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 playoffs underway, matchups, stats, and trends are more important than ever. Each week, we’ll break down the top fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em picks at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defense, and kicker to help you set the best possible lineup. For most leagues, each player can only be used once, so with that logic, we will be targeting players who will allow for lineup flexibility down the stretch.
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Quarterbacks to Start
Jordan Love GB
Jordan Love’s regular season was cut short after he suffered a concussion in Week 16, but before that injury, he was playing efficient, winning football for Green Bay. He finished the year completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, which placed him among the more stable fantasy football quarterbacks in the league. Love was especially effective against Chicago earlier this season, completing 17 of 25 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns in their Week 14 matchup. That performance produced over 20 fantasy points despite Green Bay leaning on the run game late. The Bears have allowed 16 or more fantasy points to four different quarterbacks since Week 10 and gave up 300 passing yards in back-to-back games to close the regular season. Love’s ability to attack vertically and protect the football has kept his weekly floor intact even when volume has fluctuated. When healthy, he has consistently provided fantasy-relevant production against beatable secondaries.
Looking ahead to Wild Card Weekend, Love sets up as a strong start in his rematch against Chicago. He is off the injury report and will be playing against a defense that allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks during the regular season. The Bears also gave up the fourth-most passing touchdowns and struggled badly to defend the red zone through the air. With Green Bay expected to lean on Love in a competitive road matchup, his passing volume should be strong. The Packers’ offense is at its best when Love is pushing the ball downfield, and Chicago has not shown the ability to slow that style. Even if Green Bay plays from ahead, Love’s efficiency gives him a high fantasy floor. In playoff fantasy formats, he profiles as a high-end QB2 with real upside to crack the top 5 at the position this week.
Trevor Lawrence JAX
Trevor Lawrence closed the regular season playing at one of the highest levels of any quarterback in fantasy football. Since Week 14, Jacksonville has led the league in pass rate over expectation, and Lawrence has rewarded that aggressive approach with elite efficiency. Over that span, he ranked third in passing yards per game, second in adjusted net yards per attempt, and tied for second in passing touchdowns. He also finished first in points per game, averaging nearly 30 fantasy points. Lawrence has added another dimension to his production with his legs, recording double-digit rushing yards in seven straight games and scoring four rushing touchdowns over his last five. In his final six regular-season games, he piled up 1,600 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, 149 rushing yards, and only one turnover. That combination of efficiency and mobility has made him essentially matchup-proof.
For Wild Card Weekend, Lawrence remains a strong start even in a tough matchup against Buffalo. The Bills are a difficult defense on paper, but Lawrence’s current level of play gives him one of the highest ceilings of any quarterback still in the playoffs. Jacksonville is expected to continue leaning into the passing game, especially if Buffalo jumps out to an early lead. That game script would only increase Lawrence’s dropbacks and fantasy scoring opportunities. His rushing ability further insulates his floor, giving him points even if passing efficiency dips. In single-week playoff leagues, Lawrence profiles as a top-five quarterback option with legitimate QB1 upside. If Buffalo forces Jacksonville into a shootout, Lawrence could once again deliver a massive fantasy performance.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Brock Purdy SF
Brock Purdy enters the postseason on shaky footing after one of his worst games of the season in Week 18. Against Seattle, he threw for just 127 yards with no touchdowns and an interception while also suffering a painful stinger late in the game. That performance snapped a strong fantasy stretch in which he had scored over 32 fantasy points in each of Weeks 15 through 17. Purdy also took significant punishment behind an injured offensive line, and his health is now a concern heading into the playoffs. The 49ers’ offense relies heavily on timing and protection, and any limitation to Purdy’s shoulder or arm strength can disrupt that rhythm. San Francisco could also be without key weapons like Trent Williams or Ricky Pearsall, which would further strain Purdy’s ability to function efficiently. After posting just 5.2 fantasy points last week, his confidence and physical condition both come into question.
Looking ahead to the Wild Card matchup against Philadelphia, Purdy is a clear sit. The Eagles allowed fewer passing touchdowns than any defense in the regular season and have surrendered only seven passing scores since Week 7. They have also held strong fantasy quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford, Dak Prescott, and Caleb Williams under 14 fantasy points. Philadelphia’s pass rush and coverage scheme are especially dominant at home, where quarterbacks struggle to find clean pockets. Even if San Francisco falls behind and throws more, efficiency will be hard to come by. In playoff fantasy formats, Purdy carries one of the lowest ceilings of any starting quarterback this week and should remain on the bench.
Justin Herbert LAC
Justin Herbert limped through the final stretch of the regular season with declining efficiency and mounting physical issues. He has scored fewer than 16.5 fantasy points in six of his last seven games, with his only strong outing coming against a weak Dallas defense. Herbert is playing with a broken left hand and has been under constant pressure, finishing third in the league with 54 sacks and taking a league-high 129 hits. His passing numbers have suffered as a result, and he has thrown multiple touchdowns in just two games since Week 10. The Chargers’ offensive line has struggled to protect him, forcing shorter throws and limiting explosive plays. Even when volume has been there, Herbert has not been able to translate it into consistent fantasy production. His floor has collapsed just as the fantasy season reaches its most critical point.
That trend makes Herbert a fantasy football sit for his Wild Card matchup against New England. The Patriots have allowed only one quarterback to score more than 15.6 fantasy points since Week 11, and that was Josh Allen. Their disciplined pass rush and coverage scheme are especially difficult for quarterbacks dealing with injuries and protection issues. Herbert’s broken hand limits his ability to attack downfield, and New England excels at forcing short, low-value throws. Even if the Chargers fall behind, Herbert’s recent struggles suggest he will not capitalize on big plays. In playoff fantasy formats, Herbert offers little upside and a very low floor. Managers should avoid him in favor of healthier and more productive quarterback options this week.
Running Backs to Start
D’Andre Swift CHI
D’Andre Swift has quietly been one of Chicago’s most productive fantasy backs down the stretch despite uneven game scripts. Since Week 14, Swift has handled 56.8 percent of the Bears’ rushing attempts while leading the backfield with a 43.9 percent route participation rate. Over that span, he has averaged 62.6 rushing yards per game on 4.97 yards per carry while scoring four rushing touchdowns. His efficiency has also remained strong, posting a 65.1 percent success rate with only a 27 percent stuff rate. Swift has dominated high-value touches near the goal line, accounting for 57.1 percent of Chicago’s rushes inside the five-yard line. As a receiver, he has added 11 targets, nine receptions, and 62 yards, giving him a steady PPR floor. Swift has topped 20 PPR points three times over his last six games, showing he still brings tournament-winning upside.
In the Wild Card round, Swift draws a Green Bay defense that has allowed eight total touchdowns and the eighth-most fantasy points per game to running backs since Week 10. Although Swift struggled in both regular-season meetings against the Packers, that defense was just gashed by Derrick Henry for over 200 yards and four scores two weeks ago. Chicago continues to use Swift as their primary scoring back, making him difficult to bench even in a familiar matchup. If the Bears stay competitive, Swift’s goal-line role and passing-game usage could lead to another strong fantasy performance. For managers saving elite running backs for later rounds, Swift profiles as a smart Wild Card start with RB2 upside.
Kenneth Gainwell PIT
Kenneth Gainwell has evolved into one of the most consistent receiving backs in fantasy football over the second half of the season. Since Week 11, he has posted a 58.8 percent route participation rate with a 17.5 percent target share and an impressive 0.28 targets per route run. Over that span, Gainwell has caught 44 passes for 363 yards, averaging 5.8 receptions and 45.4 receiving yards per game. He has exceeded 30.5 receiving yards in three of his last four contests and has topped 16.2 PPR points in six of his last eight games. His Week 18 outing against Baltimore was another showcase, where he hauled in eight passes for 64 yards while also scoring on the ground. Gainwell’s receiving efficiency has been excellent, posting 2.10 yards per route run while functioning as Pittsburgh’s primary check-down option. His role has remained stable even as game scripts have shifted.
In the Wild Card round, Gainwell faces Houston, a defense that limits rushing production but has repeatedly allowed running backs to generate fantasy value through the air. Eight running backs this season have scored at least 7.3 PPR points against the Texans solely from receiving production. That group includes players like Michael Carter, Ashton Jeanty, and Omarion Hampton over the last month. With Pittsburgh likely leaning on short passes to move the ball, Gainwell should once again be heavily involved as a safety valve. His floor is protected by volume in the passing game, and his ceiling remains intact if he adds red-zone work. Gainwell is a strong Wild Card start in PPR leagues.
Running Backs to Sit
Rico Dowdle CAR
Rico Dowdle has faded badly as the season has progressed, making him difficult to trust heading into the postseason. Over his last five games, he has produced more than 9.9 PPR points only once, with three straight single-digit performances. His rushing efficiency has declined sharply, and he has totaled fewer than 10 carries in two of his last three games. In Week 13 against the Rams, Dowdle managed just 58 rushing yards on 18 carries, while Chuba Hubbard outperformed him with 83 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown. Since Week 10, Dowdle has found the end zone just once, which has severely limited his fantasy upside. Carolina’s backfield has essentially turned into a 50/50 split, making it difficult for Dowdle to accumulate enough volume to offset his inefficiency. Even when he leads in carries, the lack of explosive plays and scoring opportunities keeps his production capped.
In the Wild Card round, Dowdle faces a Rams defense that has been one of the league’s toughest units against running backs. Los Angeles has allowed just six rushing touchdowns to RBs all season, ranking third-best in the NFL. With Carolina rotating backs and Dowdle struggling to create big plays, his ceiling is extremely low in this matchup. Unless he scores, which is unlikely against this defense, Dowdle is projected to deliver another underwhelming fantasy outing. He should be viewed as a sit or desperation flex at best for the Wild Card round.
Woody Marks HOU
Woody Marks has been a frustrating fantasy option throughout his rookie season despite maintaining a heavy workload. He has handled 196 carries for 703 yards and two rushing touchdowns while adding 24 receptions for 208 yards and three scores through the air. While the volume appears attractive, his efficiency has been one of the worst in the league, averaging just 3.59 yards per carry, ranking 48th out of 49 qualifying running backs. Over his last seven full games, Marks has seen at least 17 touches in six contests but has scored more than 11 PPR points only once. His lack of explosiveness has limited his ability to turn volume into meaningful fantasy production. Defenses have been comfortable stacking the box against him, and he has struggled to break tackles or generate chunk plays. Despite operating as Houston’s lead back, his fantasy output has remained consistently disappointing.
In the Wild Card round, Marks faces a Pittsburgh defense that is one of the worst possible matchups for running backs. The Steelers allowed the fewest rushing yards per game over the final four weeks of the season, giving up just 73.3 yards per contest. From Weeks 11 through 17, they also allowed only three total touchdowns to running backs while ranking seventh in fewest fantasy points allowed at the position. Marks’ low efficiency, combined with this brutal matchup, makes him extremely risky. Even with volume, his lack of scoring and big-play ability leaves little upside. He profiles as a low-end RB3 or flex and is best left on the bench for the Wild Card round.
Wide Receivers to Start
Tetairoa McMillan CAR
Tetairoa McMillan finished the regular season as one of the most productive rookie wide receivers in fantasy football, posting 1,014 receiving yards, 70 receptions, and seven touchdowns on 122 targets. He emerged clearly as Carolina’s alpha option over Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, commanding consistent volume even when Bryce Young struggled. McMillan ended the season as the WR15 in fantasy scoring, which speaks to both his talent and his weekly involvement. He showed an ability to win on the perimeter, stretching the field while also working underneath when needed. His inconsistencies were largely driven by quarterback play rather than his own performance, as Young was among the most volatile passers in the league. McMillan still produced despite the instability, showing the type of usage and skill set fantasy managers want heading into the postseason. His ability to earn targets in all areas of the field gives him both a strong floor and ceiling.
Looking to the Wild Card round, McMillan draws a Rams defense that allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers from Weeks 10 through 17 and the second-most points to perimeter wideouts. He already burned this secondary earlier in the year with a 43-yard touchdown, and the Rams have continued to struggle containing WR1s. While Carolina enters as a heavy underdog, a negative game script could actually benefit McMillan through increased passing volume. Even if the Panthers are eliminated quickly, this matchup sets up well for him to see heavy targets. Fantasy managers in playoff formats should be comfortable starting McMillan as a WR2, with upside for a big game if Carolina is forced to throw early and often.
Christian Watson GB
Christian Watson has looked fully recovered from last season’s ACL tear and has quietly been one of the most efficient receivers in football down the stretch. Among receivers with at least 200 routes, he ranks top-20 in air-yard share, yards per game, targets per route run, and receiving touchdowns. He also ranks near the top of the league in yards per route run, showing that his efficiency has been elite when he is on the field. Watson has scored over 18 PPR points in three of his last five games, including a massive 24.9-point outing in Week 14. His combination of deep-ball usage and red-zone involvement makes him extremely dangerous for fantasy managers. Even in games where volume is modest, his explosiveness gives him a path to a strong fantasy day. That profile makes him one of the more volatile but exciting receivers entering the postseason.
In the Wild Card round, Watson faces a Bears defense that ranks 27th in yards per completion allowed, which plays directly into his strength as a downfield threat. Chicago has struggled to prevent explosive pass plays all season, and Watson’s air-yard share suggests he will have multiple chances to connect on big throws. While his floor remains lower than possession-style receivers, his matchup gives him clear WR1 upside in playoff leagues. If he converts just one or two deep targets, Watson could swing fantasy matchups. He is best deployed by managers looking to maximize ceiling in the Wild Card round, especially in formats where big plays carry extra weight.
Wide Receivers to Sit
Rome Odunze CHI
Rome Odunze enters the postseason with more uncertainty than any other Bears wide receiver. Before suffering a stress fracture in his foot in Week 13, he was already struggling, scoring 8.3 PPR points or fewer in three straight games and finding the end zone only once since Week 4. Although he finished the regular season with six touchdowns and 661 receiving yards, most of that production came early in the year. Since then, his role has diminished, and his efficiency has dropped significantly. During his five-game absence, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland became major focal points of the offense. D.J. Moore also surged, posting two games over 21.9 PPR points in his last four outings. Odunze now returns to a much more crowded target tree than the one he left.
For the Wild Card matchup against Green Bay, Odunze profiles as a risky fantasy play. He has not played since Week 13 and will be asked to contribute immediately in a playoff environment. Burden and Moore have built chemistry with the offense, while Odunze must re-earn his role. Even if he sees moderate volume, it is difficult to trust his efficiency and red-zone usage after such a long layoff. Currently, his yardage prop on sportsbooks is only sitting at 37.5, which is not a great sign for his production this week. Fantasy managers should view Odunze as a low-end flex at best, and in most playoff formats, safer and more established options should be prioritized over him.
Jauan Jennings SF
Jauan Jennings had a productive regular season, catching 55 passes for 643 yards and nine touchdowns on 90 targets. He became one of San Francisco’s most reliable red-zone threats, scoring six touchdowns over his final six games. Jennings also earned at least five targets in 10 of his final 11 games, showing that his role was stable even when the offense shifted week to week. With Ricky Pearsall battling injuries late in the season, Jennings often operated as the team’s primary wide receiver. Despite that, his yardage totals remained modest, and most of his fantasy value came from touchdowns rather than volume or efficiency. That type of profile creates volatility, especially when facing strong defensive opponents.
In the Wild Card round, Jennings faces an Eagles defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers from Weeks 10 through 17 and only two touchdowns to the position in that span. No receiver has topped 14.5 PPR points against Philadelphia since Week 13, making this a very low-ceiling matchup. Even if Jennings sees five to seven targets, the likelihood of a big fantasy day is slim against the secondary of the Eagles. While he may get a look near the end zone, the overall defensive environment suppresses his upside. Fantasy managers should view Jennings as a risky WR4 or flex and strongly consider sitting him in favor of receivers in more favorable matchups.
Tight Ends to Start
Dalton Schultz HOU
Dalton Schultz enters the postseason playing some of his best football of the year. Over his final four regular-season games, Schultz scored at least 11.3 PPR points in three contests and caught multiple red-zone targets, finishing that stretch with two touchdowns. In Week 18 against Indianapolis, he secured all four of his targets for 73 yards, showcasing his role as a chain mover and safety valve for C.J. Stroud. On the season, Schultz set a career high with 82 receptions on 106 targets for 777 yards, giving him a stable weekly floor in fantasy football. He recorded at least five catches in 10 games, tying for second among all tight ends. His consistent route involvement and target volume have made him Houston’s second-most reliable pass catcher behind Nico Collins. Schultz’s usage profile makes him especially valuable in PPR formats entering the postseason.
Looking ahead to the Wild Card matchup, Schultz draws one of the best tight end matchups on the slate against Pittsburgh. The Steelers allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season, along with 6.3 catches and 66.8 yards per game to the position. Multiple tight ends have posted TE1 fantasy football weeks against this defense, including Darren Waller’s 25.6-point explosion. Houston is likely to lean on short and intermediate passing, which funnels volume directly to Schultz. His role as Stroud’s underneath option gives him a strong reception floor. With touchdown upside and matchup-driven efficiency, Schultz profiles as a top-three tight end start in the Wild Card Round.
Colston Loveland CHI
Colston Loveland closed the regular season on a dominant stretch that made him one of the most valuable tight ends in fantasy football. Since Week 12, he ranks TE7 in points and expected fantasy points per game. Over that span, Loveland posted a 66.3% route participation rate, a 19.3% target share, and a strong 24.7% air-yards share, showing that he is being used downfield and in high-value situations. He averaged 6.7 targets and nearly 55 receiving yards per game while posting an elite 2.17 yards per route run. Over his final two games, he erupted for 16 catches, 185 yards, and two touchdowns, scoring over 20 PPR points in each. His red-zone involvement has been especially encouraging, converting both of his end-zone targets into touchdowns. Loveland has clearly emerged as a primary option in Chicago’s passing game.
In the Wild Card Round, Loveland remains a premium tight end start despite a mixed history against Green Bay. While he was held to three catches for 30 yards in Week 16, he also found the end zone against them earlier in the season. Caleb Williams has increasingly trusted Loveland in high-leverage situations, especially on third downs and in the red zone. Even with Rome Odunze returning, Loveland’s route share and target efficiency remain strong. His volume and scoring upside give him one of the highest ceilings at the position this week. Fantasy football managers should confidently start Loveland as a top-five tight end in Wild Card formats.
Tight Ends to Sit
Brenton Strange JAX
Brenton Strange enters the postseason coming off one of his strongest stretches of the season. He has scored at least 14.9 PPR points in two of his past three games, including a season-best 17.2 points in Week 18 against Tennessee. In that game, Strange caught six passes for 52 yards and a touchdown on six targets, showing strong chemistry with Jacksonville’s quarterback. Over the past three weeks, his route participation and red-zone involvement have increased, making him a viable fantasy football streamer. His recent usage suggests he has been more than just a safety-valve tight end, as he has been schemed into scoring opportunities. While his yardage totals have not been elite, his touchdown equity has propped up his fantasy value. On paper, Strange looks like a tight end trending in the right direction.
However, his Wild Card matchup against Buffalo makes him a risky sit. The Bills allowed the fewest fantasy points, receptions, and receiving yards to tight ends during the regular season. From Weeks 10–17, Buffalo held tight ends to just 35.5 yards per game and shut down red-zone production. Only three tight ends all season managed more than 10.6 PPR points against this defense. Jacksonville is likely to funnel targets to its wide receivers instead of attacking the middle of the field. Even with Strange’s recent momentum, the matchup severely limits his ceiling. Fantasy football managers should avoid starting him in Wild Card lineups unless they have no alternative.
Dalton Kincaid BUF
Dalton Kincaid’s fantasy football production has fallen off sharply over the past month. He has scored 7.8 PPR points or fewer in four of his last five games, failing to provide consistent fantasy value. Much of this decline has been tied to his reduced snap share and route participation while splitting time with Dawson Knox. Kincaid is no longer dominating the tight end workload, limiting both his target volume and touchdown opportunities. He has dealt with lingering knee issues, which have also impacted his practice participation and explosiveness. While he showed upside earlier in the season with multiple 14-plus point outings, that version of Kincaid has not been present lately. His recent fantasy floor has become dangerously low for playoff lineups.
In the Wild Card matchup against Jacksonville, the surface-level matchup looks appealing, as the Jaguars rank top 10 in fantasy points allowed to tight ends. However, Kincaid’s role uncertainty and injury concerns outweigh the matchup. He was limited in practice this week, which suggests his snap share could remain restricted. Even if he plays, Knox is expected to stay heavily involved in the rotation. That limits Kincaid’s upside and makes him difficult to trust in fantasy football championships. If Kincaid sits, Knox would become the preferred option, but if he plays, Kincaid remains a risky sit. Managers should avoid relying on him in Wild Card formats.
