Should I Pickup Mac Jones For Week 18 Fantasy Football? Waiver Wire Outlook

The New England Patriots have an 8-8 record and can secure a playoff spot with a win against the Buffalo Bills in Week 18. For that to happen, they will need to play their best game of the season.

Second-year quarterback Mac Jones has to be special if the team has any hopes of making it to the big dance. The Patriots' leading man performed well this past Sunday in the team's 23-21 victory over the Dolphins, giving hope to both fantasy managers and Patriots fans.

But did he do enough to warrant a waiver wire pickup in fantasy leagues for Week 18?  Should you roster him after his strong Week 17 showing? Let's dive in.

• 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

What Did Mac Jones Do In Week 17 Fantasy Football?

Jones has certainly had his ups and downs in 2022. There have been points of the season when he was getting booed in his home stadium. However, on Sunday, he silenced some of those critics and performed at a very high level.

The 24-year-old threw for 203 yards and two passing touchdowns in the huge win over their division rival. It was the third straight game he has gone without throwing an interception and has gone seven of his last eight without a turnover.

Jones made some big plays. He wasn't perfect, but he had his third-best fantasy day of 2022 and has managers wondering if he is worthy of their attention.

Were There Any Worrying Signs With Mac Jones in Week 17?

The Patriots' young quarterback certainly has plenty of things he needs to work on, but he has shown steady improvement as the season has progressed.

One criticism of the former University of Alabama star this year has been his inability to keep his emotions in check. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and some analysts think this may be affecting his or the team's performance. He has also been fined on more than one occasion for what some have called "dirty plays."

These hiccups are certainly not building blocks for a quarterback trying to establish himself in the NFL. However, his on-field performance has improved each week, and if he puts up numbers and wins, the rest will all be forgotten.

Should I Pickup Mac Jones Off the Waiver Wire For Week 18 Fantasy Football?

While his numbers have been nice as of late, they have not been extraordinary, and he should only be rostered in the deepest of leagues.

Hindering his value further is that Jones faces a Bills defense in Week 18 that is giving up only 15 fantasy points per game to the quarterback position, which is fourth-best in the NFL.

It's a daunting task, and only brave or desperate owners should take the risk with fantasy championships on the line.

More Fantasy Football Analysis