Fantasy Football Matchups We Love - Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Week 18 (2025)

December 31, 2025

Quincy's top fantasy football matchups for Week 18 of 2025. His favorite start 'em, sit 'em picks and predictions -- strong start/sit matchups that he loves.

While many fantasy championships are played in Week 17, we cannot overlook those who play fantasy football all the way through the final regular-season whistle. Luckily, the majority of NFL teams will not be resting anyone for the playoffs this week. There is a lot of seeding to play for, and only four divisions are settled.

With every Week 18 matchup being divisional, we could be treated to some fireworks. Every team knows each other well. There are no surprises. Additionally, there are plenty of financial incentives to be played for around the league. It could provide some fantasy fun.

With conventional fantasy football ending in Week 18, you must go all out to win your matchup. However, there are still DFS and other formats that rely on matchup information as well. Without further ado, let's have some fun and dive into the best matchups of the week.

Quarterback Matchups We Love

Tyler Shough - New Orleans Saints
Opponent: at ATL
Opponent Rank vs. QB: 15th

The Tyler Shough drum beat has been steadily growing to the point where it is now a full ensemble. Shough looks the part of an NFL quarterback despite the average offensive structure around him. His smart decision-making and playmaking ability with his legs have propelled him into the streaming conversation.

Kevin Austin Jr.'s first career TD pushes the #Saints in the lead 🙌

📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/1CfTcdH49W

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 28, 2025

Shough will play the Falcons defense this week. Atlanta has been up and down this season, but it has allowed several huge performances from quarterbacks along the way. Shough should have no problem moving the Saints down the field. Look for him to get it done with his arm and his leg in Week 18.

Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys
Opponent: at NYG
Opponent Rank vs. QB: 24th

Dak Prescott has only pride to play for in Week 18. Well, it is a good thing that this is one of the most prideful men in the league. Prescott draws an excellent matchup with the Giants this week. Despite the Giants' shutdown of Raiders quarterback Geno Smith in Week 17, this defense has not suddenly figured out how to defend opposing passing games.

The Cowboys should throw the ball all over the yard this week. Prescott should have no problems finding wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens all game long. Prescott is not always going to give you a monster game, but it seems more likely than not in Week 18.

Quarterback Matchup to Temper Expectations

Baker Mayfield - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Opponent: CAR
Opponent Rank vs. QB: 6th

Baker Mayfield has hardly been a fantasy starter since the Buccaneers came out of their bye in Week 9, and that does not figure to change in Week 18 against the Panthers. Say what you will about Carolina, but this passing defense is something to fear. It may not be consistent, but with Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson on the outside, Carolina is a threat for an interception on any play.

Mayfield's kryptonite before the bye was interceptions. He threw two in the Buccaneers' first eight games. He has thrown eight since, including a game-losing interception against the Panthers just two weeks ago. If you have another option at quarterback, you should use him.

Running Back Matchups We Love

Breece Hall - New York Jets
Opponent: at BUF
Opponent Rank vs. RB: 27th

Breece Hall was able to get loose against an excellent Patriots rushing defense in Week 17. He draws an easier matchup with the Bills in Week 18. The Bills' rushing defense has steadily improved this season from the cellar it was in to start the season. However, with very little to play for, how long will head coach Sean McDermott leave his starters in?

longest TD run of the season for @BreeceH 💨 pic.twitter.com/mzCkfmQkHE

— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 29, 2025

At this point, the Bills' main focus should be to enter the playoffs as healthy as possible. If their starters do not play a full game, Hall will receive an extra bump. Even so, Hall is motivated to continue showcasing his skills for an impending free agency. He can be deployed as a flex option with upside in Week 18.

Jaylen Warren - Pittsburgh Steelers
Opponent: BAL
Opponent Rank vs. RB: 18th

Jaylen Warren gave you a dud in Week 17. If you managed to survive last week, Warren could be a great fantasy asset in Week 18. The Ravens are middle of the pack against opposing running backs in fantasy. However, they allow relative efficiency on the ground, and they have given up a whopping 81 receptions to the position this season.

If the Steelers want to win this week, the offense will need to run through the running backs. Warren and running mate Kenneth Gainwell are key to this game. The Steelers have a solid running scheme that should be able to take advantage of an average Ravens defense. Start Warren with confidence in Week 18.

Running Back Matchup to Temper Expectations

Jonathan Taylor - Indianapolis Colts
Opponent: at HOU
Opponent Rank vs. RB: 10th

We would never tell you not to start Jonathan Taylor, but this may not be the week that he wins you your matchup. The Texans defense has been relatively immovable all season. With the Colts starting rookie quarterback Riley Leonard on Sunday, the offensive output could be a bit stalled. Although respectable in his first real action back in Week 14 against Jacksonville, Leonard is contending with a different beast this week.

Taylor has also simply not been the same player during the Colts' recent skid. Since Indianapolis' bye in Week 11, Taylor has yet to exceed 17.40 PPR fantasy points. While a great number in a vacuum, that is not the type of output you hope for from a running back such as Taylor. Structure the rest of your lineup with the idea that Taylor's ceiling is likely substantially lower than usual this week.

Wide Receiver Matchups We Love

Jameson Williams - Detroit Lions
Opponent: at CHI
Opponent Rank vs. WR: 25th

Jameson Williams may have given you a huge dud in Week 17, but do not expect the same in Week 18. The Lions are eliminated from playoff contention, but this is a team that does not want to allow its division rival to grab the No. 2 seed in the NFC. The Lions will go all out this week to secure a win.

Chicago is much improved since these teams met in Week 2, and the Lions hung 52 points on it. However, the Bears defense is still a problem. Expect a shootout. Williams will benefit from a massive back-and-forth affair. He should get loose down the field once or twice in this game, and his touchdown upside is high. You can ride Williams to a championship in Week 18.

Wan'Dale Robinson - New York Giants
Opponent: DAL
Opponent Rank vs. WR: 32nd

Wan'Dale Robinson has definitely secured a big bag of money with the way he has played this season. That should not change in Week 18 against a vulnerable Cowboys defense. This game will be played between two teams eliminated from playoff contention, but that should not stop the scoreboard from working overtime with two bad defenses taking the field.

Although better than it was, the Cowboys defense is still very bad. The Cowboys are particularly susceptible to the passing game. Additionally, Robinson's role as a slot receiver further raises his floor because of the ease of his targets. Expect Robinson to receive a smattering of targets early and often in this game.

Wide Receiver Matchup to Temper Expectations

Jaylen Waddle - Miami Dolphins
Opponent: at NE
Opponent Rank vs. WR: 12th

Jaylen Waddle's inconsistent season has been disappointing for fantasy managers. Unfortunately, Waddle's inconsistencies are likely to continue in Week 18. The Patriots defense is stout, and it should do well to pressure rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers in this game. Additionally, the Patriots have everything to play for with the No. 1 seed in the AFC on the line.

The Patriots would be smart to take away the Dolphins' top receiving weapon and make a young quarterback find other options. Your best hope with Waddle this week is for him to find the end zone. Proceed with caution in Week 18.

Tight End Matchup We Love

Hunter Henry - New England Patriots
Opponent: MIA
Opponent Rank vs. TE: 30th

Hunter Henry has been a red-zone monster this season. He has scored in back-to-back games, and he will look to make it a third with one of the most favorable matchups of the season. Henry is one of quarterback Drake Maye's most trusted targets. Additionally, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels schemes a lot of red-zone looks for Henry when there are good matchups to be had. Well, there are good matchups to be had in Week 18.

FEED ME MORE 😤@DrakeMaye2| @Hunter_Henry84

📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/BK8hMtV6Xt

— z - New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 28, 2025

Henry's target volume has been relatively consistent as he has often pushed for five a game. That target volume provides Henry with a solid fantasy floor. With a solid floor in place, look for Henry to give you an advantage at the position with a touchdown in Week 18.

Tight End Matchup to Temper Expectations

Juwan Johnson - New Orleans Saints
Opponent: at ATL
Opponent Rank vs. TE: 3rd

Juwan Johnson has been a nice target for quarterback Tyler Shough this season, but he draws an incredibly tough matchup in Week 18. For all their defensive inconsistencies this season, the Falcons have done well to slow down opposing tight ends. They are allowing just 9.9 PPR points per game to the position this season.

Atlanta has been especially good at keeping opposing tight ends out of the end zone this season. It has allowed a league-low three touchdown receptions to the position. This is not the week to mess around with Johnson. It would behoove fantasy managers to find a streaming option if possible.

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