January 4, 2026

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs recently recovered from knee and ankle injuries. While he didn't carry an injury designation into this weekend's contest, the Packers will opt to rest him. Green Bay, which has already locked up the No. 7 seed in the NFC, aims to keep Jacobs healthy ahead of the playoffs. He should return to the lead-back role when Green Bay takes the field in the Wild Card Round. In the meantime, Emanuel Wilson should lead the Packers' backfield against the Vikings on Sunday. Chris Brooks will back up Wilson. Interesting, the Packers chose not to elevate Damien Martinez from the practice squad, so Wilson and Brooks will be their only active running backs in Week 18.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Green Bay Packers

January 4, 2026

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers is officially a healthy scratch for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans. Rookie Riley Leonard will make the start to close out the year, with Seth Henigan set to work as the backup. The Colts brought the 44-year-old Rivers out of retirement after Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending torn Achilles. Rivers was unable to save Indy's season, losing all three of his starts against the Seahawks, 49ers, and Jaguars. He completed 63% of his 92 pass attempts for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in his three games played. Rivers predictably struggled with his arm strength, but he wasn't terrible. The eight-time Pro Bowler already announced that he'll be retiring for a second time following this weekend's game.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Indianapolis Colts

January 4, 2026

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder, hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. In addition to Willis being inactive, Jordan Love will ride the bench as Green Bay rests key starters. The Packers have nothing left to play for, as they already locked up the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture. As a result, Clayton Tune will start at quarterback on Sunday afternoon. Willis will likely return to his backup quarterback role in the Wild Card Round, and he could earn a chance to compete for a starting job during free agency in March.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Green Bay Packers

January 4, 2026

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings. He had been listed as doubtful after missing all three practices this past week. The 24-year-old has occupied an inconsistent role this season, and his usage has been dwindling with just four catches over his last four games. Wicks is the only wide receiver inactive for Green Bay, but we wouldn't be surprised if Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Romeo Doubs handle a reduced workload now that the Packers have locked up the No. 7 seed. Matthew Golden could earn more targets in the Packers' offense, led by quarterback Clayton Tune.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Green Bay Packers

January 4, 2026

Houston Texans rookie wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are expected to handle increased volume during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. The Iowa State products will occupy larger roles with Nico Collins (coach's decision) not playing on Sunday. Collins is being sidelined to preserve his health ahead of the playoff stretch. Higgins and Noel have both seen their roles increase throughout this season, leading up to this big opportunity in Week 18. Both receivers scored a touchdown in last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. They also combined for nine catches, 97 yards, and a touchdown in the last game that Collins missed. Higgins and Noel both rank as solid WR3/flex options against a Colts defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Aaron Wilson

January 4, 2026

The Green Bay Packers will rest key players during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. It was previously reported that Green Bay would likely rest some of its starters, but Fowler's latest update now confirms this. While the X post doesn't say which players will be affected, Fowler reports that "a significant number" of key players will sit out. This decision comes after Green Bay clinched the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture. We already know that Jordan Love will not start despite clearing concussion protocol, and we could see key offensive players like Josh Jacobs and Christian Watson rest. Emanuel Wilson and Matthew Golden could see additional opportunities in the Clayton Tune-led offense. On defense, Fowler notes that recently-acquired cornerback Tre'Von Diggs will play.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jeremy Fowler

January 4, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance will make his first start of the season during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Denver Broncos. The former first-round pick is starting in place of Justin Herbert (coach's decision) as the Chargers look to keep their No. 1 quarterback healthy for the upcoming playoff stretch. Turning to Lance puts Los Angeles as a 14-point underdog, and they could still finish anywhere between the No. 5 and No. 7 seed in the AFC. The young quarterback has flashed upside in the past, and perhaps the Chargers still hope that he can live up to his first-round draft stock. However, the odds are stacked against him this week. For starters, the Broncos have an elite defense anchored by Patrick Surtain II and Nik Bonitto. Denver has allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards and eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Furthermore, Lance is playing behind an offensive line that PFF ranked second-worst heading into Week 18. Every Chargers offensive lineman finished with a PFF grade below 70 last week. This is not the right time to start Lance in fantasy football. Managers should avoid him in all leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen remains a high-upside fantasy option for Week 18 against the New York Jets, but he also has a lower floor than usual. Because the Bills have clinched a playoff spot and want to stay healthy for the playoffs, we wouldn't be surprised to see Allen play only a portion of Sunday's divisional battle on the road. Buffalo could still jump from the No. 7 seed to either No. 6 or No. 5, so Allen will start and have a chance to get the Bills a substantial lead early in the game. However, if he achieves that, we could see the team shift from Allen to Mitch Trubisky in order to keep the superstar quarterback healthy. Allen's health has been a particularly notable topic lately, as he has dealt with a nagging foot injury for several weeks. Despite concerns about Allen getting some rest, he still has high-end QB1 upside. Even if he misses part of the game, he can still put together a top fantasy performance. Just last week, we saw Patriots quarterback Drake Maye rack up five passing touchdowns against the Jets, despite playing fewer than three quarters. Allen could be in line for a similarly dominant performance against a New York defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Additionally, the Jets are one game away from becoming the first team in NFL history to record zero interceptions in a season. Allen has tremendous upside, but managers should only start him with the understanding that he could play less than half of the game.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (coach's decision) will not play in Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Collins isn't injured, but Houston is resting him in order to ensure that he stays healthy for the playoff run. The 26-year-old finishes his fifth regular season with 71 catches, 1,117 yards, and six touchdowns. So far, he ranks as the overall WR7 in full-PPR leagues, which is the highest mark of his career. His absence on Sunday should create more opportunities for rookie receivers Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins. Holding Collins out is an interesting move for the Texans, who could finish in any of the three Wild Card seeds and also still have a chance to clinch the No. 3 seed as the AFC South champion. Even without Collins, though, Houston is projected to defeat Indianapolis. DraftKings currently has the Texans favored by 10.5 points on the road.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Jonathan Alexander

January 4, 2026

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton is expected to handle increased volume with Wan'Dale Robinson (ribs) and Theo Johnson (illness) both sidelined against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. Robinson is headed for his first absence of the season, and Johnson has only been inactive one other time. Therefore, we haven't yet seen what Slayton can do as Jaxson Dart's No. 1 target. However, we have seen glimpses of his upside. He caught a touchdown pass in Week 13, handled 10 targets in Week 15, and has played at least 87% of the snaps in two of his last three games. The bigger role comes at a perfect time for Slayton and his managers, as the Cowboys have surrendered the league's most yards, touchdowns, and fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Managers should feel comfortable deploying Slayton as a strong WR2 option in fantasy football as he handles a bigger workload and gets a very enticing matchup.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. has emerged as a playmaking threat lately, and he could step into a significantly larger role during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New England Patriots. Wease has three catches, 95 yards, and one touchdown over his last two games, showcasing upside as a big-play option in Miami's offense. This week, he'll likely handle increased volume with Darren Waller (groin) on IR and Jaylen Waddle (ribs) sidelined. At worst, we expect Wease to operate as the Dolphins' No. 3 receiver, but he could ascend higher than Malik Washington or Cedrick Wilson Jr., too. The rookie has played at least 27% of the snaps in each of his last two games, so we know that the Miami coaching staff is looking to get him involved. His big-play upside makes him somewhat of a boom-or-bust option. He could easily get into WR3/flex territory, but he also has a low floor. Managers should only consider starting Wease in deep leagues with at least 14 teams. He has more appeal in DFS formats and prop bets.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Darius Cooper could handle a much larger workload than usual during Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Washington Commanders. Head coach Nick Sirianni indicated that he will rest several starters on Sunday, and although he didn't specifically list which players will be resting, it's fair to speculate that wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown could be among the group. If so, Cooper would likely step into the No. 2 wide receiver role behind Jahan Dotson. Cooper hasn't ascended higher than third on the depth chart this season, so we don't know exactly what his role would look like if he earns the start opposite Dotson. With that being said, he has flashed potential lately. He caught two passes for 29 yards on a 30% snap share in Week 15, and he caught one pass for four yards on a career-high 31% snap share just last Sunday. There's a strong chance that the 24-year-old rookie plays more than half of the snaps if Brown and Smith are sidelined, and that could give him low-end WR3/flex appeal in very deep leagues. Once the Eagles announce which starters are resting, managers could consider adding Cooper to be a desperation WR3/flex play in fantasy leagues with at least 14 teams.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

January 4, 2026

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson will take on increased responsibilities in the backfield on Sunday. Wilson figures to take over as the lead back with Josh Jacobs (knee, ankle) unlikely to play. The Packers have little incentive to play Jacobs with their postseason seeding already decided. Wilson should take over a majority of the carries for the regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. Wilson has posted strong stat lines when he gets over 10 carries in a game. Fantasy managers should expect him to continue to have success, assuming Jacobs remains on the sideline. There's RB2 upside here with Wilson probably getting double-digit carries in this game.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 4, 2026

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright will likely move into the lead-back role for the upcoming Week 18 matchup versus the New England Patriots. The Dolphins have decided to play it safe and ruled out De'Von Achane (shoulder) for the regular-season finale. His absence should mean an extended look for Wright and Ollie Gordon II during Sunday's game. Wright has shown he's capable of making plays when he's given increased touches in the backfield. The 22-year-old rushed for 107 yards on 24 carries with a touchdown against the New York Jets in Week 14. The Pats have a much better defense, but Wright should still get a ton of chances. Fantasy managers with championship games in Week 18 needing a FLEX spot, or looking for a cheaper option in DFS contests, might want to consider Wright with an increased workload.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference

January 4, 2026

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason is set to be the lead back for the Week 18 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Mason is set for an increased workload with the Vikings ruling out Aaron Jones Sr. (hip) for the regular-season finale. When Jones missed time early in the season, Mason rushed for over 50 yards in each of those games with three total touchdowns. The Packers are unlikely to play their starters on defense, as their postseason seeding is already determined. Mason is primed for a strong performance, so fantasy managers should strongly consider him for DFS contests or in leagues still playing for a fantasy championship. He offers borderline RB1 value without Jones in the mix and comes in as RotoBaller's RB10 in the latest rankings for Week 18.--Andy Webb
Source: Pro Football Reference