Fantasy Football: Start 'Em & Sit 'Em - CBS

Hey guys! Getting ready for your fantasy matchups? Knowing who to start and who to sit can be the difference between victory and defeat. Let's dive into some CBS Sports insights to help you make those crucial lineup decisions.

Quarterbacks: Who to Trust and Who to Bench

Quarterback Selections: Quarterbacks are pivotal in fantasy football, often dictating the flow of your scoring each week. Identifying the right quarterbacks to start involves analyzing matchups, recent performance, and overall consistency. For instance, a quarterback facing a defense known for allowing significant passing yards is generally a favorable start. CBS Sports analysts often highlight quarterbacks with promising matchups or those who have shown a consistent ability to score fantasy points, regardless of the opponent. Be sure to keep an eye on quarterbacks who have a history of performing well in specific weather conditions, as adverse weather can significantly impact passing games. Moreover, it's beneficial to consider quarterbacks who are dual-threats, meaning they can contribute both through passing and rushing, as their rushing yards and touchdowns can provide a substantial boost to your fantasy score. On the other hand, some quarterbacks might appear tempting based on their name recognition or past achievements, but a closer look at their current form and upcoming opponents might reveal a less favorable outlook. Perhaps they're facing a top-ranked pass defense, or maybe their offensive line is struggling to provide adequate protection, leading to sacks and turnovers. Such factors can severely limit a quarterback's potential for fantasy success. Staying updated on injury reports and any potential changes in offensive schemes is also crucial when deciding which quarterbacks to entrust with your starting spot. Ultimately, the goal is to select quarterbacks who not only have the talent but also the circumstances conducive to delivering a strong fantasy performance, helping you secure a crucial advantage in your weekly matchups. — Kearney Obituaries: Remembering Lives & Legacies

Quarterbacks to Sit: Conversely, identifying quarterbacks to bench is equally vital. This usually includes players facing tough defenses, those in a slump, or those with nagging injuries. CBS experts usually pinpoint quarterbacks with unfavorable matchups, like facing a team with a stout pass rush and a strong secondary. Also, consider quarterbacks whose recent performances have been underwhelming, showing a decline in accuracy, decision-making, or overall confidence. Injuries can significantly hamper a quarterback's ability to perform at their peak, so it's wise to bench players who are nursing injuries that might limit their mobility or throwing power. Moreover, pay attention to quarterbacks who are playing in unpredictable weather conditions, as wind and rain can significantly impact passing games. Additionally, be cautious about starting quarterbacks who are playing on the road against tough opponents, as home-field advantage can often play a significant role in defensive performance. It's also worth considering quarterbacks who are part of struggling offenses, where the lack of a strong running game or reliable receiving options can put added pressure on the quarterback to make plays. Ultimately, benching a quarterback who is likely to underperform can save you valuable points and prevent a potential disaster in your fantasy lineup. Remember, it's often better to play it safe and opt for a more reliable option with a favorable matchup rather than gambling on a quarterback with a high ceiling but a low floor. Staying informed and making informed decisions based on the latest news and analysis is key to optimizing your lineup each week.

Running Backs: Finding the Workhorses and Avoiding the Traps

Running Backs to Start: Running backs are the backbone of many fantasy teams. Look for running backs with a high volume of carries and those involved in the passing game. CBS analysts often emphasize running backs who are the clear lead backs on their teams, receiving the majority of carries and goal-line opportunities. These workhorse backs are typically more reliable sources of fantasy points, as they have a higher floor due to their consistent usage. Also, consider running backs who are effective pass-catchers, as receptions can significantly boost their fantasy score, especially in PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues. Favorable matchups against teams with weak run defenses can also make a running back a strong start. Furthermore, keep an eye on running backs who have shown a knack for finding the end zone, as touchdowns are a major source of fantasy points. Conversely, be wary of running backs who are part of crowded backfields or those who are splitting carries with other players. These backs can be unpredictable and may not provide the consistent volume needed for reliable fantasy production. Ultimately, the goal is to identify running backs who have a clear path to a significant workload and favorable matchups, increasing their chances of delivering a strong fantasy performance each week. — Frankfort Arrests: Check Local Busted Newspaper

Running Backs to Sit: Navigating the running back landscape requires careful consideration. Avoid starting running backs in committees or those facing defenses known for shutting down the run. CBS experts frequently advise against starting running backs who are part of a crowded backfield, where their carries and opportunities are limited and unpredictable. Also, consider sitting running backs who are facing tough run defenses, as they are likely to struggle to gain yards and score touchdowns. Injuries can also significantly impact a running back's performance, so it's wise to bench players who are nursing injuries that might limit their explosiveness or ability to take a pounding. Moreover, pay attention to running backs who are playing on teams with struggling offenses, as they may not receive enough scoring opportunities. Additionally, be cautious about starting running backs who are heavily reliant on touchdowns for their fantasy production, as touchdowns can be unpredictable and unsustainable. It's also worth considering running backs who are losing carries to other players or who are being phased out of the offense. Ultimately, benching a running back who is likely to underperform can save you valuable points and prevent a potential disappointment in your fantasy lineup. Remember, it's often better to play it safe and opt for a more reliable option with a clearer path to touches rather than gambling on a running back with limited opportunities or a difficult matchup. Staying informed and making informed decisions based on the latest news and analysis is key to optimizing your lineup each week.

Wide Receivers: Spotting the Breakout Players and Avoiding the Busts

Wide Receivers to Start: Wide receivers can be boom-or-bust players. Target receivers with favorable matchups, high target shares, and those who are the primary options in their offenses. CBS analysts often highlight wide receivers who are the clear number one options on their teams, receiving a high volume of targets and red-zone opportunities. These receivers are typically more reliable sources of fantasy points, as they have a higher floor due to their consistent usage. Also, consider wide receivers who are facing favorable matchups against teams with weak pass defenses or those who are likely to be covered by less skilled cornerbacks. Furthermore, keep an eye on wide receivers who have a strong rapport with their quarterback, as this can lead to more consistent production. Conversely, be wary of wide receivers who are part of crowded receiving corps or those who are splitting targets with other players. These receivers can be unpredictable and may not provide the consistent volume needed for reliable fantasy production. Ultimately, the goal is to identify wide receivers who have a clear path to a significant target share and favorable matchups, increasing their chances of delivering a strong fantasy performance each week.

Wide Receivers to Sit: Choosing which wide receivers to sit is just as important as choosing who to start. Consider receivers shadowed by top cornerbacks or those with inconsistent quarterback play. CBS experts frequently advise against starting wide receivers who are likely to be shadowed by top cornerbacks, as these matchups can significantly limit their opportunities and production. Also, consider sitting wide receivers who are playing with inconsistent quarterbacks or those who are part of struggling offenses, as they may not receive enough targets or scoring opportunities. Injuries can also significantly impact a wide receiver's performance, so it's wise to bench players who are nursing injuries that might limit their speed or agility. Moreover, pay attention to wide receivers who are facing tough pass defenses or those who are playing in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, be cautious about starting wide receivers who are heavily reliant on deep targets for their fantasy production, as these targets can be unpredictable and unsustainable. It's also worth considering wide receivers who are losing targets to other players or who are being phased out of the offense. Ultimately, benching a wide receiver who is likely to underperform can save you valuable points and prevent a potential disappointment in your fantasy lineup. Remember, it's often better to play it safe and opt for a more reliable option with a clearer path to targets rather than gambling on a wide receiver with limited opportunities or a difficult matchup. Staying informed and making informed decisions based on the latest news and analysis is key to optimizing your lineup each week.

Tight Ends: Navigating the Volatile Position

Tight Ends to Start: Tight end is often a tricky position in fantasy football. Look for tight ends who are heavily involved in their team's passing game and those with favorable matchups. CBS analysts often emphasize tight ends who are the primary receiving options on their teams, receiving a high volume of targets and red-zone opportunities. These tight ends are typically more reliable sources of fantasy points, as they have a higher floor due to their consistent usage. Also, consider tight ends who are facing favorable matchups against teams that struggle to defend the position or those who are likely to be covered by less skilled linebackers or safeties. Furthermore, keep an eye on tight ends who have a strong rapport with their quarterback, as this can lead to more consistent production. Conversely, be wary of tight ends who are part of crowded receiving corps or those who are splitting targets with other players. These tight ends can be unpredictable and may not provide the consistent volume needed for reliable fantasy production. Ultimately, the goal is to identify tight ends who have a clear path to a significant target share and favorable matchups, increasing their chances of delivering a strong fantasy performance each week.

Tight Ends to Sit: Deciding who to sit at tight end can be crucial. Avoid starting tight ends who are primarily blockers or those with limited red-zone targets. CBS experts frequently advise against starting tight ends who are primarily blockers, as they are unlikely to receive enough targets to be valuable in fantasy football. Also, consider sitting tight ends who are playing with inconsistent quarterbacks or those who are part of struggling offenses, as they may not receive enough targets or scoring opportunities. Injuries can also significantly impact a tight end's performance, so it's wise to bench players who are nursing injuries that might limit their athleticism or ability to catch passes. Moreover, pay attention to tight ends who are facing tough defenses or those who are playing in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, be cautious about starting tight ends who are heavily reliant on touchdowns for their fantasy production, as touchdowns can be unpredictable and unsustainable. It's also worth considering tight ends who are losing targets to other players or who are being phased out of the offense. Ultimately, benching a tight end who is likely to underperform can save you valuable points and prevent a potential disappointment in your fantasy lineup. Remember, it's often better to play it safe and opt for a more reliable option with a clearer path to targets rather than gambling on a tight end with limited opportunities or a difficult matchup. Staying informed and making informed decisions based on the latest news and analysis is key to optimizing your lineup each week.

Defense/Special Teams (DST): Stream or Stick?

DSTs to Start: Defense and Special Teams (DST) can be a game-changer in fantasy. Look for DSTs facing weak offenses or those with a high likelihood of generating turnovers and sacks. CBS analysts often highlight DSTs who are facing struggling offenses or those who are prone to making mistakes, as these matchups can lead to more sacks, turnovers, and scoring opportunities. Also, consider DSTs who have a strong pass rush, as they are more likely to generate sacks and create pressure on the quarterback. Furthermore, keep an eye on DSTs who have a history of scoring touchdowns, whether through interceptions, fumble recoveries, or special teams plays. Conversely, be wary of DSTs who are facing high-powered offenses or those who are playing on teams with poor defenses overall. These DSTs can be unpredictable and may not provide the consistent production needed for reliable fantasy scoring. Ultimately, the goal is to identify DSTs who have a favorable matchup and a high potential for generating turnovers and sacks, increasing their chances of delivering a strong fantasy performance each week.

DSTs to Sit: Choosing the right DST to sit is essential to avoid negative points. Avoid starting DSTs facing strong offenses or those with a low probability of generating sacks or turnovers. CBS experts frequently advise against starting DSTs who are facing high-powered offenses, as these matchups can lead to more points allowed and fewer opportunities for sacks and turnovers. Also, consider sitting DSTs who are playing on teams with poor defenses overall, as they may struggle to contain opposing offenses and generate fantasy points. Injuries to key defensive players can also significantly impact a DST's performance, so it's wise to bench DSTs who are missing key contributors. Moreover, pay attention to DSTs who are playing on the road, as home-field advantage can often play a significant role in offensive performance. Additionally, be cautious about starting DSTs who are heavily reliant on touchdowns for their fantasy production, as touchdowns can be unpredictable and unsustainable. It's also worth considering DSTs who are facing quarterbacks who are known for avoiding turnovers or who are playing in adverse weather conditions that can limit passing opportunities. Ultimately, benching a DST who is likely to underperform can save you valuable points and prevent a potential disaster in your fantasy lineup. Remember, it's often better to play it safe and opt for a more reliable option with a more favorable matchup rather than gambling on a DST with limited opportunities or a difficult assignment. Staying informed and making informed decisions based on the latest news and analysis is key to optimizing your lineup each week. — The Fortune-Telling Princess: A Magical Tale

By heeding these start 'em and sit 'em recommendations from CBS Sports, you'll be well-equipped to make informed decisions and optimize your lineup for success. Good luck this week!