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Thank you. Not just for reading this column in Week 18, but thank you for the entire season. It's been another fun ride in 2025.

We know you have many options to get your Fantasy advice, and there are plenty of amazing analysts in the industry. But we appreciate you sticking with us during the season, even when our suggestions were wrong, and hopefully you had a successful Fantasy campaign.

We'll have plenty of coverage during the NFL playoffs -- DFS lineups and playoff challenge rankings -- and we're already starting to look ahead to the 2026 season. The best way to win your league is by paying attention in the offseason, so don't go too far.

But this is the last Start 'Em & Sit 'Em for this season, which means we'll see you in a few months. I'll miss writing this column every week, and I hope many of you will miss reading it. 

The good news is we'll be back before you know it, so stay tuned. And get ready. If you won your league this season, you'll be trying hard to repeat as the champion. And if you failed to win a title, then you'll have a goal in mind. As always, we'll be here to help.

And for those of you still playing in Week 18, let's finish strong. It's a crazy scoring period with several teams resting starters for the playoffs, and you'll want to follow the news until the end of the week. But we'll have you covered, as always, so stick with CBS Sports to make sure those lineups are right.

Pick NFL at Underdog Fantasy, where new users who play $5 now get $100 in site credits with promo code CBSSPORTS2 in select states.

Start of the Week
Projections powered by Sportsline
CHI Chicago • #18
Age: 24 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs DET CHI -3 O/U 50.5
OPP VS QB
23rd
PROJ PTS
22.2
QB RNK
7th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
3730
RUYDS
382
TD
29
INT
6
FPTS/G
22
I had Williams as a start quarterback in Start 'Em & Sit 'Em for Week 17, and I wrote that it would be fun if Ben Johnson gave Williams the chance to become the first quarterback in franchise history to pass for 4,000 yards. He was 600 yards away prior to facing the 49ers, and he passed for a season-high 330 in San Francisco to make it possible in Week 18. Now, Williams gets the chance to do it against the Lions, who are No. 10 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, and three quarterbacks in the past six games against Detroit have passed for at least 366 yards. Williams scored 20.9 Fantasy points in Week 2 at Detroit, and he has scored at least 22.9 Fantasy points in three games in a row. The Bears have the chance to lock up the No. 2 seed in the NFC, and Williams should lead the way. He's a top-10 Fantasy quarterback in all leagues in Week 18.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Quarterbacks
QBs to Start
Projections powered by Sportsline
JAC Jacksonville • #16
Age: 26 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs TEN
OPP VS QB
26th
PROJ PTS
26.9
QB RNK
5th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
3752
RUYDS
348
TD
35
INT
12
FPTS/G
22.9
Lawrence didn't throw a touchdown pass in Week 17 at Indianapolis, but he still had a solid game as the Start of the Week. He passed for 263 yards and an interception, but he also added 26 rushing yards and two touchdowns and scored 23.1 Fantasy points. That's now six games in a row with at least 23.1 Fantasy points, including Week 13 at Tennessee when he scored 25.7 points. The Titans are No. 8 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, and five of the past six guys against Tennessee have scored at least 21.7 points.
SF San Francisco • #13
Age: 26 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs SEA SEA -1.5 O/U 48.5
OPP VS QB
9th
PROJ PTS
19.4
QB RNK
6th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
2040
RUYDS
126
TD
23
INT
9
FPTS/G
26.6
Purdy doesn't have an easy matchup in Week 18 against Seattle, but he's on fire now and should stay hot in this winner-take-all game for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. In his past three games against Tennessee, Indianapolis and Chicago, Purdy has combined for 893 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions, along with 83 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and he scored at least 32.2 Fantasy points in each outing. He scored 20.8 Fantasy points at Seattle in Week 1, and the Seahawks have allowed seven quarterbacks to score at least 20.1 Fantasy points this season.
NYG N.Y. Giants • #6
Age: 22 • Experience: Rookie
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs DAL DAL -3.5 O/U 51.5
OPP VS QB
32nd
PROJ PTS
22.8
QB RNK
8th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
2042
RUYDS
455
TD
22
INT
5
FPTS/G
19
Dart wasn't the starter for the Giants in the first meeting with Dallas in Week 2, but Russell Wilson had one of the best games of his career with 450 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception, and he added 23 rushing yards for 36.3 Fantasy points. That outing is one of the reasons why the Cowboys are No. 1 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, and Dart should have the chance for a big game in Week 18. He has scored at least 25.1 Fantasy points in two of his past three games, and he should end the season on a high note in this matchup against Dallas.
DEN Denver • #10
Age: 25 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs LAC DEN -12.5 O/U 37.5
OPP VS QB
3rd
PROJ PTS
20.5
QB RNK
10th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
3790
RUYDS
307
TD
30
INT
11
FPTS/G
21.5
As of Wednesday, we don't know who the Chargers plan to rest on defense in Week 18, but if they are sitting Justin Herbert then other key players will likely also be out to prepare for the playoffs. It's not a slam dunk to trust Nix since he's only scored more than 20 Fantasy points twice in his past seven outings. But we saw this scenario play out last year for Nix in Week 18 against Kansas City when the Chiefs rested starters, and Nix went off for 41.5 Fantasy points. I'm willing to take a chance on Nix in this matchup since the Chargers don't seem intent on trying to win this game.
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
ARI Arizona • #7
Age: 33 • Experience: 10 yrs.
Brissett didn't have a great game in Week 17 at Cincinnati, but he threw a late touchdown to Trey McBride to finish with 20.5 Fantasy points. He's now reached that total in 10 of 11 starts for the Cardinals, including Week 14 against the Rams when he scored 23.1 points. We don't know if the Rams will rest starters on defense since their playoff fate could be decided after Saturday's game between San Francisco and Seattle, so Brissett might have an easier matchup than expected. But four of the past five quarterbacks against the Rams have scored at least 23.1 Fantasy points, and Brissett is worth using as a low-end starter in all leagues in Week 18.
SEA Seattle • #14
Age: 28 • Experience: 8 yrs.
Darnold had a miserable game against San Francisco in Week 1 with 5.4 Fantasy points, but the 49ers defense was healthy then. This defense hasn't stopped many passing attacks lately, and the past three opposing quarterbacks against San Francisco (Cam Ward, Philip Rivers and Caleb Williams) have each scored at least 19 Fantasy points. Darnold has scored at least 21.7 Fantasy points in three of his past six games, and he's worth using as a low-end starter in all leagues in Week 18.
QBs to Sit
Projections powered by Sportsline
TB Tampa Bay • #6
Age: 30 • Experience: 8 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs CAR TB -2.5 O/U 44
OPP VS QB
7th
PROJ PTS
21.2
QB RNK
16th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
3490
RUYDS
351
TD
26
INT
10
FPTS/G
19.3
Mayfield scored 21.4 Fantasy points in Week 17 at Miami, but it wasn't pretty with 346 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, along with 16 rushing yards and a fumble. He has scored fewer than 20 Fantasy points five times in his past seven games, including Week 16 at Carolina with 14.7 points. Only one quarterback has scored at least 20 Fantasy points against the Panthers in their past six games, which was Tyler Shough in Week 15, including matchups with Brock Purdy, Matthew Stafford, Mayfield and Sam Darnold. I would only start Mayfield in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues.
PIT Pittsburgh • #8
Age: 42 • Experience: 21 year
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs BAL BAL -3.5 O/U 41
OPP VS QB
20th
PROJ PTS
16.1
QB RNK
21st
YTD Stats
PAYDS
3028
RUYDS
41
TD
24
INT
7
FPTS/G
17
Rodgers didn't have DK Metcalf (suspended) in Week 17 at Cleveland, and it showed with just 7.3 Fantasy points. Metcalf is still out in Week 18 against Baltimore, and you can't trust Rodgers in the majority of leagues in this matchup. He had a solid game against the Ravens in Week 14 with 23.5 Fantasy points, and Baltimore has allowed four of the past five opposing quarterbacks to score at least 23.2 points. But without Metcalf, the Steelers don't have enough weapons in the passing game to help Rodgers succeed.
ATL Atlanta • #18
Age: 37 • Experience: 14 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs NO ATL -3 O/U 45
OPP VS QB
10th
PROJ PTS
18
QB RNK
19th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
1541
RUYDS
7
TD
10
INT
4
FPTS/G
12.5
Cousins started in Week 12 at New Orleans and scored 18.5 Fantasy points, and I could see him in that range again in the rematch. But I wouldn't expect a huge performance from Cousins since the Saints have allowed just one quarterback to score at least 20 Fantasy points in their past seven games. Cousins has also topped 20 Fantasy points just twice in six starts, and I would only use him in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues in Week 18.
Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
BUF Buffalo • #17
Age: 29 • Experience: 8 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs NYJ BUF -7 O/U 38
OPP VS QB
30th
PROJ PTS
20.7
QB RNK
9th
YTD Stats
PAYDS
3668
RUYDS
579
TD
39
INT
10
FPTS/G
25.9
As of Wednesday afternoon, we don't know how much Allen will play in Week 18 against the Jets. He's expected to take Buffalo's first snap to extend his streak of consecutive regular-season starts to 122, the longest active run among NFL quarterbacks. But it would be a surprise if Allen played much since the Bills need help to improve their playoff standing from the No. 7 seed. That said, Allen won't have to play much to still have a big Fantasy outing against the Jets, who are No. 3 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. But Buffalo could also beat the Jets with Mitch Trubisky at quarterback, and Allen could use the rest since he's dealing with a foot injury. I would look for another Fantasy quarterback in Week 18.
START 'EM & SIT 'EM
Running Backs
RBs to Start
Projections powered by Sportsline
DEN Denver • #12
Age: 24 • Experience: Rookie
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs LAC DEN -12.5 O/U 37.5
OPP VS RB
3rd
PROJ PTS
14.9
RB RNK
9th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
512
REC
46
REYDS
351
TD
12
FPTS/G
12.7
I named Harvey our Fantasy Rookie of the Year for 2025 based on his production in the past five games when he averaged 18.9 PPR points per game, including six total touchdowns. After J.K. Dobbins (foot) was lost for the season, Harvey became a must-start Fantasy option at the right time of the year. And he should have another solid outing against the Chargers, who plan to rest starters for the playoffs. I like Harvey as a borderline No. 1 running back in all leagues.
CHI Chicago • #4
Age: 26 • Experience: 6 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs DET CHI -3 O/U 50.5
OPP VS RB
8th
PROJ PTS
12.3
RB RNK
11th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
1047
REC
33
REYDS
291
TD
10
FPTS/G
14.9
Swift had a standout game in Week 17 at San Francisco with 21.9 PPR points, and he has now scored at least 20.8 PPR points in three of his past five games. He had 13.9 PPR points in Week 2 at Detroit, and the Lions run defense has fallen apart of late. Six running backs in the past four games against Detroit have scored at least 13.1 PPR points, with eight total touchdowns over that span. Swift is worth using as a borderline No. 1 running back in all leagues, and Kyle Monangai should be considered a high-end flex. Monangai has scored at least 12.3 PPR points in two of his past five games.
PIT Pittsburgh • #14
Age: 26 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs BAL BAL -3.5 O/U 41
OPP VS RB
19th
PROJ PTS
10.5
RB RNK
14th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
527
REC
65
REYDS
422
TD
7
FPTS/G
12.5
I thought Gainwell would play well in Week 17 at Cleveland, especially with DK Metcalf (suspended) out, but Gainwell struggled with seven carries for 26 yards and three catches for 12 yards on four targets. That snapped a three-game streak where he scored at least 16.2 PPR points, as well as catching at least five passes in three games in a row. He should rebound in Week 18 against Baltimore, and Gainwell had four carries for 15 yards and a touchdown and six catches for 27 yards on seven targets against the Ravens in Week 14. Baltimore is tied for third with the most receptions allowed to running backs this year with 81, and seven times this season a running back has caught at least five passes against the Ravens. Gainwell remains a solid No. 2 PPR running back in Week 18.
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
NE New England • #38
Age: 27 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs MIA NE -10.5 O/U 45.5
OPP VS RB
21st
PROJ PTS
9.3
RB RNK
17th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
472
REC
30
REYDS
323
TD
6
FPTS/G
11
I like TreVeyon Henderson as a No. 2 Fantasy running back in all leagues in Week 18 against Miami, but Stevenson is also worth using as a starter. He has at least 17.8 PPR points in each of his past two games, and he scored 21.2 PPR points against the Dolphins in Week 2 with 11 carries for 54 yards and five catches for 88 yards on five targets. Stevenson has also scored at least 15 PPR points in three of his past five meetings with Miami, and the Dolphins have allowed three running backs to score at least 12.1 PPR points in their past three games.
SEA Seattle • #26
Age: 24 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ SF SEA -1.5 O/U 48.5
OPP VS RB
20th
PROJ PTS
10.4
RB RNK
22nd
YTD Stats
RUYDS
656
REC
17
REYDS
121
TD
11
FPTS/G
10.8
Charbonnet had a dominant game in Week 17 at Carolina with 18 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns and two catches for 12 yards on two targets, and he has now scored at least 17.4 PPR points in each of his past two outings against the Rams and Panthers. He also scored six touchdowns in the last eight games, with 426 rushing yards over that span, and he's averaging 4.9 yards per carry. And Charbonnet scored 10.7 PPR points against San Francisco in Week 1 with 12 carries for 47 yards and a touchdown, and the 49ers have allowed a running back to score a touchdown in three games in a row. I like Charbonnet as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy running back in all leagues in Week 18, and Kenneth Walker III is worth using as a flex.
BUF Buffalo • #22
Age: 26 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs NYJ BUF -7 O/U 38
OPP VS RB
30th
PROJ PTS
2.2
RB RNK
NR
YTD Stats
RUYDS
124
REC
8
REYDS
63
TD
1
FPTS/G
2.1
I'm not expecting James Cook to play the majority of the game in Week 18 against the Jets, which should give Davis the chance for an increased workload in a great matchup. The Jets have allowed eight running backs to score at least 13.5 PPR points in their past seven games, and Davis could be a star. He had three games with double digits in carries in 2024, and he scored at least 13.7 PPR points in all of them. We'll see what Buffalo decides to do with Cook, but Davis could be a solid replacement option in Week 18.
RBs to Sit
Projections powered by Sportsline
TB Tampa Bay • #7
Age: 23 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs CAR TB -2.5 O/U 44
OPP VS RB
25th
PROJ PTS
13.1
RB RNK
25th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
503
REC
29
REYDS
264
TD
4
FPTS/G
14.2
It's been a rough three-game stretch for Irving heading into Week 18 with 8.3 PPR points or less in each outing against Atlanta, Carolina and Miami. He hasn't scored a touchdown in three games in a row while losing goal-line work to Sean Tucker, and Irving didn't have a target in the first game against the Panthers in Week 16. He had 19 carries for 71 yards in that matchup, and Carolina should be able to contain Irving again in the rematch. I would only use Irving as a flex option in the majority of leagues.
ARI Arizona • #22
Age: 26 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ LAR LAR -7.5 O/U 46.5
OPP VS RB
12th
PROJ PTS
10.8
RB RNK
30th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
315
REC
30
REYDS
246
TD
1
FPTS/G
7.7
Carter had a great opportunity the past two weeks to help Fantasy managers with matchups against Atlanta and Cincinnati, and he combined for 12.8 PPR points over that span with 18 carries for 94 yards and two catches for 14 yards on six targets. Even though he'll remain the lead running back against the Rams in Week 18, you can't trust Carter as anything more than a low-end flex in most formats.
DET Detroit • #5
Age: 28 • Experience: 7 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ CHI CHI -3 O/U 50.5
OPP VS RB
13th
PROJ PTS
8.9
RB RNK
36th
YTD Stats
RUYDS
674
REC
23
REYDS
179
TD
9
FPTS/G
10.2
Montgomery had 10 carries for 25 yards and two catches for 15 yards on two targets in Week 17 at Minnesota, and that was the most touches he had in a game since Week 10. He's scored 9.1 PPR points or less in three games in a row, and Montgomery has become touchdown dependent to help your Fantasy roster. He had 11 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown and one catch for 4 yards in Week 2 against Chicago, but the Bears run defense has improved since then. Chicago has allowed just one rushing touchdown to a running back in the past three games, and Montgomery is just a low-end flex option in the majority of leagues in Week 18.
WRs to Start
Projections powered by Sportsline
ARI Arizona • #14
Age: 25 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ LAR LAR -7.5 O/U 46.5
OPP VS WR
22nd
PROJ PTS
13.8
WR RNK
7th
YTD Stats
REC
73
TAR
118
REYDS
907
TD
6
FPTS/G
12.5
Marvin Harrison Jr. (foot) won't play in Week 18 at the Rams, and that makes Wilson a No. 1 Fantasy receiver in all leagues. Harrison missed four games this season and left early in another, and Wilson averaged 25.8 PPR points over that span. In those five games, Wilson averaged 14 targets per game, and he also had 11 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns on 16 targets against the Rams in Week 14.
CHI Chicago • #10
Age: 22 • Experience: Rookie
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs DET CHI -3 O/U 50.5
OPP VS WR
30th
PROJ PTS
10.5
WR RNK
11th
YTD Stats
REC
44
TAR
56
REYDS
617
TD
2
FPTS/G
8.7
We're keeping an eye on the injury report for the Bears leading up to Week 18 because we hope Burden will play after he was injured on the final play in Week 17 at San Francisco. We also want to see if Rome Odunze (foot) will play against the Lions. If Burden plays and Odunze is out then Burden is worth starting in all leagues. Against the 49ers, Burden was a star with eight catches for 138 yards and a touchdown on nine targets, and he now has at least 14.4 PPR points in each of his past two games. Detroit is No. 2 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, and D.J. Moore would be a high-end No. 3 receiver in all leagues as well if Odunze is out.
DEN Denver • #14
Age: 30 • Experience: 8 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs LAC DEN -12.5 O/U 37.5
OPP VS WR
10th
PROJ PTS
12.8
WR RNK
10th
YTD Stats
REC
73
TAR
122
REYDS
1012
TD
7
FPTS/G
13.6
Sutton had a down game in Week 17 at Kansas City with four catches for 40 yards on 10 targets, but he dropped a potential touchdown that ruined his stat line. Prior to facing the Chiefs, Sutton had scored at least 17.2 PPR points in three of his past four games, and I expect him to get back to that level of production in this matchup. The Chargers are expected to rest several starters on defense, and Sutton had six catches for 118 yards and a touchdown on eight targets in the first meeting with Los Angeles in Week 3. He also has four touchdowns in his past five games overall with the Chargers. Sutton should be considered a high-end No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all leagues.
JAC Jacksonville • #11
Age: 23 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs TEN JAC -12.5 O/U 47.5
OPP VS WR
27th
PROJ PTS
11.1
WR RNK
19th
YTD Stats
REC
53
TAR
86
REYDS
760
TD
4
FPTS/G
10.3
This could be a week where Jakobi Meyers or Brian Thomas Jr. play at a high level for the Jaguars, but it's hard to ignore what Washington has done in the past two games. Against the Broncos and Colts, Washington combined for 20 targets for 14 catches, 260 yards and a touchdown, and he scored at least 19 PPR points in each outing. In his past five games with at least seven targets, Washington has scored at least 17 PPR points four times. He's worth using as a No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all leagues against the Titans, who are No. 6 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. Meyers is also worth using as a No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all leagues, and Thomas is a high-end No. 3 option.
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
TB Tampa Bay • #14
Age: 29 • Experience: 9 yrs.
Godwin was great in Week 17 at Miami with seven catches for 108 yards and a touchdown on eight targets, and he has now scored at least 14 PPR points in two of his past three games. He struggled in Week 16 at Carolina with five catches for 30 yards on six targets, but Godwin is worth using as a low-end starter in all leagues in this matchup. The Panthers have allowed six receivers to score at least 13.2 PPR points in their past five games, including Mike Evans in Week 16. And Evans has a great history against Carolina with 41 catches for 637 yards and eight touchdowns in his past six games against the Panthers. I'd also consider Jalen McMillan as a sleeper since he just had seven catches for 114 yards on nine targets against the Dolphins. The only receiver I would like to avoid is Emeka Egbuka, who has averaged 8.3 PPR points per game over his final 11 outings, including just one catch for 40 yards on two targets against Carolina in Week 16.
WAS Washington • #1
Age: 29 • Experience: 7 yrs.
Samuel had a solid game in Week 17 against Dallas with two catches for 68 yards on four targets and two carries for 25 yards. That was an easy matchup against the Cowboys, but he also might have an easy matchup in Week 18 at the Eagles. Philadelphia is expected to rest several starters on defense, and Samuel is worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in all leagues. He has the chance for $450,000 with 93 receiving yards to reach 800 and $250,000 with two more touchdowns to reach eight. I also like Terry McLaurin as a low-end No. 2 receiver with Philadelphia resting players in Week 18.
HOU Houston • #81
Age: 23 • Experience: Rookie
Higgins had five catches for 65 yards on five targets in Week 13 at Indianapolis, and the Texans should lean on him again in the rematch in Week 18. The Colts have allowed nine receivers to score at least 11.5 PPR points in their past five games, and Higgins should be considered a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in the majority of leagues in Week 18.
WRs to Sit
Projections powered by Sportsline
LAC L.A. Chargers • #15
Age: 24 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ DEN DEN -12.5 O/U 37.5
OPP VS WR
7th
PROJ PTS
8.8
WR RNK
NR
YTD Stats
REC
66
TAR
106
REYDS
789
TD
6
FPTS/G
11.3
McConkey has scored 4.1 PPR points or less in three of his past four games prior to Week 18, and he's been among the biggest busts this season. That's one problem. Another problem is he's facing the Broncos, who held him to four catches for 41 yards on seven targets in Week 3. And, finally, with Justin Herbert not expected to play, McConkey might sit as well. It also isn't ideal to trust McConkey if Trey Lance is the starting quarterback. I would try to avoid all the main Chargers receivers in Week 18 if you can.
MIA Miami • #17
Age: 27 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ NE NE -10.5 O/U 45.5
OPP VS WR
12th
PROJ PTS
10.6
WR RNK
24th
YTD Stats
REC
64
TAR
100
REYDS
910
TD
6
FPTS/G
12.1
Waddle suffered a rib injury in Week 17 against Tampa Bay, and he finished with no catches on one target. We'll see if he plays in Week 18 at New England, but he won't be 100 percent. Waddle also should see a lot of Christian Gonzalez in this matchup, and the Patriots have allowed just two touchdowns to wide receivers in their past five games. Waddle did well in his first game with Quinn Ewers in Week 16 against Cincinnati with five catches for 72 yards on nine targets, and hopefully he can have similar production if healthy in Week 18. But I would only start Waddle in three-receiver leagues at New England.
BUF Buffalo • #10
Age: 25 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs NYJ BUF -7 O/U 38
OPP VS WR
16th
PROJ PTS
9.8
WR RNK
48th
YTD Stats
REC
72
TAR
95
REYDS
719
TD
4
FPTS/G
10.4
Shakir comes into Week 18 having scored 9.6 PPR points or less in four of his past five games, and he has one touchdown over that span. He also had one catch for 12 yards on two targets in Week 2 at the Jets. But the reason to sit Shakir in Week 18 is that Josh Allen might not play much with the Bills likely resting players for the playoffs. And even if Shakir remains in his usual role, I don't want to trust him with Mitch Trubisky at quarterback for the Bills. At best, Shakir is a low-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver in the majority of leagues.
IND Indianapolis • #11
Age: 28 • Experience: 6 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ HOU HOU -10.5 O/U 39
OPP VS WR
1st
PROJ PTS
10.4
WR RNK
41st
YTD Stats
REC
78
TAR
107
REYDS
773
TD
7
FPTS/G
12.5
Pittman had one catch for 13 yards in Week 13 against Houston, and that was when Daniel Jones (Achilles) was still healthy. In his past five games against the Texans, Pittman has combined for 19 catches for 160 yards and no touchdowns, and he has scored 7.4 PPR points or less in four outings in a row. Riley Leonard is starting for the Colts in Week 18, and he might lean on Pittman more than Alec Pierce, Josh Downs or Tyler Warren. But Pittman has combined for nine catches for 74 yards and no touchdowns on 13 targets in his past three games with Philip Rivers, and I don't want to trust Pittman against the Texans with Leonard at quarterback.
Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
Projections powered by Sportsline
GB Green Bay • #9
Age: 26 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ MIN MIN -7.5 O/U 35.5
OPP VS WR
3rd
PROJ PTS
5.4
WR RNK
32nd
YTD Stats
REC
35
TAR
55
REYDS
611
TD
6
FPTS/G
13.2
Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that some starters won't play in Week 18 at Minnesota, which could mean Jordan Love (concussion) and Malik Willis (shoulder) are out. Watson could also sit to be ready for the playoffs, but I wouldn't want to start him against the Vikings if Clayton Tune were under center. Minnesota also has allowed just one touchdown to a receiver since Week 9, a span of eight games, and only four receivers have scored double digits in PPR over that span.
TEs to start
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NO New Orleans • #83
Age: 29 • Experience: 6 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ ATL ATL -3 O/U 45
OPP VS TE
30th
PROJ PTS
11.1
TE RNK
3rd
YTD Stats
REC
74
TAR
97
REYDS
828
TD
3
FPTS/G
10.8
Johnson has been great in the past two games since Devaughn Vele (shoulder) went on injured reserve, and now Chris Olave (illness) is out in Week 18. In his past two outings against the Jets and Titans, Johnson combined for 12 catches for 184 yards on 13 targets, and he scored at least 13.5 PPR points in each contest. He had a solid game against Atlanta in Week 12 with six catches for 46 yards on seven targets, and the Falcons have allowed three tight ends in the past two games to score at least 11.3 PPR points. Johnson should be considered a top-five Fantasy tight end in Week 18.
CHI Chicago • #84
Age: 21 • Experience: Rookie
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs DET CHI -3 O/U 50.5
OPP VS TE
17th
PROJ PTS
10.3
TE RNK
5th
YTD Stats
REC
48
TAR
69
REYDS
622
TD
5
FPTS/G
9.3
Loveland just had a career game in Week 17 at San Francisco with six catches for 94 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets, and he scored 21.4 PPR points. He has now scored at least 10.1 PPR points in four of his past six games, and he should stay hot in Week 18 against the Lions. Two tight ends have scored at least 10.8 PPR points against Detroit in the past five games, and Loveland has top-five upside in all leagues in Week 18.
LV Las Vegas • #87
Age: 24 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs KC KC -5.5 O/U 36.5
OPP VS TE
8th
PROJ PTS
6.8
TE RNK
6th
YTD Stats
REC
32
TAR
45
REYDS
281
TD
1
FPTS/G
5.5
Mayer started for the Raiders in Week 17 against the Giants with Brock Bowers (knee) out, and Mayer had nine catches for 89 yards on 10 targets. He has now played three games this season without Bowers, and Mayer has scored at least 16 PPR points in two of those games. The Chiefs have allowed two tight ends in their past three games to score at least 10.1 PPR points, and Mayer has top-10 upside in all leagues in Week 18.
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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NE New England • #85
Age: 31 • Experience: 10 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs MIA NE -10.5 O/U 45.5
OPP VS TE
30th
PROJ PTS
9.6
TE RNK
8th
YTD Stats
REC
55
TAR
82
REYDS
712
TD
7
FPTS/G
10.5
Henry is worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy tight end in all leagues in Week 19 against Miami. He has scored at least 11.3 PPR points in four of his past five games, with three touchdowns over that span, and the Dolphins have allowed three tight ends in their past four games to score at least 10.1 PPR points.
HOU Houston • #86
Age: 29 • Experience: 8 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs IND HOU -10.5 O/U 39
OPP VS TE
26th
PROJ PTS
9
TE RNK
7th
YTD Stats
REC
78
TAR
102
REYDS
704
TD
3
FPTS/G
10.4
Schultz struggled in Week 17 at the Chargers with 4.9 PPR points, but he scored at least 12.5 PPR points in three of his past five games. He played well against the Colts in Week 13 with seven catches for 55 yards on eight targets, and he should have another solid outing in the rematch in Week 18. Two tight ends in the past five games against Indianapolis have scored at least 12.5 PPR points, and Schultz should be considered a top-10 Fantasy tight end in this matchup.
JAC Jacksonville • #85
Age: 25 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs TEN JAC -12.5 O/U 47.5
OPP VS TE
17th
PROJ PTS
5.5
TE RNK
24th
YTD Stats
REC
40
TAR
54
REYDS
488
TD
2
FPTS/G
9.2
Strange is worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy tight end in all leagues in Week 18 against the Titans, and he had three catches for 45 yards and a touchdown on four targets against Tennessee in Week 13. He has now scored at least 13.5 PPR points in three of his past six games, and the Titans are struggling against tight ends of late. Six tight ends have scored at least 11.1 PPR points against Tennessee in the past eight games, with four touchdowns over that span, and Strange should continue to be a go-to target for Trevor Lawrence in Week 18.
TEs to Sit
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LAC L.A. Chargers • #86
Age: 22 • Experience: Rookie
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ DEN DEN -12.5 O/U 37.5
OPP VS TE
20th
PROJ PTS
6.5
TE RNK
NR
YTD Stats
REC
47
TAR
67
REYDS
641
TD
3
FPTS/G
9.1
Gadsden had a solid game in Week 17 against Houston with three catches for 32 yards and a touchdown on six targets, and he has now scored at least 10.1 PPR points in two of his past three games. But with Justin Herbert not playing in Week 18 to rest for the playoffs, Gadsden will be tough to trust with Trey Lance at quarterback. Gadsden made his NFL debut in Week 3 against the Broncos and had five catches for 46 yards on seven targets, but that was with Herbert. I'm not expecting a big game for Gadsden with Lance under center.
BAL Baltimore • #89
Age: 30 • Experience: 8 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ PIT BAL -3.5 O/U 41
OPP VS TE
31st
PROJ PTS
8.7
TE RNK
16th
YTD Stats
REC
46
TAR
67
REYDS
408
TD
6
FPTS/G
8
Andrews doesn't have a good history in Pittsburgh with 19 catches for 199 yards and no touchdowns in his past five games there, and he scored 4.2 PPR points or less in two of his past three outings at Acrisure Stadium. Andrews also had one catch for 9 yards on five targets against the Steelers in Week 14, and he has scored 8.7 PPR points or less in six games in a row.
Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
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IND Indianapolis • #84
Age: 23 • Experience: Rookie
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
@ HOU HOU -10.5 O/U 39
OPP VS TE
12th
PROJ PTS
8.8
TE RNK
10th
YTD Stats
REC
71
TAR
104
REYDS
791
TD
5
FPTS/G
11.3
Warren had three catches for 22 yards and a touchdown on four targets in Week 13 against Houston, and that's the last time he scored double digits in PPR. It's also the last healthy game he played with Daniel Jones (Achilles), and we'll see if Riley Leonard can help Warren's production since he has struggled in the past three games with Philip Rivers. Despite getting 20 targets over that span against Seattle, San Francisco and Jacksonville, Warren has combined for just 11 catches for 92 yards and no touchdowns. I'm not confident in Warren playing well in this matchup, and he's only worth starting in deeper leagues.
DST
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Vikings (vs. GB)

The Packers will likely be resting starters in Week 18, and that's good news for the Vikings DST. This defense has been dominant of late, with 10 sacks, three interceptions and four fumbles in the past two games against the Giants and Lions, and those two teams combined for just 17 points. I like the Vikings DST as a top-five Fantasy option in Week 18.

Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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Rams (vs. ARI)
Jaguars (vs. TEN)
Ravens (at PIT)

Sits
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Chargers (at DEN)

The Chargers defense has played well this season, but it appears that Los Angeles will be resting several starters in Week 18 at Denver. As of Wednesday, we don't know who will be out on defense, but any key absence is a plus for the Broncos and reason to keep the Chargers DST on the bench.

Start
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LAR L.A. Rams • #92
Age: 23 • Experience: 1 year
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs ARI LAR -7.5 O/U 46.5
OPP VS K
31st
PROJ PTS
8.5
K RNK
9th
Mevis made one field goal and six PATs in Week 14 against the Cardinals, and he scored nine Fantasy points. In three games since then, Mevis has six field goals on seven attempts and 12 PATs, and he should be considered a No. 1 Fantasy kicker in all leagues. The Cardinals are No. 2 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing kickers, and 11 guys have made multiple field goals against Arizona this season.
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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SF San Francisco • #18
Age: 30 • Experience: 8 yrs.
DEN Denver • #3
Age: 31 • Experience: 10 yrs.
CHI Chicago • #8
Age: 34 • Experience: 12 yrs.
Weekly Breakdown
MATCHUP
vs DET CHI -3 O/U 50.5
OPP VS K
19th
PROJ PTS
9.2
K RNK
11th
Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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DET Detroit • #39
Age: 26 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Bates only has two field goals in his past two games against Pittsburgh and Minnesota and just four PATs. He was also 1-of-2 on field goals in Week 2 against Chicago, but he had seven PATs. The Bears have allowed just one kicker to make multiple field goals in their past seven games, and Bates is not worth starting in the majority of leagues outdoors in Week 18.