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.
Want your start and sit questions answered within minutes? Join the Blitz Community to help win your league this season
DEF to Start
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons’ defense should be a strong start in Week 8. Miami’s offense has fallen apart, and Tua Tagovailoa’s struggles continue to drag this unit down. The Dolphins surrendered four sacks, three interceptions, and a defensive touchdown to Cleveland last week, gifting 25 fantasy points to the Browns’ defense, the highest total of the week. Over the course of the season, Miami has committed 12 giveaways and allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. Atlanta has improved its pass rush and coverage unit, giving it the tools to exploit this vulnerable offense. With Miami reeling and Tua barely holding onto his starting job, the Falcons are one of the top streaming defenses for Week 8.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts’ defense deserves to be in every lineup this week. The Titans have been a goldmine for opposing defenses, allowing at least 13 fantasy points in four of their last five games and 16 or more in two straight. Tennessee’s offensive line has been a liability, surrendering the second-most sacks in the league and committing 12 turnovers through seven games. Even after firing offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, this offense remains one of the least efficient in football, ranking dead last in both points and total yards per contest. Given the matchup and recent production trends, the Colts are a must-start defense that should deliver another double-digit fantasy outing.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots’ defense is once again a reliable start in Week 8. Over their last six games, the Patriots have posted 11 or more fantasy points three times, averaging 9.7 points per contest. This week, they face a Cleveland Browns offense that has been run-heavy and turnover-prone this season, which plays well into the Patriots’ strengths. Cleveland ranks near the bottom in passing efficiency and has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. New England has been stout against the run, giving up the third-fewest yards per carry, which forces opponents into passing situations where this defense thrives. The matchup sets up perfectly for another solid fantasy performance from the Patriots.
DEF to Sit
Denver Broncos
Despite ranking as one of the stronger defensive units in fantasy football, the Denver Broncos are a sit in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas leads the NFL in total offense with 390.6 yards per game while committing just six turnovers and allowing only eight sacks all season. Dak Prescott is playing at an MVP-caliber level, and his protection has been elite, leaving little opportunity for the Broncos to rack up sacks or takeaways. Even top defenses have struggled to score fantasy points against this offense. Given the lack of turnover upside and the Cowboys’ ability to control game flow, fantasy managers should avoid starting the Broncos this week.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense is an easy sit against the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay has been one of the most careful offenses in the NFL, committing just three total turnovers through seven games and allowing only 10 sacks of Jordan Love. Defenses have averaged the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game when facing the Packers, making this a low-upside matchup for the Steelers. Pittsburgh’s defensive fantasy value depends heavily on forcing mistakes, something Green Bay rarely does. Unless your options are extremely limited, it’s best to leave the Steelers on the bench this week.
Kickers to Start
Harrison Butker KC
Harrison Butker is a top start at kicker this week thanks to his matchup against the Washington Commanders. Kansas City enters as heavy favorites (-10.5) with a 48.5-point over/under, creating ideal conditions for multiple scoring drives. The Chiefs have struggled at times in the red zone, which translates into more field goal attempts for Butker. Meanwhile, Washington’s defense has allowed double-digit fantasy points to four kickers this season, including three with at least 10 points since Week 4. Ranked among the top five kickers for Week 8, Butker offers elite reliability and upside for fantasy managers looking for stability at the position.
Evan McPherson CIN
Evan McPherson is another solid fantasy start after his breakout 17-point performance last week against Pittsburgh. He nailed four field goals and three extra points, including a game-winning 36-yarder, showing his clutch reliability. The Bengals’ offense looks rejuvenated under Joe Flacco, and now McPherson draws a dream matchup versus the New York Jets, a defense allowing the most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers. Five different kickers have scored at least nine fantasy points against New York, and three have topped 14. With consistent accuracy and volume potential, McPherson carries top-10 upside in all fantasy formats for Week 8.
Kickers to Sit
Jake Elliott PHI
Jake Elliott should be on your sit list this week when the Eagles take on the New York Giants. Despite Philadelphia’s chances for revenge, this game projects to be a low-scoring, grind-it-out divisional matchup with a modest 43.5 total. The Giants rank top three in opponent red zone defense, making it difficult for teams to settle for field goals. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ offense has leaned heavily toward touchdowns over kicks when reaching scoring range, minimizing Elliott’s opportunities. Ranked outside the top-15 kickers for Week 8, Elliott carries limited upside and should only be used in emergencies.
Matt Gay WAS
Matt Gay is a clear sit in Week 8 as Washington travels to face the Kansas City Chiefs. The Commanders will be without quarterback Jayden Daniels, which severely hurts their scoring potential. Kansas City’s defense has been dominant against kickers, allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points to the position and no kicker with multiple field goals in the last three weeks. Gay has also been trending down with four straight games under 10 fantasy points, including just two last week against Dallas. Even with Marcus Mariota under center, this matchup offers little scoring opportunity, making Gay a player to avoid in most fantasy formats.
