Fantasy Football Rankings & Start/Sit

Early season: only 3 weeks of 2026 data so far, so these projections lean on last season's numbers. Confidence is marked on every player and improves each week.

Defenses swing hard from week to week on sacks, takeaways and touchdowns, so most leagues stream them: pick the best matchup available rather than holding one all year. Scoring is the same in every format, so the scoring switch above doesn't change these.

1Vikings D/ST▲D/ST · MINvsMIAMUST STARTScored 17 last game, typical 7.111.7
7–15 rangeMUST START
Recent form
8
17
17
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 7.1 a game
This week's matchup
vsMIAGame page →
Expected team score
~24 pts
Vegas line
MIN favored by 10
Game total
38.5
MIA offense
35% more points to defenses
Why we say must start
- Projected 11.7 points, #1 among defenses this week, inside the top 4 we call must-starts.
- Scored 17 points last game against a typical 7.1 (trending up).
- MIA's offense has given defenses 35% more fantasy points than the league average.
- Averaging 4.7 sacks and 2 takeaways a game.
Projection 11.7 · High confidence · Team page →
2Seahawks D/ST▼D/ST · SEAvsLACMUST STARTLAC offense gives defenses 39% more points10.5
6–14 rangeMUST START
Recent form
13
8
1
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 8.8 a game
This week's matchup
vsLACGame page →
Expected team score
~25 pts
Vegas line
SEA favored by 7
Game total
42.5
LAC offense
39% more points to defenses
Why we say must start
- Projected 10.5 points, #2 among defenses this week, inside the top 4 we call must-starts.
- LAC's offense has given defenses 39% more fantasy points than the league average.
- LAC's offense is expected to score only about 18 points, a good spot for the defense.
- Concern: Scored 1 points last game against a typical 8.8 (trending down).
- Averaging 2.3 sacks and 1.3 takeaways a game.
Projection 10.5 · High confidence · Team page →
3Steelers D/STD/ST · PIT@CLEMUST STARTCLE offense gives defenses 45% more points6.0
scored · proj 10.1MUST START
Recent form
18
8
5
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 6.7 a game
This week's matchup
@CLEGame page →
Expected team score
~21 pts
Vegas line
PIT favored by 2.5
Game total
38.5
CLE offense
45% more points to defenses
Wind
11 mph
Why we say must start
- Projected 10.1 points, #3 among defenses this week, inside the top 4 we call must-starts.
- CLE's offense has given defenses 45% more fantasy points than the league average.
- CLE's offense is expected to score only about 18 points, a good spot for the defense.
- Averaging 2.7 sacks and 2 takeaways a game.
Projection 10.1 · High confidence · Team page →
4Bears D/ST▲D/ST · CHIvsNYJMUST STARTScored 12 last game, typical 6.58.9
5–12 rangeMUST START
Recent form
6
7
12
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 6.5 a game
This week's matchup
vsNYJGame page →
Expected team score
~24 pts
Vegas line
CHI favored by 3.5
Game total
43.5
NYJ offense
24% more points to defenses
Wind
10 mph
Why we say must start
- Projected 8.9 points, #4 among defenses this week, inside the top 4 we call must-starts.
- Scored 12 points last game against a typical 6.5 (trending up).
- NYJ's offense has given defenses 24% more fantasy points than the league average.
- Averaging 2.3 sacks and 2 takeaways a game.
Projection 8.9 · High confidence · Team page →
5Ravens D/STD/ST · BALvsTENSTARTTEN offense gives defenses 36% more points8.0
4–12 rangeSTART
Recent form
6
3
4
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 5.4 a game
This week's matchup
vsTENGame page →
Expected team score
~27 pts
Vegas line
BAL favored by 11.5
Game total
42.5
TEN offense
36% more points to defenses
Why we say start
- Projected 8.0 points, #5 among defenses this week, inside the top 12 we recommend starting.
- TEN's offense has given defenses 36% more fantasy points than the league average.
- TEN's offense is expected to score only about 16 points, a good spot for the defense.
- Averaging 2 sacks and 1 takeaways a game.
Projection 8.0 · High confidence · Team page →
6Jaguars D/ST▲D/ST · JAX@CINSTARTCIN offense gives defenses 25% more points8.0
4–12 rangeSTART
Recent form
13
3
15
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 7.7 a game
This week's matchup
@CINGame page →
Expected team score
~25 pts
Vegas line
JAX underdogs by 2.5
Game total
51.5
CIN offense
25% more points to defenses
Why we say start
- Projected 8.0 points, #6 among defenses this week, inside the top 12 we recommend starting.
- CIN's offense has given defenses 25% more fantasy points than the league average.
- Scored 15 points last game against a typical 7.7 (trending up).
- Concern: CIN's offense is expected to score about 27 points, a rough spot for the defense.
- Averaging 2.3 sacks and 2 takeaways a game.
Projection 8.0 · High confidence · Team page →
7Chiefs D/STD/ST · KC@LVSTARTLV offense gives defenses 51% more points7.4
3–11 rangeSTART
Recent form
11
1
8
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 5.3 a game
This week's matchup
@LVGame page →
Expected team score
~26 pts
Vegas line
KC favored by 4.5
Game total
47.5
LV offense
51% more points to defenses
Why we say start
- Projected 7.4 points, #7 among defenses this week, inside the top 12 we recommend starting.
- LV's offense has given defenses 51% more fantasy points than the league average.
- Averaging 1 sacks and 1.7 takeaways a game.
Projection 7.4 · High confidence · Team page →
8Rams D/ST▼D/ST · LA@PHISTARTPHI expected to score only ~20, a good spot7.2
3–11 rangeSTART
Recent form
2
11
2
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 7.4 a game
This week's matchup
@PHIGame page →
Expected team score
~23 pts
Vegas line
LA favored by 3.5
Game total
42.5
PHI offense
14% fewer points to defenses
Wind
10 mph
Why we say start
- Projected 7.2 points, #8 among defenses this week, inside the top 12 we recommend starting.
- PHI's offense is expected to score only about 20 points, a good spot for the defense.
- Concern: Scored 2 points last game against a typical 7.4 (trending down).
- Averaging 1 sacks and 1 takeaways a game.
Projection 7.2 · High confidence · Team page →
9Saints D/ST▼D/ST · NOvsATLSTARTATL offense gives defenses 46% more points6.8
3–10 rangeSTART
Recent form
2
8
1
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 6.1 a game
This week's matchup
vsATLGame page →
Expected team score
~25 pts
Vegas line
NO favored by 2.5
Game total
47.5
ATL offense
46% more points to defenses
Why we say start
- Projected 6.8 points, #9 among defenses this week, inside the top 12 we recommend starting.
- ATL's offense has given defenses 46% more fantasy points than the league average.
- Concern: Scored 1 points last game against a typical 6.1 (trending down).
- Averaging 2.3 sacks and 1 takeaways a game.
Projection 6.8 · High confidence · Team page →
10Browns D/STD/ST · CLEvsPITSTARTProjected 6.5 · #10 among defenses9.0
scored · proj 6.5START
Recent form
0
6
6
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 7.1 a game
This week's matchup
vsPITGame page →
Expected team score
~18 pts
Vegas line
CLE underdogs by 2.5
Game total
38.5
PIT offense
5% fewer points to defenses
Wind
11 mph
Why we say start
- Projected 6.5 points, #10 among defenses this week, inside the top 12 we recommend starting.
- Averaging 2.3 sacks and 0.7 takeaways a game.
Projection 6.5 · High confidence · Team page →
11Bills D/STD/ST · BUFvsNESTARTBUF favored by 7, NE may take risks6.5
2–10 rangeSTART
Recent form
6
3
5
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 6.1 a game
This week's matchup
vsNEGame page →
Expected team score
~28 pts
Vegas line
BUF favored by 7
Game total
49.5
NE offense
13% more points to defenses
Why we say start
- Projected 6.5 points, #11 among defenses this week, inside the top 12 we recommend starting.
- BUF is favored by 7, so NE may have to take risks, which is good for sacks and takeaways.
- Averaging 3 sacks and 1 takeaways a game.
Projection 6.5 · High confidence · Team page →
12Broncos D/ST▲D/ST · DEN@SFSTARTScored 14 last game, typical 7.96.3
2–10 rangeSTART
Recent form
3
8
14
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 7.9 a game
This week's matchup
@SFGame page →
Expected team score
~22 pts
Vegas line
DEN underdogs by 3
Game total
47.5
SF offense
43% fewer points to defenses
Why we say start
- Projected 6.3 points, #12 among defenses this week, inside the top 12 we recommend starting.
- Scored 14 points last game against a typical 7.9 (trending up).
- Concern: SF's offense has given defenses 43% fewer fantasy points than the league average.
- Averaging 2.7 sacks and 1.3 takeaways a game.
Projection 6.3 · High confidence · Team page →
13Texans D/STD/ST · HOUvsDALFLEXProjected 6.0 · #13 among defenses6.0
2–10 rangeFLEX
Recent form
-2
6
11
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 8.0 a game
This week's matchup
vsDALGame page →
Expected team score
~26 pts
Vegas line
HOU favored by 3
Game total
48.5
DAL offense
49% fewer points to defenses
Wind
10 mph
Why we say flex
- Projected 6.0 points, #13 among defenses this week: a flex-range play (straight starts run through #12).
- Concern: DAL's offense has given defenses 49% fewer fantasy points than the league average.
- Averaging 3.7 sacks and 1 takeaways a game.
Projection 6.0 · High confidence · Team page →
14Falcons D/STD/ST · ATL@NOFLEXNO offense gives defenses 40% more points6.0
2–10 rangeFLEX
Recent form
5
1
6
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 6.7 a game
This week's matchup
@NOGame page →
Expected team score
~23 pts
Vegas line
ATL underdogs by 2.5
Game total
47.5
NO offense
40% more points to defenses
Why we say flex
- Projected 6.0 points, #14 among defenses this week: a flex-range play (straight starts run through #12).
- NO's offense has given defenses 40% more fantasy points than the league average.
- Concern: NO's offense is expected to score about 25 points, a rough spot for the defense.
- Averaging 1.7 sacks and 0.7 takeaways a game.
Projection 6.0 · High confidence · Team page →
15Packers D/ST▼D/ST · GB@TBFLEXTB offense gives defenses 28% more points5.8
2–9 rangeFLEX
Recent form
1
5
-2
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 4.9 a game
This week's matchup
@TBGame page →
Expected team score
~21 pts
Vegas line
GB favored by 3
Game total
38.5
TB offense
28% more points to defenses
Why we say flex
- Projected 5.8 points, #15 among defenses this week: a flex-range play (straight starts run through #12).
- TB's offense has given defenses 28% more fantasy points than the league average.
- TB's offense is expected to score only about 18 points, a good spot for the defense.
- Concern: Scored -2 points last game against a typical 4.9 (trending down).
- Averaging 2.3 sacks and 0.7 takeaways a game.
Projection 5.8 · High confidence · Team page →
16Chargers D/ST▲D/ST · LAC@SEAFLEXScored 14 last game, typical 6.35.3
1–9 rangeFLEX
Recent form
1
4
14
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 6.3 a game
This week's matchup
@SEAGame page →
Expected team score
~18 pts
Vegas line
LAC underdogs by 7
Game total
42.5
SEA offense
16% fewer points to defenses
Why we say flex
- Projected 5.3 points, #16 among defenses this week: a flex-range play (straight starts run through #12).
- Scored 14 points last game against a typical 6.3 (trending up).
- Concern: SEA's offense has given defenses 16% fewer fantasy points than the league average.
- Averaging 2.3 sacks and 2 takeaways a game.
Projection 5.3 · High confidence · Team page →
17Lions D/STD/ST · DET@CARBENCHProjected 5.1 · 0.2 behind #165.1
1–9 rangeBENCH
Recent form
10
-2
7
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 5.7 a game
This week's matchup
@CARGame page →
Expected team score
~27 pts
Vegas line
DET favored by 3.5
Game total
50.5
CAR offense
3% more points to defenses
Why we say bench
- Projected 5.1 points, #17 among defenses this week, 0.2 points behind #16, the last one we'd start.
- Averaging 4 sacks and 1.3 takeaways a game.
Projection 5.1 · High confidence · Team page →
18Buccaneers D/STD/ST · TBvsGBBENCHGB offense gives defenses 20% fewer points5.0
1–9 rangeBENCH
Recent form
8
2
5
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 5.8 a game
This week's matchup
vsGBGame page →
Expected team score
~18 pts
Vegas line
TB underdogs by 3
Game total
38.5
GB offense
20% fewer points to defenses
Why we say bench
- Projected 5.0 points, #18 among defenses this week, 0.3 points behind #16, the last one we'd start.
- GB's offense has given defenses 20% fewer fantasy points than the league average.
- Averaging 2 sacks and 0.7 takeaways a game.
Projection 5.0 · High confidence · Team page →
19Panthers D/STD/ST · CARvsDETBENCHDET offense gives defenses 42% fewer points4.8
1–8 rangeBENCH
Recent form
0
25
4
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 6.0 a game
This week's matchup
vsDETGame page →
Expected team score
~24 pts
Vegas line
CAR underdogs by 3.5
Game total
50.5
DET offense
42% fewer points to defenses
Why we say bench
- Projected 4.8 points, #19 among defenses this week, 0.5 points behind #16, the last one we'd start.
- DET's offense has given defenses 42% fewer fantasy points than the league average.
- DET's offense is expected to score about 27 points, a rough spot for the defense.
- Averaging 2 sacks and 2.3 takeaways a game.
Projection 4.8 · High confidence · Team page →
20Giants D/STD/ST · NYGvsARIBENCHProjected 4.5 · 0.8 behind #164.5
0–8 rangeBENCH
Recent form
3
4
8
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 4.5 a game
This week's matchup
vsARIGame page →
Expected team score
~21 pts
Vegas line
NYG underdogs by 2.5
Game total
44.5
ARI offense
League average
Why we say bench
- Projected 4.5 points, #20 among defenses this week, 0.8 points behind #16, the last one we'd start.
- Averaging 0.3 sacks and 1.7 takeaways a game.
Projection 4.5 · High confidence · Team page →
21Eagles D/ST▼D/ST · PHIvsLABENCHScored 0 last game, typical 7.54.5
0–8 rangeBENCH
Recent form
3
3
0
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 7.5 a game
This week's matchup
vsLAGame page →
Expected team score
~20 pts
Vegas line
PHI underdogs by 3.5
Game total
42.5
LA offense
18% fewer points to defenses
Wind
10 mph
Why we say bench
- Projected 4.5 points, #21 among defenses this week, 0.8 points behind #16, the last one we'd start.
- Scored 0 points last game against a typical 7.5 (trending down).
- LA's offense has given defenses 18% fewer fantasy points than the league average.
- Averaging 1 sacks and 0 takeaways a game.
Projection 4.5 · High confidence · Team page →
22Colts D/STD/ST · IND@WASBENCHProjected 4.4 · 0.9 behind #164.4
0–8 rangeBENCH
Recent form
0
1
4
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 5.6 a game
This week's matchup
@WASGame page →
Expected team score
~26 pts
Vegas line
IND favored by 4.5
Game total
46.5
WAS offense
14% fewer points to defenses
Why we say bench
- Projected 4.4 points, #22 among defenses this week, 0.9 points behind #16, the last one we'd start.
- Averaging 2.3 sacks and 0.3 takeaways a game.
Projection 4.4 · High confidence · Team page →
2349ers D/STD/ST · SFvsDENBENCHDEN offense gives defenses 27% fewer points4.2
0–8 rangeBENCH
Recent form
8
8
1
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 4.6 a game
This week's matchup
vsDENGame page →
Expected team score
~25 pts
Vegas line
SF favored by 3
Game total
47.5
DEN offense
27% fewer points to defenses
Why we say bench
- Projected 4.2 points, #23 among defenses this week, 1.1 points behind #16, the last one we'd start.
- DEN's offense has given defenses 27% fewer fantasy points than the league average.
- Averaging 2 sacks and 0.7 takeaways a game.
Projection 4.2 · High confidence · Team page →
24Raiders D/ST▲D/ST · LVvsKCBENCHKC offense gives defenses 18% fewer points4.1
0–8 rangeBENCH
Recent form
13
12
12
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 4.7 a game
This week's matchup
vsKCGame page →
Expected team score
~22 pts
Vegas line
LV underdogs by 4.5
Game total
47.5
KC offense
18% fewer points to defenses
Why we say bench
- Projected 4.1 points, #24 among defenses this week, 1.2 points behind #16, the last one we'd start.
- KC's offense has given defenses 18% fewer fantasy points than the league average.
- KC's offense is expected to score about 26 points, a rough spot for the defense.
- Upside: Scored 12 points last game against a typical 4.7 (trending up).
- Averaging 3.3 sacks and 3 takeaways a game.
Projection 4.1 · High confidence · Team page →
25Cardinals D/ST▼D/ST · ARI@NYGBENCHScored -2 last game, typical 44.0
0–8 rangeBENCH
Recent form
10
2
-2
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 4.0 a game
This week's matchup
@NYGGame page →
Expected team score
~24 pts
Vegas line
ARI favored by 2.5
Game total
44.5
NYG offense
8% more points to defenses
Why we say bench
- Projected 4.0 points, #25 among defenses this week, outside the top 16.
- Scored -2 points last game against a typical 4 (trending down).
- Averaging 1.3 sacks and 1.3 takeaways a game.
Projection 4.0 · High confidence · Team page →
26Bengals D/STD/ST · CINvsJAXBENCHJAX offense gives defenses 42% fewer points3.9
0–7 rangeBENCH
Recent form
12
11
3
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 4.5 a game
This week's matchup
vsJAXGame page →
Expected team score
~27 pts
Vegas line
CIN favored by 2.5
Game total
51.5
JAX offense
42% fewer points to defenses
Why we say bench
- Projected 3.9 points, #26 among defenses this week, outside the top 16.
- JAX's offense has given defenses 42% fewer fantasy points than the league average.
- Averaging 3.3 sacks and 1.7 takeaways a game.
Projection 3.9 · High confidence · Team page →
27Patriots D/ST▼D/ST · NE@BUFBENCHBUF offense gives defenses 39% fewer points3.8
0–7 rangeBENCH
Recent form
6
15
-1
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 6.8 a game
This week's matchup
@BUFGame page →
Expected team score
~21 pts
Vegas line
NE underdogs by 7
Game total
49.5
BUF offense
39% fewer points to defenses
Why we say bench
- Projected 3.8 points, #27 among defenses this week, outside the top 16.
- BUF's offense has given defenses 39% fewer fantasy points than the league average.
- BUF's offense is expected to score about 28 points, a rough spot for the defense.
- Averaging 2.3 sacks and 1 takeaways a game.
Projection 3.8 · High confidence · Team page →
28Dolphins D/STD/ST · MIA@MINBENCHProjected 3.6 · #28 among defenses3.6
0–7 rangeBENCH
Recent form
4
-4
2
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 5.5 a game
This week's matchup
@MINGame page →
Expected team score
~14 pts
Vegas line
MIA underdogs by 10
Game total
38.5
MIN offense
37% more points to defenses
Why we say bench
- Projected 3.6 points, #28 among defenses this week, outside the top 16.
- Upside: MIN's offense has given defenses 37% more fantasy points than the league average.
- Averaging 0 sacks and 1 takeaways a game.
Projection 3.6 · High confidence · Team page →
29Commanders D/ST▲D/ST · WASvsINDBENCHIND offense gives defenses 24% fewer points2.9
0–6 rangeBENCH
Recent form
3
-2
11
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 4.8 a game
This week's matchup
vsINDGame page →
Expected team score
~21 pts
Vegas line
WAS underdogs by 4.5
Game total
46.5
IND offense
24% fewer points to defenses
Why we say bench
- Projected 2.9 points, #29 among defenses this week, outside the top 16.
- IND's offense has given defenses 24% fewer fantasy points than the league average.
- IND's offense is expected to score about 26 points, a rough spot for the defense.
- Upside: Scored 11 points last game against a typical 4.8 (trending up).
- Averaging 1.7 sacks and 1 takeaways a game.
Projection 2.9 · High confidence · Team page →
30Titans D/STD/ST · TEN@BALBENCHBAL offense gives defenses 24% fewer points2.8
0–6 rangeBENCH
Recent form
0
7
7
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 4.9 a game
This week's matchup
@BALGame page →
Expected team score
~16 pts
Vegas line
TEN underdogs by 11.5
Game total
42.5
BAL offense
24% fewer points to defenses
Why we say bench
- Projected 2.8 points, #30 among defenses this week, outside the top 16.
- BAL's offense has given defenses 24% fewer fantasy points than the league average.
- BAL's offense is expected to score about 27 points, a rough spot for the defense.
- Averaging 2 sacks and 0.7 takeaways a game.
Projection 2.8 · High confidence · Team page →
31Jets D/STD/ST · NYJ@CHIBENCHCHI offense gives defenses 39% fewer points2.3
0–6 rangeBENCH
Recent form
9
6
1
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 3.4 a game
This week's matchup
@CHIGame page →
Expected team score
~20 pts
Vegas line
NYJ underdogs by 3.5
Game total
43.5
CHI offense
39% fewer points to defenses
Wind
10 mph
Why we say bench
- Projected 2.3 points, #31 among defenses this week, outside the top 16.
- CHI's offense has given defenses 39% fewer fantasy points than the league average.
- Averaging 2.7 sacks and 0.7 takeaways a game.
Projection 2.3 · High confidence · Team page →
32Cowboys D/ST▼D/ST · DAL@HOUBENCHScored -1 last game, typical 3.91.5
0–5 rangeBENCH
Recent form
3
3
-1
W1W2W3
Dashed line: the usual 3.9 a game
This week's matchup
@HOUGame page →
Expected team score
~23 pts
Vegas line
DAL underdogs by 3
Game total
48.5
HOU offense
19% fewer points to defenses
Wind
10 mph
Why we say bench
- Projected 1.5 points, #32 among defenses this week, outside the top 16.
- Scored -1 points last game against a typical 3.9 (trending down).
- HOU's offense has given defenses 19% fewer fantasy points than the league average.
- Averaging 0.7 sacks and 0.7 takeaways a game.
Projection 1.5 · High confidence · Team page →

How we rank

Each player starts from how he scored per game last season, then we shift toward this season's games as they pile up (a few games in, this season counts as much as last). That gives a base rate for the format you picked.

We then adjust for this week's game: how many points the opponent has allowed to that position compared with the league average, how many points Vegas expects the team to score, wind for passing games, and the injury report. Players ruled out are marked Out. Doubtful and questionable players are discounted, and their confidence drops.

The verdict comes from where he ranks at his position. "Must start" and "Start" are the players you should be starting in a typical 12-team league, "Flex" is a fair depth play, and "Bench" means look elsewhere. The range is the middle half of likely outcomes, so about half of his scores should land inside it. Running backs, receivers and tight ends swing more than quarterbacks. Our scorecard checks all of this against what really happened.

Projections are estimates, not guarantees. Player stats from nflverse (CC-BY 4.0), betting lines from the NFL schedule data, injuries from ESPN's public injury report. Kicker and defense stats come from the same source and scoring is the common default.