Fantasy Football Start 'Em-Sit 'Em
- Sportz Nation Staff
- Dec 18, 2025
- 6 min read
by Zak Drapeau and Matt Hylen
12/18/2025
Sportz Nation
Start 'Em
(Matt Hylen)
Quarterbacks
Justin Herbert at DAL
Though Justin Herbert's second-half fantasy production has dropped, I think he is in for a huge week in Week 16. In what will be his last favorable matchup of the season, Herbert gets to end his fantasy must-start ability against the worst defense against QBs in the Dallas Cowboys. Herbert has overall QB1 potential this week.
Bryce Young vs TB
Bryce Young will be in unfamiliar territory in this matchup, playing in a game that could ultimately decide the division winner. He is coming off another solid game last week, which I think will continue against the Buccaneers who allow the 6th most points to QBs.
Aaron Rodgers at DET
Aaron Rodgers is the definition of a hot-and-cold QB this season, but I think he goes hot against the Lions. Both teams are still very much fighting for a playoff spot, causing me to believe the offenses will be firing on all cylinders. Start Rodgers against the Lions who allow the 5th most points to QBs.
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Running Backs
Aaron Jones Sr. at NYG
Aaron Jones Sr. has taken the sole RB1 duties in Minnesota when healthy, touching the ball 15 times last time out. He has not been the most efficient with those touches, but look for that to change against the 2nd worst defense against RBs in the New York Giants.
Kareem Hunt at TEN
With Patrick Mahomes out with a torn ACL, Gardner Minshew will take over as KC's QB1. With that in mind, I expect KC to try as hard as possible to get the ground game going, which starts with Kareem Hunt. I expect Hunt to get more than enough opportunities to be seen as starter-worthy, especially against the Titans who allow the 11th most points to RBs.
Quinshon Judkins vs BUF
Quinshon Judkins has cooled off as of late, but that should absolutely change this week. He survived the tough matchups, now he gets rewarded with a matchup against a horrific Buffalo run defense that allowed over 140 yards to Tre'Veyon Henderson just last week and ranks 4th in most fantasy points allowed to RBs.
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Wide Receivers
Ladd McConkey at DAL
Ladd McConkey has been nothing short of disappointing this year, but has done well against bad defenses. Look for McConkey's fortune to be turned around, in what should be a high-scoring affair, against a Cowboys defense that allows the most points to WRs.
Justin Jefferson at NYG
I did not think I would have to tell you to start him, but it has been that kind of season for Justin Jefferson. As the WR26 on the season, his name value is keeping him on rosters, let alone a starting lineup. Nevertheless, with a matchup as good as the Giants, I think Jefferson could have a start-worthy week.
Ricky Pearsall at IND
Ricky Pearsall is coming off a strong performance last time out, hauling in six of his seven targets for 96 yards. Pearsall plays an even worse defense in the Colts this week, who allow the 3rd most points to WRs and are without their two starting corners.
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Tight Ends
Darren Waller vs CIN
With Quinn Ewers at the helm this week for Miami, Waller should become a nice safety blanket in a favorable matchup. When healthy, Waller has been one of the most reliable targets for Miami, which should not change this week against a Bengals defense that is the worst in the league at stopping TEs.
Dallas Goedert at WAS
Dallas Goedert has quietly had one of the most consistent and best seasons out of any TE in football. As the TE6 on the season, I expect his volume to stay consistent against a Commanders defense that ranks 4th most in points allowed to TEs.
Colby Parkinson at SEA
With Davante Adams likely out, Colby Parkinson stepped up in a big way by hauling in five of his seven targets for 75 yards and two TDs. Parkinson has always been a red zone threat this season, but his newfound volume outside the red zone with Adams out of the lineup makes him a very interesting start against Seattle. Seattle allows the 6th most points per game to TEs.
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Sit 'Em
(Zak Drapeau)
Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott at LAC
The Cowboys have lost some of their momentum over the past few weeks on offense, and going against the Chargers, who have the #1 pass defense and are 32nd in fantasy against quarterbacks, makes it an easy decision. I don't care if Dak brought you to the playoffs; do NOT start him this week.
Lamar Jackson vs NE
Lamar and the Ravens have been struggling, and even though last week's win vs. Cincy was nice, there is a HUGE difference between the Bengals' and the Patriots' defenses. With one of the better pass defenses in the league, Jackson will likely be limited in scrambling, and that never bodes well for the former MVP.
Jared Goff vs PIT
The Lions have lost some games lately, and while Goff and St. Brown have still maintained a good connection, this one is about their opponent. The Steelers' defense has been on fire the past three weeks, and with their playoff hopes on the line and in Pittsburgh, this one will be tough for Goff.
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Running Backs
Derrick Henry vs NE
Henry has shown his age just a bit this year, and with the Patriots' defense being top-5 against the run and still upset about last week's loss, I can see them stacking the box and shutting down the big guy.
Jonathan Taylor vs SF
Last week in Philip Rivers' return, JT got the second-most carries he's had this season. With the Colts' game plan clear to everyone, you better believe Shanahan and Saleh will be doing everything to stop #28, and that could easily spell his worst fantasy game of the season on Monday night.
Ashton Jeanty at HOU
Jeanty has now firmly earned the title of being on my Sit 'Em list more than any other player, and no week could this be more emphasized than this one. In Houston... YIKES.
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Wide Receivers
George Pickens vs LAC
I tried telling y'all that Pickens should be benched the last two weeks, and yet he was still played in 91% of Yahoo leagues. This week I am demanding it as he and the Cowboys go to LA. Just do it and thank me when you make the Super Bowl.
Jaylen Waddle vs CIN
News just broke about Quinn Ewers replacing Tua for the rest of the season, and while I liked Ewers at Texas, I see the Longhorn targeting Achane and Darren Waller a lot more than his deep threats. Waddle should still be good for a few slants in the game, but is that what you want in the Playoffs?
Xavier Worthy at TEN
Just like Waddle, Worthy's role in his offense is becoming much less relevant as the Chiefs turn their offense over to Gardner Minshew. Minshew will be able to run this offense, and I believe they really take it to the Titans this week, but it will likely be through small and intermediate throws. Worthy has potential on some motion-sweeps this week, but not much more.
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Tight Ends
Travis Kelce at TEN
There are just too many reasons not to start Kelce. He doesn't have Mahomes, they're on the road, he's been bad the last few weeks. This could come back to bite me as I usually believe the tight end benefits most from a backup QB, but this week I just have a bad feeling about Taylor Swift's fiancé.
Brock Bowers at HOU
Bowers has been wishy-washy since returning to the field, but against Houston? Just no. He is the best player on his entire team, and while the game plan will certainly be to get him the ball, it will also be DeMeco Ryans and Azeez Al-Shaair's plan to blanket him. Be honest... whose game plan do you trust more?
Tyler Warren vs SF
Yeah... Philip Rivers throws the football about as hard as a 10-year-old throws a snowball. He may target Warren more than any other receiver, but against Robert Saleh's defense, I'm guessing Warren walks away with about 3 catches for 15 yards... again.
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-Z.D. (@DrapeauZak)
-Matt Hylen (@matthylen_)
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