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Fantasy Soccer is all concerning the matchups. Despite the fact that you drafted your group with sure hopes and intentions, your weekly lineup choices should not be decided by the order you picked your gamers in. You must verify who your gamers play and be sure you’ve bought the fitting guys in — and the flawed guys out.
We will take some educated guesses based mostly on coaches movie, significant information, wholesome personnel, defensive schemes, observe data, and key particulars of offenses. The issues we all know can assist us decrease the influence of the issues we do not know. This could result in higher choices being made.
We’ll undergo each sport and spotlight the gamers who aren’t apparent begins and sits (since you do not should be advised to start out Javonte Williams at this level). You must really feel extra snug beginning or sitting gamers based mostly on the knowledge given, and feeling snug along with your Fantasy lineup earlier than the video games begin is the perfect feeling on the earth.
All strains from Caesars Sportsbook.
It is going to sting not having Davante Adams out there, however the Rams ought to be capable to get by with out having to utterly overload Puka Nacua nor lean too closely on the bottom sport. Anticipate tight finish Colby Parkinson to tackle a much bigger function, particularly within the purple zone, the place he is already been crushing. His route fee began shifting up in Week 10, and since then, he is averaged a 14.7% goal share, which is not nice, however his general purple zone goal share has been an enormous 37.8%. He is run the second-most red-zone routes behind Adams, which suggests Parkinson will for positive be a fixture close to the tip zone like he has been in his previous two (three whole touchdowns) and previous six (six whole touchdowns). In 14 video games, 11 tight ends have notched at the least 10.1 PPR factors in opposition to Seattle, together with three with 11.1 or extra in its previous 4 video games. Parkinson even scored on the Seahawks in Week 11, however had simply two targets within the sport. He ought to see extra. There have been quite a lot of psych-out tight ends who’ve harm Fantasy managers, however except you may have a extra dependable possibility, then Parkinson is price taking the prospect on.
One other week, one other weak sport for Kenneth Walker III. In a extra competitive-than-expected matchup, Walker performed simply 42% of the snaps versus the Colts, had yet another carry than Zach Charbonnet (9 to eight), by some means had yet another catch than Charbonnet (the one catch by a Seattle working again within the sport), and averaged lower than 3.0 yards per rush for the second sport in a row. This Thursday’s showdown may simply be aggressive, nevertheless it may be a runaway Rams win, and in both sport script, I would not be ok with Walker getting a variety of touches. The matchup can be actually powerful: L.A. has yielded 3.8 yards per carry, one dashing landing, and a minuscule 3.6% explosive rush fee over its previous 4 video games, excluding rubbish time. And the added wrinkle of the Seahawks enjoying with out beginning left deal with Charles Cross in opposition to an aggressive Rams move rush may take Walker off the sector much more since he is struggled in move safety for a lot of this 12 months and his profession. I might relatively begin Charbonnet as a result of I believe he’ll play extra and proceed to see extra high-value touches, however each backs are big-time dangers.
MUST-STARTS: Matthew Stafford (top-10 QB, however not top-5), Puka Nacua, Jaxon Smith-Njigba
STARTS: Kyren Williams (No. 2 RB), Colby Parkinson (top-12 TE), Seahawks DST (low-end DST)
FLEX: Zach Charbonnet, Kenneth Walker III (non-PPR)
SITS: Sam Darnold, Blake Corum (desperation RB), A.J. Barner (desperation PPR TE), Rashid Shaheed, Cooper Kupp, Tutu Atwell, Xavier Smith, Rams DST
The Eagles kicked butt on either side of the soccer final week in opposition to a clumsy Raiders squad. The Commanders are a nudge up in competitors however nonetheless a unit void of defensive difference-makers, particularly at this stage of the season. Washington’s run protection is particularly weak, permitting 4.6 yards per rush and 5 dashing touchdowns (at the least one per sport) in its previous 4, excluding rubbish time stats. And the Commanders have been trounced by Saquon Barkley thrice final season for at the least 27 PPR factors in every sport. If the Eagles have one other sturdy run sport, then there’s most likely going to be extra lean alternatives for his or her receivers. Moreover, tight finish Dallas Goedert’s newfound involvement within the offense (17 targets for a 14-148-2 stat line) in his previous two video games may even put a lid on DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown’s upside, even in opposition to a protection that should not get a variety of strain on Jalen Hurts except his offensive line is down two extra starters, which is feasible.
I would not get too excited over Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s Week 15. Working in opposition to the Giants was a great factor; working in opposition to the Eagles is a foul factor. Washington’s working backs struggled for essentially the most half in every of the three matchups in opposition to Philly final 12 months: Austin Ekeler’s 17.6 PPR sport in Week 11 was helped by eight catches, Brian Robinson scored in a 14.2 PPR effort in the identical sport, and no different Eagles runner scored and even totaled 45 yards in another sport. Philly’s run protection is not even at full energy with Jalen Carter out, nevertheless it’s nonetheless dominant sufficient to include the Commanders RBs, which figures to incorporate Chris Rodriguez Jr., who did not play within the group’s sport final week. Anticipate a three-headed method, which limits the upside of any rusher in a troublesome matchup, and in the event that they’re with out left deal with Laremy Tunsil, then the matchup is much more insufferable. Marcus Mariota may lead Washington in rush yards.
MUST-STARTS: Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown
STARTS: Jalen Hurts, Terry McLaurin, Dallas Goedert, Eagles DST
FLEX: DeVonta Smith, Deebo Samuel
SITS: Marcus Mariota, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols, Tank Bigsby, Commanders DST
Although he had a season-worst 65.7% catchable throw fee in opposition to the Packers in Week 14, there are lots of causes for optimism for Caleb Williams within the return bout. The most important? No Micah Parsons for the Packers, which implies a good-but-not-as-good move rush will probably be coming after Williams. That is an improve {that a} quarterback who’s struggled with move rush strain all season actually wants. Additionally not anticipated to play is Packers security Evan Williams, a strong run defender and respectable move defender. Each of these absences ought to compel the Packers to play extra zone protection simply as they’ve been of their previous 4 matchups, and Williams’ effectivity and accuracy have been a lot better in opposition to that protection this season in comparison with man-to-man. He isn’t a top-12 quarterback in my rankings, however he is nonetheless within the dialog as a usable starter, although that outlook can be higher if he had each Rome Odunze and Luther Burden to throw to.
The case to start out D.J. Moore is simple so long as Rome Odunze and Luther Burden are sidelined: He’ll be the Bears’ No. 1 receiver, plus he is extra environment friendly on a deeper common depth of goal in opposition to zone protection this 12 months. This is one more reason: Moore has six red-zone targets in his previous 4 video games and bought three end-zone targets final week. Each lead the group. The subsequent-closest Bears participant in each classes? Olamide Zaccheaus and Colston Loveland are tied with three red-zone targets in these previous 4, whereas Zaccheaus is tied with Cole Kmet with two end-zone targets. Loveland’s route fee stays underwhelming as he is participated on greater than 70% of the move performs in simply three video games all 12 months, an element that is saved him from being a seven-target tight finish as a substitute of what he has been, which is roughly a five-target tight finish. Even when Burden performs on Saturday, Moore is usable as at worst a high-end No. 3 receiver or flex. Loveland is a startable tight finish, however all three of his video games with eleven-plus PPR factors have concerned at the least one landing. Possibly it is excellent news then that he is actually the one tight finish to attain on the Packers since Week 8, but when he would not do it once more, he’ll depart your lineup a little bit gentle.
MUST STARTS: Josh Jacobs
STARTS: D’Andre Swift, DJ Moore, Colston Loveland (low-end TE)
SITS: Caleb Williams (high-end No. 2 QB), Jordan Love, Kyle Monangai (desperation RB), Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Olamide Zaccheaus, Luke Musgrave, Cole Kmet, Bears DST, Packers DST
The Panthers run protection has bottomed out over its previous 4 video games, excluding rubbish time, giving up 4.9 yards per rush, an 11% explosive rush fee, and 7 dashing TDs to RBs (5 contained in the 5). This ought to be big for Bucky Irving (19, 17, and 17 touches in every sport since getting back from harm), however what if it is too good and leaves little for Baker Mayfield to do? Not solely is that doable, however the Panthers have reliably performed zone protection (Cowl-3 is their favourite) not simply over the previous month however a lot of the 12 months, and likewise did in each video games in opposition to Tampa Bay final season. Mayfield has been merely strong and never spectacular in opposition to zone protection and Cowl-3 this 12 months, and that is what he figures to see a variety of this week. It isn’t an advanced matchup for Mayfield, nevertheless it might be one which retains his numbers strong (250-2-0?).
I might count on the Buccaneers protection to play with much more depth this week after their coach cursed out the group to the media after final week’s embarrassing loss. Getting security Tykee Smith and linebacker SirVocea Dennis again would additionally go a good distance towards corralling the Panthers backs. I additionally did not like how the Panthers offensive line appeared to put on down final week in opposition to the Saints; they’ve a extra bodily imposing matchup this week. Each Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard make me nervous, however they’re going to take part within the passing sport, which is the place I believe Carolina’s offense should focus. In 5 video games when Bryce Younger has handed at the least 30 occasions, Tetairoa McMillan has seen at the least eight targets each time and 13.3 PPR factors thrice. Jalen Coker appears to be rising as a savvy second receiver for the Panthers and will see north of 5 targets in such a sport script. Each are in play as at the least flex choices. Younger has two video games with 20-plus Fantasy factors in these 5 higher-for-him quantity outings; I am unsure this will probably be a 3rd.
MUST-STARTS: Bucky Irving
STARTS: Baker Mayfield (borderline No. 1/2 QB), Mike Evans, Rico Dowdle, Tetairoa McMillan (low-end No. 2 WR)
FLEX: Emeka Egbuka, Jalen Coker, and Chris Godwin (low-end PPR flexes)
SITS: Bryce Younger, Jalen McMillan, Chuba Hubbard, Rachaad White, Sean Tucker, Buccaneers DST
As talked about on this house earlier than, Khalil Shakir’s route participation fee in blowout wins has by no means been increased than 71.4% and has been as little as 51.9%. It would not assure Fantasy failure, however three of his 5 single-digit PPR level video games did are available in Payments blowout wins. What does concern me is the matchup in opposition to a Browns protection that performs a variety of man-to-man protection and does get after the quarterback. Shakir’s goal per route run fee dips from a second-best 22.7% general to a fourth-best 19.5% in opposition to man protection. Shakir additionally averages 9.2 yards per catch in opposition to man in comparison with 11.4 versus zone, and it will get even decrease (7.9) in opposition to Cowl-1 schemes just like the Browns want to play. Shakir has 11.5 PPR factors or fewer in three straight, together with a matchup versus the Bengals when he scored! I might count on massive numbers for James Cook dinner and Josh Allen, however not Shakir.
No protection has allowed fewer Fantasy factors per sport than the Payments this season. Harold Fannin Jr. is not your typical tight finish — he strains up large and within the slot round 40% of his snaps — and he is had at the least six targets and at the least 11.3 PPR factors in 3 of 4 of Shedeur Sanders’ begins. Solely three tight ends all season have seen a minimal of 5 targets in opposition to the Payments: Travis Kelce, Cade Otton, and Mike Gesicki. All three performed throughout the formation like Fannin. Two of them — Kelce and Gesicki — had at the least 12.5 PPR factors. Gesicki really had 20.6 PPR factors as a result of he scored, one in all two tight ends to take action in opposition to Buffalo this 12 months. It is clearly a yucky matchup for Fannin, however his function as a brief and intermediate goal within the Browns offense is locked in. He ought to nonetheless see his targets and function at the least a good PPR tight finish. It is these half- and non-PPR leagues I might be nervous about.
MUST STARTS: Josh Allen, James Cook dinner
STARTS: Dalton Kincaid, Quinshon Judkins (borderline No. 2/3 RB), Harold Fannin (low-end TE, particularly in non-PPR), Payments DST
SITS: Shedeur Sanders, Khalil Shakir (desperation WR), Jerry Jeudy, Keon Coleman, Dawson Knox, Isaiah Bond, Ty Johnson, Ray Davis, Trayveon Williams, Browns DST
Six of the previous seven Chargers’ opponents have scored 20 or fewer factors, with solely the Jaguars pouring it on in a blowout. Eleven of the previous 13 QBs in opposition to the Chargers have recorded 19.1 or fewer Fantasy factors in six-point move TD codecs (and simply 4 of the 13 totaled two touchdowns). That is occurring as a result of the Chargers move rush has begun kicking into excessive gear even with out a heavy quantity of blitzing, and the secondary continues to push alongside. The problem for Dak Prescott is to handle that move rush. When Prescott’s pressured, the Cowboys, whose goal per route run charges dip, are George Pickens (17.1%) and Jake Ferguson (16.6%). That was particularly the case final week when the Vikings bought in Prescott’s kitchen a ton and each Pickens and Ferguson got here up small. Within the (nearly) 4 video games since left deal with Tyler Guyton’s harm, Prescott has been above 20.4 Fantasy factors as soon as (versus the Chiefs). He isn’t a lock to play this week, neither is his backup deal with, Nate Thomas. If the Cowboys have any weak point on that O-line, it may imply one other unhealthy sport for Prescott in opposition to a protection that is delivered a variety of them.
MUST STARTS: CeeDee Lamb
STARTS: Dak Prescott (borderline No. 1/2 QB), Javonte Williams, George Pickens, Ladd McConkey (low-end No. 2 WR), Chargers DST (low-end DST)
FLEX: Omarion Hampton
SITS: Justin Herbert, Jake Ferguson (high-end No. 2 TE), Kimani Vidal (desperation RB), Oronde Gadsden II (desperation TE), Keenan Allen, Ryan Flournoy, Malik Davis, Cowboys DST
My research of Quinn Ewers earlier than the NFL Draft revealed a quick-release thrower who may learn coverages however had arm energy and accuracy points when he threw past 10 air yards. Ewers additionally was inconsistent in coping with strain and appeared to have an over-reliance on screens, fast outs, flares, and check-down passes. That is all nicely and good for De’Von Achane, nevertheless it does create some concern for Jaylen Waddle and Darren Waller’s effectivity. Waddle is particularly a significant concern: All 26 of his profession touchdowns have come from Tua Tagovailoa, he has one profession sport with greater than 85 receiving yards and 4 with greater than 50 yards with out Tagovailoa on the sector, and he has simply 5 video games with 5 or extra catches from a passer not named Tagovailoa. Waddle’s outlook is additional muddied since he figures to see a variety of cornerback D.J. Turner in protection, and he is achieved a pleasant job this season limiting massive performs. Possibly Waddle — and Waller — can money in come rubbish time.
MUST-STARTS: Ja’Marr Chase, De’Von Achane, Chase Brown
STARTS: Joe Burrow, Darren Waller (borderline No. 1/2 TE)
FLEX: Jaylen Waddle
SITS: Quinn Ewers, Mike Gesicki (desperation TE if Tee Higgins is out), Malik Washington, Andrei Iosivas, Mitchell Tinsley, Samaje Perine, Jaylen Wright, Greg Dulcich, Dolphins DST, Bengals DST
STARTS: Chris Olave, Breece Corridor, Saints DST
FLEX: Adonai Mitchell
SITS: Tyler Shough (desperation QB), Brady Cook dinner, Juwan Johnson (desperation TE), Audric Estime, Taysom Hill, Evan Hull, John Metchie III, Isaiah Williams, Kevin Austin, Mason Tipton, Jets DST
STARTS: Jaxson Dart, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Aaron Jones, Wan’Dale Robinson, Justin Jefferson, Theo Johnson (borderline No. 1/No. 2 TE)
FLEX: Jordan Addison (low-end PPR flex)
SITS: J.J. McCarthy, T.J. Hockenson, Darius Slayton, Devin Singletary, Jordan Mason, Vikings DST, Giants DST
STARTS: Travis Kelce, Chiefs DST
FLEX: Tony Pollard
SITS: Gardner Minshew, Cam Ward, Kareem Hunt (desperation RB), Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, Tyjae Spears, Chimere Dike, Chig Okonkwo, Elic Ayomanor, Gunnar Helm, Isiah Pacheco, Titans DST
MUST-STARTS: Bijan Robinson, Trey McBride
STARTS: Jacoby Brissett (top-5 QB), Michael Wilson (if Marvin Harrison Jr. is out), Kyle Pitts (can be much less thrilling if Drake London performs, however would nonetheless be a begin)
FLEX: Michael Carter, Tyler Allgeier (non-PPR flex)
SITS: Kirk Cousins, Darnell Mooney, Emari Demercado, Falcons DST, Cardinals DST
Jacksonville’s been rolling, and Trevor Lawrence has performed higher as his receiving corps has gotten more healthy, however this can be a actual massive take a look at. The Broncos introduced their mojo again final week with a extra aggressive move rush. Lawrence’s effectivity has gone out the window when pressured this 12 months, together with a 6.9 yards per try common, a 3% TD fee and a 3% INT fee, a low 80.5% catchable move fee, and a paltry 69.8 QB ranking when the warmth’s been on him. In actual fact, in 4 video games in 2025 when Lawrence has been pressured on at the least 40% of his dropbacks, he is accomplished a number of landing passes as soon as, totaled a number of touchdowns twice, scored 20-plus Fantasy factors (six factors per move TD) twice,e and been beneath 20 factors twice. None of that’s nice, and neither is that this: Just one quarterback has gone into Denver and left with greater than sixteen Fantasy factors (Jaxson Dart had a monster sport in Week 7). It is a powerful spot for Lawrence, who has shined during the last month in matchups in opposition to the Cardinals, Titans, Colts, and Jets. The Broncos are a large step up. Lawrence’s ground is boosted by what he can do working the ball, one thing that figures to return into play this week and has helped different QBs in opposition to Denver, nevertheless it’s a significant threat to belief him in what’s been a very powerful matchup all 12 months.
Inexperienced Bay entered Week 15 with a dynamite move rush and a observe file of enjoying heavy zone protection. Bo Nix crushed it, particularly getting 267 of his 302 yards and all 4 of his touchdowns in opposition to the Packers’ zone protection. Whereas Jacksonville’s move rush is fairly good (16 sacks in its previous 5 video games), its move protection is nowhere close to pretty much as good as Inexperienced Bay’s. In actual fact, their numbers have been propped up by the inferior passers and weak offensive strains they’ve handled. This could make for a reasonably simple matchup for Nix to maintain grinding, notably in opposition to a protection that will not delve too deeply into something completely different than what he noticed final week. This is one other attention-grabbing level: Save for the Raiders sport, the Broncos have not been capable of run the ball actually effectively. It may put extra on Nix’s plate, and though Nix has had so much on his plate for a lot of the final month and nonetheless got here up brief, final week may have been the breakthrough.
STARTS: Bo Nix, Travis Etienne, R.J. Harvey (No. 2 RB), Courtland Sutton, Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. (low-end No. 2 WRs), Broncos DST
SITS: Trevor Lawrence, Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin (desperation WRs), Parker Washington, Marvin Mims, Brenton Unusual, Evan Engram (revenge sport?!), LeQuint Allen, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, Jaguars DST (desperation DST, save them for Week 17)
MUST-STARTS: Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown
STARTS: Jared Goff, Jameson Williams, DK Metcalf, Kenneth Gainwell (PPR; flex in half- or non-PPR)
FLEX: David Montgomery (non-PPR)
SITS: Aaron Rodgers, Isaac TeSlaa, Jaylen Warren, Adam Thielen, Darnell Washington, Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Ross Dwelley, Lions DST, Steelers DST
MUST-STARTS: Nico Collins, Texans DST (must-start remainder of season)
STARTS: Woody Marks, Brock Bowers, Dalton Schultz (low-end No. 1 TE)
FLEX: Ashton Jeanty
SITS: C.J. Stroud (high-end No. 2 QB), Geno Smith, Tre Tucker, Jayden Higgins, Christian Kirk, Jawhar Jordan, Dare Ogunbowale, Raiders DST
I did not suppose Lamar Jackson had a great sport final week, particularly in comparison with the 2 prior, and but he was two ugly drops by Zay Flowers away from being over 25 Fantasy factors. Jackson appeared panicky within the first half after which possibly too chill within the second half. There have been some accuracy points in addition to some unusual decision-making points on a couple of events. There’s an opportunity the Ravens merely run their method to one other victory: The Patriots have let up 4.8 yards per rush, three dashing touchdowns (two final week), and a 5.9% explosive rush fee over their previous 4 video games, excluding rubbish time. It is the right spot for the Ravens to stay with their newfound thunder-and-lightning combo of Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell, with Jackson using some play-action and RPOs off of it. Tack on a Patriots move rush that is struggled to wrangle quarterbacks all 12 months, and it units up for a good spot, although large receivers and tight ends not named Dawson Knox have come up small in opposition to the Pats of their previous 4. All of this may influence your expectations for Zay Flowers, though he had a pleasant sport final week.
STARTS: Drake Maye, Lamar Jackson, TreVeyon Henderson, Derrick Henry, Patriots DST (low-end possibility, save them for Week 17)
FLEX: Zay Flowers (high-end flex), Stefon Diggs, Rhamondre Stevenson (non-PPR flex)
SITS: Hunter Henry, Mark Andrews (TD-dependent TE), Keaton Mitchell (desperation non-PPR RB), Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Rashod Bateman, Isaiah Possible, DeAndre Hopkins, Rasheen Ali, Ravens DST
MUST-STARTS: Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Jonathan Taylor
STARTS: Brock Purdy, Jauan Jennings, 49ers DST
FLEX: Michael Pittman (PPR flex)
SITS: Philip Rivers, Tyler Warren (desperation TE), Alec Pierce (desperation WR), Josh Downs, Ameer Abdullah, Demarcus Robinson, Brian Robinson Jr., Colts DST
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