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
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals’ defense is a strong Week 1 streaming option against Spencer Rattler and the Saints. Rattler went 0-6 as a starter last season, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns while completing just 57% of passes. He also had one of the league’s highest sack rates (8.3%), and the Saints failed to score more than 20 points in five of his six starts. With Arizona’s pass rush primed to capitalize, the Cardinals are one of the best fantasy defenses to start this week.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ defense draws a favorable matchup against C.J. Stroud and a shaky Houston offensive line. Stroud was sacked at the second-highest rate in the NFL last year, and losing Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil makes protection even shakier. The Texans’ backfield is also unsettled without Joe Mixon, giving Los Angeles’ front seven room to attack. Led by Jared Verse and an aggressive pass rush, the Rams are a top streaming play in Week 1.
DEF to Sit
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo’s defense is one to avoid in Week 1 against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Baltimore scored 30 points per game in their two meetings last year and remains one of the league’s toughest rushing attacks with Derrick Henry now in the mix. Even though the Bills are typically a solid D/ST, facing Jackson and Henry on Sunday Night Football makes them a risky play with limited turnover potential.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are also a Week 1 sit, taking on Josh Allen and one of the NFL’s most explosive passing attacks. Despite dominating Buffalo in the regular season last year, Baltimore’s defense only managed one takeaway and three sacks across two meetings, including the playoffs. With Vegas projecting a high-scoring contest, this matchup is best avoided. Both defenses carry talent, but fantasy managers should look elsewhere.
Kickers to Start
Chase McLaughlin TB
Chase McLaughlin finished top-five among fantasy kickers in 2024 and gets a favorable Week 1 matchup against the Falcons. He tallied 22 points across two games against Atlanta last year and plays in one of the higher-total games of the week. Fresh off a 162-point season, McLaughlin remains a reliable option to kick off 2025.
Wil Lutz DEN
Wil Lutz is coming off a top-10 fantasy season and gets a home matchup where he has thrived. He posted at least eight fantasy points in each of his final four games at Mile High last season. With Denver’s offense expected to move the ball against the Titans, Lutz has top-10 kicker upside again this week.
Kickers to Sit
Jake Moody SF
Jake Moody struggled in 2024, finishing just 23rd in fantasy points among kickers, and his track record against Seattle isn’t much better. He has failed to score more than seven points in three career games against the Seahawks, including just five in their lone matchup last year. In a low-total divisional game, Moody is best left on the bench.
Cairo Santos CHI
Cairo Santos is one of the NFL’s most accurate kickers, but Week 1 isn’t the spot to trust him. Chicago’s offense has a tough opening matchup against Brian Flores’ aggressive Vikings defense will make points hard to come by. Add in Ben Johnson’s tendency to go for it on fourth downs, and Santos may lack the volume needed for fantasy relevance this week.
