Fantasy Starts/Sits for January 18, 2025
As the fantasy season marches on, every lineup decision becomes more crucial. Whether you’re in the middle of a playoffs fantasy league or daily league, the right start/sit choices can make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of the players we believe should be locks into lineups and who you might want to bench for January 18, 2025.
Game 1: Texans at Chiefs
This is our least favorite game to target and also happens to be the game with the least anticipated points being scored. The over/under projection is at 41.5 points.
Start: Nico Collins (WR Texans)
The Houston Texans offense is starting to get back on track after a rough ending to their regular season. If they want a chance to win at the Chiefs this weekend, they will need plays made by their dynamic number 1 receiver. Coming off 28.2 fantasy points last week against the Chargers, Collins should continue being fed the ball here against the Chiefs.
Start: Xavier Worthy (WR Chiefs)
Xavier Worthy has quietly become Mahomes’ number one weapon to go to. Worthy’s elite speed makes him a threat with any secondary in the league. You can expect Mahomes to connect on at least one big pass play to Worthy here come Saturday. In his last 3 games he has average 21 fantasy points on 10+ targets per game. Given his price point in daily leagues, he will be a difficult one to sit this week. He is wheels up for us against the Texans
Sit: All Chiefs Running Backs
The way to beat the Texans is through the air. On top of that, this is a split carry backfield that I want nothing to do with. If I have to pick one of the Chiefs running backs, it will be Kareem Hunt. If they get inside the 5 yard line, it is Hunt that has been getting the majority of the goal line carries.
Game 2: Commanders at Lions
The only game on the docket in which weather will not be an issue. This game is also projected to be the highest scoring of all of the games this weekend. This will be the game to attack for daily leagues, or possibly fade since there will be a large percentage of the players in this game that will be used in other lineups.
Start: Jahmyr Gibbs (RB Lions)
The Commanders rank middle of the pack in stopping the run. Yes, Montgomery is anticipated back for this game. How many carries the Lions are willing to give him on his first game back from his knee injury is a question mark. However, Gibbs has proven himself over and over the last half of the season that he can handle a full work load and goal line carries. Expect him to feast once again.
Start: Terry McLaurin (WR Commanders)
Detroit’s secondary is known to give up big plays through the air all year. What is McLaurin known for? His big play capability. It will be wheels up for McLaurin and the Commanders passing game if they want any chance at winning this game.
Sit: Brian Robinson Jr. (RB Commanders)
It has been quite the disappearing act for Robinson Jr in the second half of the season. As Jayden Daniels has grown more comfortable running this offense, the Commanders have leaned less and less on their running game. Going up against a stout Lions run defense, I will be fading Robinson Jr. in 100% of my lineups. If he burns me, he burns me.
Game 3: Rams at Eagles
The biggest note in this game will be the weather. As of now snow is predicted in the forecast. As of right now, Vegas has the projected total at 43.5
Start: Saquon Barkley (RB Eagles)
Snow or no snow, I am basing my lineups around Barkley. And why not? He has done nothing but prove he can get it done against any defense all year round. The last time these two teams played against each other in Week 12, Barkley put up a measly 49.2 fantasy points. That game was in LA without any weather conditions, but that still shouldn’t stop Barkley from putting up big numbers on Sunday.
Sit: Puka Nacua (WR Rams)
It has been no secret that Puka has been the Rams go to receiver this year, especially the second half of the season. In week 12, Puka went for 9 catches for 117 yards against this Eagles defense. However, this is a Eagles secondary that has steadily been improving the last few weeks and in a game that is supposed to have snow in the forecast, there are other alternatives that you can pivot to that cost a lot less.
Game 4: Ravens at Bills
The elite matchup of the weekend. MVP candidates Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen go head-to-head in what should be an exciting offensive battle. There is possible snow in the forecast for this game as well, so you will want to keep an eye on it until game time.
Start: Derrick Henry (RB Ravens)
What happens when one of the leagues best running backs goes up against one of the leagues worst running defense? Henry should feast here, snow or no snow. Back in week 4, Henry ran all over the Bills defense for 199 yards and a td. Building a lineup with both Henry and Barkley will be difficult, so you will need to find some bargains in other areas of your lineups.
Bargains
Dallas Goedert (TE Eagles): The Rams are one of the worst teams in the league when it comes to defending tight ends. I have no problem with starting 2 tight ends in daily lineups so that you can save on salary to afford the likes of Barkley and Henry.
John Metchie III (WR Texans): The Texans will need to throw the ball in this game. At $3800 on Draftkings, Metchie can be super valuable for saving money when you are spending up at running back or other places. Robert Woods is questionable in this game, and the Texans are already deeply thin at the position.
Fantasy football is about maximizing matchups and minimizing risks. Pay close attention to injury reports and especially the weather for this weekend, as they can significantly impact performance. Trust the process and good luck with your fantasy matchups!