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Welcome back, RotoBallers, to another start'em and sit'em piece as we look ahead to Week 18! This Week 18 matchups analysis and Start 'Em, Sit 'Em will help you make the right lineup decisions in the final week of the regular season.
Whether you play in a Week 18 fantasy football championship or are looking for some DFS plays this weekend, this article can be a big help. Although some teams will be sitting several key players in the final week of the season, several teams still have something to play for this weekend.
So, let's dive into every Week 18 game (Saturday through Sunday) and analyze the best starts and sits. This article will go through every player in every game to determine which players you should be starting in the final week of the fantasy football season.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings (redraft)
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
- 2025 NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
- Best ball fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
Matchups Analysis - Saturday Games
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens
Spread: BAL -17.5
Matchups We Love:
Ravens WRs
Both Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman have great matchups in Week 18 against the Browns. Cleveland has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season, and Flowers torched this secondary for 115 yards back in Week 8. So, the second-year wideout will come in as a high-end WR3 after totaling double figures in PPR formats in five of the past six games. Bateman will be a flex play in 14-plus team leagues.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson / Bailey Zappe
In his two starts this season, Dorian Thompson-Robinson has scored 9.1 fantasy points and 4.8 fantasy points. Now, he'll go up against a Ravens defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks over the past month. So, Thompson-Robinson should be avoided in almost all leagues in Week 18.
Update: Bailey Zappe is expected to start for the Browns in Week 18. However, Thompson-Robinson will see some snaps as well. So, both quarterbacks should likely be avoided in fantasy.
Browns RBs
Jerome Ford didn't play much in last week's loss after leaving the contest early due to an ankle injury. Therefore, there's a chance that Ford won't play in Week 18 with the Browns playing for nothing in the final week of the season. Either way, though, all Cleveland running backs should be avoided in this game. Opposing running backs are averaging only 3.45 yards per carry against this Baltimore run defense this year.
Update: Ford has been ruled out due to an ankle injury. Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion) has also been ruled out, so fantasy managers should expect D'Onta Foreman to lead this backfield in Week 18. Foreman will be a low-end RB2 option.
Other Matchups:
With the Ravens playing for a division title in Week 18, Lamar Jackson will continue to be a must-start quarterback option this weekend. Jackson is currently the QB1 of the year and has scored over 21 fantasy points in five straight games. He'll now face a Browns defense that just allowed 52 rush yards and one touchdown on the ground to Tyler Huntley last week.
Lamar Jackson has the highest TD:INT ratio for any QB in any season with 30+ TDs since 2000 (9.8) 🔥
1st out of 117 🥇 https://t.co/Jkqo4ck5YP pic.twitter.com/F5oiWn602C
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) December 31, 2024
The Browns have done a solid job against running backs in fantasy this year. Cleveland has given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs while allowing only 3.97 yards on the ground this season. However, fantasy managers are still starting Derrick Henry as a strong RB1 option in Week 18. Henry has 1,783 rush yards and 14 rush touchdowns through 17 weeks.
WR Jerry Jeudy
It was quite a shock to see Jerry Jeudy total 12 catches for 94 yards last week with Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center. But that performance should give fantasy managers some hope in Week 18 against the Ravens. Although Baltimore has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game over the past month, Jeudy can be a solid flex play in most leagues this weekend. His 18 targets last week were a career-high.
TE Mark Andrews
Mark Andrews has been a touchdown machine for fantasy managers this season, as the veteran has tied his career-high with 10 receiving touchdowns. Although Andrews has caught two passes or fewer in three of the past six games, he has scored in double figures in PPR formats in five of those contests. So, he'll continue to be a solid TE1 option in Week 18 against the Browns.
Injuries:
- David Njoku (knee)
- Cedric Tillman (concussion)
- Jerome Ford (ankle)
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Spread: CIN -1.5
Matchups We Love:
Russell Wilson will enter Week 18 as a low-end QB1 option against the Bengals. Cincinnati has given up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season and has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in six of the past seven games. Given that Wilson also scored over 27 fantasy points against this secondary back in Week 13, he'll be a solid play this weekend.
Pat Freiermuth had another solid fantasy performance last week against the Chiefs, catching a season-high seven passes for 60 yards. Freiermuth has now scored in double figures in PPR formats in four of the past five games. As a result, he'll be a low-end TE1 play in a great matchup against the Bengals in Week 18. Cincinnati has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2024.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow has been one of the best quarterback options this season, especially as of late. Burrow has thrown at least three passing touchdowns in eight straight games. As a result, he'll be a strong QB1 option in Week 18. He scored 20.3 fantasy points against the Steelers back in Week 13, and this matchup shouldn't scare away fantasy managers from playing him this weekend.
Steelers RBs
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren will be potential flex plays in Week 18 against the Bengals. Harris has played under 50% of the team's offensive snaps in four straight games, so his fantasy value is surely trending down. So, he'll be a riskier flex option on Saturday. As for Warren, he is a much better flex play. He has scored over 14 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games and just totaled 112 yards from scrimmage last week.
Bengals RBs
It remains to be seen if Chase Brown (ankle) will be able to suit up on Saturday against the Steelers. Brown left last week's game early due to an ankle injury. If he plays, though, he will continue to be a strong RB1 option. He has totaled at least 20 touches in seven of the past eight games. If he were to miss, Khalil Herbert would likely see the bulk of opportunities out of the backfield and would be a solid RB2 play.
George Pickens didn't do much in last week's loss to the Chiefs but did play 91% of the team's offensive snaps in his first game back from a hamstring injury. As a result, fantasy managers can start him with confidence in Week 18 against the Bengals. Cincinnati just allowed Marvin Mims Jr. and Courtland Sutton to combine for 13 catches for 158 yards and three touchdowns last week. So, Pickens will be a strong WR2 option.
Bengals WRs
With the Bengals still in the hunt for a playoff spot, both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will be must-start wideouts in Week 18 against the Steelers. Chase is currently the WR1 of the year and has totaled over 18 PPR fantasy points in seven straight games. As for Higgins, he's coming off a dominant 11-catch, 131-yard, three-touchdown performance against the Broncos. So, both Bengals wideouts are great plays this weekend.
TE Mike Gesicki
Mike Gesicki was surprisingly involved in the passing game last week, catching 10 passes for 86 yards. Despite playing under 35% of the team's offensive snaps in three straight games from Week 14 to Week 16, Gesicki played 57% of the team's offensive snaps in last week's win. While we don't know if that snap share will continue in Week 18 against the Steelers, he can be a solid TE1 option in deeper leagues this weekend.
Injuries:
None
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EST Games
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans
Spread: TEN -1
Matchups We Love:
Calvin Ridley is just 59 yards away from reaching 1,000 receiving yards this season, so expect the Titans to find ways to get the wideout open in Sunday's matchup against the Texans. On top of that, he has a great matchup against a Houston defense that has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. So, Ridley will be a solid WR3 option in Week 18.
Matchups We Hate:
RB Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard (ankle) did not play last week, so it remains to be seen if he will suit up in Week 18. The good news for fantasy managers, though, is that Pollard needs 83 rush yards on Sunday to earn an extra $250,000 for crossing 1,100 rush yards on the season. So, there's a chance we'll see him against the Texans. However, he's more of a low-end RB2 this week. Houston has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to the position.
Update: Pollard is deemed a game-time decision for Week 18 due to an ankle injury.
Dalton Schultz will enter Week 18 as more of a TE2 option. For starters, the Texans have nothing to play for this week, so Schultz might not play the entire game. On top of that, the Titans have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. That makes the Houston playmaker a risky play in the final week of the season.
Other Matchups:
Texans QBs
No one knows how much C.J. Stroud will play in Week 18. Although head coach DeMeco Ryans said the starters will play this week against the Titans, Stroud admitted that he is dealing with some soreness heading into the final week of the season. As a result, it might be best to avoid this Texans quarterback room altogether this weekend. Davis Mills could wind up seeing the bulk of snaps under center this weekend.
Titans QBs
Head coach Brian Callahan said that both Mason Rudolph and Will Levis will play in Week 18. That makes it hard for fantasy managers to trust either quarterback in fantasy this weekend. Although Houston has allowed over 20 fantasy points to three different quarterbacks over the past four games, it's too risky to trust a quarterback who might only play half a game on Sunday.
Update: Levis will start in Week 18, but Mason Rudolph is expected to play as well.
Texans RBs
Even though head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed that everyone will be playing in Week 18, fantasy managers should think twice about starting Joe Mixon against the Titans. The Texans aren't playing for anything this weekend, and the team will likely want to rest its veteran running back for most of this game. If that's the case, then Dameon Pierce will likely see a larger workload.
Texans WRs
Nico Collins is another player fantasy managers might not be able to trust in Week 18. Given all the team's injuries to the wide receiver position this year, the Texans might not want to take any chances playing Collins for most of this game. So, expect Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson, and John Metchie III to lead this wide receiver room against the Titans. But all Houston playmakers will be risky flex plays in deeper leagues.
TE Chig Okonkwo
Chig Okonkwo has been a solid tight-end option in recent weeks, scoring above 10 PPR fantasy points in three straight games. During those three contests, Okonkwo has seen 28 targets. So, he will be a low-end TE1 option in Week 18 against the Texans. Houston has allowed a top-10 fantasy tight-end finish in two of the past three weeks.
Update: Okonkwo is listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
Injuries:
- Tony Pollard (ankle)
- Tyjae Spears (head)
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Spread: ATL -8
Matchups We Love:
Michael Penix Jr. has not been a strong fantasy option in his two starts this season. In both those games, Penix finished outside the top 24 at the quarterback position. However, the rookie can be a solid QB2 option in Week 18 against the Panthers. Carolina has given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season while allowing at least 19 fantasy points to the position in four straight games.
QB Bryce Young
Bryce Young will be a solid QB2 option in Week 18 against the Falcons. Young has scored above 16 fantasy points in back-to-back games and now has a great matchup this weekend. Atlanta has given up the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, and nine different quarterbacks have thrown multiple passing touchdowns against this secondary in a game this season.
Bijan Robinson will enter Week 18 as a must-start running back option. Carolina has given up the most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, and Robinson has scored over 20 PPR fantasy points in four of the past five games. The young running back also scored 25.5 PPR fantasy points against this Panthers defense back in Week 6.
Panthers WRs
Both Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette could be solid plays in Week 18 against the Falcons. Thielen is coming off a two-touchdown performance last week, and the veteran has scored in double figures in PPR formats in five straight games. As a result, he'll be a sneaky WR2 option against an Atlanta secondary that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. As for Legette, he'll be a low-end flex play.
Update: Legette is listed as questionable due to a hip/wrist injury.
TE Kyle Pitts
It likely wouldn't be wise to roll with Kyle Pitts in most Week 18 fantasy football championships. He has played under 50% of the team's offensive snaps in three straight games and has caught one pass or fewer in four of the past six contests. But Pitts does have a great matchup this weekend against the Panthers. Carolina has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Panthers RBs
With Chuba Hubbard (calf/knee) and Jonathon Brooks (knee) both out for Week 18, the Panthers backfield will likely consist of Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, and Mike Boone against the Falcons. Although Sanders hasn't played since Week 10 due to an ankle injury, Carolina opened his practice window earlier this week, so he could play on Sunday. However, all three backs will be riskier flex plays this weekend.
Update: Sanders is listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
Falcons WRs
After totaling 106 receiving yards last week, Drake London will continue to be a solid WR2 option in Week 18 against the Panthers. Carolina will be without its top cornerback (Jaycee Horn) once again on Sunday, and Mike Evans just torched this secondary for 97 yards and two touchdowns a week ago. As for Darnell Mooney, he'll be more of a flex play in 12-plus team leagues after totaling just seven catches over the past two games.
Update: Mooney is out for Week 18 due to a shoulder injury.
Injuries:
- Miles Sanders (ankle)
- Chuba Hubbard (calf/knee)
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Spread: TB -13.5
Matchups We Love:
RB Bucky Irving
Bucky Irving has been on another level in fantasy since the Buccaneers' Week 11 bye. In his last five full games, Irving is averaging 21.8 PPR fantasy points while seeing at least 17 touches in all five of those contests. As a result, the rookie will be a strong RB1 play in Week 18 against the Saints. New Orleans has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs this season.
Buccaneers WRs
Both Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan will be strong plays in Week 18. Evans needs 85 receiving yards to continue his 1,000-yard streak, so expect Baker Mayfield to look his way often this weekend. The veteran will also have a great matchup against a Saints defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to wideouts this season. That's great news for McMillan, who has totaled over 16 PPR fantasy points in four straight games.
Therefore, Evans will be a solid WR1 option this weekend, and McMillan will come in as a low-end WR2.
Matchups We Hate:
Saints RBs
Kendre Miller left last week's game early due to a concussion, so there's a strong chance that Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jamaal Williams will lead this backfield in Week 18. However, both running backs will be risky flex plays in most leagues this weekend. The Buccaneers have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past four weeks.
Update: Miller has been ruled out for Week 18, and Alvin Kamara (groin) is listed as doubtful.
Other Matchups:
Although this a great matchup for Spencer Rattler against the Buccaneers, fantasy managers should only start him in extremely deep Superflex leagues this weekend. Rattler has scored under 16 fantasy points in each of his five starts, and the rookie has yet to throw multiple passing touchdowns in a game this season.
QB Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield will enter Week 18 as a strong QB1 option. Mayfield has finished as a top-8 fantasy quarterback in four straight games and threw for 325 yards and four touchdowns against this New Orleans secondary back in Week 6. So, keep the Buccaneers quarterback in your fantasy lineups this week. The Saints have allowed multiple passing touchdowns in three of the past five games.
RB Rachaad White
Rachaad White played a season-low 36% of the team's offensive snaps last week, so it might be hard to trust him this week against the Saints. White has only seen nine carries over the past two games and totaled only seven touches in Week 17. As a result, he will be more of a flex play in the final week of the fantasy season.
Juwan Johnson had a solid fantasy game last week, catching six passes for 66 yards. The 28-year-old tight end also saw 10 targets in the contest. Therefore, Johnson will be a potential TE1 option in deeper formats this weekend against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has allowed at least five catches to three tight ends over the past four weeks.
Update: Johnson is listed as questionable for Week 18 due to a knee injury.
TE Cade Otton
Cade Otton's status is currently up in the air for Sunday's matchup against the Saints. Otton has missed the past two games due to a knee injury. However, if he can suit up in Week 18, he'll be a riskier TE1 option in 14-plus team leagues this weekend. The third-year tight end has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in three of his last four games.
Update: Otton is listed as doubtful for Week 18 due to a knee injury.
Injuries:
- Cade Otton (knee)
- Kendre Miller (concussion)
- Alvin Kamara (groin)
- Juwan Johnson (knee)
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
Spread: BUF -2.5
Matchups We Love:
It has been hard to trust Rhamondre Stevenson in fantasy in recent weeks, as the Patriots running back has scored under 13 PPR fantasy points in seven straight games. But he can be a solid flex play in 12-plus team leagues this weekend in a great matchup. The Bills have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, and Stevenson has totaled at least 13 touches in three of the past four games.
Bills RBs
With nothing to play for in Week 18, it would be a shock to see James Cook play much in this game. As a result, expect Ray Davis to lead this Bills backfield against the Patriots this weekend. That makes him a solid RB2 play in most leagues. New England has given up the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season and has allowed four rushing touchdowns over the past three games.
DeMario Douglas will be a potential flex play in deeper leagues this weekend. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in three of the past five games and just played a season-high 92% of the team's offensive snaps last week. So, Douglas can be a solid start in 14-plus team leagues in Week 18, considering the Bills have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to slot wideouts over the past six weeks.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Bills QBs
Josh Allen will start for the Bills on Sunday to keep his starts streak going. But fantasy managers should only expect a drive or two from the All-Pro quarterback. As a result, Mitchell Trubisky will see most of the snaps under center in Week 18. He'll be a QB2 option this week against a Patriots defense that has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in four of the past six games.
QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye struggled against the Chargers defense last week, scoring only 9.88 fantasy points. However, he'll be a solid QB2 option in Week 18 against a Bills defense that will likely be sitting several key defensive starters. Maye also scored 18.4 fantasy points the last time he faced this Buffalo secondary back in Week 16. So, he's a solid start in most Superflex formats this weekend.
Update: Maye is listed as questionable for Week 18 due to a hand injury.
Bills WRs
With nothing to play for in Week 18, there's a good chance that both Amari Cooper and Khalil Shakir don't see many snaps against the Patriots. So, they should both be avoided in most fantasy championships. Fantasy managers should instead expect Keon Coleman and Mack Hollins to lead this wide receiver room this week. However, both will be riskier flex plays with Mitchell Trubisky expected to see most of the snaps under center.
Update: Cooper has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game.
TE Hunter Henry
It was an unusual game for Hunter Henry last week. He played a season-low 57% of the team's offensive snaps and didn't catch a pass in a game for the first time this season. However, Henry will still be a low-end TE1 option in Week 18 against the Bills. He totaled 13.9 PPR fantasy points the last time he faced this Buffalo secondary back in Week 6, and the veteran tight end has seen at least eight targets in four of the past six games.
Update: Henry is listed as questionable for Week 18 due to a foot injury.
It remains to be seen how much Dalton Kincaid will play in Week 18. The Bills have nothing to play for, and Kincaid has yet to play over 50% of the team's offensive snaps since returning from his knee injury in Week 15. So, it's best to probably stay away from the second-year tight end in fantasy this weekend against the Patriots.
Injuries:
- Drake Maye (hand)
- Hunter Henry (foot)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
Spread: IND -5
Matchups We Love:
Colts QBs
Anthony Richardson has yet to practice this week, so there's a good chance that Joe Flacco will make another start in Week 18 against the Jaguars. If he does, he will be a solid QB2 option in Superflex formats. Jacksonville has given up the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks while allowing eight different quarterbacks to throw multiple passing touchdowns in a game this season.
Update: Richardson has been ruled out. Flacco will make his second straight start.
QB Mac Jones
Mac Jones has been a strong QB2 option in recent weeks, scoring over 17 fantasy points in three of the past five games. Now, he gets a solid matchup against the Colts in Week 18. Indianapolis just allowed Drew Lock to score 34.4 fantasy points last week, and this defense has given up the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. So, Jones will be a solid play in most Superflex formats this weekend.
Jonathan Taylor has finished as the overall RB1 in back-to-back weeks, thanks to 343 rush yards and five touchdowns over the past two games. As a result, Taylor will remain a must-start RB1 option in Week 18 against the Jaguars. Jacksonville has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this year.
WR Michael Pittman Jr./Alec Pierce
With Joe Flacco starting again this weekend, both Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce will be solid plays in fantasy. Both wideouts totaled over 100 yards and one touchdown last week and both have WR2 upside in Week 18 against the Jaguars. Jacksonville has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. Pittman has also scored in double figures in four of five games with Flacco under center this year.
Brian Thomas Jr. will continue to be a must-start wide receiver option in Week 18 against the Colts. Thomas has scored over 23 PPR fantasy points in three straight games and now goes up against a Colts secondary that just allowed 171 yards and two touchdowns to Malik Nabers a week ago. So, make sure to keep the rookie in your fantasy lineups this weekend.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Jaguars RBs
Fantasy managers shouldn't trust Tank Bigsby or Travis Etienne in Week 18 fantasy football championships. Bigsby has scored under 4.6 PPR fantasy points in three of the past five games and has played under 40% of the team's offensive snaps in three consecutive games. As for Etienne, he hasn't scored more than 12.5 PPR fantasy points since Week 2. So, both Jaguars running backs will be low-end flex plays this weekend.
WR Josh Downs
Even though Joe Flacco started last week, Josh Downs wasn't involved in the passing game. He caught just three passes for 22 yards and only saw four targets in the contest. So, Downs will come in as more of a WR3 option against a Jaguars defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to slot wideouts since Week 11.
Injuries:
- Anthony Richardson (back/foot)
Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys
Spread: WSH -4
Matchups We Love:
Jayden Daniels has been on a tear in fantasy as of late, scoring over 28 fantasy points in four of the past five games. Therefore, Daniels will remain a strong QB1 option in Week 18 against the Cowboys. Dallas has given up the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, and the rookie just scored 32.4 fantasy points against this secondary back in Week 12.
RB Rico Dowdle
Rico Dowdle has been a workhorse running back for the Cowboys over the past few weeks, seeing at least 18 carries in five of the past six games. During that span, Dowdle has rushed for 100 yards four times. As a result, he will be a strong RB2 option this week against a Commanders defense that has allowed 4.97 yards per carry on the ground through 17 weeks.
Terry McLaurin didn't do much in last week's win, catching just one pass for five yards. But expect him to bounce back in a big way in Week 18 against the Cowboys. Dallas will continue to be without Trevon Diggs on Sunday, and McLaurin totaled 102 yards and a touchdown against this secondary back in Week 12. So, the Commanders wideout will be a strong WR2 play this weekend.
Olamide Zaccheaus will enter Week 18 as a sneaky flex option in all leagues. He has scored over 23 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games while seeing 17 targets and catching three touchdown passes over the last two weeks. So, Zaccheaus will be a strong play this weekend against a Cowboys defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Cooper Rush
Cooper Rush struggled against the Eagles defense last week, and he has another tough matchup against the Commanders in Week 18. Washington has given up the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks over the past four weeks and has allowed only three top-12 fantasy quarterback finishes since Week 7. With CeeDee Lamb out in this game as well, Rush will be a riskier QB2 option.
Update: Trey Lance is expected to see "significant snaps" on Sunday. So, both quarterbacks will be riskier plays in Week 18.
Other Matchups:
Brian Robinson Jr. hasn't been a strong fantasy option over the past few games, scoring under 12 PPR fantasy points in three straight contests. Now, he goes up against a Cowboys defense that has been better against the run in recent weeks. However, Robinson will still be a solid RB2 option in Week 18. He has seen at least 15 touches in three of the past five games.
TE Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz had his best fantasy game of the year last week, scoring 25.2 PPR fantasy points behind a two-touchdown performance. He'll now enter a Week 18 matchup against the Cowboys as a solid TE1 option in fantasy. Ertz has seen at least six targets in five of the past seven games and just totaled 15.8 PPR fantasy points against this Dallas secondary back in Week 12.
It's going to be hard for fantasy managers to trust Jake Ferguson in most leagues this weekend. He has caught three passes or fewer in four of the past five games and has scored in double figures in PPR formats just once since Week 10. So, Ferguson will be a riskier TE1 play in Week 18 against a Commanders defense that has allowed the 12th-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season.
Injuries:
None
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
Spread: PHI -3
Matchups We Love:
Eagles RBs
Although the rushing record is in sight for Saquon Barkley, he will not suit up in Week 18 against the Giants. As a result, it'll likely be the Kenneth Gainwell show out of the Eagles backfield this weekend. Fantasy managers should also expect rookie Will Shipley to see some opportunities in this game. So, both backs will be potential flex plays against a Giants defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to the position this year.
Update: Shipley is listed as questionable for Week 18 due to a concussion.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Drew Lock
Drew Lock just had the best game of his career last week, throwing for 309 yards and four touchdowns. But expectations should be tempered for Lock in Week 18 -- even against an Eagles defense that is expected to rest several starters in this game. Philadelphia has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, and the Giants quarterback has scored under 16 fantasy points in three of his four starts this season.
Other Matchups:
Eagles QBs
With Jalen Hurts not expected to play and Kenny Pickett dealing with a rib injury, there's a strong chance that Tanner McKee will start for the Eagles in Week 18. That makes the former sixth-round pick a potential QB2 option in deeper Superflex leagues this weekend. But he'll be a lower-end quarterback option with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith both expected to sit out.
Update: Hurts has been ruled out due to a concussion, and Pickett is listed as questionable for Week 18 due to a rib injury.
The good news for Tyrone Tracy Jr. is that he saw 20 carries in last week's win. The bad news, though, is that he has now scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in two of the past three games. Even though the Eagles are expected to sit several key starters in this game, Tracy is still a riskier RB2 option in Week 18. He is averaging just 3.12 yards per carry on the ground over the past five weeks.
WR Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers totaled a career-high 171 yards in last week's win, and he'll continue to be a solid WR1 option in Week 18 against the Eagles. With Philadelphia expected to sit several key starters in this game, Nabers should have an easier matchup on the outside. So, fantasy managers should start the rookie with confidence in the final week of the season.
Eagles WRs
It's likely best to stay away from all Eagles wide receivers in this game. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are both expected to sit out, which means that Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson will likely lead this wide receiver room in Week 18. However, with Tanner McKee potentially making his first career start on Sunday, both Dotson and Wilson will be riskier flex plays in 14-plus team leagues against the Giants.
Injuries:
- Jalen Hurts (concussion)
- Kenny Pickett (rib)
- Will Shipley (concussion)
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
Spread: GB -10
Matchups We Love:
RB Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs will be a strong RB1 option in Week 18 against the Bears. Chicago is giving up over 4.8 yards per carry on the ground to opposing running backs while allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to the position this season. So, Jacobs needs to be in all lineups this week, considering he has totaled over 20 PPR fantasy points in eight of the past 10 games.
Matchups We Hate:
Things have been rough for Caleb Williams through the air in recent weeks. He has thrown for under 200 yards in three of the past four games and only has three top-12 fantasy quarterback finishes since Week 7. Now, he has a tough matchup in Week 18 against a Packers defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season. So, Williams will be a riskier QB2 play in Week 18.
Other Matchups:
QB Jordan Love
After an impressive start to the year, Jordan Love hasn't been a strong QB1 option in fantasy over the past couple of weeks. Since Week 8, Love has just two top-12 fantasy quarterback finishes. The good news for him, though, is that he will go up against a Bears secondary that has allowed over 22 fantasy points to two different quarterbacks over the past four games. So, Love is a low-end QB1 option this week.
Even though the Bears are playing for nothing in Week 18, D'Andre Swift should continue to operate as the team's top running back on Sunday. But he'll be a low-end RB2 option against the Packers this week. Swift has scored under 12.5 PPR fantasy points in six straight games and hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 11. Green Bay is also allowing only 4.1 yards per carry on the ground this season.
Packers WRs
Fantasy managers might not be able to trust most of the Packers wide receivers in Week 18. Jayden Reed has caught more than three passes in a game just once since Week 10, and Christian Watson will likely be limited in this game if he plays. Romeo Doubs will likely be the best play out of the three, but he could be shadowed by Jaylon Johnson on the outside. Doubs was held to just one catch the last time against this Bears secondary.
So, all three playmakers will be flex options in 12-plus team leagues in Week 18 against a Bears defense that ranks middle of the pack against fantasy wide receivers over the past month.
Update: Watson is listed as questionable for Week 18 due to a knee injury.
Bears WRs
DJ Moore has been a reliable WR3 in recent weeks, finishing between the WR26 and WR38 in PPR formats in four straight games. During that span, Moore has seen at least eight targets and caught at least six passes in every game. As a result, he'll be a low-end WR2 play in Week 18 against the Packers.
As for Keenan Allen, he will be a high-end WR3 option. Allen has formed a nice connection with Caleb Williams as of late, seeing at least eight targets in six of the past seven games. During that span, the veteran has finished as a top-14 fantasy wideout four times. So, he'll be a solid play in most leagues this weekend. Rome Odunze, though, will be a risky flex play after finishing with under 10 PPR fantasy points in three straight games.
TE Tucker Kraft
It's going to be tough for fantasy managers to trust Tucker Kraft as a TE1 option in Week 18. Kraft has caught three passes or fewer in six of the past seven games and has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in three straight weeks. Although the Bears have allowed over 10 PPR fantasy points to five different tight ends over the last six weeks, Kraft should only be an option in 16-plus team leagues.
Injuries:
- Christian Watson (knee)
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams
Spread: SEA -5.5
Matchups We Love:
With Kenneth Walker III (ankle) on injured reserve, Zach Charbonnet will lead this Seattle backfield once again in Week 18. As a result, he'll be a strong RB1 option against the Rams this weekend. Los Angeles is allowing over 130 rush yards per game, and Charbonnet has finished as the RB17, RB6, RB1, RB14, and RB26 in five starts without Walker this season. In those games, he is averaging 19.2 touches per game.
Although Jaxon Smith-Njigba only totaled 6.2 PPR fantasy points last week, he will be a solid WR2 option in Week 18 against the Rams. Los Angeles will likely sit several starters in this game, and Smith-Njigba went off the last time he faced this secondary back in Week 9. The second-year wideout finished with seven catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns. So, make sure to get him in your fantasy lineups this week.
TE Noah Fant
Noah Fant hasn't been a strong TE1 option this year, but he will have some TE1 potential in deeper leagues this weekend. The Rams have given up the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season, and this secondary just allowed 30.3 PPR fantasy points to Trey McBride a week ago. So, Fant will be a solid TE1 option in 16-plus team leagues in Week 18.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Geno Smith
Geno Smith has not been a strong quarterback option in recent weeks, finishing with under 13.5 fantasy points in four of the past five games. Therefore, he will be more of a QB2 play this weekend against the Rams. Los Angeles has allowed only one top-12 fantasy quarterback finish since Week 10. Smith, though, can be a low-end QB1 option in 16-plus team leagues after scoring 25 fantasy points against this secondary in Week 9.
With the Rams expected to rest Matthew Stafford in this game, Jimmy Garoppolo will make his first start of the season. However, he'll be a low-end QB2 option against the Seahawks. Garoppolo will likely not have Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua to throw to in this game, and Seattle has allowed under 18 fantasy points to four different quarterbacks over the past six weeks.
RB Blake Corum
Blake Corum will see most of the running back opportunities in this game with Kyren Williams expected to rest. So, Corum will have RB2 potential in Week 18 against the Seahawks. Seattle has allowed at least 90 rush yards to two different running backs over the past three weeks, and opposing running backs are averaging over 4.66 yards per carry against this front seven this season.
Rams WRs
With Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua expected to rest in this game, it'll likely be wideouts like Jordan Whittington and Tyler Johnson who lead this Los Angeles wide receiver room in Week 18. However, both playmakers will be riskier flex plays in deeper leagues with Jimmy Garoppolo under center.
WR DK Metcalf
DK Metcalf has been quiet in the receiving game over the past few months, catching four passes or fewer in six straight games. As a result, Metcalf will be more of a WR3 option in Week 18 against the Rams. Metcalf didn't go up against this Los Angeles secondary the last time these two teams faced off, but it's hard to trust a wide receiver who has totaled at least 70 receiving yards just once since Week 8.
Injuries:
None
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
Spread: MIA -1.5
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
Aaron Rodgers had arguably the worst game of his NFL career last week, throwing for 112 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Unfortunately, things don't get easier for him in Week 18 against the Dolphins. Miami has given up the fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and has only allowed four top-14 fantasy quarterback finishes this season. So, Rodgers is more of a QB2 play.
RB Breece Hall
Breece Hall has been one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy this season. After going as a top-7 pick in fantasy football drafts this past summer, Hall has scored under 14.5 PPR fantasy points in seven of the past eight games. Therefore, he'll be more of a low-end RB2 option this week after playing less than 50% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 17. The Dolphins have also not allowed a 65-plus-yard rusher since Week 5.
TE Jonnu Smith
With Tua Tagovailoa (hip) not looking likely to play in Week 18, Tyler Huntley is in line to make his second straight start. That is certainly not great news for Jonnu Smith's fantasy value this week. Although Smith scored 11.6 PPR fantasy points last week with Huntley, he saw just four targets and played only 48% of the team's offensive snaps. So, the Dolphins tight end will be a riskier TE1 play in 12-plus team leagues this weekend.
Other Matchups:
QB Tyler Huntley
Tyler Huntley had a solid fantasy game last week, scoring 24.2 fantasy points and finishing as the QB11. As a result, he'll be a solid QB2 option in Superflex formats against a Jets defense that has struggled against running quarterbacks this season. New York has allowed eight rushing touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks (second most in the NFL), and Huntley just rushed for 52 yards and one touchdown last week.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: #Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (hip) continues to be limited, as signs point to another Snoop Huntley start. pic.twitter.com/gWBhuTirxF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2025
Without Tua Tagovailoa under center this week, De'Von Achane will be a riskier RB2 play in Week 18. In four full games without Tagovailoa this season, Achane is averaging just 7.75 PPR fantasy points per game. He's also only averaging 2.75 catches per game, which is way down from his season average. So, expectations should be tempered for the young running back if Huntley starts on Sunday.
Dolphins WRs
It was quite a shock to see Tyreek Hill catch nine passes for 105 yards in last week's win, considering the veteran hasn't done much without Tua Tagovailoa this season. That recent performance, though, should give fantasy managers some confidence heading into Week 18. So, he'll be a low-end WR2 play this weekend. As for Jaylen Waddle, he'll be a riskier flex play if he can play after missing the past two games due to a knee injury.
Update: Both Hill (wrist/illness) and Waddle (knee) are listed as questionable for Week 18.
Jets WRs
Even though the Dolphins have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season, both Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson will be solid plays. Adams will come in as a solid WR1 play, as he has seen at least eight targets in five straight games. He also scored 25.9 PPR fantasy points the last time he faced this Miami secondary.
As for Wilson, he'll be more of a WR2. The good news for him, though, heading into the final week of the season is that he has scored in double figures in PPR formats in four straight games.
Injuries:
- Tua Tagovailoa (hip)
- Tyreek Hill (wrist/illness)
- Jaylen Waddle (knee)
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
Spread: DEN -10.5
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
Broncos RBs
Fantasy managers shouldn't trust any Broncos running back in Week 18 against the Chiefs. Javonte Williams saw just two touches last week, Jaleel McLaughlin played only 23% of the team's offensive snaps last week, and Audric Estime has totaled double-digit carries just once this season. As a result, all three running backs will be riskier plays against a Kansas City defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to running backs.
Other Matchups:
QB Carson Wentz
Carson Wentz will start for the Chiefs in Week 18, but he'll go up against a tough Broncos secondary. Although Denver has allowed over 23 fantasy points to three different quarterbacks over the past four games, Wentz will come in as more of a QB2 option this weekend. He'll have no Travis Kelce on Sunday, putting him in a tough spot to put up big fantasy numbers.
QB Bo Nix
With a playoff berth on the line, Bo Nix will be a low-end QB1 option in Week 18. Nix has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in six of the past seven games and has scored above 19 fantasy points in four of the last six contests. Although the Chiefs have allowed over 19 fantasy points to a quarterback just once since Week 12, the rookie's recent play makes him a solid option against a defense that will likely be resting starters.
Chiefs RBs
Fantasy managers should not expect to see Isiah Pacheco or Kareem Hunt in this game. As a result, Carson Steele and Samaje Perine will likely see the majority of carries out of Kansas City's backfield in Week 18. Both running backs, though, will be riskier flex options this weekend. The Broncos are allowing only 3.88 yards per carry to opposing backs this season while letting up only seven rushing touchdowns all year.
Chiefs WRs
With the Chiefs playing for nothing in Week 18, fantasy managers shouldn't expect DeAndre Hopkins or Marquise Brown to see many reps in this game. Therefore, wideouts like Justin Watson and JuJu Smith-Schuster will likely lead this Kansas City wide receiver room this weekend. But both wideouts should be avoided in most cases, considering Denver's secondary is led by Patrick Surtain II.
WR Courtland Sutton
Courtland Sutton will continue to be a solid WR2 option against the Chiefs in Week 18. Sutton has scored in double figures in PPR formats in nine straight games and scored 19 PPR fantasy points against this Kansas City secondary back in Week 10. So, make sure to keep the Broncos playmaker in your fantasy lineups this weekend.
Injuries:
- Isiah Pacheco (ribs)
Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders
Spread: LAC -5.5
Matchups We Love:
Justin Herbert will come in as a solid QB1 option in Week 18 against the Raiders. Herbert has scored over 23 fantasy points in back-to-back games while throwing for seven passing touchdowns over the past three weeks. So, he'll be a solid play in most leagues against a Las Vegas secondary that has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in five of the last nine games.
Matchups We Hate:
Raiders RBs
The Raiders running back group will have a tough matchup in Week 18. The Chargers have given up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs and have only allowed two running backs to score above 14.5 PPR fantasy points since Week 9. If Ameer Abduallah (foot) plays in this game, he'll be a flex play after scoring over 17 PPR fantasy points in three straight games. Alexander Mattison, though, should be avoided.
Update: Abdullah has been ruled out for Week 18 due to a foot injury. So, Mattison will be a low-end RB2 option in a tough matchup.
Other Matchups:
Aidan O'Connell will be a middle-of-the-pack QB2 option in Week 18 against the Chargers. O'Connell has thrown for over 240 yards in each of his last three full starts while throwing for multiple passing touchdowns in two of those games. Now, he'll go up against a Los Angeles secondary that has allowed a top-12 fantasy quarterback finish in five of the past eight games.
RB J.K. Dobbins
J.K. Dobbins looked good in his first game back from injury last week. He totaled 76 yards and one touchdown en route to an RB10 fantasy finish. As a result, Dobbins will be a solid RB2 option in Week 18 with the Chargers playing all of their starters against the Raiders. Las Vegas has also allowed a 90-plus-yard rusher in two of the past four games.
Ladd McConkey has been a reliable fantasy option for most of the past two months, scoring over 14 PPR fantasy points in six straight games. During that span, the rookie has totaled over 85 receiving yards in five of those six weeks. That makes him a strong WR2 option against the Raiders in Week 18.
It'll be hard for fantasy managers to trust Quentin Johnston in Week 18 fantasy football championships. Johnston has totaled under 50 receiving yards in eight straight games and doesn't have much fantasy upside this week against the Raiders. Las Vegas has also done a solid job against outside wideouts in recent weeks. Drake London was held to three catches back in Week 15, and Mike Evans was held to four catches in Week 14.
Jakobi Meyers will continue to be a low-end WR2 option in Week 18 against the Chargers. Meyers has scored over 13.5 PPR fantasy points in four of the past six games and has caught at least five passes in five of the past six weeks. So, fantasy managers can feel confident about starting the Raiders wideout this week against a Chargers defense that just allowed 36.9 PPR fantasy points to Mike Evans back in Week 15.
TE Brock Bowers
Brock Bowers has been the best fantasy tight-end option this season. He is averaging 15.5 PPR fantasy points per game and has seen at least seven targets in 10 of the past 13 games. So, he will remain a must-start TE1 option in Week 18 against the Chargers. Although this matchup is a tough one for Bowers, you are still starting the rookie in all formats.
Injuries:
- Ameer Abdullah (foot)
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals
Spread: ARI -4
Matchups We Love:
With James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) both on injured reserve, Michael Carter will likely be the Cardinals' top running back in Week 18. Last week, Carter played 72% of the team's offensive snaps and totaled 81 yards from scrimmage. Now, he has a great matchup against a 49ers defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing backs this season. So, the Cardinals running back will be a strong RB2 play.
Isaac Guerendo will be a high-end RB2 option in Week 18 against the Cardinals. Guerendo has averaged 16.6 touches per game over the last three weeks and has finished as a top-12 fantasy running back in two of those three games. So, he should be in most lineups this weekend. Arizona has allowed a top-10 fantasy running back finish in three of the past four weeks.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray will enter Week 18 as a risky QB1 play against the 49ers. San Francisco has given up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, and only four quarterbacks have finished as a top-12 option at the position this season. So, fantasy managers might not be able to trust Murray as their QB1 this weekend.
After going as the WR8 in fantasy drafts this past summer, Marvin Harrison Jr. has not lived up to that preseason ADP. The rookie has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in four of the last six games. Unfortunately, things don't get easier for him this weekend against the 49ers. San Francisco has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. So, Harrison is more of a WR3 in Week 18.
Other Matchups:
QB Joshua Dobbs
Joshua Dobbs will start for the 49ers on Sunday, and he'll be more of a QB2 option against the Cardinals. Arizona has allowed only six top-12 fantasy quarterback finishes this season, and Matthew Stafford only scored 9.2 fantasy points against this secondary a week ago.
49ers WRs
It remains to be seen if Deebo Samuel Sr. plays in Week 18. He hasn't practiced all week due to a knee/rib injury, and with nothing to play for in the final week, there's a good chance that Samuel will sit out. If he plays, though, he'll be more of a WR3 play. As for Jauan Jennings, he'll be a solid WR2 option against the Cardinals this week. When Dobbs took over for Purdy last week, he looked Jennings' way immediately in the passing game.
Update: Samuel has been ruled out for Sunday's game.
TE Trey McBride
Trey McBride scored his first touchdown of the season last week, which helped him score a season-high 30.3 PPR fantasy points. Given that he is the TE3 of the year, he should continue to be in all fantasy lineups in Week 18. McBride has finished as a top-10 fantasy tight end in eight of the past nine games.
Even with Joshua Dobbs starting for the 49ers this week, George Kittle will remain a strong TE1 option in Week 18. This Arizona defense has done a great job against fantasy tight ends recently and hasn't allowed a top-10 fantasy tight-end finish since Week 7. But Kittle should continue to be in all lineups this week. He has finished as a top-5 fantasy tight end in three of the past four weeks.
Update: Kittle is listed as questionable for Week 18 due to an ankle/hamstring injury.
Injuries:
- Deebo Samuel Sr. (ribs/knee)
- George Kittle (ankle/hamstring)
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
Spread: DET -3
Matchups We Love:
QB Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold has been on a roll in fantasy as of late, scoring over 20 fantasy points in five of the past seven games. During that span, Darnold has thrown 18 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Now, he gets a great matchup against a banged-up Lions secondary. Detroit has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks over the past month.
Vikings WRs
Both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison should be in fantasy lineups. Jefferson is the current WR2 in PPR formats and has scored above 17 PPR fantasy points in four straight games. So, he'll be a must-start wideout against a Lions defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season. That also makes Addison a strong WR2 play this weekend, considering he is the WR6 in PPR formats since Week 11.
Lions WRs
Fantasy managers are starting Amon-Ra St. Brown in Week 18. Minnesota has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to slot wideouts over the past six weeks. As for Jameson Williams, he will be a solid WR2 option. The Vikings have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this season, and Williams has scored above 24 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games.
Matchups We Hate:
T.J. Hockenson will come in as a riskier TE1 option in Week 18 against the Lions. Detroit has given up the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends, and only three tight ends have scored in double figures in PPR formats against this defense this year. Given that Hockenson has also finished as a top-12 fantasy tight end just three times since Week 9, he's a low-end play this weekend.
Other Matchups:
QB Jared Goff
Jared Goff has been one of the best fantasy quarterback options in recent weeks, finishing with over 23 fantasy points in four straight games. Goff has also thrown multiple passing touchdowns in five straight contests. As a result, he'll be a solid QB1 play in a must-win game for the Lions in Week 18. He also finished as the QB10 the last time he faced this Minnesota secondary back in Week 7.
RB Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones is dealing with a quad injury, but assuming he plays in Week 18, he'll be a solid RB2 option against the Lions. Detroit has given up the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past month, and running backs like Josh Jacobs (24.6 PPR fantasy points) and James Cook (26.3 PPR fantasy points) have had big games against this front seven in recent weeks.
Update: Jones is good to go for Sunday's game and is off the injury report.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Although the Vikings have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, Jahmyr Gibbs will still be a strong RB1 option in Week 18. Gibbs has scored 25.4 PPR fantasy points and 26.3 PPR fantasy points in two straight games without David Montgomery. So, you're still starting the explosive running back in every format.
TE Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta has been one of the best tight-end options since Week 13. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in five straight games and has finished as a top-7 fantasy tight end in three consecutive weeks. So, fantasy managers can trust him as a solid TE1 play this weekend against the Vikings.
Injuries:
None
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