35 points to the Bills, who have a similar ground attack. Fantasy managers have reason to avoid this D/ST in must-win matchups. Overall, New England is a sit against a dynamic Ravens offense.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers’ defense, while strong on paper, faces a challenging matchup against the Dallas Cowboys this week. Dallas ranks as the fifth-fewest fantasy points allowed to defenses, and their balanced offensive attack can exploit sustained drives and reduce turnover opportunities. Despite scoring 12-plus fantasy points in each of their last two games, the Chargers are at risk of a low-output performance against a potent Cowboys offense. Their secondary could struggle against the duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, and road games amplify these matchup challenges. While the unit has recorded 46 sacks, 15 interceptions, and six fumble recoveries this season, this Week 16 matchup suppresses upside. Fantasy managers should bench them to avoid potential disappointment.
Kickers to Start
Eddy Pineiro SF
Eddy Pineiro has been a consistent scoring option, totaling at least 12 points in three of his last four games and averaging 10.7 points this season. Returning from a two-game absence in Week 15, he converted three field goals and four extra points without a miss. Pineiro faces the Colts this week, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing kickers since Week 8, providing plenty of scoring opportunities. He has five games this season with at least three field goals made, and can continue that trend in Week 16. The matchup indoors enhances his reliability and upside. Fantasy managers should start him in most leagues for solid production.
Will Reichard MIN
Will Reichard has been reliable recently, scoring 12 points last week and totaling 30 points over his last three games. He has been held under eight points just once since Week 8. The Giants have allowed 32 field goals and the fourth-most points to opposing kickers this season, setting up a favorable scoring environment. Reichard’s consistency and matchup make him a startable option this week. Fantasy managers can expect multiple field goal opportunities in a high-scoring contest. He offers a safe floor with upside in standard formats.
Kickers to Sit
Evan McPherson CIN
Evan McPherson has struggled recently, scoring just four points combined over his last two games. He faces a tough road matchup against the Dolphins, who have allowed one of the lowest rates of fantasy points to opposing kickers in recent weeks. Miami’s defensive efficiency reduces field goal opportunities, limiting upside for McPherson. While he has been reliable on long and short attempts this season, the matchup suppresses scoring chances. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for kicker production in Week 16. Overall, McPherson is a sit against the Dolphins.
Tyler Loop BAL
Tyler Loop faces a difficult matchup against the Patriots, who allow the second-fewest fantasy points to kickers since Week 8. Loop has scored six or fewer points in two of his last three games and could see another low-output performance. New England has limited multiple field goal opportunities this season, allowing just five or fewer points to kickers seven times. This week’s matchup further suppresses his scoring potential. Fantasy managers should fade Loop and seek a higher-upside option. Overall, he is a risky play at home against New England.
