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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DEF to Start
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are heating up at the right time and should be a defense to start in fantasy football this week. Since their bye, they’ve generated seven takeaways and four interceptions over just three games while racking up 23 fantasy points in their last two outings. Facing a Browns offense led by rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, this matchup offers huge upside. Cleveland has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, with 26 sacks surrendered and 83 total quarterback pressures. With their pass rush regaining form and their secondary forcing mistakes, the Ravens are a top streaming start for Week 11 fantasy football lineups.
Houston Texans
Coming off their bye, the Houston Texans’ defense is a must-start in fantasy football against the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing defenses, giving up a league-high sack rate and ranking ninth in giveaways. The Titans’ offense averages just 14.4 points and 244 total yards per game, setting the stage for Houston to dominate the trenches. With a talented front seven that thrives on pressure and turnovers, the Texans are poised for one of the best fantasy defensive performances of Week 11.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons’ defense has quietly been one of the most reliable fantasy football options this season and is worth a start in Week 11. They’ve scored 10 or more fantasy points in back-to-back games and rank inside the top ten among all defenses. Their Week 11 matchup with the Panthers is highly favorable, as Carolina has averaged just 11.3 points per game across their last four contests. Atlanta’s strong pass rush and secondary should capitalize on turnovers while maintaining a high floor for fantasy managers. Given their upcoming schedule against the Saints and Jets, Atlanta also serves as a smart stash beyond this week.
DEF to Sit
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a clear sit in fantasy football this week as they take on the high-powered Detroit Lions offense. Detroit ranks top-five in scoring and total offense, averaging 31.4 points and over 370 yards per game while giving up just six turnovers and 18 sacks all season. The Lions have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses, making this a matchup to avoid. The Eagles’ defense has reached double-digit fantasy points just three times this year, and in what projects to be a high-scoring affair, it’s best to sit them in Week 11.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense should be sat in fantasy football this week against the Buffalo Bills. This game has shootout potential, and the Bills have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing defenses. Josh Allen and the Buffalo offense have been elite at home, averaging 34.3 points per game while giving up the fewest sacks and second-fewest turnovers. While Tampa Bay can deliver when the matchup favors them, this one doesn’t. Fantasy managers should sit the Buccaneers defense and look elsewhere for a streaming option in Week 11.
Kickers to Start
Evan McPherson CIN
Evan McPherson is one of the best starters at kicker, facing a Steelers defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to kickers at 9.8 per game. The Bengals offense is averaging 37.7 points per game over their last three contests, creating plenty of scoring chances. McPherson already dropped 17 fantasy points on Pittsburgh earlier this season, his best performance of the year. He’s nailed 13 of 16 field goals and remains perfect on extra points, showing consistency and trust despite an inconsistent season from their offense. With Cincinnati’s offense clicking but occasionally stalling in the red zone, McPherson is in a prime position for another strong performance.
Eddy Pineiro SF
Eddy Piñeiro is a strong start this week as the 49ers take on the Cardinals. While his production has fluctuated, Piñeiro has topped 11 points in four of his last six games and already scored 12 against Arizona earlier this season. The Cardinals have been generous to opposing kickers, allowing 10 fantasy points per game at home and ranking fifth in most points allowed to the position. Piñeiro’s perfect accuracy on the year and the production since taking over against a favorable matchup make him a strong play. Expect Pineiro and the 49ers to rebound this week.
Kickers to Sit
Matt Prater BUF
Matt Prater is an easy sit in this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Prater has failed to reach 10 fantasy points since Week 2 and has posted three or fewer in three of his last four games. Tampa Bay has been stingy to opposing kickers, allowing just six field goals and 6.6 fantasy points per game to visitors. The Bills’ offensive aggressiveness on fourth downs and red-zone efficiency further limit Prater’s scoring opportunities. With few attempts likely coming his way, fantasy managers should sit Prater in Week 11.
Chad Ryland ARI
Chad Ryland is a kicker to sit in fantasy football for Week 11 as he faces the 49ers’ defense. While Ryland has been accurate this year, going 15-for-17 on field goals, his opportunities are trending down. The Cardinals’ offense struggles to sustain drives against elite defenses, and the 49ers rank among the top ten in fewest fantasy points allowed to kickers. Ryland’s volume could vanish quickly if Arizona falls behind early, forcing them to chase touchdowns instead of settling for field goals. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a more reliable kicking option this week.
