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 Ja’Marr Chase. 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.
Seattle has a new WR1, and his name is Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He has received 12 targets in each of the past two weeks, with 11-plus targets in four of his last seven games. He was the first read on 35 percent of throws last week, per Fantasy Points Data, after receiving that honor on a whopping 50 percent of throws in Week 15. He has eclipsed 11 fantasy points in eight straight games and has averaged 20.7 fantasy PPG in that span. Only Ja’Marr Chase has averaged more than that over the course of this season. JSN gets a good matchup this week in the Bears, who have allowed the seventh-most yards and most touchdowns to receivers since Week 12. Given the volume, the recent production and the matchup, Smith-Njigba is a must-start option this week.
Lately, Adams has been eating, which you’d expect from a player who has a Taco Bell in his house. The veteran wideout has drawn 11-plus targets in four straight games (and six of his last seven). He has averaged 26.5 fantasy PPG in the four contests since the Jets’ bye. Now he gets the Bills, who are in the top 10 in yards and touchdowns allowed to receivers since Week 12. They also have given up the third-most yards to slot receivers this season, and Adams has run a team-high 48 percent of his routes from the slot. Adams’ reunion with Aaron Rodgers hasn’t helped the Jets win much, but it has returned the freshly minted 32-year-old to elite fantasy form.
The rookie has continued to come through as of late. McConkey has scored at least 14 fantasy points in his last five games, averaging 17.0 during that span. He has topped 80 yards in four of his last five games. In fact, with 50-plus yards in eight consecutive outings, he’s one away from tying Odell Beckham Jr.‘s rookie record of nine straight. The Patriots are not a slam-dunk matchup, but they do use man coverage at the second-highest rate in the NFL. McConkey has the fourth-most yards against man coverage, behind only CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Keep riding the hot hand.
Samuel broke out in a big way last week, catching seven of nine targets for 96 yards and a touchdown, while running for an additional 25 yards. In total, he finished with 25.1 fantasy points, which was more than he’d managed in his previous five games combined. Jennings was held in check for the second straight week, though. Both are in play against the Lions, who have allowed the second-most yards and fourth-most fantasy PPG to receivers. They have given up the most yards to slot receivers, and Jennings runs a third of his routes from the slot. Detroit uses man coverage at the highest rate in the league, and Jennings has a team-high 139.9 passer rating when targeted against man. Both Niners wideouts bring enticing upside in a game where the 49ers could be chasing points.
Jeudy has looked like the second coming of Jerry Rice with Jameis Winston under center, but he is not usable in fantasy football when the Browns roll with other quarterbacks. With Dorian Thompson-Robinson starting last week, Jeudy was targeted just three times and finished with four fantasy points. Perhaps it was just a one-week thing, and he can bounce back on Sunday. But do you really want to risk your shot at a fantasy title on that possibility? Not to mention, Jeudy faces a tough matchup. The Dolphins have allowed the fifth-fewest receiving yards, third-fewest touchdowns and fifth-fewest fantasy PPG to receivers this season. I’d look elsewhere.
Widely lauded as a generational prospect entering the NFL, Harrison hasn’t lived up to the billing in Year 1 — especially on the fantasy front. The rookie has scored since-digit fantasy points in three straight games. In fact, he has only reached double figures three times since Week 5, averaging just 9.1 fantasy PPG in that span. He enjoyed success earlier this season against the Rams, but that came via simply blowing by Tre’Davious White, who is no longer in Los Angeles. Not only have the Rams improved in the secondary since then, but they play zone coverage at an above-average rate. Harrison has an 87.3 passer rating when targeted and 56 percent catch rate against zone coverage. I would look to get away from him in championship week.
In his last two games combined, Cooper has just two targets, one catch and 10 yards. He finished fourth in snaps among Bills receivers in each of those outings, playing behind Khalil Shakir, Mack Hollins and Keon Coleman. The deep targets in those contests went to Coleman, not Cooper. Now the veteran wideout has a tough matchup against the Jets, who have allowed the second-fewest touchdowns, sixth-fewest yards and third-fewest fantasy PPG to receivers. Cooper is just a name at this point. The risk is far too high to trust him with the fantasy championship on the line.
Pittman scored just 3.9 fantasy points last week in another game where the Colts barely threw the ball. In 10 full games with Anthony Richardson at quarterback, Pittman has reached double digits just once while averaging eight fantasy points per outing. That is poor production over a large sample size. It’s time to forget Pittman’s results from previous seasons and admit it’s just not gonna happen this year. Plus, he is behind Josh Downs on the target pecking order. The Giants’ defense looks like a good matchup on paper, but do not fall for the trap.
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