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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Quarterbacks to Start
Jared Goff DET
Jared Goff enters this matchup playing some of his best football of the season, coming off a Week 15 performance where he threw for 338 yards and three touchdowns against the Rams. That marked his third game with at least 300 passing yards over his last four outings, a stretch in which he has averaged over 23 fantasy football points per game. Since Dan Campbell took over playcalling, Goff has benefitted from increased offensive aggression, throwing multiple touchdown passes in four of six games while ranking near the top of the league in yards per attempt. Among 44 qualifying quarterbacks, he currently sits third in passing yards per game and second in passing touchdowns, underscoring how productive this offense has become through the air. With the Lions still fighting for playoff positioning and their defense struggling, Goff’s passing volume has been perfect for fantasy production.
The matchup also supports keeping Goff firmly in fantasy football lineups this week, making him a clear start against Pittsburgh. The Steelers have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and have given up at least 19 points to the position seven times this season. Since Week 8, quarterbacks have averaged 17.8 fantasy points per game against Pittsburgh, with three of the past four surpassing 20 points. While the Steelers rank middle-of-the-pack in yards per attempt allowed since Week 11, they are still fourth in passing yards surrendered overall, a profile that aligns well with Goff’s volume-based production. His ability to sustain drives and capitalize in the red zone keeps his weekly floor intact. Given the efficiency metrics and game environment, Goff remains a strong start this week.
Jacoby Brissett ARI
Jacoby Brissett’s production since taking over as Arizona’s starter in Week 6 has been remarkably consistent, making him one of the most reliable quarterbacks in fantasy football. Across nine starts, he has scored at least 18 fantasy points every single week, including three outings above 25 points. Brissett has thrown multiple touchdown passes in eight of those nine games while eclipsing 300 passing yards four times, a volume profile rarely found on the waiver wire in the middle of the season. Since Week 6, he ranks first among all quarterbacks in passing yards per game and second in passing touchdowns, fueled by Arizona’s pass-heavy approach. His workload stands out even more when noting that he leads the league in dropbacks over that span, creating weekly opportunity regardless of matchup. Even in tougher spots, Brissett has maintained efficiency through sheer volume and aggressive play-calling.
That volume-driven profile makes Brissett an easy start in Week 16 against Atlanta. The Falcons have allowed the fourth-most passing yards and sixth-most passing touchdowns to quarterbacks since Week 10, a combination that has led to several high-end fantasy performances. Over the past five games, four opposing quarterbacks have scored at least 20 fantasy points against this defense. Brissett proved last week that he can succeed even in elite matchups by becoming the first quarterback to throw three touchdowns against Houston and finish as a top-12 option versus that defense. Since Week 6, only Josh Allen and Trevor Lawrence have scored more total fantasy points at the position. With Atlanta struggling and Brissett on fire, he profiles as a locked-in start for fantasy football managers chasing a championship.
Brock Purdy SF
Since returning in Week 11, Brock Purdy has quietly re-established himself as a high-efficiency fantasy football quarterback. Over that stretch, he has posted two QB1 finishes while ranking eighth in passing touchdowns among qualifying quarterbacks. Purdy’s accuracy metrics support the production, as he sits inside the top 15 in both highly accurate throw rate and catchable target rate since his return. San Francisco’s offensive structure allows Purdy to operate comfortably in the intermediate areas of the field, where timing and anticipation generate chunk plays. His Week 15 performance against Tennessee showcased that upside, as he totaled over 26 fantasy points in one of his most complete games of the season.
This week’s matchup positions Purdy for a strong start against Indianapolis. Since Week 11, the Colts have allowed the second-most passing yards per game while ranking outside the top 15 in pressure rate, giving quarterbacks time to attack downfield. Injuries in the secondary have further weakened Indianapolis, creating exploitable coverage mismatches across the middle of the field. Quarterbacks have consistently produced against this defense the Colts this season, and it will be no different for Purdy this week. Purdy’s ability to distribute the ball efficiently fits well against a unit that allows explosive pass plays at a high rate. Given his recent QB1 finishes and the matchup profile, Purdy belongs firmly in starting lineups this week.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Trevor Lawrence JAC
Trevor Lawrence has been one of the hottest quarterbacks in fantasy football since the Week 8 bye, producing several elite performances during that span. He enters Week 16 having scored at least 17 fantasy points in four consecutive games, including a massive 44-plus point explosion in Week 15. Since Week 9, Lawrence ranks near the top of the league in passing touchdowns and yards per attempt, reflecting his growth as a passer. His efficiency metrics also stand out, with top-15 rankings in highly accurate throw rate after struggling to reach the top 25 to open the season. However, two of his lowest-scoring games during this stretch came against top-tier defenses that limited explosive passing plays. Those performances provide important context when evaluating his upcoming matchup.
That context makes Lawrence a difficult start this week, pushing him into sit territory against Denver. The Broncos have allowed the third-fewest passing touchdowns and seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season. Since Week 11, Denver ranks inside the top 12 in yards per attempt allowed, passer rating allowed, and success rate per dropback. Only one quarterback has scored more than 20 fantasy points against the Broncos over their past seven games, and only one has done so at Denver all season. Lawrence’s recent spike weeks came against softer matchups that allowed volume and red-zone success. In standard one-quarterback leagues, this is a spot to sit Lawrence and avoid chasing last week’s production.
Marcus Mariota WAS
Marcus Mariota has provided mixed results since taking over as Washington’s starter, combining rushing production with inconsistent passing efficiency. As a starter, he has averaged over six rushing attempts per game and nearly 37 rushing yards, giving him a modest fantasy football floor. His season includes three QB1 finishes, largely driven by games where his legs contributed significantly to his total output. However, his passing metrics tell a less stable story, as he ranks outside the top 25 in both accurate throw rate and catchable target rate. Mariota’s Week 15 performance against the Giants resulted in fewer than 17 fantasy points despite facing a favorable defense. That inconsistency becomes more concerning against stronger opponents.
This matchup pushes Mariota into sit consideration for fantasy football managers outside of Superflex formats. Philadelphia has been one of the most restrictive defenses against quarterbacks, allowing just one passer to score more than 14 fantasy points over their last six games. Since Week 11, the Eagles rank top 10 in yards per attempt allowed, passing yards per game, and CPOE. While Mariota’s rushing upside always offers some appeal, Philadelphia has consistently limited quarterback scrambling lanes. His path to a usable fantasy performance would require either multiple rushing scores or unexpected passing efficiency. In standard leagues, Mariota is best left on the bench this week.
Jaxson Dart NYG
Jaxson Dart has been one of the most productive fantasy football quarterbacks since Week 4, largely because of his rushing volume and red-zone usage. Over that span, he has averaged more than seven rushing attempts and 44 rushing yards per game while scoring seven times on the ground. His rushing output has helped him maintain a high fantasy floor despite middling passing efficiency metrics. Dart ranks outside the top 25 in yards per attempt and accurate throw rate, highlighting his reliance on athleticism rather than precision. Even so, he has failed to reach 15.6 fantasy points only once in nine starts, demonstrating consistent weekly involvement. That consistency, however, is about to be tested.
Minnesota presents one of the toughest matchups in fantasy football, making Dart a recommended sit in Week 16. The Vikings have not allowed a passing touchdown since Week 11 and have held six straight quarterbacks under 19 fantasy points. During that span, they have surrendered just one passing touchdown total and limited even elite quarterbacks to modest outputs. Minnesota also ranks top 10 in limiting quarterback rushing yards, directly attacking Dart’s primary fantasy strength. Brian Flores’ defense has allowed the third-lowest passer rating and completion percentage since Week 10. While Dart always carries rushing upside, this matchup makes him a risky play best avoided in favor of safer starts.
