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
Jaxson Dart NYG
Jaxson Dart has quickly evolved into one of fantasy football’s most consistent dual-threat options. Even in games where his passing production has cooled, Dart’s ability to make plays with his legs has elevated his floor, scoring a rushing touchdown in four of his five starts while rushing for over 50 rushing yards in three of them. His mobility has been a game-changer, compensating for an up-and-down passing profile. Still, he’s averaged 21.4 fantasy points per game as a starter, a testament to his all-around production. Facing minimal defensive pressure this week could be exactly what he needs to sustain that success.
That opportunity arrives against a struggling 49ers defense that has quietly become a favorable matchup for fantasy quarterbacks. San Francisco ranks bottom two in both sacks and interceptions while generating the lowest pressure rate in the NFL, which bodes well for Dart’s ability to make plays from the pocket and on the move. Opposing quarterbacks have topped 19 fantasy points in three of their past four matchups against this unit, and Dart’s recent consistency suggests he could be next in line. With Cam Skattebo out and New York’s backfield thin, expect Dart to rely even more on his rushing ability. Fantasy managers should feel confident to start Dart in Week 9, as his combination of rushing equity and matchup advantage makes him a strong low-end QB1 across all formats.
Sam Darnold SEA
Sam Darnold has been one of the more consistent options at quarterback this year, ranking as the QB13 entering Week 9. Despite struggling against a stifling Texans defense in his last start, Darnold previously logged back-to-back games with 20+ fantasy points and has posted at least 16 points in four of his past five outings. Efficiency hasn’t been his issue; he ranks second in yards per attempt and ninth in fantasy points per dropback, but limited passing volume in Seattle’s offense has capped his overall ceiling. The efficiency has allowed him to be one of the more consistent options in fantasy despite the limited volume. This week, he may finally get a chance to reach his ceiling.
Washington’s defense has become a dream matchup for opposing quarterbacks, ranking fifth in fantasy points allowed to the position while surrendering the fourth-most passing yards and touchdowns this season. The Commanders’ secondary has been repeatedly exposed, with quarterbacks like Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes combining for over 57 fantasy points in their last two contests against them. If Jayden Daniels suits up for Washington, this game could turn into a closer game, a scenario that favors Darnold’s upside. Having already produced QB1 weeks in three of his last five outings, Darnold is well-positioned to deliver another strong fantasy line. Fantasy managers should start Darnold with confidence in Week 9, especially in 12-team leagues or deeper formats.
Caleb Williams CHI
Caleb Williams’ 2025 season has had flashes of brilliance mixed with bouts of inconsistency. Over his last four games, he’s finished outside the top 20 quarterbacks three times, struggling to generate rushing production with fewer than 25 yards on the ground in each of those outings while being incredibly inaccurate. His accuracy metrics are brutal, ranking 39th in highly accurate throw rate and 41st in catchable target rate. Despite those struggles, Williams’ arm talent and improvisational ability remain evident, and he’s still averaging mid-QB2 production at 14th in fantasy points per game. Now, he faces a defense that could help him get back on track.
The Bengals have been a fantasy goldmine for opposing quarterbacks, ranking first in passing touchdowns allowed and fifth in passing yards surrendered since Week 4. They’ve given up at least 20.5 fantasy points in all but two games this season, allowing both Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields to explode for a combined 53.3 points in their last two outings. That defensive vulnerability makes Williams an appealing bounce-back candidate this week. With his dual-threat potential and a soft secondary to exploit, the Bears’ offense could finally click through the air. Fantasy managers should look to start Williams in Week 9, trusting the matchup against a leaky Bengals defense to fuel one of his best performances since September.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Jordan Love GB
Jordan Love exploded for a QB1 overall finish last week, reminding everyone of his upside given a favorable matchup and more passing volume. Fantasy managers have also witnessed the volatility that comes with Love in the Packers offense as well. Before that performance, Love had scored under 16 fantasy points in four of seven games this season, frequently undone by Green Bay’s run-heavy tendencies and inconsistent red-zone execution. Statistically, Love has shown growth as a passer, ranking fifth in yards per attempt and eighth in CPOE, but those numbers haven’t always translated to steady weekly output. Green Bay’s offense continues to emphasize balance, ranking fourth in rushing rate and heavily leaning on its ground game when ahead. This week’s matchup presents conditions that could pull Love back toward his floor.
The Panthers have quietly developed into one of the league’s most efficient pass defenses, holding opponents under 200 passing yards per game while ranking above average in completion rate, passer rating, and success rate against. With Carolina just allowing 245 rushing yards to Buffalo and the Packers running among the most in the league, this contest sets up as a ground-dominant affair. Love’s passing volume could be limited once again, reducing his fantasy ceiling. While he’s playing well in real-life football terms, the matchup and game script make him risky for fantasy purposes. Managers should sit Love in Week 9 unless forced to start him in deeper formats or Superflex leagues.
Bo Nix DEN
Bo Nix has been one of the hottest quarterbacks in fantasy football over the past two weeks, averaging 31.9 points per game and totaling seven touchdowns in that span. His connection with Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin has been clicking, and his accuracy and consistency have shown steady improvement since a rocky start to the season. Nix’s passing volume and efficiency have both climbed, with 263 passing yards per game compared to just 178.3 during the first three weeks. However, those big outings came in favorable matchups at home versus the Giants and Cowboys. This week, he draws a far less forgiving opponent.
Houston’s defense has been a nightmare for fantasy quarterbacks, allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to the position while holding opposing passers to fewer touchdowns than interceptions. Only two quarterbacks all season have topped 15.6 points against the Texans, and none have finished as a weekly QB1. Houston’s defensive metrics also include the second-lowest completion rate and league-best pass EPA with one of the best pass rushes in football. Combined with Denver’s likely conservative game plan against a struggling Texans offense, Nix’s opportunity for great fantasy production is not there. Fantasy managers should sit Nix in Week 9, as his recent surge is unlikely to continue against one of the league’s toughest pass defenses.
CJ Stroud HOU
C.J. Stroud continues to deliver solid fantasy performances, surpassing 22 fantasy points in three of his past four games while showing improved chemistry with his younger receivers. He’s displayed improved play under pressure over the last few weeks, but is still struggling analytically. Among 45 qualifying quarterbacks, Stroud ranks just 27th in yards per attempt and 26th in catchable target rate, indicating that some of his production has come from volume and efficiency in easier matchups than a true return to form. The return of Nico Collins should help his outlook, but he still faces one of the league’s most underrated defenses.
The Broncos’ pass defense has been suffocating since Week 4, allowing the sixth-fewest passing yards per game and the lowest completion percentage over expected (CPOE). Only three quarterbacks have scored more than 16.6 fantasy points against them this season, and their success rate against the pass ranks second-best in the league. Even without Patrick Surtain, Denver’s secondary remains disciplined and opportunistic. While Stroud has been much better lately, his ceiling appears capped in this matchup. Fantasy managers should sit Stroud in Week 9, viewing him as a low-end QB2 rather than a trustworthy starting option.
