If you are reading this, you are probably playing in a Week 18 fantasy football league. First word of advice, find a new league or vote to change the settings next year. But, if you are here, I would be glad to help, and hopefully, we will help you all season. This week there are a lot of wild factors to consider with playoff scenarios, players resting, and player incentives. We are going to look at all of those things to help make some educated decisions.
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Week 18 Fantasy Football Rankings: Who is Playing Week 18?
We have you covered, and you can check out all of our rankings on the website. These are my rankings on the FantasyPros ECR. I have highlighted some players that I am higher on than the expert consensus fantasy football rankings. Good luck this week, and if you want any advice this season, please reach out. The easiest way to find us is by joining our Patreon and our Discord.
Quarterbacks
Resting and Replacements
- BAL – Lamar Jackon – Tyler Huntley
- CLE – Joe Flacco – Dorian Thompson-Robinson
- KC – Patrick Mahomes – Blaine Gabbert
- LAR – Matthew Stafford – Carson Wentz
- SF – Brock Purdy – Sam Darnold
Injured
- TEN – Will Levis (OUT) – Ryan Tannehill to Start
- JAX – Trevor Lawrence (Questionable) – C.J. Beathard
Start – Jake Browning, CIN vs. CLE
Cleveland is usually not a great defense to target. Their top corner ranks #1 and #2 for the lowest quarterback rating when targeted. But, they are not expected to play this weekend, and neither are half of the Browns. Browning is playing for his NFL career to finish on a great season.
He won’t likely have Tee Higgins, but he could have Ja’Marr Chase out there. Look for Browning to play hard and be a streaming option this weekend.
Start – Jared Goff, DET at MIN
The Detroit Lions got screwed, and they will take it out on Minnesota. The Vikings have a 3% chance to make the playoffs, and Detroit plans to break hearts. Goff and the Lions have been on fire when playing indoors. Look for Goff to bounce back.
The last time he played Minnesota, Goff threw for 257 and 1 touchdown. If this is the floor, give me some Goff. Minnesota’s 32nd against passing completions and 25th against passing yards this season.
Nick Mullens is also back there, and he is turnover-prone. Goff and the boys are averaging over 30 points when playing indoors this year. Give Goff some short fields and more scoring opportunities. I am comfortable putting him in my week 18 fantasy football championship lineups.
Honorable Mentions: Nick Mullens at DET, Baker Mayfield at CAR, and Tyrod Taylor vs. PHI
Running Backs
Resting and Replacements
- BAL – Gus Edwards – Melvin Gordon
- CLE – Jerome Ford – Pierre Strong Jr.
- KC – Isiah Pacheco – Clyde Edwards-Helaire
- LAR – Kyren Williams – Ronnie Rivers
- SF – Christian McCaffrey – Jordan Mason
Injured
- NO – Alvin Kamara (GTD) – Jamaal Williams
- CHI – Khalil Herbert (Questionable) – Roschon Johnson
- LV – Josh Jacobs (OUT) – Zamir White
- MIA – Raheem Mostert (Questionable) – De’Von Achane
- PHI – D’Andre Swift (Questionable)- Kenneth Gainwell
Start – Zamir White, LV vs. DEN
Zamir White has made a strong case to take this job next year. Josh Jacobs is a free agent, and he is looking to get paid. The Raiders have shown that they have no interest in doing that.
White has two more years on his rookie deal, and he has been great. White even showed off some pass-catching ability last week. He could be the future starter for Las Vegas and this week I have him firmly inside my top-10 fantasy football RBs.
Start – De’Von Achane, MIA vs. BUF
Achane took over the backfield while Raheem Mostert rested last week. The 18 touches last week should give you confidence this week. Miami doesn’t want to let Buffalo into the playoffs, and they can improve their seeding with a win. If Mostert doesn’t play, I will move Achane down the rankings.
But, All signs look to be another Achane game. His big-play ability and pass-catching skillset bring a huge upside that you don’t want on your bench. Last week he turned 14 carries into 107 yards. Through the air, he had 4 receptions for 30 yards and 1 touchdown against Baltimore.
Start – Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris, PIT vs. BAL
Pittsburgh is playing for their playoff lives, while Baltimore has locked up the #1 seed. Baltimore gets a bye week next week, and they are resting half of their team this week.
They have already announced that they are resting most of their starters. On top of that, they have half of their defense questionable this week. Look for Pittsburgh to utilize both backs this week. Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris are both worth fantasy football starts this week.
Honorable Mentions: Ty Chandler at DET, Devin Singletary at IND, and Austin Ekeler vs. KC
Wide Receivers
Resting and Replacements
- BAL – Odell Beckham Jr. – Rashod Bateman
- CLE – Amari Cooper – Elijah Moore
- KC – Rashee Rice – Richie James
- LAR – Cooper Kupp – Demarcus Robinson
- PHI – Devonta Smith – Quez Watkins
Injured
- BAL – Zay Flowers (Doubtful) – Nelson Agholar
- CIN – Tee Higgins (Doubtful) – Trenton Irwin
- DET – Jameson Williams – Josh Reynolds
- GB – Christian Watson (Questionable) – Dontayvion Wicks
- MIA – Jaylen Waddle (Questionable) – Cedric Wilson
- JAC – Zay Jones (Questionable) and Christian Kirk (Questionable) – Parker Washington
Start – DeAndre Hopkins vs JAX
De’Andre Hopkins has some amazing incentives that he can hit this weekend. He can earn $250k with just 7 catches and another $1 Million if he gets 49 yards. I would bet the overs in this situation, he is well aware.
Hopkins has played 72% of snaps this season. If he plays 75% or more, he will get another $500k. Hopkins could earn a cool $1.75 Million on top of his game check tomorrow. Might want to take a look at his props after you put him into your fantasy football lineups.
Start – Jayden Reed vs. CHI
Jayden Reed has proven to be a trustworthy fantasy football option. He has been banged up and left the game after the first half last week. Reed had 25 points in the first half.
This week, he gets Chicago, and their secondary is only going to encourage you to start him. His usage has continued to increase as a wide receiver. But he is a flat-out weapon in this offense. Reed has been getting you plenty of points on the ground and through the air this year.
Start – Tyler Lockett at AZ
Geno Smith has a ton of incentive to win this game. If they win, they are in. Also, he literally has an incentive for $2 Million if the Seahawks make the playoffs. Tyler Lockett has been dealing with some injuries and struggling as of late. He has always shown up for the Seahawks when they need him the most.
The team needs a win, and they will need their stars to show up. Lockett could be a fantasy football streaming option if you are in a pinch.
Honorable Mentions: Gabe Davis at MIA, Chris Godwin at CAR, George Pickens at BAL
Tight Ends
Resting and Replacements
- BAL – Isaiah Likely – Charlie Kolar
- CLE – David Njoku – Harrison Bryant
- KC – Travis Kelce – Noah Gray
- LAR – Tyler Higbee – Davis Allen
- SF – George Kittle – Ross Dwelley
Injured
- NE – Hunter Henry (OUT)
- CHI – Cole Kmet (Questionable)
- LAR – Tyler Higbee (Questionable)
Start – Juwan Johnson, NO vs. ATL
Juwan Johnson is healthy and is finally cashing in on some of that preseason hype. Last week, he was the fantasy football TE1 overall, turning 12 targets into 19 fantasy points. His last three weeks were TE10, TE4, and TE1. This guy is red hot, and Derek Carr looks for him in the red zone. Johnson is not just a streaming option, he is a must start this week.
Honorable Mentions: Tucker Kraft vs CHI, Darren Waller vs. PHI, Gerald Everett vs. KC
Start – D/ST – Pittsburgh Steelers at BAL
Baltimore is playing a preseason type of lineup, and the Steelers will have all of their starters in. Pittsburgh is in a must-win game. Their defense will be playing hard.
This is already a good defense, but taking on Baltimore’s second string should open up some potential. T.J. Watt is contending for the league’s sack title, and this defense will be looking to take advantage of the situation.
Honorable Mentions: TB at CAR, GB vs CHI, New England vs. NYJ, NYJ at New England
