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USATSI

Week 18 is always tricky with the upcoming NFL postseason, but thankfully several teams have already let us know their intentions for the final week of the regular season. That's helpful for those of you playing in your Fantasy championship game this week.

The Rams already ruled out Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams and Cooper Kupp at San Francisco, with Carson Wentz starting at quarterback. In that same game, the 49ers plan to start Sam Darnold and sit Brock Purdy, and Christian McCaffrey (calf) has already been ruled out.

The Ravens are planning to start Tyler Huntley at quarterback and rest Lamar Jackson against Pittsburgh. The Browns are starting Jeff Driskel and sitting Joe Flacco at Cincinnati. And the Chiefs are starting Blaine Gabbert and resting Patrick Mahomes at the Chargers.

We could see other stars on the Rams, 49ers, Ravens, Browns and Chiefs sit in Week 18, and that's why we always recommend playing your championship game in Week 17. But if your final game is this week then we have you covered with our usual starts, sits and sleepers.

It's tough to field your best lineup with all the potential stars who might not play. But hopefully you'll find the right replacement options to come out victorious in your championship round.

Start of the Week
Projections powered by Sportsline
ARI Arizona • #1
Age: 26 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs SEA SEA -2.5 O/U 47.5
OPP VS QB
31st
PROJ PTS
20.5
QB RNK
6th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
1537
RUYDS
211
TD
12
INT
5
FPTS/G
20.9

On Tuesday, Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said Kyler Murray is Arizona's "franchise quarterback." He's earned it with his play since coming back from a torn ACL in Week 10, and he's been solid for Fantasy managers. That should continue in Week 18 against Seattle, and he's my Start of the Week.

Murray has scored at least 22.4 Fantasy points in four of seven starts this season, including two in a row against Chicago and Philadelphia. He's been great with a revamped receiving corps -- Marquise Brown (heel) has been hurt since Week 13 and is currently on injured reserve -- while learning a new offense on the fly.

Murray has shown no setback with his knee injury and rushed for at least 32 yards in four of seven games, with three rushing touchdowns. And it's great to have him back playing at a high level.

This week, Murray is facing a Seattle defense that has allowed three of the past five quarterbacks to score at least 21.9 Fantasy points. And Murray has scored at least 23 Fantasy points in three of his past five meetings with the Seahawks, while averaging 24.9 Fantasy points per game over that span.

I'm excited to see Murray close the season on a high note with another quality outing against Seattle. And he should enter the 2024 campaign as a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback once again now that he's healthy.

We'll see what the Cardinals do to enhance their roster this offseason. But we now know that Murray is Arizona's franchise quarterback, which is something that he's earned with his play this year.

START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Quarterbacks
QBs to Start
Projections powered by Sportsline
CHI Chicago • #1
Age: 24 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ GB GB -3 O/U 44
OPP VS QB
4th
PROJ PTS
19.5
QB RNK
4th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
2414
RUYDS
630
TD
20
INT
9
FPTS/G
21.1
Fields has made things tough on the Bears front office since Chicago owns the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. He's played great down the stretch -- in Fantasy and reality -- and earned the right to be the Bears quarterback in 2024. He's scored at least 26.5 Fantasy points in three of his past four games, including two in a row, and he should have another standout performance in Week 18 against the Packers. Two of the past three quarterbacks against Green Bay have scored at least 26.2 Fantasy points, and Fields should follow suit. He's got top-five upside in Week 18.
HOU Houston • #7
Age: 22 • Experience: Rookie
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ IND HOU -1 O/U 47.5
OPP VS QB
31st
PROJ PTS
18.6
QB RNK
7th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
3844
RUYDS
147
TD
24
INT
5
FPTS/G
21.2
Stroud's first 20-point Fantasy outing of his career came against Indianapolis in Week 2 when he scored 25.5 points. He passed for 384 yards and two touchdowns that day, and hopefully he can have a repeat performance in Week 18. The Colts just allowed Aidan O'Connell to score 24.3 Fantasy points in Week 17, and that's now two quarterbacks in the past four weeks to reach at least that total. Stroud hasn't been great on the road this season, but he did score 21 Fantasy points in his last complete away game at Cincinnati in Week 10. This game has huge playoff implications for both teams, and I expect Stroud to have a strong game to likely lock up the rookie of the year award.
DET Detroit • #16
Age: 29 • Experience: 8 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs MIN DET -3.5 O/U 45.5
OPP VS QB
19th
PROJ PTS
20.3
QB RNK
8th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
4255
RUYDS
21
TD
30
INT
12
FPTS/G
20.3
My only concern with Goff is that the Lions decide to pull him off the field at some point. Detroit still has the chance for the No. 2 seed in the NFC, and Dan Campbell said the Lions would play their starters as normal. But if Campbell finds out the Cowboys are well ahead of the Commanders then Goff could get benched. Hopefully, before that possible scenario, Goff has destroyed the Vikings. He didn't have a great Fantasy outing at Minnesota in Week 16 with just 16.3 Fantasy points, but now he's at home. Goff has scored at least 20 Fantasy points in five of seven games in Detroit, and two of the past three quarterbacks against Minnesota have scored at least 22.9 Fantasy points. Goff could be a top-five Fantasy quarterback in Week 18.
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
NO New Orleans • #4
Age: 32 • Experience: 10 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs ATL NO -3 O/U 42.5
OPP VS QB
27th
PROJ PTS
17.1
QB RNK
11th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
3614
RUYDS
34
TD
21
INT
8
FPTS/G
16
Carr is playing his best football of the season coming into Week 18 with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions in his past four games while completing 73 percent of his passes. He's also scored at least 19.6 Fantasy points in three games in a row, and the Saints are still alive for the NFC South title or a Wild Card spot. Carr only scored 10.9 Fantasy points at Atlanta in Week 12 with no touchdowns and an interception, but he passed for 304 yards. Two of the past four quarterbacks against the Falcons have scored at least 24.1 Fantasy points, and Carr should have another strong performance in Week 18.
NYG N.Y. Giants • #2
Age: 34 • Experience: 13 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs PHI PHI -5 O/U 42
OPP VS QB
23rd
PROJ PTS
14.2
QB RNK
13th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
1044
RUYDS
159
TD
4
INT
2
FPTS/G
7.7
The last two games that Taylor started and finished he scored at least 20.8 Fantasy points. He reached that total in Week 17 against the Rams, and he had 11.4 Fantasy points in the second half against the Eagles in Week 16 when he replaced Tommy DeVito. He should give you production with his legs -- he's run for at least 21 yards in each of his past five significant appearances -- and Philadelphia is No. 1 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. I like Taylor as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy quarterback in all leagues.
SEA Seattle • #7
Age: 33 • Experience: 11 year
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ ARI SEA -2.5 O/U 47.5
OPP VS QB
26th
PROJ PTS
20.8
QB RNK
9th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
3435
RUYDS
127
TD
19
INT
9
FPTS/G
17.4
Smith only scored 17.8 Fantasy points against Arizona in Week 7, but I expect him to do better in the rematch. He's scored at least 21.3 Fantasy points in two of his past three games, with both of them on the road, and the Seahawks need to win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Cardinals have also allowed three quarterbacks in a row to score at least 25.2 Fantasy points, and Smith should have the chance for a standout season finale on the road.
QBs to Sit
Projections powered by Sportsline
MIA Miami • #1
Age: 25 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs BUF BUF -3 O/U 49.5
OPP VS QB
9th
PROJ PTS
17.3
QB RNK
12th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
4451
RUYDS
67
TD
28
INT
12
FPTS/G
19.9
Tagovailoa has scored 18.9 Fantasy points or less in four games in a row, and now he's dealing with a shoulder injury coming into Week 18. His offensive line is a mess, Jaylen Waddle (ankle) is banged up and Tagovailoa only scored 15.9 Fantasy points at Buffalo in Week 4. He only has one game with at least 20 Fantasy points against the Bills in six career meetings, and Buffalo has held four quarterbacks in a row to 17.1 Fantasy points or less, including Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott over that span. I don't have high expectations for Tagovailoa in Week 18.
JAC Jacksonville • #16
Age: 24 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ TEN JAC -5.5 O/U 40
OPP VS QB
4th
PROJ PTS
19.9
QB RNK
18th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
3736
RUYDS
329
TD
23
INT
12
FPTS/G
18.9
Lawrence is expected to play in Week 18 after missing Week 17 against Carolina with a shoulder injury. I'm concerned about him being at 100 percent, and he could struggle once again. He's scored 16.7 Fantasy points or less in each of his past two outings against Baltimore in Week 15 and Tampa Bay in Week 16. The Titans have also allowed just one quarterback to score more than 14.9 Fantasy points in their past four games, and Tennessee would love to play spoiler in this game to knock Jacksonville out of the playoffs. Now, Lawrence did score 36.2 Fantasy points against the Titans in Week 11, but I'm worried about his shoulder injury in the rematch.
WAS Washington • #14
Age: 23 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs DAL DAL -13 O/U 46
OPP VS QB
19th
PROJ PTS
15.9
QB RNK
17th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
3793
RUYDS
264
TD
25
INT
19
FPTS/G
18.1
Howell will start again for the Commanders in Week 18, but I'm not sure he's even a good starting option in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues. Howell hasn't scored 20 Fantasy points in a game since Week 11, and he's combined for 17.2 Fantasy points in his past three outings against the Rams, Jets and 49ers. He was benched in two of those games, and this has been a disastrous finish for the second-year quarterback. He scored 17.3 Fantasy points at Dallas in Week 12 when he passed for 300 yards, no touchdowns and one interception and ran for 13 yards and a touchdown, and this Cowboys defense has been tough on opposing quarterbacks all season. In their past four games, Dallas has limited Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa and Jared Goff to 17.9 Fantasy points or less in each outing.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Running Backs
RBs to Start
Projections powered by Sportsline
LV Las Vegas • #35
Age: 24 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs DEN LV -2.5 O/U 38
OPP VS RB
30th
PROJ PTS
14.4
RB RNK
11th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
339
REC
14
REYDS
89
TD
1
FPTS/G
3.8
I hope the Raiders give White one more start in Week 18, and he could be their running back of the future if Josh Jacobs leaves this offseason as a free agent. Jacobs has missed the past three games with a quadriceps injury, and White has scored at least 14.5 PPR points in each outing against the Chargers, Chiefs and Colts. In two of those games he has at least three catches, and he also has two outings with more than 100 total yards. This week, he's facing a Broncos defense that is No. 2 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and three of the past four running backs against Denver have scored at least 21 PPR points. White has top-10 upside in Week 18.
DAL Dallas • #20
Age: 26 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ WAS DAL -13 O/U 46
OPP VS RB
17th
PROJ PTS
13.7
RB RNK
9th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
935
REC
53
REYDS
295
TD
5
FPTS/G
12.9
Pollard has been arguably the biggest Fantasy bust this season, and he comes into Week 18 with three games in a row scoring 7.7 PPR points or less. But he'll reward you this week at Washington, and he had his best game of the season against the Commanders in Week 12 with 22.3 PPR points. In that game, Pollard had 13 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown, along with six catches for 24 yards on six targets. Washington has allowed a running back to score at least 14 PPR points in six games in a row, including five over that span with at least 22 PPR points. Pollard should be a top-10 Fantasy running back this week.
GB Green Bay • #33
Age: 29 • Experience: 7 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs CHI GB -3 O/U 44
OPP VS RB
18th
PROJ PTS
14.1
RB RNK
15th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
545
REC
25
REYDS
203
TD
3
FPTS/G
11.6
Jones is on fire over the past two games with at least 120 rushing yards in each outing against Carolina and Minnesota. Over that span, he has 41 carries for 247 yards and two catches for 18 yards on four targets. I wish he had more work in the passing game or scored a touchdown, but he's scored at least 14 PPR points in each outing without finding the end zone, which is a great sign. He has a tough opponent in Week 18 against Chicago, but the Bears have allowed a running back to score at least 15.8 PPR points in three of their past four games. And six running backs have scored at least 11.5 PPR points over that span. Jones also has dominated Chicago in his career. In his past five meetings with the Bears, he has 51 carries for 310 yards and three touchdowns and 17 catches for 212 yards and four touchdowns. He's scored at least 21 PPR points against Chicago in four of his past five meetings, including Week 1 when he had 26.7 PPR points.
CHI Chicago • #24
Age: 25 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ GB GB -3 O/U 44
OPP VS RB
26th
PROJ PTS
8.4
RB RNK
23rd
YTD Stats
RUYDS
583
REC
18
REYDS
121
TD
3
FPTS/G
9.7
It's worked out well for the Bears and Fantasy managers that Herbert has taken over as the No. 1 running back over the past two games, and he should remain in that role in Week 18 at Green Bay. In his past two outings against Arizona and Atlanta, Herbert has scored at least 19.1 PPR points in each game with 38 carries for 236 yards and two touchdowns and three catches for 14 yards on five targets over that span. He now has 12 games in his career with at least 13 total touches, and he's scored at least 15.7 PPR points in eight of them. He scored 11.4 PPR points against Green Bay in Week 1, and the Packers have allowed a running back to score at least 12.1 PPR points in five of their past six games, including three running backs with at least 21.3 PPR points during that time.
PIT Pittsburgh • #22
Age: 25 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ BAL PIT -3.5 O/U 36.5
OPP VS RB
27th
PROJ PTS
11.6
RB RNK
22nd
YTD Stats
RUYDS
923
REC
24
REYDS
149
TD
7
FPTS/G
10.7
I've recommended Harris as a sleeper over the past two weeks, and he delivered in each outing against Cincinnati and Seattle with at least 13.8 PPR points in both contests. Over that span, Harris has combined for 46 carries for 200 yards and three touchdowns, although he doesn't have a target. The lack of work in the passing game is a concern (he hasn't caught a pass since Week 14), but he should run well again in Week 18 at Baltimore. The Ravens are expected to rest several starters on defense with the No. 1 seed in the AFC locked up, and Harris is worth trusting as a No. 2 running back in all leagues. Jaylen Warren is also worth using as a No. 2 running back, and he's scored at least 10.4 PPR points in three games in a row. Over that span, Warren has 14 catches on 16 targets, and it's been fun to watch the Steelers running backs work well in tandem down the stretch.
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
SEA Seattle • #26
Age: 22 • Experience: Rookie
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ ARI SEA -2.5 O/U 47.5
OPP VS RB
20th
PROJ PTS
11.2
RB RNK
12th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
430
REC
31
REYDS
181
TD
1
FPTS/G
6.6
Kenneth Walker III (shoulder) couldn't finish the Week 17 loss against Pittsburgh, and Pete Carroll is upset with his run game overall, saying the "running game element ... has not been part of our team the way we would like it to be." Could we see more of Charbonnet in Week 18 at Arizona? It's a definite possibility, and Charbonnet would be a No. 2 running back in all leagues if Walker is out. The Cardinals are No. 1 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and 16 running backs this season have scored at least 12.7 PPR points against Arizona, including four scoring at least 13.7 PPR points in the past five games. Charbonnet has three games this season with double digits in carries, and he scored at least 12.9 PPR points in two of them. He also just had five catches for 39 yards on five targets against the Steelers in Week 17.
HOU Houston • #26
Age: 26 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ IND HOU -1 O/U 47.5
OPP VS RB
9th
PROJ PTS
10.8
RB RNK
20th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
835
REC
29
REYDS
191
TD
4
FPTS/G
9.7
Singletary had another quality outing in Week 17 against Tennessee with 16 carries for 80 yards and three catches for 6 yards on three targets, and he's now scored at least 11.6 PPR points in six of his past eight games. He should be considered a low-end No. 2 running back in Week 18 against the Colts, who are No. 3 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. A running back has scored at least 11.8 PPR points against Indianapolis in seven games in a row, with 10 running backs hitting that mark over that span. The Colts have only allowed five total touchdowns during that time, but seven running backs have gone over 100 total yards in those seven games.
NO New Orleans • #30
Age: 28 • Experience: 7 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs ATL NO -3 O/U 42.5
OPP VS RB
12th
PROJ PTS
6.7
RB RNK
30th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
280
REC
15
REYDS
54
TD
0
FPTS/G
4
If Alvin Kamara (ankle) is out this week, then Williams could be looking at a big workload, which would make him a flex option in most leagues. Kamara left Week 17 at Tampa Bay, and Williams had 19 carries for 58 yards and four catches for 13 yards on four targets for 11.1 PPR points. You can expect similar production if Williams is the featured option against the Falcons, who have allowed four running backs to score at least 12.3 PPR points in their past four games. It's rather remarkable that Williams led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022 with Detroit but has yet to score any touchdowns with the Saints in 2023. Maybe he'll find the end zone for the first time in Week 18.
CLE Cleveland • #20
Age: 25 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ CIN CIN -6 O/U 38.5
OPP VS RB
23rd
PROJ PTS
6.1
RB RNK
44th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
226
REC
5
REYDS
47
TD
1
FPTS/G
2.3
It would be a surprise if the Browns played Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt much, if at all, in Week 18 at Cincinnati. Cleveland is locked into the No. 5 seed in the AFC, and resting Ford and Hunt for the playoffs makes sense. In that scenario, Strong would be in a featured role in a great matchup against the Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed three running backs in a row to score at least 13.8 PPR points, and Strong is worth using as a flex option in all leagues if Ford and Hunt are out as expected.
SF San Francisco • #24
Age: 24 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs LAR SF -3.5 O/U 42
OPP VS RB
8th
PROJ PTS
7.9
RB RNK
29th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
170
REC
2
REYDS
19
TD
3
FPTS/G
2.4
There's a good chance Mason could be the lead running back for the 49ers in Week 18 against the Rams, and I would use him as a flex option in all leagues in that scenario. Christian McCaffrey (calf) has already been ruled out, and I'd be surprised if the 49ers played Elijah Mitchell much after he missed three of the past four games with a knee injury. Tyrion Davis-Price could be added off the practice squad to share touches with Mason, who has four games this season with at least four carries, and he scored a touchdown in three of them. This isn't an easy matchup against the Rams, but they also might be resting players in preparation for the postseason. Keep an eye on what develops before Sunday, but Mason has plenty of upside if Mitchell joins McCaffrey on the sidelines in Week 18. Now, if we find out that Mitchell will play in Week 18, I'll replace Mason with Mitchell in the column later in the week.
RBs to Sit
Projections powered by Sportsline
WAS Washington • #8
Age: 24 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs DAL DAL -13 O/U 46
OPP VS RB
31st
PROJ PTS
11.6
RB RNK
26th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
708
REC
33
REYDS
358
TD
8
FPTS/G
13.4
The Cowboys run defense has suffered over the past three games with defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins (ankle) out, but Mike McCarthy expressed some optimism that Hankins could play in Week 18 at Washington. A running back has scored at least 12 PPR points in three games in a row against Dallas without Hankins. Prior to that, only five running backs had reached that total against the Cowboys in the first 12 games of the season, including Robinson in Week 12. He had 15 carries for 53 yards and two catches for 11 yards on three targets at Dallas, and I could see a similar stat line in the rematch. I would only use Robinson as a flex option in most leagues in Week 18.
DEN Denver • #33
Age: 23 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ LV LV -2.5 O/U 38
OPP VS RB
30th
PROJ PTS
10.3
RB RNK
27th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
742
REC
40
REYDS
185
TD
4
FPTS/G
10.7
Williams has scored 10.9 PPR points or less in six of his past seven games, including just 8.8 PPR points in Week 17 against the Chargers. He's shared playing time with Jaleel McLaughlin and Samaje Perine more in the past two games than he has since Week 6, and this isn't an easy matchup. In Week 1 against Las Vegas, Williams had 13 carries for 52 yards and four catches for 5 yards on six targets. Since Antonio Pierce took over as interim head coach, Breece Hall (10.5 PPR points), Raheem Mostert (10.3 PPR points) and Austin Ekeler (7.8 PPR points) have struggled against the Raiders, and Williams should be used as just a flex option at best in the majority of leagues for Week 18.
MIN Minnesota • #32
Age: 25 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ DET DET -3 O/U 45.5
OPP VS RB
21st
PROJ PTS
9.8
RB RNK
28th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
392
REC
19
REYDS
139
TD
3
FPTS/G
5.6
Chandler had a huge game in Week 15 at Cincinnati with 24.7 PPR points, and Alexander Mattison was out for that contest with an ankle injury. Mattison has since returned, even in a limited role, but Chandler has struggled with a combined 17.1 PPR points against Detroit and Green Bay. He scored a touchdown against the Lions in Week 16, but he finished with eight carries for 17 yards and no catches at home. Detroit is No. 1 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and Chandler should struggle again in the rematch. Only seven running backs have scored at least 10 PPR points against the Lions this season and none since Week 13.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Wide Receivers
WRs to Start
Projections powered by Sportsline
HOU Houston • #12
Age: 24 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ IND HOU -1 O/U 47.5
OPP VS WR
25th
PROJ PTS
16
WR RNK
11th
YTD Stats
REC
71
TAR
100
REYDS
1102
TD
7
FPTS/G
16.1
One of Collins' best games this season was in Week 2 against the Colts when he scored 27.6 PPR points with seven catches for 146 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. He's been much better at home this season (at least 12 PPR points in each game in Houston) than on the road (only one game with double digits in PPR points in Week 1 at Baltimore), but he also missed road outings at Cincinnati in Week 10 and at Tennessee in Week 15. Without Tank Dell (leg), C.J. Stroud will be locked in on Collins in this matchup with Indianapolis, and three receivers in the past five games against the Colts have scored at least 16.2 PPR points.
IND Indianapolis • #11
Age: 26 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs HOU HOU -1 O/U 47.5
OPP VS WR
22nd
PROJ PTS
15.7
WR RNK
9th
YTD Stats
REC
104
TAR
150
REYDS
1108
TD
4
FPTS/G
16.2
Pittman scored 13.6 PPR points at Houston in Week 2 when he caught eight passes for 56 yards on 12 targets. He's now scored at least 12 PPR points in each of his past three games against the Texans, with two touchdowns, and he should do well against them again in Week 18. Since Week 10, a span of eight games, 11 receivers have scored at least 12.4 PPR points against Houston, with five scoring at least 19.7 PPR points, and the Texans have allowed eight touchdowns to receivers over that span.
TEN Tennessee • #10
Age: 31 • Experience: 10 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs JAC JAC -5.5 O/U 40
OPP VS WR
19th
PROJ PTS
11.9
WR RNK
16th
YTD Stats
REC
68
TAR
127
REYDS
1011
TD
6
FPTS/G
12.9
Hopkins had a solid game in Week 17 at Houston with seven catches for 72 yards on seven targets, and he's now scored at least 14.2 PPR points in four of his past seven games. That stretch started for him in Week 11 at Jacksonville when he had four catches for 59 yards and a touchdown on five targets for 15.9 PPR points. There have been nine receivers to score at least 14.5 PPR points against the Jaguars since Week 10, and Hopkins is worth trusting as a No. 2 Fantasy receiver in the majority of leagues in Week 18.
PIT Pittsburgh • #14
Age: 22 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ BAL PIT -4 O/U 35.5
OPP VS WR
22nd
PROJ PTS
12.7
WR RNK
20th
YTD Stats
REC
63
TAR
106
REYDS
1140
TD
5
FPTS/G
13
After Pickens had his big game in Week 16 against Cincinnati with four catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns on six targets, I doubted him last week at Seattle. And he proved me wrong with seven catches for 131 yards on nine targets. He's now scored at least 20.1 PPR points in each of his past two games, and he appears to have a great connection with Mason Rudolph, who is starting again in Week 18 at Baltimore. The Ravens are expected to rest several starters on defense, and Pickens should be considered a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver in the majority of leagues. Keep in mind that he also had six catches for 130 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets against the Ravens in Week 5.
BUF Buffalo • #13
Age: 24 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ MIA BUF -3 O/U 49.5
OPP VS WR
7th
PROJ PTS
9.3
WR RNK
36th
YTD Stats
REC
45
TAR
79
REYDS
746
TD
7
FPTS/G
10.1
It's risky to trust Davis in Week 18, but I like the setup for him at Miami. He already had a productive game against the Dolphins in Week 4 with three catches for 61 yards and a touchdown on three targets. Cornerback Xavien Howard (foot) is out for Miami, which means Davis could see action against Eli Apple or Kader Kohou if Jalen Ramsey lines up opposite Stefon Diggs, and that's a positive for Davis. It could also be a big game for Diggs if Ramsey doesn't shadow him, and the Dolphins are down pass rusher Bradley Chubb (knee) as well. Josh Allen has the chance for a big game in Week 18, and Davis and Diggs should also do well against this beat up Miami defense.
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
LAR L.A. Rams • #15
Age: 29 • Experience: 8 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ SF SF -4 O/U 41
OPP VS WR
22nd
PROJ PTS
12.7
WR RNK
24th
YTD Stats
REC
26
TAR
39
REYDS
371
TD
4
FPTS/G
5.8
We know Carson Wentz is starting for Matthew Stafford in Week 18 with the Rams resting Stafford for the playoffs, and it would be a surprise if Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua played much, if at all, at San Francisco. Robinson should stay in the game, and hopefully Wentz leans on him as the No. 1 receiver. Robinson has scored at least 13.2 PPR points in five games in a row, with four touchdowns over that span, and he can be used as a potential starter in all leagues. The 49ers will likely be resting guys on defense as well, and we could also see Tutu Atwell get in the mix if you're looking for help in deeper leagues. Remember, Atwell scored at least 15.2 PPR points in each of his first three games this season while Kupp was out.
ARI Arizona • #83
Age: 25 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs SEA SEA -2.5 O/U 47.5
OPP VS WR
15th
PROJ PTS
9.2
WR RNK
38th
YTD Stats
REC
22
TAR
37
REYDS
266
TD
2
FPTS/G
4.1
I'm excited about Kyler Murray as my Start of the Week, and Dortch should continue to be one of Murray's go-to options in Week 18 against Seattle. I liked Dortch as a sleeper in Week 17 at Philadelphia, and he delivered seven catches for 82 yards on seven targets for 15.2 PPR points. That's now 11 games over the past two seasons with at least four targets, and he has scored at least 11.7 PPR points in nine of those outings. He should once again see a decent amount of targets against the Seahawks in Week 18, and Dortch is worth starting as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues. Eight receivers have scored at least 13 PPR points against Seattle in the past seven games.
DAL Dallas • #3
Age: 30 • Experience: 10 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ WAS DAL -13 O/U 46
OPP VS WR
22nd
PROJ PTS
11.3
WR RNK
29th
YTD Stats
REC
48
TAR
73
REYDS
618
TD
7
FPTS/G
10.5
It's risky to trust Cooks on the road, but he's got a great matchup in Week 18 at Washington and should be a useful No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues. Cooks has topped 10 PPR points just twice on the road this season, which was in Week 6 at the Chargers (15 PPR points) and Week 16 at Miami (10.3 PPR points). But at home he's scored at least 14.2 PPR points in five of his past six outings in Dallas. That includes Week 12 against the Commanders when he had four catches for 72 yards and a touchdown on five targets, and he could replicate that level of production in the rematch. In their past five games, Washington has allowed eight receivers to score at least 14.7 PPR points, including three duos to reach that mark (CeeDee Lamb and Cooks in Week 12, Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson in Week 15 and Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel in Week 17). Look for Lamb and Cooks to both play well in Week 18.
NYG N.Y. Giants • #86
Age: 26 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs PHI PHI -5 O/U 42
OPP VS WR
5th
PROJ PTS
9.3
WR RNK
35th
YTD Stats
REC
45
TAR
72
REYDS
708
TD
3
FPTS/G
8.4
There are two Giants receivers worth using as No. 3 Fantasy receivers in Week 18 against the Eagles in Slayton and Wan'Dale Robinson. Slayton has done well with Tyrod Taylor in the past two games with seven catches for 196 yards and two touchdowns on nine targets over that span, and Slayton had a 69-yard touchdown from Taylor in Week 16 at Philadelphia. Robinson's two best games this season have come with Taylor in Week 8 at Buffalo (14.2 PPR points) and Week 17 against the Rams (19.9 PPR points). The Eagles enter Week 18 as the No. 1 team in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, and Slayton and Robinson could be great with Taylor under center.
WRs to Sit
Projections powered by Sportsline
NYJ N.Y. Jets • #17
Age: 23 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ NE NE -1.5 O/U 30.5
OPP VS WR
25th
PROJ PTS
15.5
WR RNK
19th
YTD Stats
REC
93
TAR
163
REYDS
1008
TD
3
FPTS/G
13
Wilson only had five catches for 48 yards on nine targets against New England in Week 3, and he's now scored fewer than 10 PPR points in two of three career meetings with the Patriots. Wilson has also scored fewer than 10 PPR points in three of his past five games overall, and he has one touchdown since Week 2 and none in his past five outings. In their past five games, New England has held Keenan Allen (10.8 PPR points), George Pickens (6.9 PPR points) and Stefon Diggs (7.1 PPR points) to minimal production, and Wilson should only be started in three-receiver leagues in Week 18.
WAS Washington • #17
Age: 28 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs DAL DAL -13 O/U 46
OPP VS WR
18th
PROJ PTS
12.7
WR RNK
18th
YTD Stats
REC
73
TAR
123
REYDS
946
TD
4
FPTS/G
12
McLaurin scored 16.1 PPR points in Week 17 against San Francisco with four catches for 61 yards and a touchdown on six targets, and it was his best production from Sam Howell since Week 9. We'll see if Howell and McLaurin can have another quality outing in Week 18 against Dallas, but they didn't fare well together in the first game against the Cowboys when McLaurin had four catches for 50 yards on 11 targets. In his past four games against Dallas, McLaurin has just 12 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown, and he's scored nine PPR points or fewer in three of those games. I would only start McLaurin in three-receiver leagues in Week 18.
ATL Atlanta • #5
Age: 22 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ NO NO -3 O/U 42.5
OPP VS WR
32nd
PROJ PTS
9.8
WR RNK
27th
YTD Stats
REC
65
TAR
100
REYDS
864
TD
2
FPTS/G
11.1
It was another bad road game for London in Week 17 at Chicago when he caught four passes for 56 yards on 10 targets. He's averaging 7.6 PPR points on the road this year in eight games, and there's little reason to trust him at New Orleans in Week 18. Now, he beat up on the Saints in Week 12 with five catches for 91 yards on seven targets, but that was in Atlanta. London hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 4, and New Orleans should be able to contain this Falcons passing attack at home. London is only worth starting in three-receiver leagues in Week 18.
MIN Minnesota • #3
Age: 21 • Experience: Rookie
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ DET DET -3.5 O/U 45.5
OPP VS WR
3rd
PROJ PTS
12.3
WR RNK
28th
YTD Stats
REC
66
TAR
99
REYDS
854
TD
9
FPTS/G
12.9
I'd love to see Addison finish the season with a strong performance, but he's struggled down the stretch and will be tough to trust in Week 18 at Detroit. He's scored 10.9 PPR points or less in seven of his past eight games, including 5.8 PPR points or fewer in three of his past four outings. And he's been held to five targets or less in three of his past four games. He left the first game against Detroit in Week 16 with an ankle injury that he played through in Week 17 against Green Bay, and he likely isn't at 100 percent for the rematch with the Lions. It's a good thing that Nick Mullens is starting for the Vikings, but Addison should only be used in three-receiver leagues in Week 18.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Tight End
TEs to Start
Projections powered by Sportsline
PHI Philadelphia • #88
Age: 29 • Experience: 6 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ NYG PHI -5 O/U 42
OPP VS TE
27th
PROJ PTS
10.4
TE RNK
5th
YTD Stats
REC
58
TAR
80
REYDS
588
TD
3
FPTS/G
10.4
Goedert will be my No. 1 ranked tight end this week if DeVonta Smith (ankle) is out. Goedert has come alive in the past two games with 12 catches for 118 yards and a touchdown on 15 targets, and he scored at least 14.1 PPR points in each outing, including Week 16 against the Giants. Even if Smith plays I would still start Goedert in all leagues, and the Giants have allowed four tight ends to score at least 10.4 PPR points in their past four games.
ARI Arizona • #85
Age: 24 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs SEA SEA -3 O/U 47.5
OPP VS TE
7th
PROJ PTS
13.7
TE RNK
3rd
YTD Stats
REC
78
TAR
100
REYDS
791
TD
2
FPTS/G
10.6
McBride has cooled off in the past two games against the Bears and Eagles with 12 catches for 79 yards and no touchdowns on 15 targets, but he should get back on track in Week 18. Three of the past four tight ends against the Seahawks have scored at least 16.6 PPR points, and I expect Kyler Murray to have a big game against Seattle as my Start of the Week.
NO New Orleans • #83
Age: 27 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs ATL NO -3 O/U 42.5
OPP VS TE
19th
PROJ PTS
8.2
TE RNK
6th
YTD Stats
REC
34
TAR
56
REYDS
328
TD
4
FPTS/G
7.6
Johnson is closing the season on a tear, and hopefully he has one more great outing in him in Week 18 against Atlanta. Johnson has scored a touchdown in three games in a row, and he just had eight catches for 90 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets at Tampa Bay in Week 17. He had four catches for 45 yards on seven targets in Week 12 at Atlanta, and I like him as a top-10 Fantasy tight end in all leagues this week. The Falcons are also No. 7 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends for the season.
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
NYG N.Y. Giants • #12
Age: 31 • Experience: 7 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs PHI PHI -5 O/U 42
OPP VS TE
11th
PROJ PTS
8.7
TE RNK
10th
YTD Stats
REC
47
TAR
68
REYDS
507
TD
1
FPTS/G
9.4
Waller had a solid game in Week 17 against the Rams with five catches for 51 yards on six targets, and he could post a similar stat line in Week 18 against the Eagles. Four tight ends have scored at least 10.8 PPR points against Philadelphia in the past seven games, and Tyrod Taylor should lean on Waller in this matchup at home.
LAC L.A. Chargers • #7
Age: 29 • Experience: 7 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs KC LAC -3.5 O/U 35
OPP VS TE
16th
PROJ PTS
9.6
TE RNK
8th
YTD Stats
REC
50
TAR
69
REYDS
407
TD
3
FPTS/G
7.8
Everett will hopefully bounce back in Week 18 against the Chiefs, and it appears like Keenan Allen (heel) will be out again. Everett had a down game in Week 17 at Denver with four catches for 31 yards on nine targets, and he scored just 7.7 PPR points. While the production was bad, Everett had at least eight targets for the fourth game in a row, and that should continue again in Week 18. He caught three passes for 26 yards and a touchdown on four targets in Week 7 at Kansas City, and the Chiefs will likely rest several starters on defense in the rematch.
HOU Houston • #86
Age: 27 • Experience: 6 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ IND HOU -1 O/U 47.5
OPP VS TE
7th
PROJ PTS
9
TE RNK
9th
YTD Stats
REC
54
TAR
81
REYDS
593
TD
5
FPTS/G
10.1
Schultz only had four catches for 34 yards on seven targets in Week 2 against the Colts, but he should do better in the rematch in Week 18. He's coming off a down game in Week 17 against Tennessee with only two catches for 19 yards on four targets, and he hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 11. But the Colts have allowed two of the past four tight ends to score a touchdown with Tanner Hudson in Week 14 and Kyle Pitts in Week 16, and Schultz should be a go-to option for C.J. Stroud in this matchup.
TEs to Sit
Projections powered by Sportsline
ATL Atlanta • #8
Age: 23 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ NO NO -3 O/U 42.5
OPP VS TE
29th
PROJ PTS
7.3
TE RNK
13th
YTD Stats
REC
51
TAR
87
REYDS
640
TD
3
FPTS/G
8.3
Pitts had another down game in Week 17 at Chicago with one catch for 5 yards on five targets, and it's tough to trust him in Week 18 at New Orleans. He had two catches for 22 yards on two targets against the Saints in Week 12, and New Orleans has held five of the past six opposing tight ends to 8.0 PPR points or less. Pitts also has just nine catches for 111 yards and no touchdowns in four career games against the Saints.
NO New Orleans • #7
Age: 33 • Experience: 7 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs ATL NO -3 O/U 42.5
OPP VS QB
23rd
PROJ PTS
9.4
QB RNK
NR
YTD Stats
PAYDS
83
RUYDS
350
TD
7
INT
0
FPTS/G
8.9
Hill caught a touchdown in Week 17 at Tampa Bay and finished with 11.5 PPR points, but he only had two targets and finished with two catches for 30 yards and the touchdown. He's disappeared as a rusher with five carries for 4 yards in his past three games, and it's tough to consider him a starter in the majority of leagues. We'll see if the Saints use Hill more as a rusher if Alvin Kamara (ankle) is out, but it seems risky given Hill's lack of touches in his past three games.
PIT Pittsburgh • #88
Age: 25 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ BAL PIT -4 O/U 35.5
OPP VS TE
17th
PROJ PTS
7.9
TE RNK
17th
YTD Stats
REC
30
TAR
45
REYDS
287
TD
2
FPTS/G
6.6
Freiermuth scored 21 PPR points in Week 12 at Cincinnati. Since then, he's combined for 24.7 PPR points in his past five games against Arizona, New England, Indianapolis, Cincinnati again and Seattle. The Ravens are expected to rest players on defense, but Freiermuth still remains too tough to trust in the majority of leagues. We'll see if Freiermuth can find the end zone for the first time since Week 3, and a touchdown might be the only thing to boost his Fantasy production in Week 18.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
DST
DST to Start

Lions (vs. MIN)

Nick Mullens is starting at quarterback again for the Vikings, and he's been great for opposing defenses in two starts against the Bengals and Lions. He was sacked seven times in those two games and threw six interceptions, including four against Detroit in Week 16. Minnesota has allowed 16 sacks in the past four games overall, and the Vikings have scored 10 points or less in three of their past five games. I like the Lions DST as a top-five Fantasy option in Week 18.

Sleepers

Jets (at NE)
Patriots (vs. NYJ)
Buccaneers (at CAR)

DST to Sit

Bears (at GB)

The Bears defense has been great lately with 16 interceptions since Week 11, and Chicago has held five consecutive opponents to 20 points or less. But the Packers offense should be tough for the Bears to stop, and it appears like Christian Watson (hamstring) and Jayden Reed (chest) should be able to play in Week 18. The Packers have scored 33 points in consecutive games against Carolina and Minnesota, and Green Bay has allowed just three sacks and two turnovers in the past three games. The Packers also scored 38 points at Chicago in Week 1.

START 'EM & SIT 'EM
KICKERS
Kicker to Start
Projections powered by Sportsline
HOU Houston • #15
Age: 29 • Experience: 8 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ IND HOU -1 O/U 47.5
OPP VS K
1st
PROJ PTS
7.3
K RNK
2nd
Fairbairn was my start kicker in Week 17 against Tennessee, and I'm sticking with him again in Week 18 at Indianapolis. He had four field goals and two PATs against the Titans, and he didn't miss a kick for 16 Fantasy points. He was 2-of-3 on field goals and made two PATs in Week 2 against the Colts, and Indianapolis has allowed seven field goals and four PATs in the past two weeks against Younghoe Koo and Daniel Carlson.
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
IND Indianapolis • #7
Age: 29 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs HOU HOU -1 O/U 47.5
OPP VS K
3rd
PROJ PTS
7.4
K RNK
3rd
ARI Arizona • #5
Age: 39 • Experience: 17 yrs.
JAC Jacksonville • #10
Age: 32 • Experience: 10 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ TEN JAC -5.5 O/U 40
OPP VS K
15th
PROJ PTS
7.4
K RNK
8th
Kicker to Sit
Projections powered by Sportsline
SF San Francisco • #4
Age: 24 • Experience: Rookie
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs LAR SF -4 O/U 41
OPP VS K
4th
PROJ PTS
7.1
K RNK
22nd
Moody has topped seven Fantasy points just twice in his past six games, and this could be another down game for him against the Rams in Week 18. The 49ers are expected to rest several starters, including Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey, and scoring chances could be scarce. The Rams also have allowed just one kicker to score more than seven Fantasy points in their past six games.