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You have lineup questions, we have lineup answers — at least we hope so. Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is here to help fantasy managers make difficult roster decisions. And you know what is a good move? Starting CeeDee Lamb. But that’s too obvious, so you won’t see such simple analysis here. Instead, we’re exploring more debatable situations. And if you can’t find a player you are looking for, please check out the latest NFL Fantasy lineup rankings. Unless otherwise noted, all stats come from NFL Pro, Next Gen Stats or NFL Research.
Start ‘Em
Like in 2023 — when he was dealing with a calf injury — Burrow has started slow this season, putting up 8 and 17 fantasy points in Weeks 1 and 2. When Burrow snapped out of it last year, it was against a favorable matchup, and this week’s opponent is as favorable as they get. Since the start of the 2023 season, the Commanders have allowed the most passing yards and touchdowns in the NFL, while logging the second-fewest interceptions. In 2024, Washington has recorded the highest pass EPA allowed and the second-lowest sack rate. Burrow — and Ja’Marr Chase — will have their breakout of the season.
It has been a disappointing start to the year for Purdy, at least in a fantasy sense. Purdy and the Niners have taken sacks at the highest rate so far this season. Luckily for them, the Rams’ defense is in the bottom 10 in sack percentage. Los Angeles has also allowed the second-highest pass EPA this season. Speed has burned the Rams, and the Niners have plenty of it. Even with Deebo Samuel sidelined for multiple weeks by a calf strain, this is a get-right spot for Purdy and Co.
Mayfield is the QB1 in fantasy points after the first two weeks. OK, so that will not last. Still, given that his strong start is a continuation of good play to finish last season, he is looking like a very reliable fantasy option. I especially like that Mayfield is running more this year (he posted 20-plus rushing yards in both games so far, adding a rushing touchdown last week). Between that aspect of his game, the weapons he has in the passing attack and the struggles the Bucs have had in the run game, Mayfield should be in play weekly. Continue riding the hot hand.
Here is another QB who has disappointed to begin the season, with Goff failing to take advantage of strong matchups in Weeks 1 and 2. Well, the third time’s the charm! The Cardinals were lit up by Josh Allen in Week 1 before picking on a hobbled Rams offense last week. Since the start of last season, Arizona has allowed the third-most passing touchdowns in the NFL. The Cards are in the top half of the league in pass EPA allowed this season. With their offense playing so well, this has the potential to be a high-scoring game. I am willing to give Goff one more shot in this matchup.
Carr is the QB2 in fantasy points through the first two weeks of the season, having scored over 21 fantasy points (and with three total touchdowns) in each game so far. It was easy to write off his production in Week 1 against the Panthers, but putting together a star performance against the Cowboys means something. The long ball’s return in New Orleans elevates Carr’s fantasy stock. I am further buying in due to the Saints’ increasing usage of motion and play-action (they lead the NFL with a play-action rate of 46.5% this season, after finishing at the bottom of the league with a rate of 13.7% last season), which is an offensive change we can sink our teeth into. Carr is in play in what could be a high-scoring game against the Eagles, who have allowed the second-most passing touchdowns since the start of last season.
Sit ‘Em
Cowboy Nation, do not come for me! Prescott has struggled to begin the year, failing to reach 13 fantasy points or log multiple touchdowns in either of his games so far. He has just 15 rushing yards, adding very little value with his legs. Now, he faces the Ravens, who have generated sacks at the sixth-highest rate in the NFL in 2024. Baltimore has also allowed just two passing touchdowns this season, the same number of interceptions the defense has forced. The Ravens held Patrick Mahomes to 15 fantasy points in Week 1. Given the difficult matchup and lack of production so far, you can get away from Prescott this week.
I tried to warn you that Week 2 was a trap game for Herbert. This week’s matchup is one that should be straight-up avoided. The Steelers have yet to allow nine fantasy points in a game to a QB. They have given up the fourth-lowest pass EPA so far this season. But it is not just about the tough matchup; Herbert is also averaging just 23 pass attempts per game, with the majority of his throws being short or behind the line of scrimmage. He has attempted just four deep passes this season, and he has yet to reach 150 passing yards in a game. Herbert remains a sit.
Stafford struggled to stay upright against the Cardinals’ defense in Week 2, and the Niners could be an even tougher matchup in Week 3. The veteran QB has had a difficult time with this unit, throwing just two passing touchdowns in his last three matchups against San Francisco. He has yet to reach 15 fantasy points in a game this season and was held to 6.64 last week. Puka Nacua is on IR and Cooper Kupp is now dealing with an ankle injury. Things have gotten ugly fast in L.A. Sit Stafford this week.
Lawrence has only one passing touchdown through two games. He has yet to score 14 fantasy points in a game. And his high mark in passing yards is 220. In Week 2, he managed just 16 passing yards in the first half against Cleveland, salvaging his day with 45 rushing yards. The Bills’ secondary has been very stingy, allowing the third-lowest yards per attempt and ninth-lowest pass EPA in the NFL in 2024. Given the matchup and how much Lawrence has struggled, you can certainly find a better option.
Rodgers put up a better fantasy day in Week 2, but he was still limited to just 15 points. He has failed to throw for 180 yards in either game this season, and it’s not like you can ever expect him to make up for any shortcomings in the passing game by running. The Patriots defense, meanwhile, has been tough, limiting Joe Burrow to just eight fantasy points in Week 1. New England has allowed one passing touchdown this season. We will likely see Christian Gonzalez shadow Garrett Wilson, which will only make life tougher for Rodgers. With the Jets operating on a second straight short week, in what could be an ugly, defensive-battle type of divisional showdown, I will fade Rodgers again.
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