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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Running Backs to Start
TreVeyon Henderson NE
Rookie TreVeyon Henderson is one of the most exciting fantasy football running backs to watch in Week 1. While Rhamondre Stevenson may technically get the first carry and possibly more touches overall, Henderson’s explosiveness makes him a must-start against the Raiders. The rookie looked electric in the preseason and is expected to play a big role in the Patriots’ passing attack alongside Drake Maye. Las Vegas was middle of the pack against running backs in 2024, but Henderson’s playmaking ability and receiving skills make him a dangerous weapon in PPR formats. Even on limited touches, Henderson has the home-run ability to deliver a big fantasy performance in his NFL debut.
D’Andre Swift CHI
D’Andre Swift is in a prime position to deliver fantasy value as Chicago’s lead back in Week 1. Swift has averaged over 1,300 scrimmage yards in each of his last two seasons and now rejoins Ben Johnson, who historically leaned on running backs in his offenses. Under Johnson’s system in Detroit, Swift saw 70 targets in 2022 and played in one of the most running back-friendly schemes in the NFL. With Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai banged up, Swift could see nearly all of Chicago’s early-down and passing work against Minnesota. The matchup isn’t easy, but the expected workload makes him a safe RB2 start in all formats.
Tony Pollard TEN
Tony Pollard opens 2025 as Tennessee’s clear lead back with Tyjae Spears on injured reserve. Last season, Pollard averaged 15.0 PPR points in games where Spears was limited, thanks to 18.8 carries and three receptions per game. That type of volume makes him a strong Week 1 start despite facing a tough Denver defense that ranked top five in rushing yards allowed to RBs in 2024. The Broncos were stingy on the ground but vulnerable through the air, giving up the ninth-most receiving yards to running backs. With Tennessee leaning heavily on him, Pollard’s dual-threat ability should rack up fantasy points even in a difficult matchup. His workload makes him a safe RB2 with upside in Week 1 fantasy lineups.
Running backs to Sit
Breece Hall NYJ
Breece Hall is normally a set-and-forget fantasy RB, but Week 1 brings some concerns. The Jets will be without star guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, a major loss for the run game. Pittsburgh’s defense also presents a tough matchup, ranking 11th-best against running backs last year while limiting explosive plays and holding opponents to the 10th-fewest rushing yards per game. Add in uncertainty over how much Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis will be involved, and Hall is best treated as a flex option this week rather than a locked-in RB1. Hall is a player you need to sit in Week 1.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt WAS
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, or “Bill,” has been a late-rising fantasy football sleeper, but he’s best left on the bench in Week 1. Washington’s backfield looks crowded with Austin Ekeler handling passing downs, Chris Rodriguez Jr. potentially taking short-yardage carries, and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels commanding a big share of goal-line opportunities. The Giants also bring one of the strongest defensive lines in the NFL, making this a tough matchup. Croskey-Merritt is listed as the No. 4 RB on the depth chart, though he has been practicing as the No. 2. Until his role becomes clearer, fantasy managers should take a wait-and-see approach. He’s no more than a risky flex play in Week 1.
Nick Chubb HOU
Nick Chubb’s comeback story is inspiring, but fantasy managers should avoid starting him in Week 1. After returning from another devastating knee injury in 2024, Chubb averaged just 3.4 yards per touch, well below his career norm of 5.3. He also posted the lowest explosive run rate of any back with 100 carries, at just five percent. Now 29 years old and coming off another foot injury, Chubb is surrounded by backfield competition with Dameon Pierce, Woody Marks, and Dare Ogunbowale likely to be involved. The Rams’ defense brings additional challenges, as they were strong against the run last year. Chubb is someone who should be sitting in a majority of leagues.
