When do start or sit decisions have to be made?
Decisions must be finalized before each player's game kicks off, since lineups lock at that time.
Start or Sit
A start or sit decision is the weekly choice fantasy managers make about which players to place in their starting lineup versus leaving on the bench.
Every week during the fantasy football season, managers must choose which players to start in their lineup and which to leave on the bench. This is called a start or sit decision. Only players in the starting lineup can earn points, so these choices often decide whether a team wins or loses its matchup.
Start or sit choices depend on many factors, including the player's recent performance, the opponent's defense, injuries, weather, and how deep a manager's roster is at that position. A wide receiver facing a weak pass defense might be a strong start, while a normally reliable running back dealing with an injury may be a risky one.
Many fantasy managers look for start or sit advice each week from podcasts, articles, and analysts. The goal is to weigh all the available information and pick the lineup that gives the team its best chance to win.
Common questions
Should I always start my highest-drafted players?
No. Weekly matchups, injuries, and roles matter more than draft position, so the best start can change from week to week.
Related terms
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