Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em - Week 18 Matchups Analysis

Welcome back RotoBallers to our Week 18 matchup analysis and Start Em, Sit Em column for fantasy football. As some of you might know, I’m usually the Thursday Night Football guy, however, this week I am taking over for Frank Ammirante.

That’s right, you don’t only get me for one matchup this week, you get me for every Sunday single game. Although the fantasy season is done for most, the NFL has a lot on the line this week. We have more in-depth articles for the Saturday Night Football matchups and Sunday Night Football matchups, so be sure to check those out as well.

From playoff implications to teams trying to play spoiler, it’s all here this week. Plus, I’ll be breaking down the fantasy players for any leagues that are still awaiting a champion or anyone who is playing DFS this week. My name is Ellis Johnson, and this is your RotoBaller Start ‘em Sit ‘em for Week 18.

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Matchups Analysis - Saturday Night Games

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos

Kansas win and Titans loss moves them to the #1 seed in the AFC. They already have the AFC East Division clinched.

Matchups We Like

Patrick Mahomes (QB, KC): Despite the general feeling that this season has been a down year for the star QB, his stats are still elite. With just under 4600 yards on the season, Mahomes is the QB-four for fantasy. This is a game where the Kansas City Football Team needs to win in order to keep the top-seed in the AFC dream alive. This should be full steam ahead for the Kansas offense and the usual suspects need to be started.

Tyreek Hill (WR, KC), Travis Kelce (TE, KC), & Darrell Williams (RB, KC): Building off of the Mahomes analysis, in a “must-win” for the team all offensive weapons should be started. Despite disappointing fantasy weeks in three of Hill’s last four games, he should be started in all formats. The same thing goes for Kelce and Williams who have both had solid years. If Clyde Edwards-Helaire is out then Williams is a high-end RB-two for the second consecutive week. Unfortunately, the Broncos have been a strong defense this season and may limit the upside for these pieces this week. Regardless, with many fantasy stars sitting out, the few that are left in meaningful games are even more valuable. As the classic saying goes, start your stars.

Matchups We Don’t Like

Denver’s Offense: This team is miserable for fantasy. With so many talented pieces, it is a tragedy the team failed to produce a top-40 WR for fantasy. The Broncos are averaging a miserable 213 passing yards a game, officially ruining any fantasy upside for their pass catchers. As for their running backs, both Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams have had solid fantasy seasons and are probably locked into your lineups this week. I think this team will try to lean on the run game either because they think that’s their best chance of winning, or because they want this season to be over. However, I would temper expectations as Kansas’ defense has been very solid against almost every team (with the exception of Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow).

Ellis’ Pick: Kansas -11.5, Under 45.5

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

Matchups We Like

Dallas Passing Offense: Similar to the Kansas analysis above, we have a jam-packed fantasy offense in a very important game. With a win and a Tampa Bay, Arizona, and Los Angeles Rams loss, the Cowboys can lock up the second seed in the NFC. Okay, thinking back this might seem like a big ask, but thankfully the team appears to be playing their starters and eating their lucky charms watching the Sunday games. That means CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, Dak Prescott, Dalton Schultz should all be in your lineup this week. Unfortunately, the Eagles have been a surprisingly effective defense and should manage to slow this game down. 

Matchups We Don’t Like

Ezekiel Elliott (RB, DAL): One of the biggest discussions this offseason will be what to do with Zeke. Seriously, what has happened? Over the last two weeks, Elliott has not had more than 50 yards in a game. This week he faces an Eagles defense that is allowing the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game. Elliott is truly a touchdown-dependent flex play this week and should not be viewed as a must-start. The good news for Elliott is that Pollard has been ruled out for this game, which should create more opportunities for Elliott. I still think he is a risky play, but that definitely makes it easier to start him as a low-end RB-two this week.

Jalen Hurts (QB, PHI): The Eagles are locked into the playoffs as either the sixth or seventh seed, depending on the 49ers. The team has stated that Hurts will be playing in this game, however, I am worried that he will not play the full game. He’s a tough one to trust this week. After all, what good is the garbage time king if he doesn’t play in the fourth quarter? Either way, the Dallas defense is middle of the pack for passing yards allowed. They also possess an abundance of talent that may have Hurts running for his life on Saturday. You might be stuck playing him this week which is not a death sentence as he could score enough fantasy points in the first half or even better, play the full game. 

Ellis’ Picks: Dallas -4.0, Under 43.5

Sunday Matchups Analysis - 1:00 PM ET Games

Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns

Matchups We Like 

Samaje Perine (RB, CIN): With Joe Mixon ruled out for this game and Joe Burrow listed as questionable, Perine might be the only option for fantasy. When given the opportunity, Perine has been solid for fantasy. He has racked up 50 or more yards on the ground and a score in each of his two games with double-digit carries this season. This week against a Browns team that is 16th in rushing yards allowed, Perine is a great volume option. He should be viewed as a high-end RB-three this week.

Nick Chubb (RB, CLE): This matchup is not looking good. With Baker Mayfield already ruled out, the only hope for Chubb is that D’Ernest Johnson has been ruled out. To make matters worse, the Bengals are allowing the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game. However, despite all of this, Chubb is in line for huge volume and with his big-play ability, he should be started in all formats. 

Matchups We Don’t Like

This matchup. We don’t like this matchup. 

All Passing Options: We’re in line for a Brandon Allen - Case Keenum showdown this week, which means it’s near impossible to trust any of the pieces for either of these teams. With the Bengals seemingly punting the week (despite Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins being active), I can’t see the starters playing more than a handful of snaps. As a result, I am staying as far away as I can from this matchup for fantasy purposes. 

Ellis' Picks: Please don't make me do this...

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

Steelers win and Colts loss gets them in. The Ravens win combined with a Colts loss, Chargers loss, and Dolphins loss gets them in.

Matchups We Like

Tyler Huntley (QB, BAL): I love Huntley this week. In a must-win matchup, Huntley will need to reach deep into his bag of tricks to take down their division rivals. We have seen Huntley be very impressive both for fantasy and real NFL and should be able to move this offense. His rushing makes him a top 10 option at the QB position this week. 

Mark Andrews (TE, BAL): PFF’s highest-graded TE on the year should feast this game. Huntley has shown that he isn’t afraid to hyper-target Andrews, and why should he be? Andrews is one game and a 30 point cushion away from ending Kelce’s reign as the fantasy TE-one. He’s a must-start in this must-win game for the Ravens this week. 

Diontae Johnson (WR, PIT) & Najee Harris (RB, PIT): Just when the Steelers community was devastated with the news of Johnson on the COVID list, he miraculously gets activated two days before the game. In what could be Ben Roethlisberger’s last game, I expect to see a lot of dink-and-dunk football featuring Johnson and Harris. If the Steelers want to have any chance at winning this game they are going to have to rely heavily on their two main options. I wouldn’t be surprised if both these players manage to get double-digit targets and find the endzone in this game. Start them as positional ones this week in fantasy. 

Chase Claypool (WR, PIT): The Abbotsford, British Columbia man himself might be worth a look this week in fantasy. As much as I see Big Ben averaging less than one yard per attempt, I think Claypool might have a surprisingly good day. The Ravens have been beaten by the big play all year, and Claypool is also one of the best in the league at taking the top off a defense. Despite his looks, Roethlisberger has struggled to find the bread basket all year. It’s a risky play, but Claypool just needs one good throw to come through for fantasy this week.

Matchups We Don’t Like

I like pretty much every part of this matchup. However, outside of the players listed, it is hard to rely on any other fantasy pieces in what should be a hard-nosed, defensive battle. 

Ellis’ Picks: Baltimore -3.5, Under 41.0

Washington Football Team at New York Giants

Matchups We Like

Taylor Heinicke (QB, WAS): If you’ve been following my work, you know I love this kid. Not going to lie, it’s been hard to watch him recently with three consecutive performances with less than 10 fantasy points. However, I think his streak ends this week as he faces a very mediocre Giants defense. Both these teams have nothing to play for and are rivals. We’ve seen Heinicke get fired up for these games before and I would start him as a mid-tier QB-two this week.

Antonio Gibson & Jaret Patterson (RB, WAS): Gibson is a great play this week. The Giants are allowing the ninth-most rushing yards per game and Gibson has double-digit carries in all but two games this season. Plus, I think the Pie Shop* is open for Gibson this week. If Gibson does not play, the same analysis works for Patterson, who has looked very solid with his limited touches. 

*Pie Shop: An Australian term (often used in Rugby League) to describe who will score a Try (or in this case touchdown) this week.

Terry McLaurin (WR, WAS): I’ll make this short. McLaurin has averaged 96 yards through his four career games against the Giants. If you believe in the narrative that some players always seem to have another team’s number, then go ahead and start McLaurin. I say that because statistically this season, there are few reasons to start Terry McLaurin as any more than a WR-three. 

Matchups We Don’t Like

New York Giants: With Jake Fromm playing QB, you can’t trust any of these options this week. Yes, that includes Saquon Barkley. 

Ellis Picks: Washington -7.0, Over 37.5

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings

Matchups We Like

Dalvin Cook (RB, MIN): If you survived the burns from last week, congratulations. After having a miserable performance in Week 17, Cook should bounce back this week. Plus, Kirk Cousins is back at QB and will give Cook his usual workload. 

David Montgomery (RB, CHI): For everyone who thought last year’s performance was just a mirage, I ask to take a look at Montgomery’s numbers this year. Although he may not be a top-five back like he was a season ago, he has been very solid. The young back has had 20+ rushing attempts in consecutive games and has scored three touchdowns in that span. Montgomery should feast this week against a Vikings team that allows the fifth-most rushing yards per game.

Darnell Mooney (WR, CHI): If there is one thing Minnesota likes more than giving up rushing yards, it’s giving up fantasy points to receivers. The Vikings are allowing the most fantasy points to the receiver position in the league. With Andy Dalton under center this week, and Mooney being the clear lead guy on this team, he should have a very nice day. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mooney sneaks into WR1 territory on the week.

Justin Jefferson & K.J. Osborn (WR, MIN): I’m not sure anyone is happier to see Captain Kirk under center than these two. With Cousins back, Jefferson is back to being an elite WR-one and Osborn a solid WR-three.

Matchups We Don’t Like

Honestly, I don’t hate any of the pieces in this matchup. If you want to stream a QB both Dalton and Cousins should have fine days. The same goes for the TE if you are looking at playing Tyler Conklin. Although there aren’t any playoff implications, these teams won’t want to end the season losing to a division rival, which should make for an entertaining game.

 

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans

A Tennessee win would secure the #1 seed in the AFC.

Matchups We Like

D'Onta Foreman (RB, TEN): Foreman is on a streak of five straight games with either a touchdown or 100 yards. It’s awesome to see him play this well after the difficult career he’s had. Plus, the Texans allow the most rushing yards per game. I think Foreman could be an RB-one this week, and a great DFS play. 

A.J. Brown (WR, TEN): Not only are the Texans bad against the run, they also allow the 11th most passing yards per game. I don’t think there is a corner in the Houston area that could stop A.J. Brown from having a monster game this week. The Titans control their playoff destiny this week, and I think the Pie Shop* is open for Brown as he helps carry them to the #1 seed in the AFC.

*Pie Shop: An Australian term (often used in Rugby League) to describe who will score a Try (or in this case touchdown) this week.

Ryan Tannehill (QB, TEN): Although he’s been disappointing for fantasy this season, the Texans are an amazing matchup. It wouldn’t be right to love his top two options and throw shade his way. I think he is a high-end QB-two this week.

Brandin Cooks (WR, HOU): One of the most underrated receivers in the league continues to produce regardless of who is throwing him the ball. Seeing 11 targets last week, he is the definition of a volume play. In a game where the Texans project to be down, the volume should be there for Cooks to have a WR-two performance.

Matchups We Don’t Like

If you want to take a flyer on Davis Mills, it’d be bold, but I’d respect it. Outside of that, you can’t trust any of the other pieces on either team.

Ellis’ Picks: Tennessee -10.0, Under 43.0

Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchups We Like

Jonathan Taylor (RB, IND): Oh my, Jonathan Taylor could be a monster this week. I hope Taylor didn’t skip back day because he’s going to be carrying the entire city of Indianapolis to the playoffs if they manage to beat the Jaguars. Not only is this team in a “win and in'' position, but they also face the team allowing the seventh-most rushing yards per game. If you are squeamish, I’d avoid watching this game as this could be a massacre.

Carson Wentz (QB, IND) & Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, IND): With their playoff ticket in their hands, both the passing and running game should thrive in this one. This should be a great game for all Colts unless they get up early and ride the game out with Taylor. That’s a gamble I’d be willing to take, as I would start them all. Both are mid-tier two’s at their position this week.

Laquon Treadwell (WR, JAC), Dare Ogunbowale (RB, JAC), & Dan Arnold (TE, JAC): Who would have thought these names would appear in 2022. Although all players lack upside, the volume is there for these three players to be safe positional three options this week.

Matchups We Don’t Like

Jacksonville Passing Attack: Outside of the names above, I think all that needs to be said here is that Trevor Lawrence, the next greatest quarterback of our generation, has passed for a grand total of ten touchdowns this season. As a result, the only upside these pass catchers have is next year. 

Ellis’ Picks: Jacksonville +15.5, Over 43.5

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

Matchups We Like

Aaron Rodgers (QB, GB), Davante Adams (WR, GB), & Aaron Jones (RB, GB): If you are going to roll the dice on players who may not play the whole game, these might be the ones. With Rodgers trying to cement back-to-back MVP seasons, you know he will at least do something this game. Anytime he does that, it’s a good chance Adams and Jones are involved. Although the team has said they are playing this like any other week, it’s hard to see any of these stars making it to the second half. 

A.J. Dillon (RB, GB): Although Dillon has asserted himself as a pillar of this offense, he is still technically the backup. As a result, we might see him for the whole game this week. Against the fourth-worst rushing defense in the league, this could mean Dillon will have a day on Sunday. I would start him over Aaron Jones this week and hope he is the one running out the clock in this one.

D'Andre Swift (RB, DET) & Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR, DET): The two bright spots on this team for sure. What a breakout this has been for St. Brown. After starting the year slow, St. Brown is THE fantasy WR2 since Week 13. It might feel weird to say, but he is a WR1 for this game. As for Swift, although he was back last week, it’s hard to think they didn’t try to work him into the offense slowly. I think he will be back to a normal workload this week and be a high-end RB2. Thankfully, we know Head Coach Dan Campbell won’t go down without a fight, and we know that the only way he’ll do that is to feature these two players. 

Matchups We Don’t Like

Auxiliary Offensive Pieces: If we’re talking about the Packers, it’s simple. We don’t know who will play in this game and for how long. As for the Lions, this team doesn’t have the firepower to support more options outside of St. Brown and Swift. It might be chalk, but I think it’s too risky to play anyone else in this game. 

Sunday Matchups Analysis - 4:00 ET Games

New York Jets at Buffalo

If Buffalo wins they clinch their division. If they lose and the Patriots lose they also clinch the AFC East.

Matchups We Like

Josh Allen (QB, BUF) & Stefon Diggs (WR, BUF): I’m not sure anyone can stop this dynamic duo, but I do know that it won’t be the Jets. Although the Jets have talented pieces on their defense, they are no match against these two. If they get ahead early, it’s tough to see them playing the entire game, which seems to be the flavor of the week.

Devin Singletary (RB, BUF): Shockingly, Singletary is my favorite start in this entire matchup. Seemingly out of nowhere, he has been given the reins to the backfield. Yes, this includes goal-line carries. Singletary has been the RB-three since Week 14 and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. The Jets seem to get embarrassed by a running back every week, and this week Singletary gets the honors. I also like his Pie Shop* odds this week too, making him an RB1 in this matchup.

*Pie Shop: An Australian term (often used in Rugby League) to describe who will score a Try (or in this case touchdown) this week.

Matchups We Don’t Like

The Jets: I’m sorry Jets fans, but this just isn’t the game for you. Michael Carter (if cleared to play) is the only option remotely interesting on this team. It’s another lost season for the Jets, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they show up with a white flag this Sunday.

Dawson Knox (TE, BUF): There are definitely worse options out there at the TE position, however, I would be scared to play Knox this week. Last week proved how touchdown-dependent he can be, and although there is a good chance he finds the endzone in this one, it’s a little too high risk for me.

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons

A Saints win and a 49ers loss will get them to the playoffs.

Matchups We Like

Taysom Hill (QB, NOS) & Alvin Kamara (RB, NOS): It’s not often you have a struggling team that lacks weapons, yet sustains two fantasy stars. This duo is how the team lives and breathes. Thankfully for the Saints, these two dynamic players have one of the best matchups in football. The Falcons allow the sixth-most rushing yards per game and 13th most passing yards. Although the Falcons have surprised many teams this year, this is a huge game for Hill. Not only are the playoffs on the line, but this could very well be an audition for the starting job next year. If he can carry this team to the playoffs and potentially win a playoff game, we might have found ourselves the next Saints QB. Either way, it’s very possible that we see the top QB and RB on the week on the same side of the ball in this one. 

Kyle Pitts (TE, ATL): Pitts has finally arrived. Despite getting injured last week, Pitts has four consecutive weeks with 60+ yards. He is now officially 56 yards away from Mike Ditka’s rookie tight end yardage record. If he plays, there is no way Matt Ryan doesn’t try to get him that record.

Matchups We Don’t Like

Cordarelle Patterson (RB/WR, ATL): It’s sad to see, but Patterson, you had a good run. I think it’s time we cut bait on this one and be grateful for the waiver wire wonder this year. Over his last three games, he has not surpassed two targets and 3.5 yards per carry. I don’t see how you can trust him, especially against a stingy Saints defense.

Ellis’ Picks: Saints -3.5, Over 39.5

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs have clinched the NFC South.

Matchups We Like

D.J. Moore (WR, CAR): It’s been a sad season for D.J. Moore managers. Regardless of how the boxscore looks with no game below seven targets, it’s a bummer he can’t throw and catch the ball himself. Seriously, some of Darnold's throws are closer to hitting Antonio Brown in the stands than Moore’s hands. I don’t expect the Buccaneers to play many (if any) of their starters, especially not for the full game. If this is the case, D.J. Moore might be able to make Darnold look sufficient and bring in a few big plays. With his target volume, he has a very steady floor, and I think this week there might also be some sneaky upside. 

Matchups We Don’t Like

This section really depends on what we find out about the Buccaneers. If they do play their starters, you might be able to get enough production out of Tom Brady and Mike Evans. However, they may only play a few snaps and the Panthers' defense is quite solid. I would be looking to avoid these options unless there is news that breaks ensuring that Brady and Evans will play for at least a half. 

Ellis’ Picks: Pass

San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams

Rams win, tie, or Cardinals loss clinches NFC West Title. 49ers are in a “win and in” position or they need the Saints to lose or tie.

Matchups We Like

George Kittle (TE, SF): Kittle is a beast and is the guy this team targets when they need a reception. In this case, they need more than a reception, they need to win. I expect Kittle to be heavily featured in this one. Plus, bonus points if Jimmy Garropolo starts this one as well.

Deebo Samuel (WR, SF): Whether you call him a gadget player, wide receiver, or running back, the fact is this man scores fantasy points. Shanahan will need to have the creative juices flowing to take down Sean McVay in a huge matchup. We know that when Shanahan gets like this he likes to incorporate Samuel, making him a WR-one this week. 

Matthew Stafford (QB, LAR) & Cooper Kupp (WR, LAR): Cooper Kupp is 171 yards away from 2000 yards, and 135 yards away from Calvin Johnson’s record. Of course, Stafford knows this, he was the one who got Johnson that record. It’s time for Stafford to turn it around and secure his team an NFC West title. 

Matchups We Don’t Like

Brandon Aiyuk (WR, SF), Odell Beckham Jr. & Van Jefferson (WR, LAR): It’s not that you can’t play these guys, I’m just scared to. I view all three as high upside players with devastatingly low floors. Although these teams each possess the weapons to make this game a shootout, I don’t think either head coach wants that. As a result, I’m projecting a lower-scoring game, scaring me off of these big-play pieces.

Ellis’ Picks: 49ers +4.5, Under 44.5

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins

The Patriots are in the postseason, however, a win here and a Bills loss gives them the AFC East title. Plus, if a few more things go their way, they could potentially be the #1 seed in the AFC.

Matchups We Like

Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson (RB, NE): You can bet that this will be a textbook Patriots gameplan with lots of running and relying on their defense. These two are the workhorses that will tear down this Dolphins team. The Dolphins just got smacked by the Titans last week, who had D’Onta Foreman run for 132 yards and a touchdown. There should be a lot of yards to go around here and a good chance they both score. I think we have two RB-twos on the same team this week.

Jaylen Waddle (WR, MIA): Waddle needs to be talked about more. If it wasn’t for Ja’Marr Chase breaking the NFL, Waddle would have all the attention. Waddle has 10 games with double-digit targets and is currently the WR-17 on the season. Even in this tough matchup, Tua Tagovailoa will be sure to look his way. He is a solid WR-two this week.

Matchups We Don’t Like

Duke Johnson Jr. & Myles Gaskin (RB, MIA): The fact that I just listed two names (one being Duke Johnson Jr.) who are on a team that struggles to run the ball, should be enough of a red flag for this one.

Mac Jones (QB, NE) & Tua Tagovailoa (QB, MIA): It’s hard to see either of these players having a good fantasy week. For Tua, it’s primarily because of the matchup. As for Jones, this is a result of the likely run-centric game plan. Therefore, both of these options are scary and in turn, move me away from Mike Gesicki, Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers, and DeVante Parker.

Ellis Picks: New England -4.5, Under 40

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals are already in the playoffs, but a win and a Rams loss will give them the NFC West.

Matchups We Like

Kyler Murray (QB, ARI) and Russell Wilson (QB, SEA): Two of the most dynamic QB’s in the NFL face off in this one. Last week we finally saw Russell Wilson look like his old self. Murray on the other hand has cooled off a bit for fantasy but still possesses week-winning upside. Murray has the better matchup in this one, as Seattle is no stranger to being torched this year. Although the matchup is less exciting for Wilson, this may be his last game as a Seahawk and the last chance to increase his trade value. I expect both QB’s to put on a show this week, with a lot of pride on the line.

Rashaad Penny (RB, SEA): Good for him. It’s hard not to root for this guy, as many people completely wrote him off after his multiple injuries. Instead, we now see the first-round talent in full form and dominating fantasy matchups. He has been THE RB1 since Week 13 and there is no reason to stop riding his hot streak (even in a tougher matchup).

James Conner (RB, ARI): With Chase Edmonds most likely missing this game, Conner becomes a high-end RB2 this week. Plus, his nose for the endzone could easily provide a huge day for fantasy.

Matchups We Don’t Like

Tyler Lockett & D.K. Metcalf (WR, SEA); A.J. Green (WR, ARI): I’m grouping these three as I am sure one of them is going to pop off this week. However, who it is is still a mystery. I think this game will be lower scoring due to the history of these teams, therefore making me less confident in calling my shots. If I had to guess, I would probably go with Tyler Lockett. If you don’t need safety, these three are excellent plays this week.

Ellis’ Picks: Seattle +6.0, Under 48.5

Matchups Analysis - Sunday Night Football

Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders

It’s simple, whoever wins is in the playoffs.

Matchups We Like 

Justin Herbert (QB, LAC): The next task for the QB prodigy is leading this team to the playoffs. Herbert has had an amazing season and a win here would just be the icing. The Raiders have been solid against the pass all season, averaging the tenth fewest passing yards per game. Herbert has the weapons and talent to overcome this and should be a fun player to watch in the spotlight this week.

Keenan Allen (WR, LAC) & Austin Ekeler (RB, LAC): Allen and Ekeler have been excellent for fantasy all year, and will be heavily relied on by Herbert. I expect a tight game plan from the Raiders, leading to short throws to each of these players. 

Josh Jacobs (RB, LVR): Jacobs has been the RB10 since Week 10 this year. In what has been a very quiet RB1 season for the young back, Jacobs is a great play this week. The Chargers are allowing the second-most fantasy points to the position, and without Kenyan Drake, Jacobs should be heavily involved all game. He is a top 10 option this week in my books.

Darren Waller & Foster Moreau (TE, LVR): If Waller is active, he is a smash play this week. If he misses, then Moreau steps up in this great matchup. The Chargers allow the most fantasy points to the tight end position, which might be their Achilles heel this week.

Hunter Renfrow (WR, LVR): Hunter “The Answer” Renfrow is having a remarkable season. Although it's worth noting that there is a correlation between when Waller is healthy and Renfrow’s performance. Either way, I think you have to stay in the flames and start him in this one. 

Matchups We Don’t Like

Mike Williams (WR, LAC): Williams isn’t a “must start” this week, however, I wouldn’t blame anyone who wants every piece of this offense for fantasy. The scary part is that the Raiders are allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to the WR position. 

Derek Carr (QB, LVR): The Chargers aren’t the worst matchup for QB’s, however, I struggle to trust Carr in the spotlight for fantasy. I think he’ll have a very solid NFL day, however, there might be a few too many handoffs to Jacobs for it to convert for fantasy. He is a low-end QB-two for me this week.

Ellis’ Picks: Raiders +3.0, Under 48.5

Just like that, we have broken down all the Week 18 matchups. My name is Ellis Johnson and I want to thank you all for another excellent fantasy season. I can’t wait to break down more regular-season games with you next year as we dive into another fantasy season. Catch my Thursday Night previews on the RotoBaller website, and follow my other work on Twitter @YoitsEllis_FF (“Yo its Ellis”). Thanks again!

2021 Ellis’ Picks: Against the Spread 12-6, Over/Under 11-7

Career record: Spread (21-15), Over/Under (20-16)

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