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Happy New Year, RotoBallers! It's time for the final round of waiver wire pickups of the 2023 fantasy football season. Most fantasy leagues ended in Week 17. However, we've got you covered with our Week 18 fantasy football waiver wire rankings for fantasy managers with still something to play for.
Week 18 comes with many challenges as managers must navigate through injuries and NFL teams who have already clinched, resting their starters. There will likely be fill-ins and backups to emerge as viable fantasy options. Be sure to follow the news closely and be ready to strike. The 49ers clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and superstar running back Christian McCaffrey has already been ruled out for Week 18. Elijah Mitchell is expected to be San Francisco's lead back and have an expanded role in Sunday's matchup versus the Rams. Will Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert continue his strong performance with D'Onta Foreman out? Herbert has racked up at least 121 scrimmage yards over his last two games with Foreman unavailable. Will Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (quad) return in Week 18, or will we see Zamir White for a fourth consecutive week?
Our waiver wire rankings will help answer these questions -- they've been a staple in the fantasy industry for years, providing a quick-hit list of player names that goes deep into the free agent options each week. For those unfamiliar, one of the industry's sharpest fantasy football minds, Nick Mariano, brings you his weekly waiver wire rankings and priority adds for the top 60 potential options.
Week 18 Waiver Wire Articles
Before diving into the Week 18 rankings, let's look at some other free waiver wire resources available at RotoBaller.
Each week, our NFL team puts out a complete array of fantasy football waiver wire articles to compliment our slick new Who Should I Pickup? Waiver wire player comparison tool. Bookmark it!
In addition, here is a quick rundown of our other waiver wire articles. First up is our overall Week 18 fantasy football waiver wire pickups (all positions) article by Robert Lorge and the famous Week 18 waiver wire express article compliments of Nick Mariano. These give a nice overview of the waiver wire pickup options each week. Then, we also look at FAAB waiver wire bidding recommendations from Nick Mariano. We also dig deeper for each position with individual waiver wire articles:
- RB waiver wire pickups for Week 18
- WR waiver wire pickups for Week 18
- TE waiver wire pickups for Week 18
- QB waiver wire pickups for Week 18
- D/ST waiver wire pickups, streamers for Week 18
- Kicker waiver wire pickups, streamers for Week 18
- IDP waiver wire pickups for Week 18
Who To Pickup for Fantasy Football Week 18?
Finally, below, you'll see our weekly rankings for the relevant waiver wire pickup options, including how to prioritize them for your league (depending on the league size). Quarterbacks and Defenses (D/ST) are grouped together at the bottom of the list:
| Rank | Player Name | Position | % Rostered | Baller Move |
| 1 | Elijah Mitchell | RB | 12 | Add in All Leagues |
| 2 | Khalil Herbert | RB | 53 | Add in All Leagues |
| 3 | Zamir White | RB | 60 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 4 | Jamaal Williams | RB | 18 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 5 | Jerry Jeudy | WR | 53 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 6 | Tyler Allgeier | RB | 47 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 7 | Zach Charbonnet | RB | 56 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 8 | Romeo Doubs | WR | 61 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 9 | Wan'Dale Robinson | WR | 11 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 10 | Demarcus Robinson | WR | 28 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 11 | Curtis Samuel | WR | 39 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 12 | Demario Douglas | WR | 23 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 13 | Greg Dortch | WR | 7 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 14 | Kareem Hunt | RB | 54 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 15 | Justice Hill | RB | 19 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 16 | Odell Beckham Jr. | WR | 60 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 17 | Rashid Shaheed | WR | 59 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 18 | Josh Downs | WR | 48 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 19 | Roschon Johnson | RB | 24 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 20 | Jeff Wilson Jr. | RB | 13 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 21 | Rashod Bateman | WR | 16 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 22 | Tyjae Spears | RB | 45 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 23 | Juwan Johnson | TE | 15 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 24 | Chase Brown | RB | 20 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 25 | Taysom Hill | TE | 54 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 26 | Julio Jones | WR | 1 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 27 | Tucker Kraft | TE | 20 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 28 | Darius Slayton | WR | 3 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 29 | Kenneth Gainwell | RB | 28 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 30 | Gerald Everett | TE | 46 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 31 | Cedrick Wilson Jr. | WR | 2 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 32 | Quentin Johnston | WR | 22 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 33 | Jaleel McLaughlin | RB | 9 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 34 | Trey Palmer | WR | 2 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 35 | Chigoziem Okonkwo | TE | 43 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 36 | Michael Wilson | WR | 5 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 37 | Alec Pierce | WR | 4 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 38 | K.J. Osborn | WR | 30 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 39 | Michael Carter | RB | 2 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 40 | Brandon Johnson | WR | 2 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 41 | Tyler Higbee | TE | 38 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 42 | Mike Gesicki | TE | 3 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 43 | Jordan Mason | RB | 2 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 44 | Kendre Miller | RB | 4 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 45 | Bo Melton | WR | 0 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 46 | Cedric Tillman | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 47 | Xavier Hutchinson | WR | 0 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 48 | Ameer Abdullah | RB | 1 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 49 | Joe Flacco | QB | 34 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 50 | Jake Browning | QB | 41 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 51 | Gardner Minshew | QB | 32 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 52 | Derek Carr | QB | 48 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 53 | Tyrod Taylor | QB | 4 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| 54 | Jarrett Stidham | QB | 5 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| 55 | Jaren Hall | QB | 3 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| 56 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | DST | 37 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 57 | New England Patriots | DST | 21 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 58 | Las Vegas Raiders | DST | 32 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 59 | New Orleans Saints | DST | 49 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 60 | Houston Texans | DST | 40 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
Some of the top names include Elijah Mitchell, Khalil Herbert, Zamir White, Jamaal Williams, and Jerry Jeudy. We recap why these players rostered under 60% in Yahoo! leagues should be on your radar when scrolling through the waiver wire for Week 18.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Denver Broncos (53% Rostered)
Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings: 5
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was quarterback Jarrett Stidham's top target in Week 17, with both Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. out with injuries. Jeudy caught three of six targets for 54 yards in last Sunday's win over the Chargers. He was second in receiving yards behind Lil'Jordan Humphrey (69) and tied Brandon Johnson for the team lead in targets.
The 24-year-old has only found the end zone once this season and hasn't caught more than three passes in a game since Week 11. Despite the lack of fantasy production, Jeudy does receive 18.3% of the team's target share and averages 12.5 air yards per target. The former first-round pick has upside against the Raiders in Week 18 and could see an increase in target share as Denver's top receiving weapon if Sutton and Mims remain sidelined.
Khalil Herbert, RB, Chicago Bears (53% Rostered)
Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings: 2
Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert had another massive performance. Herbert rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown while adding two catches on three targets for five yards in last Sunday's win over the Falcons. The 25-year-old has taken advantage as the Bear's primary back, with D'Onta Foreman inactive for the second consecutive week.
Herbert has rushed for 236 yards on 38 attempts and two touchdowns while catching three passes for 14 yards during both starts. Herbert will look to continue his strong against the Green Bay Packers in the regular season finale. The Packers have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Fantasy managers with still something to play for should plug-and-play Herbet into their lineups regardless of whether Foreman continues to miss time.
Zamir White, RB, Las Vegas Raiders (60% Rostered)
Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings: 3
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs has missed the last three games due to a quad injury. Zamir White replaced Jacobs as the Raiders' lead back in all three games. White has rushed for 285 yards on 59 attempts and scored while catching eight of 11 targets for 51 yards with Jacobs sidelined. The Raiders have been eliminated from the playoffs.
With Jacobs set to be a free agent next offseason, the Raiders could opt to give White an elevated role for the regular season finale against Denver. The Broncos have been gashed through the ground, allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Fantasy managers should monitor Jacobs's status throughout the week, but all signs indicate White having an expanded role for the fourth consecutive week.
Elijah Mitchell, RB, San Francisco 49ers (12% Rostered)
Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings: 1
The San Francisco 49ers have clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC and have already ruled out superstar running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) for the regular season finale against the Los Angeles Rams. Elijah Mitchell is available in most leagues and is expected to be San Francisco's primary back in Week 18. While filling in for McCaffrey, Mitchell rushed for 80 yards on 17 attempts and one touchdown in Sunday's win over the Commanders.
The Rams have been stingy against opposing backfields and allowed the fewest fantasy points (11.9 FPPG) against the position in 2023. Despite the tough matchup, Mitchell should have an expanded role in a high-octane offense, making him a viable fantasy option for managers still playing for something.
Jamaal Williams, RB, New Orleans Saints (12% Rostered)
Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings: 4
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara sprained his ankle in Sunday's win over the Buccaneers. He exited early and missed the entire second half of last Sunday's game. Kamara is considered day-to-day, and his status for the regular season finale versus the Atlanta Falcons is up in the air. Jamaal Williams filled in for Kamara and rushed for 58 yards on 19 attempts. He also added four catches for 13 yards.
Williams would take over the Saints primary back if Kamara cannot suit up in Week 18. The 28-year-old has yet to find the end zone in 2023 after rushing for 17 touchdowns in 2022. Despite the lack of production this season, Williams should have an expanded role in a decent matchup if Kamara is ruled out. The Falcons recently allowed Khalil Herbert to rush for 124 yards and a touchdown. Fantasy managers of Kamara or searching for an RB2 can look to add Williams in all league formats.
Running Backs - Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order:
| Player Name |
| Elijah Mitchell |
| Khalil Herbert |
| Zamir White |
| Jamaal Williams |
| Tyler Allgeier |
| Zach Charbonnet |
| Kareem Hunt |
| Justice Hill |
| Roschon Johnson |
| Jeff Wilson Jr. |
| Tyjae Spears |
| Chase Brown |
| Kenneth Gainwell |
| Jaleel McLaughlin |
| Michael Carter |
| Jordan Mason |
| Kendre Miller |
| Ameer Abdullah |
Wide Receivers - Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order:
| Player Name |
| Jerry Jeudy |
| Romeo Doubs |
| Wan'Dale Robinson |
| Demarcus Robinson |
| Curtis Samuel |
| Demario Douglas |
| Greg Dortch |
| Odell Beckham Jr. |
| Rashid Shaheed |
| Josh Downs |
| Rashod Bateman |
| Julio Jones |
| Darius Slayton |
| Cedrick Wilson Jr. |
| Quentin Johnston |
| Trey Palmer |
| Michael Wilson |
| Alec Pierce |
| K.J. Osborn |
| Brandon Johnson |
| Bo Melton |
| Cedric Tillman |
| Xavier Hutchinson |
Tight Ends - Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order:
| Player Name |
| Juwan Johnson |
| Taysom Hill |
| Tucker Kraft |
| Gerald Everett |
| Chigoziem Okonkwo |
| Tyler Higbee |
| Mike Gesicki |
Quarterbacks - Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order, with emphasis on Week 17:
| Player Name |
| Joe Flacco |
| Jake Browning |
| Gardner Minshew |
| Derek Carr |
| Tyrod Taylor |
| Jarrett Stidham |
| Jaren Hall |
Defenses (D/ST) - Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order, with emphasis on Week 17:
| Player Name |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| New England Patriots |
| Las Vegas Raiders |
| New Orleans Saints |
| Houston Texans |
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More Waiver Wire Analysis
Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.
