Are you ready to dominate your NFL Fantasy league in 2025? Week 7 is here, and with it comes the age-old question: who should you start, and who should you bench? But here's the kicker—this week's lineup decisions are more nuanced than ever, and we're diving into the controversial calls that could make or break your fantasy fortunes.
You've got questions, and we're here to provide answers—or at least, we hope so. Welcome to Start 'Em, Sit 'Em, your go-to guide for navigating the tricky world of fantasy roster decisions. And while it's a no-brainer to start Justin Jefferson (check out his stats at NFL.com), we're not here to state the obvious. Instead, we're tackling the debatable, the divisive, and the downright difficult choices. If you're searching for a specific player, don't forget to consult the latest NFL Fantasy lineup rankings at Fantasy.NFL.com.
Start 'Em
Skattebo (NY)
Remember when I boldly predicted Skattebo would outshine Tyrone Tracy Jr. (https://www.nfl.com/players/tyrone-tracy-jr/) back in July? Well, the rookie has delivered! Skattebo isn’t just a solid RB2—he’s a player who could easily finish as an RB1 any given week thanks to his heavy usage. Over the past three weeks, he’s played more than 70% of the snaps, averaging over 20 opportunities (carries + targets) per game. In New York’s last four games, he’s seen 19 and 25 carries in wins, and seven and eight targets in losses. Since Week 2, he ranks third in red-zone carries league-wide, trailing only Jonathan Taylor (https://www.nfl.com/players/jonathan-taylor/) in goal-line opportunities. Even against Denver’s stout defense, Skattebo is a must-start. But here's where it gets controversial: Can he sustain this level of production, or is he due for a regression?
Breece Hall (NYJ)
The Panthers’ defense isn’t the RB fantasy goldmine it once was—they’re now middle-of-the-pack in most categories. However, Hall’s volume keeps him relevant. He’s averaging 17.5 touches per game and leads the team in red-zone targets (tied with Garrett Wilson, who’s nursing a knee injury). Hall is also tied for second in explosive runs (10+ yards), so more touches mean more big-play potential. While his performance has been inconsistent, his workload ensures he remains a viable option. And this is the part most people miss: Hall’s floor is higher than you think, even in a tough matchup.
Alvin Kamara (NO)
Once a fantasy darling, Kamara has struggled this season, ranking as the RB22. He hasn’t cracked 13 fantasy points in a month, but there’s a silver lining: his targets are back, with five or more in three straight games. This week, he faces the Bears, who’ve allowed the seventh-most rushing yards and third-most explosive runs to RBs. They’ve also given up the sixth-most fantasy PPG to the position. Bold prediction: Kamara bounces back this week. But do you dare start him after his recent slump?
Quinshon Judkins (CLE)
Last week’s game script didn’t favor Judkins, but don’t let that scare you. When the game is close, he’s a workhorse. Even after a disappointing 3.6-point outing, he’s a must-start against Miami. The Dolphins have surrendered the most rushing yards to RBs and allow explosive runs at the highest rate in the NFL. They’ve also given up a top-nine fantasy RB in four of their last five games. Here’s the real question: Can Judkins capitalize on this dream matchup, or will the Dolphins’ struggles continue to benefit him?
J.K. Dobbins (DEN)
Last week’s Broncos-Jets game was one to forget, but Dobbins has a chance to redeem himself against the Giants. New York ranks in the top seven in rushing yards, touchdowns, and explosive run rate allowed to RBs. They also give up the second-most yards after contact per touch. Dobbins is tied for second in explosive runs and ranks eighth in yards after contact. With all but one goal-line carry for Denver this season, he’s a solid play. But here’s the debate: Is Dobbins a reliable starter, or is he too inconsistent to trust?
Kimani Vidal (BUF)
Vidal outshone Hassan Haskins (https://www.nfl.com/players/hassan-haskins/) last week, playing 67% of snaps and turning 18 carries and four targets into 138 yards and a touchdown. While the Colts are a tougher matchup, they’re league average in yards per carry and stuff rate, and above average in allowing yards before contact and explosive runs. Vidal isn’t a must-start, but he’s a solid RB2 or flex option. The real controversy: Is Vidal a one-week wonder, or is he here to stay?
LAST CHANCE!
Rhamondre Stevenson & Ezekiel Elliott (NE)
New England’s backfield has been a fantasy wasteland, but Stevenson remains the RB1. Elliott’s value lies in his potential for targets or a big play. The real draw? The Titans, who’ve allowed the third-most rushing yards and most rush TDs to RBs this season. Both backs are flex options worth considering. But here’s the catch: Can either of them deliver in a favorable matchup, or is this backfield too risky?
Sit 'Em
Kenneth Walker III & Zach Charbonnet (SEA)
Seattle’s backfield is a fantasy nightmare. Charbonnet leads with 57% of snaps and goal-line work, but he’s averaging just 2.6 yards per carry and has only one run of 10+ yards all season. Walker, meanwhile, has outscored Charbonnet just once in five games. The Texans are a bottom-10 matchup for RBs, so avoid both this week. The real question: Is there any hope for Seattle’s backs, or should you steer clear entirely?
Tony Pollard (TEN)
Pollard’s snap count is declining, with Tyjae Spears (https://www.nfl.com/players/tyjae-spears/) taking over on passing downs. Against the Patriots, who allow the fewest yards per carry and third-lowest explosive run rate to RBs, Pollard is a risky play. Bold statement: Pollard’s days as a fantasy starter might be over. Do you agree?
Rachaad White (TB)
White’s 9.7 fantasy PPG is a far cry from his 2024 numbers. He’s averaged -0.3 yards before contact per carry, the worst among RBs with over 55 carries. With just one goal-line carry in the last three games, his ceiling and floor are both low this week. The debate: Is White’s struggles a fluke, or is he no longer a reliable option?
Nick Chubb & Jerome Ford (CLE)
Ford seemed poised to take over as the RB1, but Chubb reclaimed the role in Week 5. Seattle’s defense, which allows the second-fewest yards per carry and fewest explosive runs, makes this a tough spot. If you must start one, Ford’s passing-game involvement gives him the edge. But here’s the question: Can either back produce in this matchup, or is it a lost cause?
Ke’Shawn Vaughn & Sean Tucker (ARI)
Arizona’s backfield is a mess, with neither back playing more than half the snaps last week. Tucker saw more pass-game usage, while Vaughn got the goal-line carry. Against the Packers, who’ve allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy PPG to RBs, both are low-floor, low-upside options. The real controversy: Is there any value here, or should you avoid this backfield entirely?
Now it’s your turn—who are you starting, and who are you benching? Let’s debate in the comments!
