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Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em picks and lineup advice for all Week 18 matchups in 2025. Joey analyzes in-depth Week 18 matchups via game-by-game breakdowns.
Welcome back, RotoBallers, to our Week 18 matchups analysis and fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em picks! This is our main weekly matchups column where we cover all games. We will offer an in-depth analysis of every player in every game.
The rule of thumb for Week 18 fantasy football championships is to start players who you know will start and finish games. That makes players like Dak Prescott and Josh Allen risky plays this week. Both of their teams are playing for nothing, and it could be an abbreviated start for both quarterbacks.
So, let's dive in and look at the best starts and sits of Week 18. Good luck with your fantasy teams in the championship!
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Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EST Games
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
Matchups We Love:
Texans WRs
The Indianapolis Colts have struggled through the air this year, allowing the second-most fantasy points and the second-most receiving yards to the WR position. For that reason, Nico Collins is a must-start WR1. As for Jayden Higgins, he is more of a lower-end flex play in 14-plus team leagues. Although Higgins scored a long touchdown last week, he has caught just four total passes since Week 15.
After struggling last week in a tough matchup, Dalton Schultz should bounce back in a major way in this matchup against the Colts. Indianapolis has given up the seventh-most catches and the second-most receiving yards to opposing TEs this year. That makes Schultz a solid TE1. He has finished as a top-10 fantasy TE in six of his last nine games.
Matchups We Hate:
Riley Leonard will draw the start over Philip Rivers in Week 18. However, fantasy managers should avoid Leonard in all formats. The Texans have given up the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs, and this defense has let just one QB finish as a top-12 fantasy option this year. Even in Superflex formats, Leonard is a sit.
Colts WRs
It's best to sit all Colts WRs (Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs) in this matchup against a tough Houston secondary. The Texans have allowed the fewest fantasy points, fourth-fewest receptions, and third-fewest receiving touchdowns to opposing WRs through 17 weeks. Therefore, all three WRs will be lower-end options this week.
Other Matchups:
QB C.J. Stroud
C.J. has been very up-and-down in fantasy this year. He has scored above 16 fantasy points just once over his last six games and has finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in only three of his 13 starts. However, Stroud has some QB1 appeal in 14-plus team leagues this week. The Colts have given up a top-6 fantasy QB finish in back-to-back weeks.
TEXANS STRIKE FIRST WITH A 75-YARD TOUCHDOWN 🔥
HOUvsLAC on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/zyvsNMYuMi— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2025
Jonathan Taylor will remain a solid RB1 option in Week 18 against the Texans. The Colts appear to be playing their starters in a meaningless game, and Taylor should see somewhat of his usual workload. While there's a chance he could see fewer carries this weekend, he should still be in all lineups. He rushed for 85 yards in his last meeting against Houston.
RB Woody Marks
Woody Marks continues to operate as the top back in this Houston offense, but his production has been hit-or-miss. He has scored above 10 PPR fantasy points in just two of his past six games. As a result, Marks will be a lower-end RB2 this week against the Colts. Indianapolis has given up the 11th-fewest fantasy points to RBs this season.
TE Tyler Warren
Tyler Warren will be more of a TE2 in Week 18. He has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in four straight games and was held to just three catches for 22 yards in his last meeting against the Texans. Although Warren did score a touchdown in that game, he's just too risky to trust this week. Houston has allowed the ninth-fewest receiving yards to TEs this season.
Injuries:
None
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants
Matchups We Love:
QB Jaxson Dart
Jaxson Dart has been a reliable QB1 option for most of the season. He has finished as a top-10 fantasy QB in seven of his 11 starts, which included scoring 25.1 PPR fantasy points last week against the Raiders. Now, Dart will go up against a Cowboys defense that ranks last in fantasy points allowed, last in pass yards allowed, and last in pass touchdowns allowed to opposing QBs. So, the rookie is a strong QB1 play.
Cowboys RBs
Update: Both Williams and Davis have been ruled out. Rookie Jaydon Blue is now a solid RB2 play.
It remains to be seen if Javonte Williams will play in Week 18 as he continues to deal with a shoulder issue. If he does suit up, he will come in as a solid play in all formats against a below-average Giants run defense. If he misses this week's game, Malik Davis becomes a strong RB2 option. Davis totaled 20 carries for 103 yards against the Commanders last week.
Although Tyrone Tracy Jr. has scored in single-digits in back-to-back games, he will come in as a solid RB2 option in most formats this week. He continues to log the majority of RB snaps in this New York backfield, and Dallas just let Jacory Croskey-Merritt rush for 105 yards and two touchdowns last week. With Tracy seeing at least 15 touches in three straight games, he is a nice start.
Update: Robinson has been ruled out.
After catching 11 passes for 113 yards last week against the Raiders, Wan'Dale Robinson will be a solid WR2 option in all leagues this week. The Cowboys have allowed the most fantasy points, the most receiving yards, and the most receiving touchdowns to opposing WRs this year. So, Robinson should be in for a strong performance in Week 18.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Dak Prescott
It's risky to roll with Prescott in Week 18. Although he will start this game for the Cowboys, there's a strong possibility he doesn't play the entire game. So, there is some risk involved in starting him in your fantasy lineups this week. If he is set to play the whole game, though, he is a must-start QB1 in a great matchup against a Giants defense that ranks 26th in fantasy points allowed to the QB position.
Cowboys WRs
The same problem Prescott applies here to George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. If the Cowboys plan to play their starters for the entire game, then both Lamb and Pickens are must-start WR1s. The Giants have given up the seventh-most fantasy points to WRs this year, and both WRs scored over 17 PPR fantasy points against this secondary back in Week 2.
TE Theo Johnson
Update: Johnson has been ruled out.
Theo Johnson will come in as more of a TE2 this week against the Cowboys. Johnson has scored under six PPR fantasy points in two of his last three games and has seen just six targets over his previous two contests. Given that Dallas has only given up four receiving touchdowns to the TE position this year, he is a lower-end option.
Update: Ferguson will play in Week 18.
There's a strong chance that Jake Ferguson sits this game out after leaving last week's contest early due to a calf injury. If he plays, Ferguson will come in as a low-end TE1 against a Giants defense that just let Michael Mayer score 17.9 PPR fantasy points last week. If he misses, Luke Schoonmaker should see more opportunities in the passing game. But he should only be worth a look in deeper leagues.
Injuries:
- Javonte Williams
- Theo Johnson
- Wan'Dale Robinson
- Jake Ferguson
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
Matchups We Love:
Shedeur Sanders has a nice matchup in front of him against the Bengals. Cincinnati ranks 29th in fantasy points allowed, 26th in passing yards allowed, and 28th in passing touchdowns allowed to QBs this season. Therefore, Sanders is worth a look in some Superflex formats this week. The rookie has thrown five passing touchdowns over his last four games.
Browns RBs
The Browns ran a three-man backfield without Quinshon Judkins last week. Raheim Sanders led the way with a 42% snap share, Dylan Sampson played 35% of the snaps, and Trayveon Williams played 23% of the team's offensive snaps. Therefore, it might be hard to trust this Cleveland backfield entirely.
Sampson, though, is likely the best play of the bunch due to his receiving potential. He has caught eight passes over his last two games, and now faces a Bengals defense that has given up the fifth-most receptions and second-most receiving yards to opposing RBs this year.
Update: Fannin is ruled out for Week 18.
There's a strong possibility that Harold Fannin Jr. does not play in Week 18. He left last week's game early due to a groin injury, and there's no incentive for him to suit up in the season finale. If he does wind up playing, Fannin will be a must-start TE1 in all formats. The Bengals have given up the most fantasy points to opposing TEs this year.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow has been a strong QB1 option since returning from injury in Week 13. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in four of his last five starts. However, he will come in as a riskier QB1 play this week against the Browns. Cleveland has let just two QBs finish top-12 at the position through the first 17 weeks.
Other Matchups:
RB Chase Brown
Chase Brown has been on another level over the last few weeks. He has finished as an RB1 in seven of his past nine games and has scored at least 15 PPR fantasy points in nine consecutive weeks. That makes Brown a must-start RB1 in all formats. He just scored 29.1 PPR fantasy points last week behind a two-touchdown day.
Bengals WRs
Assuming both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins play the entire game, they will have some appeal in most leagues. Chase will be a must-start WR1, while Higgins will come in as more of a high-end WR3. The Browns have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs this year, and Higgins was held to just three catches for 33 yards in his first meeting against Cleveland. So, the 6-foot-4 playmaker is a riskier play.
Injuries:
- Harold Fannin Jr.
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
QB Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins will be a riskier QB2 option in Superflex formats this week against the Saints. New Orleans has given up the seventh-fewest fantasy points and the fourth-fewest passing yards to opposing QBs this year. Considering this defense has allowed just one QB to score over 17 fantasy points since Week 7, Cousins is a lower-end play.
Other Matchups:
QB Tyler Shough
Tyler Shough continues to improve in his rookie season. That has made him a viable QB1 option over the past few weeks. He has scored above 17 fantasy points in five straight games and has thrown for over 300 yards in back-to-back contests. As a result, Shough is a low-end QB1 against a Falcons defense that has let a QB score over 20 fantasy points in three of the last five weeks.
Audric Estime dominated the New Orleans backfield last week. He played a season-high 76% of the team's offensive snaps while seeing 14 carries. That resulted in Estime scoring a season-high 16.8 PPR fantasy points. Following that performance, fantasy managers can trust him as a low-end RB2 in Week 18. The Falcons just let Kyren Williams rush for 92 yards a week ago.
Bijan Robinson will remain a must-start RB1 in all formats this week. He has scored over 29 PPR fantasy points in three straight games and currently ranks as the RB2 in PPR fantasy points per game.
WR Drake London
Update: London is questionable for Week 18.
After seeing limited snaps in his first game back from injury in Week 16, Drake London played his usual complement of snaps in Week 17. He played 98% of the team's offensive snaps. However, London will be a lower-end WR2 this week against the Saints. The Falcons' playmaker has caught just four passes for 31 yards across his past two games.
Update: Pitts is questionable for Week 18.
Despite catching just two passes for 16 yards last week, Kyle Pitts will remain a strong TE1 play in all formats this week. The Falcons only threw the ball 20 times last week, which hurt Pitts' overall numbers. But fantasy managers should expect him to get more opportunities in Week 18. The 25-year-old has seen at least eight targets in four of his past five games.
Saints TEs
Juwan Johnson has been a consistent TE1 for fantasy managers in recent weeks. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy TE in six of his last nine games and just scored 13.5 PPR fantasy points last week. Although Atlanta has given up the third-fewest fantasy points to TEs this year, Johnson will remain a solid TE1 play in Week 18. The Falcons have let three TEs finish top-12 at the position over the last two weeks.
As for Taysom Hill, he should be sat in all formats after last week's dud performance.
Injuries:
- Chris Olave - OUT
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
QB Malik Willis
Update: Clayton Tune will start for the Packers in Week 18. He is a must-sit in all formats.
With the Packers playing for nothing in Week 18, they will likely choose to sit Jordan Love. That means Malik Willis could make his second straight start. Last week. Willis scored 31.5 PPR fantasy points behind a three-touchdown game. However, Willis will be a riskier play this week against the Vikings. Minnesota has given up the fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs this season.
Packers WRs
There's a good chance that the Packers choose to sit some of their starting WRs this week. That could result in Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and/or Jayden Reed potentially sitting out this matchup against the Vikings. For the Green Bay WRs that do play, it's best to avoid them in all formats. Minnesota has given up the third-fewest fantasy points and the third-fewest receptions to WRs this year.
Other Matchups:
Vikings QBs
Update: McCarthy will start in Week 18.
It remains to be seen if J.J. McCarthy will be healthy enough to play in Week 18. He is currently dealing with a hairline fracture in his hand. If he plays, McCarthy has some QB2 potential against the Packers. Green Bay has allowed multiple passing touchdowns in four of its last five games. If he can't go, Max Brosmer will draw another start. But Brosmer should be avoided in most leagues after throwing for just 51 yards last week.
Update: Jones has been ruled out. Jordan Mason will start for the Vikings in this game and will be a high-end RB2 play.
Aaron Jones will enter Week 18 as a solid RB2 option. He saw 21 touches in last week's win, and Jordan Mason could miss the final game of the season due to an ankle injury. With Green Bay potentially sitting some starters on defense, Jones could be in for a solid rushing day. The Packers just let Derrick Henry run for 216 yards and four touchdowns in Week 17.
Packers RBs
With Josh Jacobs continuing to battle through a knee issue, Emanuel Wilson will likely see his second start of the season. In his first start, he scored 26.5 PPR fantasy points while seeing 30 touches against the Vikings. He'll now face Minnesota again in Week 18, making Wilson a solid RB1 option in most leagues this week.
Vikings WRs
It's hard to trust both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in leagues this week. Jefferson has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in five of his past six games, and Addison has caught two passes or fewer in three consecutive contests. As a result, Jefferson will come in as more of a low-end WR2, while Addison will be more of a low-end WR4 against the Packers.
Injuries:
- Jordan Love - Will Not Play
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars
Matchups We Love:
Trevor Lawrence has been the best quarterback in fantasy since Week 10. He is averaging 23.4 fantasy points per game during this span and has finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in seven consecutive games. As a result, Lawrence will be a must-start QB1 in all formats this week. The Titans have let a QB finish top-10 at the position in seven of their last eight contests.
Jaguars WRs
The Jaguars' pass-catchers have benefited from Lawrence's play over the past two months. Therefore, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Jakobi Meyers can all be started in some leagues this week. Meyers will have a solid floor as a WR2 this week after seeing 17 targets across the past two games. Washington will be a solid WR2 play following back-to-back 100-yard efforts, while Thomas will fall to WR3 territory.
Matchups We Hate:
RB Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard has been on a nice run in recent weeks. He has rushed for at least 85 yards in four straight games and has finished as a top-24 RB in three of those four contests. However, expectations should be tempered for Pollard in Week 18. The Jaguars have given up the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this year. That makes Pollard more of an RB3.
Other Matchups:
QB Cam Ward
Cam Ward has been a much better fantasy option recently. He has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in four straight games and has scored at least 17 PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games for the first time all season. However, Ward will be more of a middle-of-the-pack QB2 play this week against a Jaguars defense that has allowed just four passing touchdowns since Week 11.
Cam Ward is a magician 🪄
NOvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/3xKTWruCgB
— NFL (@NFL) December 28, 2025
Travis Etienne Jr. will remain a strong RB play in all formats this week. He has scored above 15 PPR fantasy points in seven of his past nine games and should continue to see the majority of opportunities out of Jacksonville's backfield. With the Titans allowing one rushing touchdown per game this season, Etienne is an RB1 option.
WR Chimere Dike
Chimere Dike has been the WR to own in Tennessee's offense since the team's bye. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in four of his past six games and has seen at least five targets in four consecutive contests. That makes Dike a lower-end WR3 this week against the Jaguars. Jacksonville has given up the fourth-most receptions to WRs this year.
Brenton Strange has some TE1 appeal in some leagues this week. Although he has scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in three of his last four games, he put up some solid numbers against the Titans a few weeks ago in Week 13. He caught three passes for 45 yards and one touchdown en route to TE7 PPR fantasy finish. So, he's worth a look in Week 18.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams
Matchups We Love:
Update: Williams is questionable for Week 18.
Kyren Williams has a great matchup ahead of him in Week 18 against the Cardinals. Arizona has given up the second-most fantasy points to opposing RBs this season and has let four different RBs finish top-10 at the position since Week 14. Given that Williams just scored 17.7 PPR fantasy points against this defense back in Week 14, he is a must-start RB.
Colby Parkinson has been a reliable TE1 option recently. He has finished as a top-12 fantasy TE in six of his last eight games and just caught a season-high eight passes for 53 yards last week against the Falcons. Therefore, Parkinson will be a solid TE1 play this week against the Cardinals. Arizona has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points and the sixth-most receptions to opposing TEs this year.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
After finishing as a top-12 fantasy QB in nine straight games from Week 6 to Week 14, Jacoby Brissett has now finished outside the top 12 at the position in back-to-back games. However, Brissett will still come in as a lower-end QB1 this week against the Rams. He scored 20 fantasy points in his last meeting against Los Angeles.
Although the Rams are playing for very little in Week 18, Matthew Stafford will start against the Cardinals. Stafford has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in 10 straight games and has finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in three of the last four weeks. The veteran just threw for 281 yards and three touchdowns against Arizona back in Week 14.
Michael Carter will be a risky option in all formats against the Rams. Carter has scored under seven PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games and only saw nine opportunities last week. Even though Bijan Robinson had a career day against Los Angeles last week, Carter is too hard to trust in most formats.
WR Puka Nacua
Puka Nacua will remain a must-start WR1 in all formats this week. He is the clear top option in this Los Angeles offense and has finished as the WR1 or WR2 in three of the last four weeks. So, Nacua needs to be in all lineups.
With Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) already being ruled out for Week 18, Michael Wilson should be in for a monster game. In games without Harrison this season, Wilson has finished as the overall WR1 (Week 11), WR9 (Week 12), WR1 (Week 14), and WR17 (Week 15). So, Wilson is a must-start WR1. The Cardinals' playmaker scored 37.2 PPR fantasy points against the Rams back in Week 14.
TE Trey McBride
Trey McBride has been the best fantasy TE all season. He ranks first in fantasy points per game, first in receptions, and first in receiving yards among all TEs. As a result, McBride will continue to be a must-start TE1 in all formats.
Injuries:
- Marvin Harrison Jr. - OUT
Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
QB Bo Nix
Bo Nix has been a very up-and-down QB1 option for most of the season. He has just six top-12 fantasy QB finishes this year and has scored over 20 fantasy points only twice since Week 9. Now, he gets a matchup against a Chargers defense that has given up the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs this year. Therefore, Nix is more of a QB2 play this week.
QB Trey Lance
Trey Lance will make his first start of the season, with the Chargers choosing to sit Justin Herbert for the season finale. While Lance does have some rushing upside, he will be a riskier play this week. The Broncos have given up the eighth-fewest fantasy points and the ninth-fewest rushing yards to opposing QBs this year.
Update: Hampton has been ruled out. Kimani Vidal will be the lead back in this game (if he plays), but he will be a lower-end RB2.
Omarion Hampton has a tough matchup ahead of him in Week 18 against the Broncos. Denver has allowed the fewest fantasy points, second-fewest rush yards, and the fewest receptions to opposing RBs this season. That makes Hampton an extremely risky option in all formats. He could also be limited in this game since the Chargers are only playing for seeding.
RB RJ Harvey
RJ Harvey has been on a heater for fantasy managers. He has scored above 18.5 PPR fantasy points in four of the past five games and continues to have a prominent role in the passing game. The rookie has caught 15 passes over his last four games. So, even though the Chargers are allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs, Harvey is still a solid RB2 play.
Chargers WRs
It's probably a good thing to sit all three Chargers WRs (Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston) in this game. McConkey only caught one pass last week. Patrick Surtain II will likely shadow Johnston on the outside, and Allen continues to see limited opportunities in the passing game. With Herbert also sitting in this game, McConkey, Johnston, and Allen are risky plays against a top Denver secondary.
Earlier this year, Courtland Sutton dominated the Chargers' secondary. He caught six passes for 118 yards and one touchdown en route to a WR3 PPR fantasy finish. However, Sutton will come in as a lower-end WR2 in Week 18. Los Angeles has done a good job against opposing WR1s this year, holding WRs to the 11th-fewest fantasy points.
Other Matchups:
TE Oronde Gadsden II
Oronde Gadsden II is not a viable TE1 play this week against the Broncos. He has finished outside the top 14 at the TE position in six of his last seven games, and now Lance will be starting for the Chargers in Week 18. That's enough reason to sit him in almost all formats against a Denver defense that ranks around league average in fantasy points allowed to opposing TEs.
Injuries:
- Omarion Hampton (ankle)
Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
Ashton Jeanty has not been a consistent fantasy option in recent weeks. Although he scored 31.8 PPR fantasy points against the Texans in Week 16, he has scored in single digits in three of his last four games. Now, another matchup is on deck for Jeanty in Week 18 against a Chiefs defense that has given up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this year. That makes Jeanty more of an RB2.
TE Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce could play in the final game of his career in Week 18. But for fantasy purposes, he is more of a TE2 play in leagues this weekend. He has finished outside the top 16 at the TE position in back-to-back games with Chris Oladokun under center, and the Raiders have done a solid job against opposing TEs in fantasy this year. Las Vegas has let just four TEs finish as a top-12 option at the position this season.
Other Matchups:
With Geno Smith dealing with an ankle injury, Kenny Pickett could start for the Raiders in Week 18. However, he will be a lower-end QB2 play in Superflex formats this week. Pickett only scored 2.3 fantasy points in his one start this year, and the Chiefs have given up the sixth-fewest passing touchdowns through 17 weeks.
Chiefs RBs
Update: Pacheco is questionable for Week 18.
Fantasy managers should not trust any Chiefs running back this week. Kareem Hunt has scored less than four PPR fantasy points in three straight games, and Isiah Pacheco has totaled under 35 rushing yards in five consecutive games. So, it's best to leave both of these RBs on your bench in Week 18.
Chiefs WRs
Update: Worthy is doubtful for Week 18.
In his first career start last week, Oladokun only threw for 66 yards and one touchdown. Therefore, Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown are not trustworthy fantasy options against the Raiders. Worthy didn't catch a pass last week, and Brown only caught one pass for seven yards in that same game. So, avoid both at all costs.
Filling in for Brock Bowers last week, Michael Mayer caught nine passes for 89 yards. With Bowers also out for this game, Mayer has some TE1 appeal in 14-plus team leagues. However, he will be a lower-end option in a tougher matchup against this Kansas City defense. The Chiefs have given up the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing TEs this year.
Injuries:
- Geno Smith (ankle)
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
Matchups We Love:
TE Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry has been a much better fantasy option recently. He has scored in double figures in PPR formats in four of his last five games and is coming off a game in which he scored 13.9 PPR fantasy points. As a result, Henry will be a solid TE1 this week against the Dolphins. Miami has given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing TEs this year.
Matchups We Hate:
Update: Waddle is questionable due to a rib injury.
Jaylen Waddle only played 26% of the team's offensive snaps last week, as he dealt with a rib injury for most of that game. Assuming he suits up for Week 18, Waddle will come in as more of a WR3 in a tough matchup. Christian Gonzalez will likely follow him around all afternoon, and Gonzalez ranks eighth in fantasy points allowed per target among all CBs this year.
Other Matchups:
QB Quinn Ewers
Quinn Ewers looked solid under center last week, throwing for 172 yards and two touchdowns. However, the rookie will be a low-end QB2 play against the Patriots this week. New England has given up the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs and has allowed fewer than 200 passing yards in six straight contests.
QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye has been one of the best fantasy QBs this season. He ranks third in fantasy points per game (21.5) and has scored above 20 fantasy points in four consecutive games. That makes him a must-start QB1 in all formats. The Dolphins have also given up over 300 passing yards in back-to-back weeks.
Patriots RBs
Both Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson are solid plays this week against the Dolphins. Stevenson has finished as a top-16 fantasy RB in consecutive games, and Henderson just rushed for 82 yards last week. Stevenson will be a safer RB2 play this week, while Henderson comes in as a high upside RB2 play. Both could be in for a solid game against a Dolphins defense that just let Chase Brown finish as the overall RB1 back in Week 16.
Update: Achane is doubtful for Week 18.
With nothing to play for in Week 18, the Dolphins could decide to sit De'Von Achane in the season finale. Achane has missed the first two days of practice due to a shoulder injury. If he plays, though, fantasy managers should start him as an RB1. If he misses, Jaylen Wright could be worth a look as an RB2 play. Wright has been getting more work recently and would see a larger workload.
WR Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs has been on another level in the fantasy football playoffs. He caught nine passes for 138 yards in Week 16 and then totaled six catches for 101 yards and one touchdown last week against the Jets. So, Diggs will come in as a solid WR2 option in Week 18. Miami has given up the ninth-most fantasy points to slot WRs through 17 weeks.
Update: Waller has been ruled out.
Darren Waller could miss this week's game due to a groin injury. Even if he plays, though, Waller will be a riskier TE1 play in all formats. He only caught one pass last week and has run fewer than 20 routes in five straight games. That makes him more of a TE2 this week. Be sure to check Friday's injury report to see if he will suit up.
Injuries:
- Darren Waller
- De'Von Achane
- Jaylen Waddle
Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles
Matchups We Love:
QB Tanner McKee
The Eagles are planning to rest several of their starters this week, including Jalen Hurts. That means Tanner McKee will draw his first start of the season. McKee is actually a sneaky QB1 play in 14-plus team leagues this week against Washington. The Commanders have given the second-most fantasy points to opposing QBs and have let a QB score over 17 fantasy points in five straight games.
RB Tank Bigsby
Tank Bigsby should see the majority of opportunities out of Philadelphia's backfield this week. Saquon Barkley will rest in this game, which makes Bigsby a viable RB2 play in all formats this week. He has run the ball well this year (averaging 5.98 yards per carry), and the Commanders have given up the third-most rushing yards this year.
Eagles WRs
With A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith set to be sidelined in Week 18, Jahan Dotson will operate as the top WR in this Philadelphia offense this weekend. That makes him a potential flex option in 12-plus team leagues this week. The Commanders have struggled in the secondary this year and have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to WRs.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Josh Johnson
Josh Johnson will make his second straight start in Week 18. Last week, Johnson only scored 8.9 fantasy points against a bottom defense in the league. Now, the veteran will have to face an Eagles defense that has given up the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs. So, Johnson is an extremely risky QB2 play.
Commanders WRs
Assuming Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean suit up in Week 18, both Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. are not trustworthy fantasy options. Mitchell would likely shadow McLaurin, and the Eagles have given up the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing slot WRs this year. So, McLaurin and Samuel will both fall into WR3 status this week.
Other Matchups:
Chris Rodriguez Jr. was a late scratch last week due to an illness. That allowed Croskey-Merritt to have a career day on the ground. But with Rodriguez back, he should resume his RB1 duties on Sunday. Therefore, the 25-year-old will come in as a potential flex play in 12-plus team leagues this week. The Eagles rank 22nd in fantasy points allowed to opposing RBs.
Injuries:
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
Matchups We Love:
QB Jared Goff
Jared Goff had his worst game of the season last week, throwing for just 197 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. However, fantasy managers should expect Goff to have a bounce-back performance in Week 18 against the Bears. Chicago has given up the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing QBs this year, which included letting Brock Purdy finish as the overall QB1 last week.
Lions WRs
Update: St. Brown is questionable for Week 18.
Both Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams should be in almost all lineups this week. St. Brown goes up against a Bears defense that has given up the second-most fantasy points to slot WRs, and Williams totaled 108 yards and one touchdown earlier this year against Chicago. So, Brown will be a must-start WR1, while Williams comes in as a high-end WR2.
Bears WRs
Update: Odunze is questionable for Week 18.
With Rome Odunze trending to miss another game, DJ Moore and Luther Burden III will be the top two WRs in Chicago's offense this week. Of the two, Burden is the much better play. The rookie broke out in a major way last week by totaling eight catches for 138 yards and one touchdown, while Moore caught just one pass. So, Burden is a WR2, while Moore is more of a WR4 in a great matchup against Detroit's secondary.
Luther had the celebration ready 😂 pic.twitter.com/RsHjO9s1Mf
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 29, 2025
Matchups We Hate:
D'Andre Swift continues to put up solid fantasy numbers. He has scored above 20 PPR fantasy points in three of his last five games and has totaled four touchdowns over the past three weeks. So, even though the Lions have given up the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs this year, Swift will still come in as an RB2. Detroit has allowed a top-20 fantasy RB in four straight games.
Other Matchups:
Caleb Williams has been a more consistent fantasy option over the past few weeks. He has scored at least 19 fantasy points in three straight games and has thrown multiple passing touchdowns in five of his past six contests. So, Williams is a solid QB1 option in all formats this week. The Lions have given up the seventh-most passing touchdowns this year.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Although Jahmyr Gibbs has scored under 12 PPR fantasy points in three of the past five weeks, he will remain a must-start RB1. He currently ranks as the RB4 in PPR fantasy points per game and has the potential to score 30-plus PPR fantasy points on any given week. So, fantasy managers should continue to start Gibbs in all formats.
Colston Loveland has been one of the bigger fantasy breakouts in the second half. He has caught at least four passes in four of his last six games and just put together one of his best fantasy performances of the season in Week 17. Loveland caught six passes for 94 yards and one touchdown. So, he'll come in as a solid TE1 in the final week.
Injuries:
- Rome Odunze
- Amon-Ra St. Brown
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
Matchups We Love:
QB Josh Allen
Update: Allen will play in Week 18.
Allen's status for Week 18 is currently up in the air due to a foot injury. So, Allen could only play one snap to extend his start streak and immediately exit the game. That's enough to avoid him in all formats. If he is set to play the full game, though, he will be a must-start QB1 in all formats in a great matchup.
RB James Cook
James Cook could be in for a big game as he faces a Jets defense that has given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing RBs. With Cook also looking to win the rushing title, he should play the majority of this game. Therefore, the Bills' RB will be a must-start RB1 in all formats this week. New York just let Stevenson score 27.2 PPR fantasy points last week.
RB Breece Hall
Update: Hall is questionable for Week 18.
Breece Hall had one of his better rushing days of the season last week, running for 111 yards and one touchdown. Now, he gets a favorable matchup against a Bills defense that has given up the fourth-most rushing yards and second-most rushing touchdowns to opposing RBs this season. That makes Hall a strong play this weekend.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Brady Cook
Brady Cook should be avoided in all formats this week. He has scored under six PPR fantasy points in back-to-back games, and the Bills have given up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs this year. So, it's best not to insert him into your Superflex lineups this week.
It's just too hard to trust Adonai Mitchell in most leagues this week. He has caught just six combined passes over the past two weeks and has scored under eight PPR fantasy points in both of those contests. With Cook under center for this game, Mitchell will be more of a WR4. Buffalo has also given up the fourth-fewest receiving yards to WRs this season.
Other Matchups:
With Khalil Skakir scoring in single digits in four of the last five weeks, he is a bit of a riskier play in Week 18. He just hasn't really been involved in Buffalo's offense in recent weeks and has seen five targets or fewer in two of the last three games. However, he does have some WR3 potential in this game against a Jets defense that has given up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing slot WRs.
Injuries:
- Josh Allen
- Mason Taylor
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
Matchups We Love:
TE Mark Andrews
Mark Andrews hasn't been the best fantasy option in recent weeks. He has finished outside the top 24 at the TE position in four straight games and hasn't finished as a top-12 fantasy TE since Week 11. But Andrews will come in as a potential TE1 in a great matchup this week. The Steelers have given up the second-most fantasy points and the second-most receptions to TEs this year.
Matchups We Hate:
Even though Derrick Henry is on this list, you are still starting him in all formats. He is coming off a 45.6 PPR fantasy point day last week and has rushed for at least 100 yards in three straight games. However, this matchup against the Steelers is on the more difficult side. Pittsburgh has given up just five rushing touchdowns all year. Still, Henry is a must-start.
Other Matchups:
All signs point to Lamar Jackson returning in Week 18. If he is able to suit up, Jackson will come in as a lower-end QB1. He scored 22.1 fantasy points in his first meeting against the Steelers, and Pittsburgh has given up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing QBs this year. That's enough reason to start Jackson in most formats.
Aaron Rodgers will come in as a lower-end QB2 this week. He has finished outside the top 16 at the QB position in seven of his last eight games. However, the one game that he has finished inside the top 16 at the QB position actually came against the Ravens back in Week 14. He scored 21.5 fantasy points in that game. So, he could be an option in some Superflex leagues.
Steelers RBs
Both Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell will be RB2 plays this week against the Ravens. Both RBs continue to be involved in Pittsburgh's game plan, and the Ravens are allowing the second-most receptions and fourth-most receiving yards to opposing RBs this year. That makes Gainwell a bit of a better RB2 play this week. Gainwell ranks sixth in total receptions this year.
WR Zay Flowers
Zay Flowers had one of his best fantasy performances of the season against the Steelers back in Week 14. He caught eight passes for 124 yards en route to a WR8 PPR fantasy finish. As a result, Flowers will be a high-end WR2 play in Week 18. Pittsburgh has given up the third-most receptions to opposing WRs this year, and Flowers has a 36% target share over the last four weeks.
With DK Metcalf suspended, Pat Freiermuth saw more involvement in the passing game last week. He caught three passes for 63 yards while seeing five targets through the air. Considering Metcalf won't play in this game, Freiermuth is worth a look as a streaming option in 14-plus team leagues in Week 18. The Ravens just let Hunter Henry score 15.5 PPR fantasy points last week.
Injuries:
- Lamar Jackson
Matchup Analysis - Super Saturday Slate
Be sure to check out our Week 18 Super Saturday matchups and start 'em, sit 'em picks for this week's Saturday double-header between the Buccaneers vs. Panthers and Seahawks vs. 49ers.
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