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
Running Backs to Start
Jordan Mason MIN
With Aaron Jones sidelined on injured reserve, Jordan Mason steps in as the Vikings’ lead back and should be locked into fantasy football lineups. Mason has averaged 13.5 touches and 56.5 yards per game so far, but those numbers are expected to rise to 17–20 touches in Week 3 against Cincinnati. His efficiency has been outstanding, ranking top-20 among qualifying running backs in explosive run rate, missed tackles forced per attempt, and yards after contact. The Bengals have already allowed three different backs to score 15+ fantasy points in two weeks, and Mason should join that list. With full control of the backfield and a favorable matchup, Mason is a strong RB2 with RB1 upside in fantasy football this week.
D’Andre Swift CHI
D’Andre Swift hasn’t been flashy, but he continues to offer steady production for fantasy football managers. In Week 2, Swift totaled 69 yards and a touchdown on 15 touches, finishing with 13.9 points in PPR formats. He has averaged 17.5 touches per game so far, showing reliable volume even if his per-touch efficiency has lagged. The Cowboys’ defense has given up at least 13.9 points to Saquon Barkley and Cam Skattebo, while ranking bottom 10 in explosive run rate allowed and yards after contact per attempt. With his role secure and the matchup favorable, Swift belongs in fantasy football lineups as a solid RB2 in Week 3.
Javonte Williams DAL
Javonte Williams has scored two touchdowns in Week 1 and followed it up with 130 total yards and another score in Week 2. Through two weeks, Williams ranks as the RB3 in points per game, averaging 20.5 touches and 97 yards while maintaining a 74.8% snap share and strong involvement in the passing game. His efficiency has been excellent, with a top-10 finish in yards after contact per attempt. Now he faces a Chicago defense that has already surrendered big games to Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, while also ranking bottom 10 in explosive run rate allowed. With elite usage and a plus matchup, Williams is a great play this week.
Running Backs to Sit
David Montgomery DET
David Montgomery has been steady but touchdown-dependent for fantasy football production. He found the end zone in Week 2 against Chicago but managed just 61 total yards on 12 touches. Week 3 brings a tougher test against Baltimore, a defense that has allowed only one rushing touchdown this season. The Ravens can limit Montgomery if the Lions fall behind, as he is far less involved in the passing game than Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery is still a decent flex play in standard leagues, but in PPR formats, he should be considered a sit for Week 3 fantasy football given the tough matchup and game script concerns.
Tyrone Tracy / Cam Skattebo NYG
The Giants’ backfield is shaping up as a committee that fantasy football managers should avoid this week. Tyrone Tracy started Week 1 but has totaled just 71 yards in two games, while Cam Skattebo stole the show in Week 2 with 59 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, the Week 3 matchup against Kansas City is one of the worst possible for running backs. The Chiefs have allowed the fourth-fewest yards after contact per attempt and rank top 10 in both explosive run rate prevention and missed tackle rate. Even if Skattebo has the lead role, the matchup is not great. Treat Tracy and Skattebo as low-end flex options at best.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt WAS
With Austin Ekeler out, rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt (aka Bill) has a chance to see expanded work, but he’s still a risky play in fantasy football. After scoring 14.2 points in his debut, Croskey-Merritt followed with just 1.7 in Week 2, playing fewer than one-third of the snaps in both games. His limited passing-game role caps his upside, and Washington could lean on Jeremy McNichols in that area moving forward. The Raiders defense has also been stingy, allowing just 97 rushing yards total to running backs this season and ranking top 12 in explosive run rate and missed tackle prevention. Croskey-Merritt needs a
