The 2025 NFL Season is here, and with it comes some lineup questions. Which moves should you make to maximize your points? Let this weekly post be your guide as I offer one start and one sit suggestion at QB, RB, WR, and TE. These suggestions are based on my rankings compared to the consensus each week. And because we want to measure our success, check back each week for a recap on how I did.
For this project, a start is a player I think will finish in the Top 12 at QB or TE and the Top 24 at RB or WR. A sit is a player I think will finish outside those metrics. Before we dive into this week’s suggestions, let’s review how we did last week. All scoring is courtesy of Fantasy Pros.
Before we look forward, it’s time to look back at Week 16.
Week 16 Starts
QB: Justin Herbert, QB4 Hit. He had a great day against the Cowboys
RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB9 Hit. He bounced back for the Lions.
WR: Chris Olave, WR2 Hit. It’s been a great season for Olave.
TE: Kyle Pitts, TE3 Hit. Pitts stays hot.
Start Record: 4-0
Week 16 Sits
QB: Trevor Lawrence, QB2 Miss. Lawrence killed the Broncos.
RB: R.J. Harvey, RB 11 Miss. Harvey soared despite the defense.
WR: Stefon Diggs, WR7 Miss. Diggs had a great game.
TE: Dalton Kincaid, 0 points Hit. Kincaid is ice cold.
Sit Record: 1-3
Now, on to the Week 17 picks.
Quarterbacks
Start: Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
About: I know Dart wasn’t good in Week 16. In fact, he had just seven yards rushing and 33 yards passing with a turnover. That’s grim. But in Week 17, the Giants are facing off against a woeful Las Vegas Raiders team. Dart is a weapon on the ground and in the passing game. Dart should be the key to the Giants’ offense this week, and I think he’ll put up big points in helping you win your fantasy week.
Sit: Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
About: Herbert is having a great season. As noted above, he was QB4 last week. So, what gives? Well, the Chargers are facing a stout Texans’ defense. They’re a strong and opportunistic unit, and I expect them to take advantage of the Chargers’ issues on the line. Herbert will likely finish Top 24, but he’s not a Top 12 option for me this week given the matchup.
Running Backs
Start: Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
About: Henry has been the best part of the Ravens’ offense this season. He’s currently RB14 and continues to find ways to score. The Ravens are likely without Lamar Jackson and struggling for their postseason lives. There was plenty of heat about Henry being on the sidelines during key Fourth Quarter drives in the team’s Week 16 loss. I doubt they will repeat that mistake on Saturday. Henry is a championship week start for me.
Sit: Texans Running Backs
About: Jawhar Jordan, Nick Chubb, Woody Marks, it doesn’t matter. The Texans are using a rotation, and on occasion, it’s been good for fantasy. However, we’re in championship week, and the Texans are facing a stout challenge in the Los Angeles Chargers. I’m not trusting any Texans back to finish high enough to start for me this week.
Wide Receivers
Start: Nico Collins, Houston Texans
About: The Texans will need points if they want to win an eighth straight game and keep the pressure on the Jacksonville Jaguars. A win would also punch their postseason ticket. So, the team is motivated. As such, I expect the Texans to turn to their best player. Collins is WR8 on the season. He’s the engine that drives the offense, and I expect them to ride him to a big win in Los Angeles.
Sit: Marvin Harrison, Jr., Arizona Cardinals
About: Harrison was once a very high rookie draft selection. But it just hasn’t panned out. He finally returned from injury last week and caught just one pass for 14 yards. Michael Wilson is playing better, both on the field and in fantasy. Harrison is a big name, but he’s not a trustworthy option for your fantasy lineup in a crucial week.
Tight Ends
Start: Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
About: In addition to Olave, Johnson has quietly had a very strong season for the Saints. He’s sitting as TE10 on the season. It hasn’t always been flashy, but he’s had a somewhat steady floor. For a championship week where you want to guarantee points, Johnson is a great lineup option. The Saints are favored again this week, and I think they’ll get the victory. And I figure Johnson will be a part of that.
Sit: Bears Tight Ends.
About: The Bears have two good tight ends, Cole Kmet and rookie Colston Loveland. At times, each of them is an incredible addition to your fantasy lineup. But how do you know when—or if—they’ll give you points? That’s the problem, you don’t. The Bears’ receivers are banged up, but I’m still not trusting either tight end to get enough volume to be a good option. They are on my bench this week.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
