We’re well into the fantasy football season now and you should have a good idea of where your team stands. Through the draft, waiver moves, and even trades, hopefully, your team is in a good position for the playoffs. If you are, this article will help you decide who to start or sit. If you’re not, hopefully, this article helps you ruin someone’s day.

Quarterback

Start ‘Em – Kyler Murray

Kyler Murray was on my sit list just a few weeks ago. He has done enough in his first two starts since to earn himself a spot on the start list. The biggest factor in Kyler’s game has been his legs. In his two starts this year, he’s run for 30 plus and a score in both games. The rushing upside alone gives him a safe floor as he’s scored more than 18 points in each game. The Cardinals get a date with the struggling Rams and Kyler should sit comfortably in your starting lineup.

Sit ‘Em – Matthew Stafford

We’re going to keep it in the same game for the quarterback situation this week. Matthew Stafford and the Rams have been struggling all year. Stafford has never been a top-tier fantasy quarterback but now he’s just downright unplayable. Stafford has only eclipsed 16 points twice this year and has really struggled recently. He hasn’t thrown for over 250 passing yards since week four against the Colts. There will be better options on the waiver wire, when thinking about whether to start or sit Stafford, keep him on your bench.

Running Back

Start ‘Em – Isiah Pacheco

Isiah Pacheco had a great stretch where he was putting up some great numbers but has recently slowed down. Between Weeks 3 and 7, Pacheco was averaging over 17 fantasy points per week. The last three weeks he’s averaging under eight points per week. Pacheco should bounce back in a major way this week. Although Pacheco was held to just 10 points last week, he did have 89 rushing yards against a great Eagles defense. Pacheco hasn’t scored since Week 7 and I think he finds some pylon this week. Pacheco should be started in all formats.

Sit ‘Em – Alexander Mattison

The Dalvin Cook heir apparent has been far from it in 2023. Alexander Mattison currently sits as the RB27 for the year and has struggled in his last two games. He has failed to hit the 10-point mark two weeks in a row and seems to be losing his job to Ty Chandler with each passing week. The Vikings are a spunky offense, but Mattison is not included. Sit Mattison on your bench and go after Ty Chandler on the waiver wire.

Wide Receiver

Start ‘Em – Adam Thielen

The Carolina Panthers are a mess this year. Adam Thielen has surprisingly been the only steady fantasy option in Carolina. After having two disappointing games in Weeks 9 and 10, Thielen got back on track in Week 11. Seeing 11 targets last week, Thielen once again found himself hitting 14 plus fantasy points. He gets a tasty matchup against the tanking Tennessee Titans and should be in line for a great day. He’s an easy WR1 option this week.

Sit ‘Em – Amari Cooper

Let’s all agree that Amari Cooper is a great wide receiver. After that, let’s agree that Dorian Thompson-Robinson is not a good quarterback. Unfortunately, Amari Cooper’s value has bottomed out with the rookie signal caller starting for what looks like the rest of the season. Cooper had four catches for 34 yards last week and I fear that will be his stat line moving forward. The Browns are going to keep it simple stupid with their rookie QB and Cooper is going to pay the price. Hopefully, you have better options on your bench moving forward.

Tight End

Start ‘Em – Dalton Schultz

I’ve said it once before and I’ll say it again. This Houston Texans offense is legit. C.J. Stroud looks like the clear Rookie of the Year and Dalton Schultz has been benefiting from it recently. Schultz has scored 11 plus points in six of his last seven games and needs to be started unless you have one of the heavy-hitter tight ends. He’s also scored a touchdown in five of his last seven games. Ride the hot streak and start Schultz moving forward.

Sit ‘Em – Pat Freiermuth

Pat Freiermuth might be back on the field, but he shouldn’t be back in your starting lineup. Even with Pittsburgh firing their Offensive Coordinator, this offense is still stagnant. Even when The Muth was healthy, he’s never seen more than four targets in a game. Don’t even worry about whether to start or sit. The Muth should be loose, but on the waiver wire, not even on your bench.

Still Having Fun?

It seems just like yesterday we were having our 2023 fantasy football draft. Fast forward and here we are approaching the playoffs. It’s been a fun ride and hopefully, your team is still in it. If it’s not, hopefully, you can ruin your rival’s chances this week. As always, matchups are key, and deciding who to start or sit is key for your success in fantasy football.

About the Author

Paul Orlando is a die-hard Ravens and Orioles fan and a fantasy football junkie. Paul is co-host of The Eye Test: A Fantasy Football Podcast on YouTube and has recently begun writing for Belly Up Sports. He gives expert advice in both Dynasty and Redraft settings, and loves finding the sleepers no one else talks about. Find all things fantasy football on Belly Up Fantasy Sports.