Quick answerTo change a fantasy lineup, open your team roster, choose the player you want to move, select an eligible unlocked slot or player, and confirm the saved lineup. A swap is not an add/drop. Check both players' kickoff times and your league's lock rules before making the change.
Change your lineup in the ESPN app or on the web
In the app, open Roster and tap the position label beside a player. Pick an eligible destination or another player's position to swap. Watch for the saved confirmation. On the website, open My Team, choose Move beside the player, then choose Here at the destination. Verify the result before leaving the page.
Set an eligible lineup on Sleeper
Open the correct league, team and scoring week. Use the roster's position or swap control to choose an eligible destination, then recheck the displayed starters. Labels and controls can differ by app version. A regular FLEX accepts RB, WR or TE; other flex variants have different eligibility. A completed waiver claim does not give you permission to replace a starter whose game has already begun.
Why is my fantasy lineup locked?
| What you see | Likely explanation | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| One player cannot move | That player's lock deadline has passed | Scheduled kickoff and the lock icon |
| Every player is locked | League-wide lock or commissioner restriction | League settings; do not assume Sunday is the deadline |
| No eligible destination | The slot does not accept that position | RB/WR/TE versus FLEX or superflex eligibility |
| Claim failed or player absent | The roster transaction did not complete | Transaction history, budget, roster limit and required drop |
| Change not visible | Wrong team/week or unsaved/stale display | Reopen the correct roster and verify the confirmation |
ESPN offers individual-game locks and a first-game-of-the-week/day lock option. With individual locks, later players can remain movable after the early games begin. With a full-lineup lock, waiting for a late injury report may be too late. Roster-transaction restrictions can also differ from lineup-swap restrictions.
Keep your latest eligible player in FLEX
If two players are both in your intended lineup, place the early-game player in their dedicated RB or WR slot and the later player in FLEX. This does not add points by itself; it preserves more replacement choices if news changes. Only do this while all players involved are unlocked and every slot remains legal.
Example: your early receiver is in FLEX and your late receiver is in WR. Before either locks, swap those slots. If the late receiver becomes unavailable, the open FLEX can accept an eligible running back, receiver or tight end. An open WR slot could accept only a receiver. Your backup also needs to be unlocked.
Your final pre-kickoff checklist
- Confirm scoring week, scoring format and required starter slots.
- Check final availability information; a projection is not proof a player will play.
- Fill every intended starting slot with an eligible player.
- Keep a viable later-game replacement for uncertain players.
- Check the saved roster again before the first applicable lock.
If a genuine platform error occurs, document it and contact the commissioner. Any correction should follow league policy consistently, not selectively replace a poor result after the game.