Quarterback Matchups to Target in Week 18 - Baker Mayfield, Joe Flacco, Joshua Dobbs

Thunder Dan's favorite QB matchups to exploit for Week 18 of 2024 - DFS quarterbacks to target on DraftKings and FanDuel. These QB matchups are GPP and cash game opportunities.

Week 18 can get a bit tricky in DFS. While we want to target teams with something to play for regarding their playoff fate, we can't ignore the other games.

This week's group of quarterbacks is a good example of targeting both types of games -- those that matter and some that don't. And we also have three very different price points here this week.

Let's dive into some DFS picks to target in Week 18 at the quarterback position.

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Baker Mayfield ($7,000 DK, $8,400 FD)

Tampa Bay Bucs vs. New Orleans Saints

The Bucs need to win to clinch their division and so they control their destiny. Baker Mayfield is coming off a five-TD performance last week against Carolina and faces another bad team in New Orleans this week. Mayfield racked up 359 yards passing on only 32 attempts, completing 27 passes and spreading the ball around to nine different receivers!

The Saints defense started strong but has slumped to finish the season and Mayfield has plenty of weapons at his disposal between Bucky Irving and Rachaad White out of the backfield and then Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan on the outside.

Mayfield has some scrambling ability, too. He won't rack up a lot of rushing yards, but he can extend plays and does have three rushing touchdowns this season.

Thank you Pro Bowl for leaving out Baker Mayfield. He plays far better with a chip on his shoulder than when the media praise him up 👌 pic.twitter.com/hI0GAt8SMS

— The Dynasty Grill (@FFDynastyGrill) January 2, 2025

If you like narratives, then perhaps Mayfield will be playing with a chip on his shoulder after being left off the Pro Bowl roster despite having a huge year. Any way you slice it, Mayfield is the guy to pay up for in tournaments as he brings a huge ceiling every week. And his coaches have shown they are willing to let him sling it as much as he wants.

Joe Flacco ($5,400 DK, $7,000 FD)

Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

It's looking like Flacco will draw the final start of the season for the Colts as franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson is still banged up and not worth risking further injury in a game that no longer matters since the Colts were eliminated from playoff contention by losing to the Giants last week.

The last time Flacco faced the Jags, he threw for 359 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-34 loss in Week 5. Jacksonville's secondary has been a dream matchup for QBs all season and it comes into Week 18 ranked dead last in pass defense (DVOA).

While Flacco has his warts (lack of mobility, too many INTs), he's still shown the ability to get the ball downfield to Indy's pass-catchers with his big arm. There's nothing to play for here but pride and it could also end up being Flacco's final start in the NFL as his career is winding down, so it's possible coach Shane Steichen gives him one last opportunity to throw it all over the field.

At his price, he's an elite play in this matchup. I'm probably not deploying him in cash games, but he's firmly at the top of my list for tournaments.

Joshua Dobbs ($4,000 DK, $6,000 FD)

Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers

We have a great option for cash games at minimum price on both sites this week with Joshua Dobbs getting the nod for the San Francisco 49ers, who have decided to sit young first-team quarterback Brock Purdy in a meaningless game.

Dobbs saw his first action of the season last week in mop-up duty against Detroit late in the game. He completed three of four passing attempts for 35 yards and then scored a touchdown with his legs, running it in from seven yards out.

Dobbs started 12 games last season between Arizona and Minnesota. He completed 62% of his throws while passing for 13 touchdowns and running for 421 yards and six scores.

"It will be good to see Dobbsy."

Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon is excited to face Joshua Dobbs, who started 8 games last season for the Cards. JG expects Kyle Shanahan to retrofit the 49ers system to Dobbs. @PHNX_Cardinals pic.twitter.com/FvdkVifhfC

— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) January 1, 2025

Dobbs inherits a pretty good offense with solid weapons as it appears that Deebo Samuel Sr., George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings all intend to play. Arizona's pass defense ranks 19th on the season and Dobbs has shown the ability to make safe throws while also using his legs to extend plays and pick up first downs.

He should be motivated to put his talent on display with the hopes of getting an offer in free agency to compete for a starting job elsewhere next season.

Thanks for reading, and good luck with your DFS contests!

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