Fantasy Football Week 18 Rankings, Grades & Start/Sit Advice (2024)

Welcome to Week 18, friends. As always, we’re here to provide you with some fantasy football Quick Grades (or Start/Sit Grades, if you prefer) for the week.

We tapped into our consensus projections and rankings and Derek Brown’s weekly Primer to generate this week’s Quick Grades. See below for the results and accompanying notes.

• Fitz’s Tiers & Rankings
• Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
• Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
• Fantasy Football Trade Tools

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Week 18 Quarterback Start/Sit Grades

Tyler Huntley: Huntley will start this week. Last season, in his six starts (including the playoffs), he averaged 8.6 rushing attempts and 31.8 rushing yards, so we know the rushing equity will be there for Huntley. Huntley was not amazing during his tenure as a starter last year, but this is a two-game DFS slate (if you’re playing the Saturday-only slate). Huntley likely falls in line as the third-most-popular quarterback for the slate, which makes him a strong GPP play. Last year, among 48 qualifying quarterbacks, Huntley was 45th in yards per attempt, 35th in CPOE, and 29th in fantasy points per dropback. The Steelers’ pass defense has been beatable this season. Since Week 12, they have allowed the fifth-highest yards per attempt, the seventh-most passing touchdowns, and the sixth-highest passer rating. In that timeframe, they have also ranked sixth-best in time to pressure, so Huntley will be flushed from the pocket regularly this week, which should contribute to some rushing attempts.

C.J. Stroud: Stroud is hands down the best quarterback play of the two-game Saturday DFS slate. Easily. He ranks fifth in yards per attempt, sixth in passer rating, and 11th in fantasy points per dropback. Indy has fielded an average pass defense over the last few weeks, ranking 14th in yards per attempt and adjusted completion rate and 15th in passer rating allowed. The Colts love their Cover 3 usage. Since Week 12, they have led the NFL in Cover 3 rate (48.4%). Stroud ranks second in yards per attempt, first in passer rating, and second in fantasy points per dropback among 29 qualifying quarterbacks against Cover 3.

Gardner Minshew: Minshew is a strong play this week. Among 48 qualifying quarterbacks, Minshew ranks 29th in yards per attempt, 28th in passer rating, and 32nd in CPOE and fantasy points per dropback. None of these numbers will make anyone rush to plug Minshew into their DFS lineups, but the matchup is a pass-funnel paradise. Since Week 12, Houston has allowed the third-most yards per attempt, the fifth-most passing yards per game, and the sixth-highest CPOE. Stacking Minshew and the Colts’ passing attack is perfect leverage off a popular Jonathan Taylor.

Jeff Driskel: In 2019, Driskel got a three-start cup of coffee with Detroit. He averaged 228.3 passing yards, 6.5 yards per attempt, 7.3 rushing attempts, and 50.3 rushing yards in those starts. In 2020, he had two games with extended action, averaging 216 passing yards with 6.7 yards per attempt, but the rushing equity wasn’t there (only 9.5 rushing yards per game). The rushing upside is there with Driskel, but it’s fair to question whether we see it this week from the now 30-year-old signal caller. The matchup is amazing for Driskel, and the salary relief he provides can allow you to stack a lineup full of studs. Since Week 12, the Bengals have been ravaged by passing, giving up the third-most passing yards per game, the fourth-highest passer rating, and the second-highest yards per attempt and CPOE.

Jalen Hurts: Hurts remains the QB2 in fantasy, but it has been driven by his production with his legs and not his arm. He ranks first in red zone carries, third in rushing yards, and first in rushing touchdowns. Since Week 11, among 33 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 24th in yards per attempt, 25th in passer rating, 24th in CPOE, and 16th in highly accurate throw rate. Hurts can have a day with his legs again while flashing some upside with his arm. The last time he faced the Giants, he had 7.9 yards per attempt while tossing for 301 yards and a score. The Giants will pose a challenge for him, though. Since Week 12, they have ranked 16th in passing yards per game while holding passers to the seventh-lowest CPOE, the eighth-lowest passer rating, and the third-fewest passing touchdowns.

Tyrod Taylor: Taylor is a viable GPP play again this week after posting 19.8 fantasy points last week. His rushing upside might not be earth-shattering, but he has surpassed 20 rushing yards in five games this season. His passing skills have been underrated this season. Among 48 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranks 21st in yards per attempt, 13th in CPOE, and third in highly accurate throw rate. Taylor should have his way with a Philly pass defense that can’t seem to get right. Since Week 12, they have allowed the ninth-most passing yards per game, the most passing touchdowns, and the 10th-highest yards per attempt.

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Week 18 Wide Receiver Start/Sit Grades

A.J. Brown: Brown is due to bust out of this slump. Right? Since Week 11, he has only two games with more than 90 receiving yards. He hasn’t posted more than 20 fantasy points in a game since Week 8. Hurts should lean on him this week with DeVonta Smith clearly banged up. Brown ranks sixth in deep targets, and 12th in red zone looks. Since Week 12, New York has had the third-highest rate of single high (62.8%). Against single high, Brown has been dominant with a 37% target share, a 52.2% air-yard share, 3.82 YPRR, and a 46.6% first-read share. Since Week 12, the Giants have allowed the ninth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Tyler Lockett: Lockett has disappointed this season, but he can turn all of those frowns from fantasy GMs upside down this week. Despite his shortcomings, he still ranks 17th in receptions and 27th in deep targets. He has been the team’s go-to (not D.K. Metcalf) against two high. Since Week 12, Arizona has had the second-highest rate of two high (70%). Since Week 8, against two high, Lockett has a 21.2% target share, a 41.2% air-yard share, 1.55 YPRR, and a 25.2% first-read share. Arizona has allowed the eighth-most receiving touchdowns, the highest catch rate, and the 14th-highest yards per reception to receivers this season.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Smith-Njigba has taken more of the receiving workload over the back half of the season with at least 12.1 fantasy points in three of his last five games. He has four red zone targets across his last six games. Since Week 12, Arizona has had the second-highest rate of two high (70%). Since Week 8, against two high, Smith-Njigba has had a 19.9% target share, 1.67 YPRR, and a 23.4% first-read share (second on the team behind only Lockett). If you’re doubling Chef Geno this week, Walker and Smith-Njigba are the targets.

Justyn Ross: Ross had only seven targets (four receptions, 36 receiving yards) in the regular season, so there’s not much to take away from that. He had a larger 15-target sample in the preseason, but the results weren’t eye-popping. Ross only had 1.0 YPRR, but he did manage a 25.4% TPRR, which is very encouraging. If you’re rostering Ross this week, it’s to save salary and stack your lineup with studs. His range of outcomes is wide, but the matchup is noice. Since Week 12, the Chargers have allowed the sixth-most PPR points per target and the third-most receiving touchdowns to perimeter wide receivers.

Tutu Atwell: Atwell should run as the WR1 this week. Puka Nacua likely plays the first drive or two to get the single-season receiving yardage and reception records sown up, but after that, it should be all Atwell. Since Week 12, the 49ers have had the 10th-highest rate of two high (54.5%). Against two high, Atwell has a 14% TPRR and 1.44 YPRR. These aren’t blistering numbers, but volume should be on his side this week. Also facing a possible starting tandem at corner of Samuel Womack lll (career: 75% catch rate and 101.9 passer rating) and Darrell Luter Jr. (former fifth-round selection with only three targets faced this season) doesn’t hurt.

Ronnie Bell: Bell should be the guy for Darnold this week if the 49ers sit or limit their starters. Bell has seen limited action this season, but some of the limited numbers are encouraging. Since Week 12, the Rams have the seventh-highest rate of single-high (58.5%). Against single-high, Bell has only 23 routes run, but he has managed a 22% TPRR, and for all five of his targets against single-high, he has been the first read. Since Week 12, the Rams have allowed the seventh-most PPR points per target and the most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Wide Receivers

Diontae Johnson: Many will be looking for George Pickens here, but Johnson has been the Steelers’ guy against two-high. Since Week 12, Baltimore has utilized two-high at the seventh-highest rate (56.4%). Since Week 7, against two-high, Johnson has had a 22.3% target share (Pickens 17.2%), a 40.8% air-yard share (Pickens 28.3%), 1.51 YPRR, and a 28.7% first-read share (Pickens 20.4%). The Ravens’ secondary has been stout, but if they are rolling out backups this week also on the defensive side, the teeth of that defense won’t be quite as sharp.

Nelson Agholor: Agholor has been the team’s WR4/slot option all season. He could operate as the team’s WR1 and starting slot this week. Since Week 12, Pittsburgh has had the fourth-highest rate of single high (62.4%). This season, Agholor has had a 15% target per route run rate (TPRR) and only 1.47 YPRR against single-high. Last season, his numbers against single-high were stronger, with a 21% TPRR and 1.64 YPRR. Agholor has run 74.2% of his routes from the slot this season. Since Week 12, Pittsburgh has allowed the third-most PPR points per target to slot receivers.

Nico Collins: Collins has been a stud this year with four games with at least 23 PPR points. He ranks 16th in receiving yards, 11th in yards after the catch, and 22nd in red zone targets. Since Week 12, Indy has led the NFL in Cover 3 rate (48.4%). Against Cover 3, in the 13 games he has been a full time player, Collins has had a 21.2% target share, a 26.3% air-yard share, 3.45 YPRR, and a 27.3% first-read share. Since Week 12, Indy has allowed the 14th-most PPR points per target and the ninth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. Nico Collins is a near lock play.

Robert Woods: Woods is in play for Stroud stacks. He is dealing with a hip issue, but he’s expected to play this week. Noah Brown is expected to be out, which would make Woods the starting boundary receiver opposite Collins. In Week 2 against this defense, Woods secured six of his nine targets with 74 scoreless receiving yards. Since Week 12, Indy has led the NFL in Cover 3 rate (48.4%). In his 14 games played against Cover 3, Woods has a 14.4% target share, 1.34 YPRR, and a 17% first-read share. Since Week 12, Indy has allowed the 14th-most PPR points per target and the ninth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. Woods didn’t practice on Wednesday (hip). His status will need to be watched closely.

Michael Pittman: Pittman has been a volume hog with at least 11 targets in 60% of the games he played this season. He is ninth in targets, sixth in receptions, 13th in receiving yards, and eighth in yards after the catch. Pittman also ranks ninth in red zone targets. Since Week 12, Houston has utilized Cover 3 or Cover 4 on 60.6% of their defensive snaps. Against Cover 3 and Cover 4, Pittman has a 28.8% target share, a 31.1% air-yard share, 1.99 YPRR, and a 38.4% first-read share. Pittman is also a near-lock play. Since Week 12, Houston has allowed the second-most PPR points per target and the third-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Alec Pierce: Pierce is in play for this small slate. Since Week 12, Houston has utilized Cover 3 or Cover 4 on 60.6% of their defensive snaps. Against Cover 3 and Cover 4, Pierce has had a 12.2% target share, 1.24 YPRR, and a 14.8% first-read share. Houston has struggled against perimeter wide receivers and defending the deep ball. Since Week 12, Houston has allowed the second-most PPR points per target and the third-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. Pierce leads Indy with 18 deep targets. Houston has allowed the fourth-highest yards per attempt, the third-most passing yards, and the third-highest CPOE to deep passes this season.

Week 18 Running Back Start/Sit Grades

Pierre Strong: If Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt sit, Strong will be an every-down workhorse in a smash matchup. Strong has long been the apple of my eye since his days as a prospect. He has done nothing to change that stance this season with limited work. Among 66 qualifying running backs, Strong ranks 29th in explosive run rate and 11th in yards after contact per attempt. He should shred the Bengals’ putrid run defense. Since Week 11, the Bengals have allowed the seventh-highest rushing touchdown rate, the fourth-highest yards before contact per attempt, and the fifth-highest yards per carry to gap runs (Strong 59.2% gap) with the eighth-lowest stuff rate.

Jahmyr Gibbs: The last time these two teams met, Gibbs rolled up 19 touches and 100 total yards (two scores). He has been a matchup-proof monster this season. Since Week 12, he has averaged 14.3 touches and 76.7 total yards. Gibbs is one of the best young backs in the NFL, ranking second in explosive run rate, 12th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 13th in yards after contact per attempt. It’s arbitrary, but he’s only 85 yards away from 1,000 rushing yards for the season. Since Week 12, Minnesota’s run defense has also begun to show some cracks, allowing the 13th-highest rushing yards per game and yards after contact per attempt with the second-lowest stuff rate. Since Week 12, Minnesota has allowed the 12th-highest yards per carry to zone runs (since Week 9, 52.7% of Gibbs’ runs have been on zone plays). If Goff fails this week, it’s because Gibbs likely had another outstanding game.

Bijan Robinson: Arthur Smith has decided to put the silly games aside for the last two weeks. Since Week 16, Robinson has played at least 75% of the snaps while averaging 18.5 touches and 104 total yards. Robinson has still had to contend with Tyler Allgeier in the red zone, but he has the edge over him in the last two weeks with six opportunities versus Allgeier’s four. Among 65 qualifying backs, Robinson ranks sixth in missed tackles forced per attempt and 38th in yards after contact per attempt. Robinson should be the engine of the offense this week with 18-20 touches. Since Week 12, New Orleans has allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game, the sixth-most missed tackles per attempt, and the seventh-highest yards after contact per attempt.

Rachaad White: The last time these two teams met, White had 23 touches, 106 total yards, and 19.6 PPR points. With another 85 rushing yards, White can cross the 1,000 rushing mark for the season. He’s had at least 20 carries in four of the last five games and should be in line for 20-25 carries this week. White has averaged 19.6 touches and 90.4 total yards this season. He is fourth in snap share, seventh in opportunity share, third in weighted opportunities, and seventh in red zone touches. Since Week 12, Carolina has allowed the fourth-highest rushing touchdown rate, the second-highest missed tackles per attempt, and the highest yards after contact per attempt. White is a smash play this week.

D’Andre Swift: Swift is again a viable GPP play this week, but only in MME or large field. His production has been spotty lately. His 20 carries and 92 rushing-yard outing against the Giants last time was his best in a while. Swift has only one rushing touchdown over his last six games. In that same span, he hasn’t had more than seven receiving yards in any game. Since Week 12, he has averaged 14.7 touches and 62.6 total yards. Among 65 qualifying backs, he ranks 42nd in missed tackles forced per attempt and 50th in yards after contact per attempt. It has not been pretty for Swift lately after a hot start to the season. Hopefully, he can bounce back this week. Since Week 12, the Giants have allowed the 10th-most rushing yards per game, the sixth-highest explosive run rate, and the 11th-highest yards after contact per attempt.

Saquon Barkley: Barkley continues to truck along. He needs 84 more yards on the ground to log another 1,000-yard rushing season. He ranks third in snap share, second in opportunity share, and 10th in weighted opportunities. Barkley has averaged 20.6 touches and 88.1 total yards this season. He is 15th in explosive run rate and 28th in yards after contact per attempt. He should run wild this week against an Eagles run defense that, since Week 12, has given up the fourth-most rushing yards, the seventh-highest explosive run rate, and the ninth-highest yards before contact per attempt.

Week 18 Tight End Start/Sit Grades

Trey McBride: With Kyler Murray under center, McBride has remained a weekly volume monster. Since Week 10, among 46 qualifying tight ends, he ranks first in target share (25.2%), second in YPRR (2.26), and first in first-read share (30.1%). These are elite WR1 volume/usage stats. In the same timeframe, McBride ranks fourth in fantasy points per route run.

Charlie Woerner: Woerner could be the every-down tight end for the 49ers this week in a strong matchup. Woerner’s career 7% TPRR and 0.47 YPRR don’t scream “PLAY ME,” but the matchup is glorious. The Rams have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points, the third-highest yards per reception, and the second-most receiving touchdowns to tight ends.

Pat Freiermuth: Outside of Week 12, Freiermuth has been a ghost for most of the 2023 season. In his 11 games played, he has only three weeks in which he surpassed 40 receiving yards, but he’s worth considering for this two-game DFS slate. Since Week 12, Baltimore has utilized two-high at the seventh-highest rate (56.4%). Against two high, Freiermuth has a 16.9% target share, 1.53 YPRR, and a 24% first-read share. Since Week 8, Baltimore has allowed the 12th-most receiving yards and the fourth-highest yards per reception to tight ends.

Charlie Kolar: If Isaiah Likely sits this week (he will), Kolar will be Baltimore’s every down tight end. Kolar hasn’t been utilized much this season, but when he’s been called upon, he has been efficient. He has a 15% TPRR, 1.88 YPRR, and 0.48 fantasy points per route run. Kolar has the athleticism to rip off big plays with his 4.67 40-yard dash and 88th-percentile speed score. Since Week 8, Pittsburgh has allowed the fifth-most receiving yards and third-most fantasy points to tight ends.

Dalton Schultz: Schultz has had a strong year as a security blanket for C.J. Stroud, ranking fourth in red zone targets, 13th in receptions, 12th in receiving yards, and seventh in total touchdowns among tight ends. Since Week 12, Indy has led the NFL in Cover 3 rate (48.4%). In the 12 games this season in which Schultz has played at least 59% of the snaps against Cover 3, he has had a 15.5% target share, 1.88 YPRR, and a 15.9% first-read share. Schultz puts two tight-end lineups in play for this short slate. Indy has allowed the 10th-most receiving yards and the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends.

Jordan Akins: This could easily be the Harrison Bryant show, but as the TE2 for the team, he could be too high on the depth chart and sit out this week with the rest of the starters. Akins could draw the start in a marvelous spot. Akins has had 18% TPRR marks in back-to-back seasons with strong YPRR numbers (1.50, 1.77). Cincinnati has been a dream matchup for tight ends this season, allowing the second-most receiving yards, the most receptions, and the third-most fantasy points to the position.

Johnny Mundt: Last week, Mundt had an 84.2% route run rate, 21.9% target share, 1.22 YPRR, and two red zone targets as the Vikings starting tight end. Mundt is viable in a game stack or a mini stack run back with St. Brown or Gibbs this week. Detroit has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points, the 11th-most receiving yards, and the seventh-highest yards per reception to tight ends.

Week 18 Defense / Special Teams Start/Sit Grades

Week 18 Kicker Start/Sit Grades