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Who should I start for Week 18? Fantasy football outlooks for Rico Dowdle, Zach Charbonnet, Julius Chestnut. Our expert fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em picks.
Many fantasy football leagues end their season in Week 17. The reason why is that several star players miss the Week 18 contests.
However, Rico Dowdle, Zach Charbonnet, and Julius Chestnut will all play this week despite their teams having no chance of making the playoffs.
Which running back should fantasy players start in Week 18? Let’s look at their fantasy football outlooks.
Should I Start Rico Dowdle For Fantasy Football?
Dowdle is the RB24 for the season, averaging 10.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The veteran running back has been a rushing machine lately, averaging 103.8 yards per game over the past five weeks, totaling 104 or more in all but one contest.
Meanwhile, Dowdle has three receiving touchdowns this year, with the last coming in Week 9. More importantly, the veteran faces a Washington Commanders defense that has surrendered 133 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and 27 fantasy points per game to running backs over the past two weeks, making him a solid RB2 option for fantasy players.
.@DallasCowboys close out a long 90-yard drive with a TD, courtesy of Rico Dowdle!
📺: #DALvsPIT on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/6r3EE7WqDT— NFL (@NFL) October 7, 2024
Should I Start Zach Charbonnet For Fantasy Football?
Charbonnet started the season as Kenneth Walker III’s backup. However, he has managed to score eight rushing touchdowns this year as a backup and part-time starter. The former UCLA star is the RB27 for the year, averaging 9.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game.
Charbonnet for 6️⃣#ProBowlVote + Zach Charbonnet pic.twitter.com/OLMXfm38hM
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 16, 2024
The second-year pro faces the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. They have held running backs to 55 rushing yards, zero touchdowns, and 13 fantasy points per game over the past month. Charbonnet is a low-end RB2 with limited upside this week.
Should I Start Julius Chestnut For Fantasy Football?
Unfortunately, the Tennessee Titans could be without Tony Pollard for Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Texans with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Tyjae Spears has been ruled out with a concussion he suffered last week. Therefore, Chestnut was a popular waiver wire option for those with their fantasy championship game in Week 18.
Week 18 Waiver Wire Rankings (2024) - Fantasy Football Pickups Include Adam Thielen, Michael Carter, Khalil Herbert, Julius Chestnut, Alec Piercehttps://t.co/MRbSGTr8Sg
— RotoBaller (@RotoBaller) December 30, 2024
Fantasy players should avoid starting Chestnut this week, even if he is the Titans' starting running back. The Texans have held running backs to 17.4 fantasy points per game, the seventh-fewest in the NFL.
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