Fantasy football inactives, injuries and weather: Week 18

Week 18 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the fantasy football lineup decisions.

Sunday updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 18 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Early games: RB Alvin Kamara (inactive), RB Kendre Miller (active), WR Tee Higgins (inactive), QB Trevor Lawrence (active), WR Christian Kirk (inactive)
Afternoon games: WR Christian Watson (inactive), WR Jayden Reed (active), RB Isiah Pacheco (active), RB D’Andre Swift (inactive)
Sunday night: WR Jaylen Waddle (inactive), RB Raheem Mostert (inactive)


Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 37°F, cloudy, W 12 mph

Browns

Inactives: WR Amari Cooper, WR Marquise Goodwin, PK Dustin Hopkins, CB Mike Ford, CB Greg Newsome, DE Myles Garrett and S Juan Thornhill

Lineup notes: LB Anthony Walker Jr. (knee) was placed on IR. WR Amari Cooper (heel) and PK Dustin Hopkins (hamstring) are out. QB Joe Flacco (calf) and RB Kareem Hunt (groin) all practiced Friday. Flacco will sit out, and it will be surprising if we see much of Hunt. WR Elijah Moore (concussion) is active following a questionable tag. PK Riley Patterson was elevated to the active roster, and PK Dustin Hopkins (hamstring) was ruled out. DE Myles Garrett (shoulder), CB Greg Newsome (knee), and S Juan Thornhill (calf) will not play.

Bengals

Inactives: OT D’Ante Smith, TE Irv Smith, WR Tee Higgins, DT Travis Bell, C Trey Hill, CB Chidobe Awuzie and RB Chris Evans

Lineup notes: WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) will miss another contest after a brief return to the field. WR Ja’Marr Chase (shoulder), RB Joe Mixon (ankle) and QB Jake Browning (foot) practiced Friday and will play.


Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Vikings

Inactives: DT Jaquelin Roy, QB Jaren Hall, OG Ed Ingram, CB Theo Jackson, CB Mekhi Blackmon, OT Brian O’Neill and CB Byron Murphy

Lineup notes: TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) went on IR and is out for the season. RT Brian O’Neill (ankle) is out, and LT Christian Darrisaw (illness) is active after being questionable.

Lions

Inactives: WR Jameson Williams, CB Steven Gilmore, TE Brock Wright, DL John Cominsky, DL Brodric Martin, QB Hendon Hooker and DE Charles Harris

Lineup notes: WR Jameson Williams (ankle) is out. LT Taylor Decker (groin), C Frank Ragnow (knee, back, toe) and TE Sam LaPorta (ankle) are good to go after a full practice Friday. DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) was activated from IR and is not on the injury report.


Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 40°F, cloudy

Jaguars

Inactives: WR Christian Kirk, DT Angelo Blackson, OG Cole Van Lanen, QB Matt Barkley and LB Yasir Abdullah

Lineup notes: QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) will gut it out. WR Zay Jones (knee, hamstring) also will give it a whirl, though WR Christian Kirk (groin) isn’t quite ready yet, despite being activated from IR on Saturday.

Titans

Inactives: CB Anthony Kendall, DL TK McClendon Jr., DL Caleb Murphy, LB Trevis Gipson, OT Jaelyn Duncan, QB Will Levis and OT Daniel Brunskill

Lineup notes: QB Will Levis (foot) is inactive after being questionable, but QB Ryan Tannehill was named the starter anyway. CB Caleb Farley (back) has been ruled out.


New York Jets at New England Patriots (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 32°F, 95% chance of snow, NNE 15 mph

Jets

Inactives: QB Aaron Rodgers, LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball, DE Carl Lawson, WR Allen Lazard, PK Austin Seibert, OT Austin Deculus and CB Bryce Hall

Lineup notes: QB Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) is out, and QB Zach Wilson (concussion) went on IR.

Patriots

Inactives: QB Mac Jones, DT Sam Roberts, RB JaMycal Hasty, S Joshuah Bledsoe, OT Trent Brown, WR Tyquan Thornton and TE La’Michael Pettway

Lineup notes: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle) went on IR, ending his season. TE Hunter Henry (knee) also went on IR. LT Trent Brown (illness) is out. WR DeVante Parker (ribs) is active, but WR Tyquan Thornton (ankle) won’t go.


Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Falcons

Inactives: QB Taylor Heinicke, S DeMarcco Hellams, DT Tommy Togiai, C Drew Dalman, DB Natrone Brooks and DE Zach Harrison

Lineup notes: QB Taylor Heinicke (ankle) will not be available, so look for QB Desmond Ridder to start the finale.

Saints

Inactives: RB Alvin Kamara, WR Keith Kirkwood, LB Monty Rice, QB Jake Haener, DL Kyle Phillips, OT Landon Young and CB Lonnie Johnson

Lineup notes: RT Ryan Ramczyk (knee) went on IR. RB Alvin Kamara (ankle) won’t play, but RB Kendre Miller (ankle, illness) and TE Juwan Johnson (chest) are active despite being questionable.WR Chris Olave (ankle) was limited early in the week, but he had a full session Friday and will go. RB Jordan Mims was elevated from the practice squad.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers (1:00 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 48°F, cloudy, W 12 mph

Buccaneers

Inactives: QB John Wolford, LB K.J. Britt, OT Brandon Walton, WR Rakim Jarrett and LB Markees Watts

Lineup notes: QB Baker Mayfield (ribs), WR Trey Palmer (hip), and CB Carlton Davis (concussion) are active, despite being listed as questionable.

Panthers

Inactives: CB Shaquill Griffin, OT Ilm Manning, DE Marquis Haynes, OG Cade Mays, WR Mike Strachan, PK Eddy Pineiro and OT Ricky Lee

Lineup notes: WR Jonathan Mingo (foot) was placed on IR. PK Eddy Pineiro (hamstring) is inactive. QB Bryce Young (back) and RT Taylor Moton (knee) practiced all week and will play. WR DJ Chark Jr. (foot) had full sessions Thursday and Friday and will go. CB Jaycee Horn (toe) is active after being questionable.


Late afternoon games

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 34°F, cloudy, WNW 10 mph

Bears

Inactives: CB Jaylon Johnson, S Quindell Johnson, QB Tyson Bagent, RB D’Onta Foreman, CB Greg Stroman, OT Ja’Tyre Carter and WR Darnell Mooney

Lineup notes: WR Darnell Mooney (concussion) is out again. TE Cole Kmet (knee) and RB Khalil Herbert (back) are active. RB D’Onta Foreman is a healthy scratch once again. C Lucas Patrick (knee) was placed on IR. WR DJ Moore (ankle) practiced Friday and will play.

Packers

Inactives: LB Isaiah McDuffie, RB AJ Dillon, DL Brenton Cox, OT Caleb Jones, WR Christian Watson and WR Grant DuBose

Lineup notes: RB AJ Dillon (thumb, neck) is out. TE Luke Musgrave (kidney) was activated from IR. WR Christian Watson (hamstring) won’t go, but WR Dontayvion Wicks (chest), WR Jayden Reed (chest) and LG Elgton Jenkins (knee, ankle) are active. RB Aaron Jones (knee, finger) was limited all week but doesn’t have an injury tag.


Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: Dome stadium

Broncos

Inactives: C Alex Forsyth, CB Art Green, WR Michael Bandy, DL Thomas Incoom, DT Elijah Garcia and TE Chris Manhertz

Lineup notes: WR Courtland Sutton (concussion) and WR Marvin Mims (hamstring) practiced Friday and are good to go. RT Mike McGlinchey (ribs) has been placed on IR.

Raiders

Inactives: RB Josh Jacobs, OT Thayer Munford, WR Keelan Cole, DB Tyler Hall, DB Jaydon Grant, QB Brian Hoyer and DL Byron X. Young

Lineup notes: RB Josh Jacobs (quadriceps) and TE Michael Mayer (toe) are out.


Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 37°F, cloudy

Eagles

Inactives: WR DeVonta Smith, DL Fletcher Cox, QB Tanner McKee, OT Tyler Steen, RB D’Andre Swift and CB Darius Slay

Lineup notes: WR DeVonta Smith (ankle) and CB Darius Slay (knee) are out. RB D’Andre Swift (illness) also is inactive.

Giants

Inactives: DL Timmy Horne, QB Jacob Eason, LB Benton Whitley, TE Tyree Jackson, CB Deonte Banks, WR Parris Campbell and C John Michael Schmitz

Lineup notes: C John Michael Schmitz (shin) is inactive. QB Tyrod Taylor (back) was limited all week but will play.


Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 50°F, clear, W 14 mph (retractable-roof dome)

SEahawks

Inactives: OT Abraham Lucas, OT Raiqwon O’Neal, RB Kenny McIntosh, DL Jarran Reed, OT Jason Peters, DL Mario Edwards Jr. and LB Patrick O’Connell

Lineup notes: RT Abraham Lucas (knee) is out. RB Kenneth Walker III (shoulder) and WR Tyler Lockett (toe) practiced Friday and will go. LB Jordyn Brooks (ankle) is active.

Cardinals

Inactives: OT Dennis Daley, LB Trevor Nowaske, CB Divaad Wilson, TE Blake Whiteheart, CB Garrett Williams, DE Cameron Thomas and OT Carter O’Donnell

Lineup notes: LT D.J. Humphries (knee) was placed on IR with a torn ACL. WR Marquise Brown (heel) went on IR and is out for the season. WR Zach Pascal (hamstring) is active.


Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 55°F, clear N 17 mph (open-air dome)

Chiefs

Inactives: QB Patrick Mahomes, OT Donovan Smith, WR Rashee Rice, DE Mike Danna, TE Travis Kelce, WR Kadarius Toney and CB L’Jarius Sneed

Lineup notes: WR Rashee Rice (hamstring), LT Donovan Smith (neck) and WR Kadarius Toney (hip, ankle) are out. QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle) is out. RB Isiah Pacheco (concussion, shoulder) is active but probably won’t see much, if any, action. TE Travis Kelce (neck) and DE Michael Danna (coaching decision) also will be rested. TE Noah Gray (ribs) is good to go after practicing all week. LB Nick Bolton (wrist, abdomen), DE George Karlaftis (coaching decision), and CB Trent McDuffie (shoulder) are active, but it will be surprising of they play much. CB L’Jarius Sneed is out.

Chargers

Inactives: WR Keenan Allen, RB Isaiah Spiller, LB Kenneth Murray, WR Jalen Guyton, DL Nick Williams, OG Zion Johnson and S JT Woods

Lineup notes: EDGE Joey Bosa (foot) and WR Keenan Allen (heel) are out. LB Kenneth Murray (shoulder) joins them after being deemed doubtful. WR Joshua Palmer (concussion) practiced fully Friday and will go. LG Zion Johnson (neck) also is out.


Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 49°F, mostly clear

Rams

Inactives: DL Aaron Donald, QB Matthew Stafford, WR Cooper Kupp, OT Joe Noteboom, TE Tyler Higbee, RB Kyren Williams and LB Ernest Jones

Lineup notes: WR Cooper Kupp (rest), RB Kyren Williams (rest), DT Aaron Donald (rest), QB Matthew Stafford (rest) and TE Tyler Higbee (shoulder) are inactive. QB Carson Wentz will start. Don’t expect to see much, if anything, from WR Puka Nacua.

49ers

Inactives: CB Ambry Thomas, DL Arik Armstead, S Tashaun Gipson, WR Jauan Jennings, QB Brock Purdy, S Ji’Ayir Brown and RB Christian McCaffrey

Lineup notes: RB Christian McCaffrey (calf) is out. RB Elijah Mitchell (illness) is set to play after a full session Friday. DT Arik Armstead (foot/knee) was ruled out. QB Brock Purdy (coach’s decision) will sit in favor of QB Sam Darnold.


Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders (4:25 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 44°F, cloudy, W 13 mph

Cowboys

Inactives: CB Noah Igbinoghene, QB Trey Lance, OG Tyler Smith, CB Eric Scott Jr., DL Viliami Fehoko Jr., OG Zack Martin and S Sheldrick Redwine

Lineup notes: RB Deuce Vaughn (ankle) landed on IR. RB Rico Dowdle (ankle) will return after practicing Thursday and Friday. LG Tyler Smith (foot) and RG Zack Martin (illness) are inactive, but C Tyler Biadasz (illness) will go.

Commanders

Inactives: DE Jonathan Allen, TE Cole Turner, LB Andre Jones Jr., OG Andrew Wylie, QB Jacoby Brissett, S Kamren Curl and LB Casey Toohill

Lineup notes: RT Andrew Wylie (elbow) and QB Jacoby Brissett (hamstring) are inactive. WR Curtis Samuel (hamstring) practiced fully Friday and is good to go. QB Sam Howell will start. DE Jonathan Allen (knee) and S Kam Curl (quad) will not be available.


Sunday Night Football

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins (8:20 p.m. ET)

Kickoff Weather: 60°F, mostly cloudy, 80% humidity

Bills

Inactives: OG Alec Anderson, CB Kaiir Elam, DL Kingsley Jonathan, RB Latavius Murray, S Damar Hamlin and DL Linval Joseph

Lineup notes: C Mitch Morse (illness) was questionable after he sat out of practice Friday but has been since removed from the report. QB Josh Allen (neck, finger) practiced all week and is good to go. RB Leonard Fournette was elevated from the practice squad.

Dolphins

Inactives: RB Raheem Mostert, DB Ethan Bonner, OT Kion Smith, QB Skylar Thompson, WR Jaylen Waddle, TE Tyler Kroft and CB Xavien Howard

Lineup notes: WR Jaylen Waddle (ankle) and RB Raheem Mostert (knee, ankle) will miss this game. WR Tyreek Hill (ankle), QB Tua Tagovailoa (shoulder, quadriceps), RB De’Von Achane (toe, ribs), LT Terron Armstead (knee, ankle, back), RG Robert Hunt (hamstring) and RT Austin Jackson (oblique) practiced Friday and will play. CB Xavien Howard (foot) has been ruled out. S Jevon Holland (knees) was added Saturday as questionable but is active.

Fantasy football inactives, injuries and weather: Week 18 Saturday Slate

Week 18 weather, injury updates and gameday inactives for the Saturday Slate.

Updates will begin when teams start releasing official pregame inactives and starter information to the league. This is typically around 60-90 minutes prior to the kickoff of their game.

Weather forecasts are courtesy of The Football Database.

Week 18 gameday inactives, weather and notes

KEY GAME-TIME DECISIONS

Afternoon game: WR Zay Flowers (inactive)
Night game:


Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens (4:30 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 36°F, 100% chance of rain, NE 15 mph

Steelers

Inactives: CB Darius Rush, DL DeMarvin Leal, LB Blake Martinez, OT Dylan Cook, S Minkah Fitzpatrick, QB Mitchell Trubisky and S Trenton Thompson

Lineup notes: QB Mason Rudolph once again starts. RB Najee Harris (knee) went limited-DNP-full and avoided an injury tag. FS Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) is inactive, but LB Elandon Roberts (pec) will give it a go.

Ravens

Inactives: OG Kevin Zeitler, WR Odell Beckham Jr., S Kyle Hamilton, QB Lamar Jackson, LB Malik Harrison, WR Zay Flowers and CB Marlon Humphrey

Lineup notes: QB Lamar Jackson (coach’s decision), WR Odell Beckham Jr. (coach’s decision), CB Marlon Humphrey (calf), and RG Kevin Zeitler (knee, quad, coach’s decision) will not play. WR Zay Flowers (calf) is inactive, and S Kyle Hamilton (knee) joins him. QB Tyler Huntley starts in place of Jackson.


Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (8:15 p.m. EST)

Kickoff Weather: 34°F, cloudy (retractable-roof dome)

Texans

Inactives: CB Kris Boyd, QB Case Keenum, LB Jonathan Greenard, OG Nick Broeker, WR Noah Brown and WR Robert Woods

Lineup notes: DE Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) is active after being deemed questionable. WR Noah Brown (back) will not play, and WR Robert Woods (hip) also will miss this one after sitting all week. He’s officially questionable. LT Laremy Tunsil (groin) will give it a whirl.

Colts

Inactives: DT Adetomiwa Adebawore, OG Jack Anderson, RB Trey Sermon, DB Chris Lammons and DB Henry Black

Lineup notes: LG Quenton Nelson (ankle), C Ryan Kelly (ankle), RT Braden Smith (knee) and RB Zack Moss (arm) are active.

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 18

Start ’em, Sit ’em for fantasy football in Week 18.

Though most fantasy football championships have already been concluded, there’s a faction of leagues holding the crucial, final matchup in Week 18.

Though that’s not recommended considering the implications of fantasy studs sitting out the final week of the regular season, we’re still here to help with those lineup decisions.

Fantasy football injury report: Week 18

Latest status of fantasy football weapons who are on the mend entering Week 18.

This is a team-by-team review of any key fantasy football player injury news after this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s official injury report will be addressed, unless the situation warrants further attention.

PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases its final official injury report each Friday (approximately 5:30 p.m. ET). West Coast teams often report their injuries late and may not be included in the initial publication.

Week 18 fantasy football injury report

This week’s key game-time decisions: RB Alvin Kamara, RB Kendre Miller, WR Jaylen Waddle, RB Raheem Mostert, WR Christian Watson, WR Jayden Reed, WR Tee Higgins, QB Trevor Lawrence, WR Christian Kirk, RB Isiah Pacheco, RB D’Andre Swift

ARIZONA CARDINALS
WR Marquise Brown
(heel) went on IR and is out for the season. WR Zach Pascal (hamstring) was limited Friday and is questionable.

ATLANTA FALCONS 
QB Taylor Heinicke (ankle) is questionable after limited work all week.

BALTIMORE RAVENS – Saturday night
QB Lamar Jackson, (rest) WR Odell Beckham Jr., (rest) and OG Kevin Zeitler (knee, quadriceps) are out.  WR Zay Flowers (calf) is doubtful.

BUFFALO BILLS 
C Mitch Morse (illness) is questionable after he sat out of practice Friday. QB Josh Allen (neck, finger) practiced all week and is good to go.

CAROLINA PANTHERS 
WR Jonathan Mingo (foot) was placed on IR. PK Eddy Pineiro (hamstring) is doubtful. QB Bryce Young (back) and RT Taylor Moton (knee) practiced all week and will play. WR DJ Chark Jr. (foot) had full sessions Thursday and Friday and will go.

CHICAGO BEARS 
WR Darnell Mooney (concussion) is out again. TE Cole Kmet (knee), RB Khalil Herbert (back) and C Lucas Patrick (knee) are questionable. Kmet was a full-go Friday, Patrick was limited and Herbert sat out. WR D.J. Moore (ankle) practiced Friday and will play.

CINCINNATI BENGALS
WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) is doubtful and didn’t practice all week. WR Ja’Marr Chase (shoulder), RB Joe Mixon (ankle) and QB Jake Browning (foot) practiced Friday and will play.

CLEVELAND BROWNS 
WR Amari Cooper (heel) and PK Dustin Hopkins (hamstring) are out. WR Elijah Moore (concussion) is questionable after limited work all week. QB Joe Flacco (calf) and RB Kareem Hunt (groin) all practiced Friday. Flacco will sit out, and it will be surprising if we see much of Hunt.

DALLAS COWBOYS 
RB Deuce Vaughn (ankle) landed on IR. RB Rico Dowdle (ankle) is set to return after practicing Thursday and Friday. LG Tyler Smith (foot) and C Tyler Biadasz (illness) are questionable.

DENVER BRONCOS 
WR Courtland Sutton (concussion) and WR Marvin Mims (hamstring) practiced Friday and are good to go.

DETROIT LIONS 
WR Jameson Williams (ankle) is out. LT Taylor Decker (groin), C Frank Ragnow (knee, back, toe) and TE Sam LaPorta (ankle) are good to go after a full practice Friday.

GREEN BAY PACKERS 
RB AJ Dillon (thumb, neck) is out. TE Luke Musgrave (kidney), WR Christian Watson (hamstring), WR Dontayvion Wicks (chest), WR Jayden Reed (chest) and LG Elgton Jenkins (knee, ankle) are questionable. Watson didn’t practice Friday, but the rest were limited. RB Aaron Jones (knee, finger) was limited all week but doesn’t have an injury tag.

HOUSTON TEXANS – Saturday night
WR Noah Brown (knee) is out. LT Laremy Tunsil (knee) and WR Robert Woods (hip) are questionable. Tunsil was limited Thursday, but Woods didn’t practice.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS – Saturday night
RB Zack Moss (forearm), RT Braden Smith (knee), LG Quenton Nelson (ankle) and C Ryan Kelly (ankle) are all questionable. Moss and Smith had full sessions Thursday, and Kelly and Nelson were limited.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 
QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), WR Zay Jones (knee, hamstring) and WR Christian Kirk (groin) are questionable after limited practices all week. 

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 
WR Rashee Rice (hamstring), LT Donovan Smith (neck) and WR Kadarius Toney (hip, ankle) are out. QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle) is doubtful, but head coach Andy Reid already said Mahomes wouldn’t play. RB Isiah Pacheco (concussion, shoulder) is questionable after limited work Thursday and Friday. TE Travis Kelce (neck) was limited all week and carries no injury designation, but it’s hard to imagine him playing much because the team is locked in their playoff position. TE Noah Gray (ribs) is good to go after practicing all week.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
RB Josh Jacobs (quadriceps) and TE Michael Mayer (toe) are out.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
EDGE Joey Bosa (foot) and WR Keenan Allen (heel) are out. WR Joshua Palmer (concussion) practiced fully Friday and will go.

LOS ANGELES RAMS
WR Cooper Kupp (rest), RB Kyren Williams (rest) DT Aaron Donald (rest) and TE Tyler Higbee (shoulder) officially are doubtful, but Sean McVay already said none of them will play.

MIAMI DOLPHINS 
WR Jaylen Waddle (ankle) and RB Raheem Mostert (knee, ankle) are questionable after upgrading to limited work Friday. WR Tyreek Hill (ankle), QB Tua Tagovailoa (shoulder, quadriceps), RB De’Von Achane (toe, ribs), LT Terron Armstead (knee, ankle, back), RG Robert Hunt (hamstring) and RT Austin Jackson (oblique) practiced Friday and will play.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS
TE T.J. Hockenson (knee) went on IR and is out for the season. WR Jalen Nailor (concussion) and RT Brian O’Neill (ankle) are out, and LT Christian Darrisaw (illness) is questionable.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle) went on IR, ending his season. TE Hunter Henry (knee) and LT Trent Brown (illness) are out. WR DeVante Parker (ribs) and WR Tyquan Thornton (ankle) are questionable after limited work Friday.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
RT Ryan Ramczyk (knee) went on IR. RB Alvin Kamara (ankle), RB Kendre Miller (ankle, illness) and TE Juwan Johnson (chest) are questionable. Kamara didn’t practice at all this week, and Miller was limited until he missed practice Friday. Johnson was limited Thursday and Friday. WR Chris Olave (ankle) was limited early in the week, but he had a full session Friday and will go.

NEW YORK GIANTS 
C John Michael Schmitz (shin) is questionable after limited work Thursday and Friday. QB Tyrod Taylor (back) was limited all week but will play.

NEW YORK JETS 
QB Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) and QB Zach Wilson (concussion) remain out.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 
WR DeVonta Smith (ankle) is out. RB D’Andre Swift (illness) is questionable after limited work Friday.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS – Saturday night
QB Kenny Pickett (ankle) and RB Najee Harris (knee) practiced fully Thursday and are good to go. Pickett was benched in favor of Mason Rudolph, though. 

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 
RB Christian McCaffrey (calf) is out. RB Elijah Mitchell (illness) is set to play after a full session Friday.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 
RT Abraham Lucas (knee) is out. RB Kenneth Walker III (shoulder) and WR Tyler Lockett (toe) practiced Friday and will go.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
QB Baker Mayfield (ribs) is questionable but practiced fully Friday. WR Trey Palmer (hip) also is questionable but was limited all week.

TENNESSEE TITANS
QB Will Levis (foot) is questionable after a limited practice Friday, but QB Ryan Tannehill was named the starter.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
RT Andrew Wylie (elbow) is questionable. QB Jacoby Brissett (hamstring) and WR Curtis Samuel (hamstring) practiced fully Friday and are good to go. QB Sam Howell will start over Brissett, however.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 18

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 15 DFS fantasy football.

Week 18 is when daily fantasy becomes extra crazy. During Week 18, it is possible for coaches to limit the playing time of several starters and for some to opt out of the game completely. When this occurs, it is important to determine which players are most likely to play the entire game. The worst feeling in the world is to build your ultimate lineup and watch your stars kick butt in the first half and then end up spending the rest of the game on the bench.

One thing to note is that both FanDuel and FanBall are including the Sunday Night Football game in their regular slate.

DFS: The Saturday Slate

Saturday Afternoon

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

Mason Rudolph (QB4) is performing considerably better than either Kenny Pickett or Mitch Trubisky. He still is the low man on this slate’s totem pole. Against a solid Baltimore defense, he is looking at no greater than 200-1.

Lamar Jackson (coach’s decision) is sitting out this game. This leaves Tyler Huntley (QB3) to lead this offense. He is serviceable, but don’t expect him to put up huge numbers.

We continue to see a split between Jaylen Warren (RB6) and Najee Harris (RB4). Harris is getting the larger share of the carries, but Warren is seeing far more of the targets. Neither did much in their earlier meeting. That said, if Baltimore plays their reserves this week, both could return RB2 value.

Gus Edwards (RB5) and Justice Hill (RB3) have been serving as the primary ball carriers for Baltimore. Each is a potential RB2. Melvin Gordon (RB8) would see a heavy workload if Hill and Edwards are rested.

When Rudolph took over as the starter, it became immediately clear that George Pickens (WR4) would be the beneficiary. He is one of the WR1 choices this week. Diontae Johnson (WR5) is still seeing a fair target share, but he has returned to TD irrelevance. His receptions are enough to make him WR2 eligible in DK format. Allen Robinson (WR13) is, at best, a Showdown play.

Zay Flowers (calf) is doubtful, while Odell Beckham Jr. won’t play. That leaves Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor, who would become an instant WR2 play. Bateman is less appealing.

I expected more from Pat Freiermuth (TE3) with Rudolph under the center. His production has been steady but not elite. On a small slate, he is no better than a flex play.

Isaiah Likely (TE1) has stepped right into Mark Andrews’ role as the alpha receiver in this offense. If he plays, he should be your starting TE. If he rests, Charlie Kolar (TE7) could be a sneaky pivot.

Saturday Night

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts

C.J. Stroud (QB1) returned last week and continued to post quality numbers, despite further injuries to his WR corps. Pencil in Stroud for a floor of 265-2.

Based on his performance this season, Gardner Minshew (QB2) deserves to be an NFL starting QB in 2024. Houston has not allowed many passing TDs, but they are seventh-worst in passing yards allowed. They also have allowed a league-worst seven QB rushing scores. Minshew will score both ways and throw for just under 260 yards here.

Devin Singletary (RB2) bypassing Dameon Pierce (RB8) was not on my preseason bingo card. Indy ranks bottom-five in RB rushing yards, rushing TDs, and receiving yards allowed. Use Singletary as an RB1, but skip Pierce.

Johnathan Taylor (RB1) is back from his second injury absence of the season. This return has coincided with the reinjury of Zack Moss (RB7 – forearm). Taylor has now scored in six of the last seven games he has played, making him a near-lock to score here. Even if Moss (questionable) returns, he is no better than a Showdown dart throw. If Moss remains out, Trey Sermon (RB9) also would have Showdown value.

Noah Brown (hip, knee, back) won’t play, so we can more safely expect another huge showing from Nico Collins (WR2). He should be in your WR1 conversation. Robert Woods (WR12) will be the other starter for Houston, if he plays through a knee injury that has him questionable. He can be a WR3 flier, if active. Both Xavier Hutchinson (WR15) and John Metchie (WR16) will see increased targets this week, but neither deserves a start.

If you don’t use Collins at WR1, then use Michael Pittman Jr. (WR1), or better yet, start both of them. Josh Downs (WR6) and Alec Pierce (WR10) are both WR3 considerations.

This is a deep TE slate, but Dalton Schultz (TE2) remains one of the safest plays. Even Brevin Jordan (TE6) makes a sneaky flex play.

Indy is once again playing “Wheel of Tight Ends.” Good luck choosing between Kylen Granson (TE4), Will Mallory (TE5), and Mo Alie-Cox (TE8). One of them will score and all three will combine for four catches and 40 yards. Granson is the only one to trust.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Tyrod Taylor ($5.3k), RB Rachaad White ($7.6k), RB Ezekiel Elliott ($5.9k), WR A.J. Brown ($8.7k), WR Brandin Cooks ($5.2k), WR Darius Slayton ($4.0k), TE Evan Engram ($5.4k), FLEX Zach Charbonnet ($5.0k), DST Los Angeles Rams ($2.6k)

FD Lineup: QB Josh Allen ($9.5k), RB James Conner ($7.3k), RB Rachaad White ($7.7k), WR A.J. Brown ($8.2k), WR Darius Slayton ($5.7k), WR Brandin Cooks ($6.3k), TE Noah Gray ($4.8k), FLEX Ezekiel Elliott ($6.7k), DST Los Angeles Rams ($3.6k)

FB Lineup: QB Nick Mullens ($5.2k), RB Ezekiel Elliott ($5.7k) RB James Conner ($5.8k), WR CeeDee Lamb ($8.6k), WR A.J. Brown ($7.9k), WR/TE Justin Jefferson ($8.0k), TE Tanner Hudson ($3.3k), FLEX Darius Slayton ($3.0k), SUPERFLEX Dak Prescott ($7.3k)

Quarterback DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,300 $9,500
Jalen Hurts $8,100 $9,000
Dak Prescott $8,000 $8,700
Justin Fields $7,200 $8,100
Tua Tagovailoa $7,500 $7,600
Trevor Lawrence $6,800 $7,500
Jared Goff $6,700 $7,500
Jordan Love $6,600 $7,800
Kyler Murray $6,400 $8,000
Baker Mayfield $6,200 $7,200
Geno Smith $6,100 $7,300
Jake Browning $5,700 $7,400
Derek Carr $5,600 $6,800
Aidan O’Connell $5,400 $6,700
Tyrod Taylor $5,300 $7,000
Sam Darnold $5,200 $6,500
Sam Howell $5,200 $7,000
Nick Mullens $5,100 $7,100
Easton Stick $5,000 $6,600
Will Levis $5,000 $6,500
C.J. Beathard $4,900 $6,500
Jarrett Stidham $4,900 $6,400
Taylor Heinicke $4,900 $6,900
Trevor Siemian $4,900 $6,300
Blaine Gabbert $4,800 $6,400
Bryce Young $4,800 $6,400
Desmond Ridder $4,800 $6,900
Jaren Hall $4,800 $6,200
Ryan Tannehill $4,800 $6,500
Bailey Zappe $4,700 $6,300
Carson Wentz $4,500 $6,100
Jeff Driskel $4,000 $6,000

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Dak Prescott has the best matchup, and it is a must-win game. The enormous concern is that it is on the road. Josh Allen is pricey, but this game is also a must-win, so consider paying up for him on FD. Jalen Hurts and Justin Fields have good matchups and can be solid pivots. Jared Goff has an easy matchup, and the Lions should play their starters the whole game. You can also use Jordan Love in a game the Packers need. Tyrod TaylorNick MullensCarson Wentz, and Ryan Tannehill are cheap punts.

Fantasy Four-pack

Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ WAS ($8,000 DK, $8,700 FDDallas is playing for the division title, so they will be all-in. The biggest concern is that Prescott has struggled on the road this year. Fortunately, Washington is rotten enough that the road curse shouldn’t bother him this week. Back in Week 12, Prescott put up 311-4 against this defense. It won’t be four scores, but 300-3 is certainly in play. 

Josh Allen, Bills @ MIA ($8,300 DK, $9,500 FD) Assuming that both Allen (neck) and Tua Tagovailoa (shoulder) are ready to go as expected, this game could hit 80 combined points. Despite posting just three passing TDs over his last four games, Allen has added six rushing scores over that span. This sets up nicely as only four teams have allowed more QB rushing scores than Miami. Also, back in Week 4, Allen accounted for five total TDs against them.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ NYG ($8,100 DK, $9,000 FD) Another team in must-win mode is the Eagles. Much like Allen, Hurts also has been keeping relevant thanks to his legs. He has eight rushing TDs over his last six games. One of those came two weeks ago versus these Giants. This week, Hurts will post 235-1 to go along with 40-2 on the ground.

Justin Fields, Bears @ GB ($7,200 DK, $8,100 FDGreen Bay has been in free fall defensively. In the last four weeks, they have allowed eight passing TDs. This is amazing when you consider that they have faced a murderer’s row of Tommy DeVitoBaker MayfieldBryce Young, and Jaren Hall over that span. Fields has scored a rushing TD in three of his last four games. Chalk up another here, to go along with at least one through the air.

DFS Sleepers

Tyrod Taylor, Giants vs. PHI ($5,300 DK, $7,000 FDTaylor (back) turned garbage time into a near-comeback victory last week. This week, he faces a Philly defense that has allowed the fifth-most passing yards and second-most passing TDs. Philly will have their feet firmly on the gas pedal, so Taylor will be a garbage-time hero again.

Nick Mullens, Vikings @ DET ($5,100 DK, $7,100 FD) Watching Mullens play may make you pull your hair out. Fortunately, only INTs count negatively against him in DFS. Even with their injuries, Minnesota still has a load of weapons to choose from. Plus, Detroit has been absolute trash against the pass. The Vikings have wafer-thin odds of making the postseason, so they will leave everything on the Ford Field turf. Expect Mullens to finish with 335-2 (and at least two INTs as well). 

Running Backs DraftKings FanDuel
Rachaad White $7,600 $7,700
Alvin Kamara $7,500 $7,200
Travis Etienne Jr. $7,300 $8,800
Raheem Mostert $7,000 $8,300
De’Von Achane $6,900 $8,200
Breece Hall $7,200 $7,500
Isiah Pacheco $7,000 $7,900
James Cook $7,100 $7,400
Saquon Barkley $6,900 $7,100
D’Andre Swift $6,800 $6,900
Jahmyr Gibbs $6,700 $8,100
Austin Ekeler $6,600 $6,400
Bijan Robinson $6,600 $6,900
Kenneth Walker III $6,500 $7,000
Tony Pollard $6,500 $7,600
David Montgomery $6,400 $8,000
Derrick Henry $6,400 $7,300
Aaron Jones $6,300 $6,800
Joe Mixon $6,300 $7,800
Josh Jacobs $6,200 $7,200
James Conner $6,100 $7,300
Zamir White $6,000 $6,500
Ezekiel Elliott $5,900 $6,700
Elijah Mitchell $5,800 $6,600
Khalil Herbert $5,700 $7,000
Jerome Ford $5,600 $7,100
Ty Chandler $5,600 $6,600
Chuba Hubbard $5,500 $6,200
Brian Robinson Jr. $5,400 $6,300
Javonte Williams $5,300 $6,200
Jamaal Williams $5,200 $6,000
Roschon Johnson $5,100 $5,400
Alexander Mattison $5,000 $5,400
Zach Charbonnet $5,000 $6,100
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $4,900 $6,500
Antonio Gibson $4,800 $5,200
D’Onta Foreman $4,800 $5,700
Kenneth Gainwell $4,800 $4,900
Tyler Allgeier $4,800 $5,900
Kareem Hunt $4,700 $5,800
Chase Brown $4,600 $4,900
Jordan Mason $4,600 $5,700
Matt Breida $4,600 $5,600
Rico Dowdle $4,600 $5,000
Tyjae Spears $4,600 $5,500
AJ Dillon $4,500 $5,600
Chase Edmonds $4,500 $5,300
Michael Carter $4,400 $5,200
Royce Freeman $4,400 $4,600
Jaleel McLaughlin $4,400 $5,500
La’Mical Perine $4,400 $5,000
Pierre Strong Jr. $4,000 $4,600

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Rachaad White is once again the safest play. De’Von Achane is in play on FD, if Raheem Mostert (shin) remains out. Otherwise, use Breece HallD’Andre Swift, or Saquon Barkley as pivots. Kenneth Walker III (shoulder) has a great matchup, but he might miss this game with a shoulder injury. His backup, Zach Charbonnet, is a fabulous punt option. Other RB2 choices include Ezekiel ElliottJames Conner, and Khalil Herbert. They all have easy matchups. You can also consider volume replacements for backs that are sitting this week. Elijah MitchellJordan Mason, Clyde Edwards-HelaireLa’Mical Perine, Royce Freeman, and Pierre Strong Jr. could all see starter’s reps.

Fantasy Four-pack

Rachaad White, Buccaneers @ CAR ($7,600 DK, $7,700 FD) Carolina has allowed a league-worst 24 total TDs to the position. One of those went to White back in Week 13. This was part of a stretch where White had scored in seven of his last nine games.

Breece Hall, Jets @ NE ($7,200 DK, $7,500 FD) Over the last four weeks, Hall has averaged 25 PPR points per game. Meanwhile, the Patriots have allowed four double-digit PPR backs in their last three games. With no Dalvin Cook, Hall will get all the touches he can eat here.

D’Andre Swift, Eagles @ NYG ($6,800 DK, $6,900 FD) The Giants rank bottom-three in both rushing yards and rushing TDs allowed to the position. They also were only one of six teams to allow Swift to score this season. If Jalen Hurts lets him, Swift could score again. Either way, he should approach 100 total yards.

De’Von Achane, Dolphins vs. BUF ($6,900 DK, $8,200 FDYou can only use him on FD, but Achane (toe) is primed for another gigantic game, if Raheem Mostert (shin) remains out. Achane has played in only 10 games this season, but he has 10 TDs in those games. This includes the earlier meeting with Buffalo, where Achane posted 120 yards and two scores on just 11 touches.

DFS Sleepers

Ezekiel Elliott, Patriots vs. NYJ ($5,900 DK, $6,700 FDOver their last four games, the Jets have allowed 472 total yards and NINE total TDs to opposing RBs. This includes six TDs allowed in just the last two weeks. Elliott has scored in three of his last four games and will score at least once here.

James Conner, Cardinals vs. SEA ($6,100 DK, $7,300 FD) Seattle is allowing the third-most total TDs to the RB position this year. Over their last four games, the Seahawks are allowing an average of 165 combo yards and 1.25 total TDs to the position. Meanwhile, since Week 13, Conner is averaging greater than 22 PPR points per game.

Wide Receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Tyreek Hill $9,400 $9,500
CeeDee Lamb $9,300 $10,000
A.J. Brown $8,700 $8,200
Amon-Ra St. Brown $8,600 $8,800
Justin Jefferson $8,500 $9,000
Stefon Diggs $8,200 $7,600
Davante Adams $7,900 $7,700
Puka Nacua $7,800 $7,700
Amari Cooper $7,700 $7,400
Deebo Samuel $7,600 $8,300
Keenan Allen $7,500 $8,100
Mike Evans $7,400 $8,400
Ja’Marr Chase $7,300 $7,800
DK Metcalf $7,200 $7,600
Brandon Aiyuk $7,100 $7,900
DJ Moore $7,000 $8,000
DeVonta Smith $6,900 $7,000
Jaylen Waddle $7,700 $7,000
Rashee Rice $6,800 $7,800
Chris Olave $6,700 $7,300
Calvin Ridley $6,500 $6,900
Courtland Sutton $6,400 $6,800
Chris Godwin $6,300 $6,900
Tee Higgins $6,200 $6,600
DeAndre Hopkins $6,100 $6,800
Adam Thielen $6,000 $6,400
Gabe Davis $5,500 $6,400
Garrett Wilson $5,900 $6,600
Romeo Doubs $5,800 $6,100
Jayden Reed $5,700 $7,100
Tyler Lockett $5,600 $6,800
Terry McLaurin $5,500 $6,900
Jakobi Meyers $5,400 $6,700
Jordan Addison $5,300 $6,700
Brandin Cooks $5,200 $6,300
Jerry Jeudy $5,100 $5,800
Drake London $5,000 $6,200
Joshua Palmer $4,900 $6,000
Jaxon Smith-Njigba $4,800 $5,700
Christian Watson $4,700 $6,500
Rashid Shaheed $4,700 $6,000
Dontayvion Wicks $4,600 $5,500
Greg Dortch $4,600 $5,500
Demarcus Robinson $4,500 $6,500
Demario Douglas $4,400 $5,900
Michael Wilson $4,400 $5,600
Curtis Samuel $4,300 $5,600
Tyler Boyd $4,300 $5,500
Wan’Dale Robinson $4,200 $5,900
Cedrick Wilson Jr. $3,900 $5,400
Khalil Shakir $3,400 $5,200
K.J. Osborn $4,100 $5,000
Darius Slayton $4,000 $5,700
Quentin Johnston $4,000 $5,500
Cedric Tillman $3,900 $5,300
Darnell Mooney $3,900 $5,000
Jameson Williams $3,900 $5,300
Julio Jones $3,900 $5,100
Rondale Moore $3,900 $5,000
Jahan Dotson $3,800 $5,400
Jauan Jennings $3,800 $5,000
Zay Jones $3,800 $5,600
Alex Erickson $3,700 $5,300
DJ Chark Jr. $3,700 $5,700
Bo Melton $3,600 $5,200
Trey Palmer $3,600 $5,400
DeVante Parker $3,500 $5,200
Marvin Mims Jr. $3,500 $4,900
Xavier Gipson $3,500 $5,100
Brandon Johnson $3,400 $4,800
David Bell $3,400 $5,000
Justin Watson $3,400 $5,200
Malik Heath $3,400 $4,700 
Parker Washington $3,400 $4,900
Tre Tucker $3,400 $4,900
Treylon Burks $3,400 $5,000
Tyler Scott $3,400 $4,800
A.T. Perry $3,300 $4,600 
Jalin Hyatt $3,300 $4,900
Josh Reynolds $3,300 $5,400
Lil’Jordan Humphrey $3,300 $5,000
Tutu Atwell $3,300 $4,800
Kadarius Toney $3,200 $4,900 
Michael Gallup $3,200 $4,900 
Ronnie Bell $3,200 $4,800 
Braxton Berrios $3,300 $4,500
Ben Skowronek $3,000 $4,300
Christian Kirk $3,000 $4,000 
Isaiah Hodgins $3,000 $4,800 
Justyn Ross $3,000 $4,300 
Keelan Doss $3,000 $4,800
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $3,000 $4,900
Mecole Hardman Jr. $3,000 $4,600 
Ray-Ray McCloud $3,000 $4,200 
Richie James $3,000 $4,500 
Skyy Moore $3,000 $4,700

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – To quote one of the greatest New Year’s movies of all time, “Spend, Mortimer, spend.” They loaded the top of the board with some studs in great matchups. You should use two of A.J. Brown, CeeDee LambJustin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tyreek Hill (FD only). The cheaper pivots would be Ja’Marr Chase (shoulder), DK MetcalfDJ Moore, and Calvin Ridley. If you choose to spend up at WR3, use DeAndre HopkinsRomeo Doubs, or Brandin Cooks. Other WR3 options to consider are Demarcus RobinsonGreg DortchDarius SlaytonAlex Erickson, and whoever suits up for San Francisco and Kansas City.

Fantasy Four-pack

A.J. Brown, Eagles @ NYG ($8,700 DK, $8,200 FDBrown played the squeaky wheel card this past weekend. Combining this with the probability that DeVonta Smith (ankle) will not play this weekend, leaves Brown with a chance at 15 targets. 

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys @ WAS ($9,300 DK, $10,000 FD) Lamb has scored and/or topped 100 total yards in 11 straight games. This includes topping 150 yards four times during that span. Washington has allowed the most WR receiving yards and the second-most WR receiving scores. Lamb is a lock for at least 125-1 here. 

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins vs. BUF ($9,400 DK, $9,500 FDThis game will feature very few punts. The last team to possess the ball will probably win. Both teams could approach 500 scrimmage yards and/or top 40 points. Hill will be the primary beneficiary of those yards and points, especially if Jaylen Waddle (ankle) remains out.

Justin Jefferson, Vikings @ DET ($8,500 DK, $9,000 FD) The Vikings need this victory to make the playoffs. Plus, Jefferson is within striking distance of the 1k receiving yardage mark. In the two earlier games with Nick Mullens at QB, Jefferson averaged 10 targets, 6.5 receptions, and 113 yards. This included a monster game against these same Lions. Mullens will pepper Jefferson all game. 

DFS Sleepers

Brandin Cooks, Cowboys @ WAS ($5,200 DK, $6,300 FD) Washington is awful enough against the pass to make both Lamb and Cooks startable. I wouldn’t recommend stacking all three, but if you cannot afford to squeeze Lamb into your lineup, use Cooks instead.

Greg Dortch, Cardinals vs. SEA ($4,600 DK, $5,500 FDDortch led all Cardinals in every receiving category last week. Most weeks, that role will fall to Trey McBride. A similar volume here should return a similar output to last week’s 7-82.

Tight Ends DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $6,600 $7,500
David Njoku $6,400 $7,000
Sam LaPorta $6,200 $7,300
Trey McBride $6,000 $6,700
Evan Engram $5,400 $6,800
George Kittle $5,200 $6,600
Dallas Goedert $5,100 $6,100
Jake Ferguson $4,900 $6,000
Dalton Kincaid $4,800 $5,700
Darren Waller $4,700 $5,600
Taysom Hill $4,600 $5,500
Cole Kmet $4,500 $6,300
Hunter Henry $4,100 $5,000
Kyle Pitts $4,000 $5,400
Gerald Everett $3,900 $5,200
Tucker Kraft $3,700 $5,300
Juwan Johnson $3,600 $5,400
Chig Okonkwo $3,500 $5,100
Tyler Conklin $3,300 $5,100
Logan Thomas $3,200 $5,000
Michael Mayer $3,200 $4,900
Cade Otton $3,100 $5,000
Tanner Hudson $3,100 $4,900
Durham Smythe $2,900 $4,800
Dawson Knox $2,800 $4,700
Johnny Mundt $3,000 $4,500
Jonnu Smith $2,900 $5,000
Josh Oliver $2,900 $4,600
Mike Gesicki $2,900 $4,800
Noah Fant $2,900 $4,900
Adam Trautman $2,800 $4,400
Austin Hooper $2,700 $4,600
Donald Parham Jr. $2,700 $4,300
Lucas Krull $2,700 $4,500
Colby Parkinson $2,600 $4,600
Blake Bell $2,500 $4,400
Davis Allen $2,500 $4,400
Harrison Bryant $2,500 $4,400
Noah Gray $2,500 $4,800
Ross Dwelley $2,500 $4,200

Tight End

Weekly strategyTrey McBride and Evan Engram should each see a high target volume in middling matchups. Dalton Kincaid (FD only), Darren WallerGerald, Everett, and Tucker Kraft are the top pivots. Tanner Hudson has a juicy matchup at a bargain price. Also, consider punt options replacing sitting starters such as Ross DwelleyNoah Gray, Davis Allen, and Harrison Bryant.

Fantasy Four-pack

Trey McBride, Cardinals vs. SEA ($6,000 DK, $6,700 FD) McBride has seven or more targets and five or more receptions in seven straight games. With Arizona continuing to be shorthanded on offense, McBride should continue to see a large target share.

Evan Engram, Jaguars @ TEN ($5,400 DK, $6,800 FD) Tennessee is very good against opposing TEs. That said, they have allowed a TE to score in back-to-back games. Meanwhile, Engram has five or more targets in every game this season. Plus, he has topped 60 receiving yards in four of his last five games. Much like Arizona, Jacksonville is severely shorthanded in their receiving corps. This means that Engram should continue to see just under 10 targets per game.

Dalton Kincaid, Bills @ MIA ($4,800 DK, $5,700 FD) After a pair of dud games, Kincaid exploded for 4-87 on seven targets last week. Miami has allowed three TE scores over their last two games. The stars are aligning here and Kincaid will finally net his third score of the year. 

Sam LaPorta, Lions vs. MIN ($6,200 DK, $7,300 FDMinnesota is solid against the TE position, but LaPorta is within striking distance of a few plateaus including 1k receiving yards and double-digit TDs. Look for the Lions to push to get LaPorta to both goals.

DFS Sleepers

Tucker Kraft, Packers vs. CHI ($3,700 DK, $5,300 FD) Chicago has allowed the fifth-most receptions and the third-most receiving TDs to the position. Since the injury to Luke Musgrave (kidney), Kraft has seen a ton of opportunities. This includes six targets in four of his last five games.

Tanner Hudson, Bengals vs. CLE ($3,100 DK, $4,900 FD) In six of his last nine games, Hudson has at least four receptions. He also is coming off of his highest target output of the season last week. Over their last four games, Cleveland has forgotten how to cover the position. During that span, they have allowed a league-worst 35 receptions and four TDs to the position.

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 18

A season of ups and downs has made this Cowboy a wild ride in fantasy.

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start as a streamer. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as my favorite fantasy football gamble of the week.

The players chosen in this series are meant to be fliers for fantasy owners in desperate situations or those willing to take an intentional risk. No player is intended to be a lineup lock for guaranteed results, hence the name of the series.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 18

Tracking my 2023 predictions: 8-10-0
All-time record: 27-41-3 (40.1%)

Win: Player produces ≥ 75% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >75% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected, leaves with an injury, or is ruled out after publishing

This year, we’ll also track the accuracy on a percentage basis to show relative results, since sometimes calling a player a loss doesn’t actually hurt gamers. An example would be if a projection narrowly falls short of the 75 percent threshold, the player is still of use in a lineup.

Wk 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
% 55 74 41 20 150 66 16 25 88 121 138 80 87 64 48 95 35 77
Grade E C F- F- A+ D F- F- B+ A+ A+ B- B+ D F A F- C+

Week 18 final update: Pollard finished just barely in the winning column, bringing my season-long prediction result to 8-10. Meh. I was close to breaking even but had several disastrous flops, too. Lessons learned for next season!


Last week, Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel was the choice, and I stand by my initial decision to promote him. However, in hindsight, it’s easy to say I should have pivoted to a different player once the news broke that Jacoby Brissett wouldn’t be on the field. I stuck with Samuel mainly because he had been successful in recent weeks with Sam Howell. My only regret is not choosing the other player I had strongly debated before settling on Samuel … Juwan Johnson. Oof.

Dallas Cowboys RB Tony Pollard at Washington Commanders

So, while name-brand players don’t normally find their way into this space, Pollard’s season has been a disappointment in relation to his fantasy draft expectations. He has been streaky, but even when Pollard has stepped up his game, the results haven’t been a display of week-winning dominance.

Pollard hasn’t scored in four straight contests and posted more than 7.7 points in only one of those games. On the year, this Memphis product has averaged nearly three fewer fantasy points per game than last year despite seeing 3.5 more weekly touches, which suggests maybe less is more for his big-play profile. Through the first six games, Pollard mostly lived up to borderline RB1 status but was a better No. 2. Since, he has failed to reach double figures 60% of the time in PPR scoring. His early-season role as a receiver was much more stable than in the second half of 2023.

To his credit, Pollard has not gone more than three consecutive outings without a breaking into double digits, and he has four 16-plus-pointers in a row (Weeks 11-14) when he has been at his best this season. He had a fine game in Week 12 vs. the Commanders, generating 22.3 points, which was his best fantasy day of the year.

Since that game, Washington has ceded the most rushing yards, fantasy points, and total yards per game, and no defense has permitted rushing TDs at a higher frequency in that time. Throughout 2023, versatile backs have thumped the Commanders, and 18 total scores have come in the 16 games played. Only three defenses have allowed more receptions and aerial touchdowns. The matchup rating is 22.3% better than average on the year and an absurd 65.6% softer over the duration of the season.

Pollard will be the 18th back to get into double figures vs. this feeble unit.

My projection: 14 carries, 68 rushing yards, 1 TD, 5 targets, 5 receptions, 36 yards (21.4 PPR points)

Fantasy football sleepers to play in Week 18

Taking a look at some sleepers to play in Week 18.

While the majority of fantasy football leagues have concluded, there are still some leagues that partake in a Week 18 championship, and we’re still here to help those who need it.

And, even though the vast majority of fantasy managers are no longer competing, we can use these sleepers for prop betting and DFS plays.

We will be using The Huddle’s weekly PPR projections and rankings as a reference to find some potential boom games this week.

The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 209

Talking NFL player news, fantasy football advice, DFS strategy and more!

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you NFL news, a discussion about different fantasy football league settings, and “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways and Value Plays.” So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or, click here to listen

Fantasy football IDP free-agent report: Week 18

Check your waiver wire for these IDP one-week plays.

We have reached the NFL regular-season finale. If you’re going of all the marbles this week, let’s help put them in the right places.

Each week, we’ll highlight diamonds in the rough or some players that just need to be rostered in more leagues on the defensive side of the ball. Keep in mind your scoring system and roster restraints when heading to the waiver wire to grab these IDPs.

Defensive linemen

EDGE Travon Walker, Jacksonville Jaguars 

The 2022 No. 1 overall pick was considered a bit of a project when he was drafted, but he has taken a significant step forward in Year 2 going from 3.5 sacks to nine. He also is on fire with four sacks in the last three games. The cherry on top? He faces the Tennessee Titans in Week 18, who have allowed the most fantasy points to D-linemen over the last five weeks. Whether he serves as a DL/EDGE/LB, he’s a strong play in Week 18.

DT Kobie Turner, Los Angeles Rams

We have another nose tackle this week, and for good reason, the third-round rookie has 3.5 sacks the last two weeks. He’ll face the San Francisco 49ers this week. The Niners aren’t a good matchup at face value, but they’re expected to rest some starters. Only four defensive tackles have more than his nine sacks on the season.

Linebackers

LB Sione Takitaki, Cleveland Browns

The BYU product typically hovers on the fringe of a pickup. He’ll deliver some weeks and disappear the next. What he did in Week 17 was deliver in a big way with 17 tackles. He’ll have a midrange matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals to pile on.

LB Devin Bush, Seattle Seahawks

Another outstanding stat line in Week 17 came from Bush, who had 17 total tackles. Albeit, 12 of them were assisted tackles, so his point total may not have been as high in some leagues. He had six tackles in Week 16 as well, so he’s on a hot streak. He’ll have a midrange matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18.

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LB Deion Jones, Carolina Panthers

A former fantasy stud with the Atlanta Falcons, Jones had his best performance of the season with seven tackles and a sack in Week 17. He has a tough matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he’s playing for a contract for next season and looks to be motivated.

Defensive backs

FS Donovan Wilson, Dallas Cowboys

It’s not a great matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 18 as they’ve allowed the fewest points to the position the last five weeks. However, Wilson has been on fire, totaling 11-plus tackles in the last two weeks and five-plus in six straight games.

SS Jordan Battle, Cincinnati Bengals

Battle has lived up to his name with at least seven tackles over the last three games. He has seven stops in six of the last seven games as well. He just doesn’t add much outside of that category. He has a chance to finish strong against a top-five matchup the last five weeks in the Cleveland Browns.

SS Nick Cross, Indianapolis Colts

Freshly thrust into the starting lineup, Cross finished Week 17 with nine tackles. He added six in the previous week as well. He has a chance to go for the trifecta against the Houston Texans in the season finale. The Texans are a solid matchup for opposing DBs the last five weeks.

Fantasy football waiver wire: Week 18 free-agent forecast

Check out the top waiver-wire targets for Week 18.

Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated.

Check back for any updates throughout Monday and Tuesday as more injury news becomes available.