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
Houston Texans
The Texans’ defense is a strong fantasy start this week against Tennessee. Rookie QB Cam Ward has been under heavy fire behind a struggling offensive line that has allowed the second-highest pressure rate and the third-most sacks. Houston has already shown the ability to generate pressure, ranking top 10 in sacks, and every defense to face the Titans has scored at least eight fantasy points. With 15 sacks and four giveaways surrendered by Tennessee, Houston is in an excellent spot to post double-digit fantasy production.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo hasn’t been a consistent fantasy football defense so far, but this week sets up well against the Saints. Spencer Rattler has led New Orleans to just 15.7 points per game, and their special teams miscues included a punt-return touchdown allowed last week. Defenses facing the Saints are averaging nearly 10 fantasy points per contest, and the Bills excel at punishing weaker offenses. Buffalo is a strong streaming option in Week 4.
Los Angeles Chargers
Ranked inside the top five defenses this week, the Chargers are a must-start this week. They rank eighth in the league in total yards allowed and have surrendered only four touchdowns in three games. Rookie Jaxson Dart is making his first start for the Giants only increases the upside, as he’ll face pressure from a unit with playmakers at all three levels. Expect hurried throws, turnovers, and sacks that give the Chargers one of the highest ceilings on the slate.
DEF to Sit
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are an easy sit this week with a brutal matchup against the Colts. Daniel Jones has powered an offense averaging 34.3 points and 418.7 yards per game while committing zero turnovers and taking just two sacks. No defense has scored more than zero fantasy points against Indy this season, and even elite units have been shut down. With the Colts protecting the football and scoring at will, the Rams should be avoided, even if they have a good defense.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore’s defense has been one of the worst fantasy football options to start the year, ranking bottom three overall. They’ve managed just three sacks and two takeaways across three games and now face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Kansas City has committed only one turnover all season and has kept Mahomes well-protected with just six sacks allowed. Given the matchup and the Ravens’ lack of production, they belong firmly on the sit list.
Kickers to Start
Ka’imi Fairbairn HOU
Ka’imi Fairbairn is a strong start in fantasy this week against the Titans. He has scored double-digit fantasy points in three of his last four games versus Tennessee, and the Titans defense is once again a kicker-friendly matchup, allowing nearly 10 fantasy points per game to the position. In a game where Houston’s offense should consistently move the ball, Fairbairn is in line for plenty of scoring opportunities.
Spencer Shrader IND
Spencer Shrader has been automatic for fantasy managers to start the season, racking up 44 points in three weeks and scoring double digits in every game. This week, he faces a Rams defense that has given up seven field goals already and ranks fifth in most fantasy points allowed to kickers. With the Colts’ offense moving efficiently, Shrader remains one of the top kicker options in Week 4.
Kickers to Sit
Cam Little JAC
Cam Little opened the season hot with back-to-back strong outings, but came back to earth in Week 3 with just five fantasy points. He now faces a tough road matchup against the 49ers, who have held opposing kickers to fewer than seven points in every game this year. With San Francisco limiting scoring chances and allowing only four field goals all season, Little should not be trusted this week.
Evan McPherson CIN
Evan McPherson has been one of the biggest fantasy football kicking disappointments this season. He hasn’t topped seven points in a game and has only three field-goal attempts total through three weeks. The Bengals’ offense has stalled without Joe Burrow, leaving McPherson with limited opportunities. Even with a decent matchup against Denver, his usage is too low to trust; keep him on the bench in Week 4.
