Updated weekend fantasy football waiver wire rankings for Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season. Top fantasy football free agents and streamers to add off waivers including Jaydon Blue, Tank Bigsby, Darius Slayon, Matthew Golden, Luther Burden.
It's a sad day as the final week of the NFL regular season is here. While most fantasy football championships have been played, there are still some leagues playing for a championship or consolation prize. Week 18 is the most volatile in football, and fantasy managers will need to pay attention right up until kickoff as the news piles in. At RotoBaller HQ, we are back with our final waiver wire article of the season with our weekend waiver wire rankings for fantasy football Week 18 of the 2025 season to account for the updated NFL news. The updated waiver wire rankings are to help fantasy managers navigate through a news-filled week.
As injury updates come in throughout the week, and roster percentages increase as players are picked up, we adjust our waiver wire rankings, and you can find those below.
These Week 18 waiver wire rankings are updated for the weekend by Nick Mariano, RotoBaller's lead fantasy football analyst and forecaster. For those who are not familiar, he brings you his weekly waiver wire rankings and priority adds for the top 85 options to consider across various positions and league sizes. Good luck in Week 18 on the waiver wire and in your matchups!
Featured Promo: New Novig users get a $25 purchase match (50% discount up to $25) on your first Novig deposit, and 3 free months of RotoBaller's "Big-4" Premium Pass (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) which includes exclusive tools for Betting, Props, DFS and more! CLAIM IT NOW
Who To Pick Up for Fantasy Football Week 18?
Quarterbacks (QB) and Defenses (D/ST) are grouped together at the bottom of the list:
| Rank | Player Name | Pos. | % Ros. | Baller Move |
| 1 | Jordan Mason | RB | 67 | Add in All Leagues |
| 2 | Luther Burden III | WR | 24 | Add in All Leagues |
| 3 | Tank Bigsby | RB | 18 | Add in All Leagues |
| 4 | Colston Loveland | TE | 49 | Add in All Leagues |
| 5 | Parker Washington | WR | 38 | Add in 10+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 6 | Blake Corum | RB | 46 | Add in 10+ Team Leagues |
| 7 | Chris Godwin Jr. | WR | 66 | Add in 10+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 8 | Audric Estime | RB | 12 | Add in 10+ Team Leagues |
| 9 | Emanuel Wilson | RB | 36 | Add in 10+ Team Leagues |
| 10 | Jaydon Blue | RB | 4 | Add in 10+ Team Leagues |
| 11 | Kyle Monangai | RB | 62 | Add in 10+ Team Leagues |
| 12 | Michael Carter | RB | 45 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 13 | Ricky Pearsall | WR | 66 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 14 | Kimani Vidal | RB | 55 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 15 | Jaylen Wright | RB | 13 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 16 | Jacory Croskey-Merritt | RB | 53 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 17 | Isiah Pacheco | RB | 62 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 18 | Michael Mayer | TE | 13 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 19 | Darius Slayton | WR | 41 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 20 | Chris Rodriguez Jr. | RB | 29 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 21 | Chimere Dike | WR | 16 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 22 | Dalton Schultz | TE | 55 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 23 | Chig Okonkwo | TE | 17 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 24 | Jerry Jeudy | WR | 62 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 25 | Devin Singletary | RB | 24 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 26 | Dylan Sampson | RB | 29 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 27 | Jalen McMillan | WR | 2 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 28 | Jayden Higgins | WR | 38 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 29 | Samaje Perine | RB | 5 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 30 | Colby Parkinson | TE | 26 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 31 | Kevin Austin Jr. | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 32 | Kareem Hunt | RB | 61 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 33 | Sean Tucker | RB | 20 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 34 | Isaiah Hodgins | WR | 1 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 35 | Tyler Allgeier | RB | 36 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 36 | Tre Tucker | WR | 52 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 37 | Jahan Dotson | WR | 1 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 38 | Jalen Coker | WR | 13 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 39 | Kyle Williams | WR | 4 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 40 | AJ Barner | TE | 19 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 41 | Matthew Golden | WR | 33 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 42 | Adonai Mitchell | WR | 17 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 43 | Pat Freiermuth | TE | 11 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 44 | Elic Ayomanor | WR | 15 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 45 | Will Shipley | RB | 2 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 46 | Phil Mafah | RB | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 47 | Raheim Sanders | RB | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 48 | Ray Davis | RB | 7 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 49 | Darius Cooper | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 50 | Greg Dulcich | TE | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 51 | Tre' Harris | WR | 2 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 52 | Tyjae Spears | RB | 28 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 53 | Adam Thielen | WR | 4 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 54 | Marquise Brown | WR | 15 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 55 | Keaton Mitchell | RB | 3 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 56 | KaVontae Turpin | WR | 5 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 57 | Efton Chism III | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 58 | Isaac TeSlaa | WR | 6 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 59 | Jawhar Jordan | RB | 5 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 60 | Dante Pettis | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 61 | Brandin Cooks | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 62 | Terrance Ferguson | TE | 1 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 63 | Theo Wease Jr. | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 64 | Konata Mumpfield | WR | 2 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| 65 | Jaxson Dart | QB | 70 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 66 | Sam Darnold | QB | 55 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 67 | C.J. Stroud | QB | 56 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 68 | Tyler Shough | QB | 21 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 69 | Bryce Young | QB | 19 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 70 | Shedeur Sanders | QB | 12 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| 71 | Tanner McKee | QB | 1 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| 72 | Kirk Cousins | QB | 15 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| 73 | Aaron Rodgers | QB | 29 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| 74 | Cam Ward | QB | 8 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| 75 | Trey Lance | QB | 1 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| 76 | Mitchell Trubisky | QB | 1 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| 77 | Riley Leonard | QB | 1 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| 78 | Los Angeles Rams | DST | 61 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 79 | Buffalo Bills | DST | 64 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 80 | Jacksonville Jaguars | DST | 52 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 81 | Kansas City Chiefs | DST | 53 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 82 | Minnesota Vikings | DST | 39 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| 83 | Atlanta Falcons | DST | 22 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 84 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | DST | 42 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| 85 | Cincinnati Bengals | DST | 5 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Outlooks
Tank Bigsby, RB, Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby could be the starter in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders. Bigsby was traded from the Jaguars to the Eagles after Week 1 and has served as a handcuff to star running back Saquon Barkley this season. However, with the Eagles planning to rest their starters in Week 18, Bigsby could have a clear path to the RB1 role this week.
Bigsby has averaged 6.4 yards per carry with the Eagles this season and has played slightly more snaps than Will Shipley behind Barkley. The Commanders have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs this season and, just two weeks ago, allowed Barkley to rush for over 130 yards and a touchdown. Bigsby will be a name to monitor on waivers or as a DFS play if the Eagles decide to rest Barkley and the starters.
Luther Burden III, WR, Bears
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (quadriceps) has been cleared to suit up for Sunday's Week 18 matchup versus the Detroit Lions. Burden was limited in practice to begin the week, but he has been cleared to play after getting through two full practice sessions to end the week. The rookie wideout is seeing a larger workload with Rome Odunze (foot) being sidelined since Week 13.
Odunze carries a questionable tag heading into Week 18, but he's not expected to play. During that span, Burden has seen six or more targets in each of those games. He's coming off his best performance of the season, where he hauled in eight receptions for 138 yards and one touchdown in the loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Fantasy managers should consider Burden a high-end WR2 for this weekend, assuming Odunze remains out.
Darius Slayton, WR, Giants
Despite garnering a decent share of the team's targets weekly, New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton's output hasn't been enough to warrant consistent fantasy consideration. When teammate Malik Nabers (knee) suffered a season-ending knee injury, the seventh-year pro automatically slotted in as New York's WR2 behind Wan'Dale Robinson (rib).
However, Slayton hasn't turned his opportunity into steady fantasy production, instead taking a clear back seat to Robinson, who leads the team in each significant receiving category by a wide margin sans touchdowns.
Slayton is expected to see a modest uptick in work when the Giants take on the Cowboys this Sunday, with Robinson and tight end Theo Johnson (illness) both ruled out. Slayton has eclipsed 50 receiving yards in just four of 13 games in 2025, but should have an expanded role in the regular season finale, putting him on the FLEX radar in Week 18.
Matthew Golden, WR, Packers
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Friday that rookie first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden has a "very bright future" in Green Bay, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. The Packers' coaching staff was singing Golden's praises during training camp and the preseason, too, leading many to believe that a breakout was coming in Year 1 for the Texas alum. It has not happened in 2025, as Golden has been buried in Green Bay's crowded receiver room.
Jayden Reed and Christian Watson have missed time with injuries this year, but Golden has just been unable to become a consistent part of the team's passing attack alongside the likes of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks. Golden enters the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings with only 28 catches on the year for 353 yards and zero touchdowns. He has only one target in two of the team's last three games.
Jaydon Blue, RB, Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones hinted on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday that rookie running back Jaydon Blue could get some snaps on Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants in the Week 18 regular-season finale, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. The Cowboys have nothing left to play for but pride, and fellow RBs Javonte Williams (shoulder) and Malik Davis (eye) have been ruled out, potentially leading to Blue playing for the first time since Week 8.
The 21-year-old has only seen action in four games in 2025 in his first year in the NFL, carrying the ball 22 times for 65 yards while adding one catch for a five-yard gain. The Cowboys essentially benched Blue in favor of Davis after the fifth-rounder lost a fumble in the Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos. With Davis and Williams out, Blue has skyrocketed as a top waiver wire pickup for fantasy leagues with something to play for still.
Running Backs - Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order:
| Player Name | Pos. | % Ros. | Baller Move |
| Jordan Mason | RB | 67 | Add in All Leagues |
| Tank Bigsby | RB | 18 | Add in All Leagues |
| Blake Corum | RB | 46 | Add in 10+ Team Leagues |
| Audric Estime | RB | 12 | Add in 10+ Team Leagues |
| Emanuel Wilson | RB | 36 | Add in 10+ Team Leagues |
| Jaydon Blue | RB | 4 | Add in 10+ Team Leagues |
| Kyle Monangai | RB | 62 | Add in 10+ Team Leagues |
| Michael Carter | RB | 45 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Kimani Vidal | RB | 55 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Jaylen Wright | RB | 13 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Jacory Croskey-Merritt | RB | 53 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Isiah Pacheco | RB | 62 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | RB | 29 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Devin Singletary | RB | 24 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Dylan Sampson | RB | 29 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Samaje Perine | RB | 5 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Kareem Hunt | RB | 61 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Sean Tucker | RB | 20 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Tyler Allgeier | RB | 36 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Will Shipley | RB | 2 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Phil Mafah | RB | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Raheim Sanders | RB | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Ray Davis | RB | 7 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Tyjae Spears | RB | 28 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Keaton Mitchell | RB | 3 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Jawhar Jordan | RB | 5 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
Wide Receivers - Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order:
| Player Name | Pos. | % Ros. | Baller Move |
| Luther Burden III | WR | 24 | Add in All Leagues |
| Parker Washington | WR | 38 | Add in 10+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Chris Godwin Jr. | WR | 66 | Add in 10+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Ricky Pearsall | WR | 66 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Darius Slayton | WR | 41 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Chimere Dike | WR | 16 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Jerry Jeudy | WR | 62 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Jalen McMillan | WR | 2 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Jayden Higgins | WR | 38 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Kevin Austin Jr. | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Isaiah Hodgins | WR | 1 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Tre Tucker | WR | 52 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Jahan Dotson | WR | 1 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Jalen Coker | WR | 13 | Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Kyle Williams | WR | 4 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Matthew Golden | WR | 33 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Adonai Mitchell | WR | 17 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Elic Ayomanor | WR | 15 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Darius Cooper | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Tre' Harris | WR | 2 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Adam Thielen | WR | 4 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Marquise Brown | WR | 15 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| KaVontae Turpin | WR | 5 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Efton Chism III | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Isaac TeSlaa | WR | 6 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Dante Pettis | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Brandin Cooks | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Theo Wease Jr. | WR | 1 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
| Konata Mumpfield | WR | 2 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
Tight Ends - Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order:
| Player Name | Pos. | % Ros. | Baller Move |
| Colston Loveland | TE | 49 | Add in All Leagues |
| Michael Mayer | TE | 13 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Dalton Schultz | TE | 55 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Chig Okonkwo | TE | 17 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Colby Parkinson | TE | 26 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| AJ Barner | TE | 19 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Pat Freiermuth | TE | 11 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Greg Dulcich | TE | 1 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Terrance Ferguson | TE | 1 | Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues |
Quarterbacks - Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order, with emphasis on Week 18:
| Player Name | Pos. | % Ros. | Baller Move |
| Jaxson Dart | QB | 70 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Sam Darnold | QB | 55 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| C.J. Stroud | QB | 56 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Tyler Shough | QB | 21 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Bryce Young | QB | 19 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Shedeur Sanders | QB | 12 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| Tanner McKee | QB | 1 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| Kirk Cousins | QB | 15 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| Aaron Rodgers | QB | 29 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| Cam Ward | QB | 8 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| Trey Lance | QB | 1 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| Mitchell Trubisky | QB | 1 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
| Riley Leonard | QB | 1 | Add in 2QB Leagues |
Defenses (D/ST) - Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings
Pickups are in priority order, with emphasis on Week 18:
| Player Name | Pos. | % Ros. | Baller Move |
| Los Angeles Rams | DST | 61 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Buffalo Bills | DST | 64 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | DST | 52 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Kansas City Chiefs | DST | 53 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Minnesota Vikings | DST | 39 | Add in 12+ Team Leagues |
| Atlanta Falcons | DST | 22 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | DST | 42 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
| Cincinnati Bengals | DST | 5 | Add in 14+ Team Leagues |
Week 18 Waiver Wire Articles
In addition to the Week 18 waiver wire rankings, here's a 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 that! Here are more detailed Week 18 waiver wire articles:
- Week 18 waiver wire pickups (all positions)
- Week 18 defense (D/ST) streamers and pickups
- Week 18 kicker streamers and pickups
Who Should I Pickup Tool
Trying to decide who to pick up off the waiver wire? Check the Who Should I Pickup tool here:
Compare up to four players and we'll tell you who to pickup...
Who Should I Pickup? Some common 2025 fantasy football waiver-wire decisions involve players such as Tank Bigbsy, Jaydon Blue, Luther Burdern III, Colston Loveland, Darius Slayton, Jordan Mason, Parker Washington, Audric Estime, Jaylen Wright, Kevin Austin Jr., Michael Mayer, Jalen McMillan, and Chimere Dike. But not to worry, we are here to help make these waiver wire decisions and build winning teams in 2025. Set your optimal fantasy football lineups in 2025. Our free Who Should I Pickup? tool will help make your fantasy football waiver wire decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to pick up... all free! Make the right decisions.
2025 Player Decisions. Today's focus is on specific players: Tank Bigbsy, Jaydon Blue, Luther Burdern III, Colston Loveland, Darius Slayton, Kevin Austin Jr., Jordan Mason, Parker Washington, Audric Estime, Jaylen Wright, Michael Mayer, Jalen McMillan, and Chimere Dike. These are some common searches for 2025 fantasy football waiver wire pickups.
Using The Tool. This is a simple tool but very powerful. The first step is to enter the player names that you want to compare. In the first box, search for the first player's name. In the second box, search for the second player's name. Compare up to four NFL players at once, and then click the Who To Pickup? button to see who the recommended waiver wire pickups are based on fantasy football rankings, projections, and more.
Recent Improvements For Who Should I Pickup? You may have noticed, our Who Should I Pickup? tool has gotten an overhaul. We've added lots of great features for you to give you as much information as possible to win on the waiver wire in 2025. You'll see NFL player tiles with headshots and bye weeks, stats, projections, strength of schedule, enhanced search results with data to compare, and a slick new interface. We hope you enjoy!
How It Works. Our RotoBaller staff puts together their weekly fantasy football waiver wire rankings and projections based on their research, and updates them constantly throughout the week. That information is the core data that is powering the decision-making in this tool. When you search for player names, you will only see those players who are ranked.
Popular Player Comparison Searches - Who To Pickup
Below are some popular searches and comparisons from our Who To Pickup tool for players like Tank Bigbsy, Jaydon Blue, Luther Burdern III, Colston Loveland, Darius Slayton, Jordan Mason, Parker Washington, Audric Estime, Jaylen Wright, Michael Mayer, Jalen McMillan, and Chimere Dike:
More Waiver Wire Analysis
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
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.
RADIO




