Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets

• MIA -1, O/U 38.5
• Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Week 18 Motivation: Miami needs a win and a Denver loss to get into the playoffs. Both teams play in the afternoon this week, so Miami will be going all out this week.

Dolphins Players & Weekly Rankings

Jets Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• De’Von Achane
• Breece Hall
• Davante Adams
• Jonnu Smith

Breece Hall played 63% of the snaps last week in the first half. He remains the Jets’ workhorse back. The blowout played a large part in his snap count dropping last week. With a tight spread this week, the Jets should be competitive, which means Hall will play 60-70% of the snaps.

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Tyler Huntley (QB)

Last week, Huntley looked much improved in the Dolphins’ offense, finishing as the QB11 for the week. He had 52 rushing yards and a rushing score. He had 8.6 yards per attempt, a 73.1% highly accurate throw rate, and an 88.5% catchable target rate. It was a strong showing for a player who is vying to be the team’s backup quarterback for next season. He could help his case with another QB1 finish this week against a downgraded Jets pass defense. Since Week 12, New York has allowed the tenth-highest passer rating, the 14th-highest CPOE, and the ninth-highest success rate per dropback.

Garrett Wilson (WR)

Since Week 8, Wilson has been the WR23 in fantasy points per game with eight red-zone targets (four scores). Since Week 10, Miami has had the seventh-highest two high rate in the NFL (56.9%). Since Week 8, against two high, Wilson has had a 20.2% target share, a 35.3% air-yard share, 1.72 YPRR, and a 25.8% first-read share. Wilson is a WR2 again this week. Since Week 12, Miami has ranked 16th in receiving yards per game and 15th in fantasy points per game allowed to perimeter wide receivers.

Tyreek Hill (WR)

Hill is the WR29 in fantasy points per game, ranking 21st in deep targets and 12th in red-zone targets among wide receivers. Last week with Huntly, he was the WR19 in fantasy with a 34.6% target share, a 60.6% air-yard share, 3.54 YPRR (105 receiving yards), and a 43.8% first-read share. Hill is a WR2 this week. Since Week 12, New York has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points per game and the 13th-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Fantasy Football Week 18 Flex Plays & Fades

Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.

Aaron Rodgers (QB)

Since Week 8, Rodgers has been the QB26 in fantasy points per game. Across his last nine games, among 38 qualifying passers, Rodgers has ranked 26th in yards per attempt, 24th in passing yards per game, 33rd in CPOE, and seventh-highest in off-target rate. He faces a pass defense that, since Week 12, has allowed the ninth-fewest yards per attempt, the 13th-lowest passer rating, and the ninth-lowest CPOE. Rodgers is a QB2 again this week.

Jaylen Waddle (WR)

With Tyler Huntley starting, Waddle has had a 20.3% target share, 1.22 YPRR (31 receiving yards per game), and a 23.2% first-read share. He never finished with more than 46 receiving yards or higher than WR47 in weekly scoring, with Huntley tossing him passes. Waddle has been a consistent third option in the target pecking order this season. It’s a leap of faith to ask Huntley to support any more than possibly two pass-catching options in a game. Sit Waddle.

CLE vs. BAL | CIN vs. PIT | CHI vs. GB | CAR vs. ATL | WAS vs. DAL | JAC vs. IND | NYG vs. PHI | BUF vs. NE | NO vs. TB | HOU vs. TEN | SF vs. ARI | KC vs. DEN | MIA vs. NYJ | SEA vs. LAR | LAC vs. LV | MIN vs. DET

Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams

• SEA -6.5, O/U 38
• Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Week 18 Motivation: The Rams are locked into the No. 3 or 4 seed. They are resting their starters this week. Seattle is out of playoff contention, but they will be playing their starters.

Seahawks Players & Weekly Rankings

Rams Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Zach Charbonnet
• Blake Corum
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Tutu Atwell (WR)

Atwell should operate as Garoppolo’s WR1 this week. In Weeks 3-7, he operated as a full-time starter for Los Angeles as the WR32 in fantasy points per game with a 23.6% target share, 2.54 YPRR, and a 32.6% first-read share. In those four games, he had two red-zone targets. Since Week 11, Seattle has had the fifth-highest two high rate (57.5%). In those four games against two high, Atwell had a 24% TPRR, 2.06 YPRR, and 0.107 FD/RR. Atwell is a strong flex this week. Since Week 12, Seattle has ranked 18th in PRR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Noah Fant (TE)

Since Week 13, Fant has had two red zone targets, a 15.6% target share, 1.22 YPRR (30.4 receiving yards per game), and a 15.6% first-read share. He is a decent streaming option this week if you’re in need. Los Angeles has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game and the fifth-most receiving yards per game to tight ends.

Fantasy Football Week 18 Flex Plays & Fades

Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.

Geno Smith (QB)

Since Week 11, Smith has been the QB35 in fantasy points per game. Among 39 qualifying passers during that span, he has ranked 14th in yards per attempt, 19th in passer rating, eighth in highly accurate throw rate, and 28th in fantasy points per dropback. Smith is a low-end QB2 this week. Since Week 12, the Rams’ pass defense has improved, allowing the seventh-fewest yards per attempt, the sixth-lowest passer rating and CPOE, and the 13th-fewest fantasy points via passing. The Rams will trot out backups on defense for at least part of the game this week, but I don’t know if Smith can take advantage of it.

Jimmy Garoppolo (QB)

Last year, Garoppolo was the QB40 in fantasy points per game, ranking 19th in yards per attempt, 37th in passer rating, 29th in CPOE, and 34th in fantasy points per dropback. He’s a low-end QB2 this week, leading the Rams’ backup team. He faces a stout Seattle pass defense that, since Week 12, has allowed the fifth-fewest yards per attempt, the tenth-fewest passing yards per game, and the second-lowest CPOE.

D.K. Metcalf (WR)

Metcalf hasn’t been the same player since returning from a two-game hiatus in Week 11. Since Week 11, he has been the WR45 in fantasy points per game with an 18.8% target share, 1.70 YPRR (53 receiving yards per game), and a 29% first-read share. Across his last seven games played, he has one top-24 fantasy finish in weekly scoring and only two red zone targets. Maybe Metcalf has a massive bounce-back game in Week 18 against the Rams’ backups, but unless I can help it, I don’t want to depend upon him in fantasy this week. Sitting him could burn you this week, but there’s a case to be made for not playing him this week, depending on your options. The production has been that bad.

CLE vs. BAL | CIN vs. PIT | CHI vs. GB | CAR vs. ATL | WAS vs. DAL | JAC vs. IND | NYG vs. PHI | BUF vs. NE | NO vs. TB | HOU vs. TEN | SF vs. ARI | KC vs. DEN | MIA vs. NYJ | SEA vs. LAR | LAC vs. LV | MIN vs. DET

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

• LAC -4.5, O/U 41.5
• Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Week 18 Motivation: Pittsburgh plays this Saturday. If they win, Los Angeles is locked in for the sixth seed. If Pittsburgh loses and the Chargers win they will get the No. 5 seed. The Chargers could play their starters all game regardless of the seeding, but they would have more motivation to do so if Pittsburgh loses.

Chargers Players & Weekly Rankings

Raiders Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Justin Herbert
• Ladd McConkey
• Brock Bowers

*This is assuming that the Chargers will play their starters in a full-time capacity this week.*

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Alexander Mattison (RB)

Mattison will operate this week as the team’s workhorse back. In Mattison’s five starts this season, he has averaged 19.4 touches and 69.8 total yards. He has been a volume-based fantasy play this season. His per-touch efficiency remains horrid, with an 11% missed tackle rate and 2.11 yards after contact per attempt. Mattison is a nice flex play this week. His volume could play up this week as the Chargers’ putrid run defense could aid his efficiency. Since Week 12, they have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards per game, the ninth-highest explosive run rate, and the third-most yards after contact per attempt.

Jakobi Meyers (WR)

Since Week 4, Meyers has been the WR27 in fantasy points per game. He has four top-24 weekly scoring finishes among wide receivers and four red-zone targets in his last two games played. The Chargers have the third-highest two high rate in the NFL (57.7%). Since Week 4, against two high, Meyers has had a 21.5% target share, a 34.4% air-yard share, 1.75 YPRR, and a 30.2% first-read share. He faces a Bolts’ secondary that, since Week 12, has allowed the 13th-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Quentin Johnston (WR)

Since Week 8, Johnston has been the WR45 in fantasy points per game with five top-36 weekly scoring outings. He has six red-zone targets across his last six games. Since Week 8, he has had an 18.8% target share, 1.51 YPRR, and a 22.4% first-read share. Since Week 12, Las Vegas has allowed the eighth-most PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers. Johnston is a decent flex play again this week.

Fantasy Football Week 18 Flex Plays & Fades

Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.

Aidan O’Connell (QB)

O’Connell is the QB35 in fantasy points per game, ranking 29th in yards per attempt and passer rating, 40th in CPOE, and 37th in fantasy points per dropback. He has only one weekly finish above QB16 this season. O’Connell remains a low-end QB2 this week. Since Week 12, the Chargers have allowed the 12th-lowest success rate per dropback, the 11th-fewest yards per attempt, and the 12th-lowest CPOE.

J.K. Dobbins (RB)

Dobbins is the RB17 in fantasy points per game, ranking 19th in opportunity share and 27th in red zone touches. He has averaged 17.2 touches and 82 total yards. Last week, he returned to the lineup after missing four games and played 53% of the snaps with 20 touches and 83 total yards (RB10). Among 42 qualifying backs, Dobbins ranks 24th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 26th in yards after contact per attempt. Dobbins is a volume-based RB2 this week. Since Week 12, the Raiders have fielded a tough run defense, allowing the eighth-fewest rushing yards per game, the eighth-lowest missed tackle rate, and the 12th-lowest yards after contact per attempt.

The Chargers split full-time tight end duties between three players last week. There’s no Chargers tight end that is fantasy-viable this week.

CLE vs. BAL | CIN vs. PIT | CHI vs. GB | CAR vs. ATL | WAS vs. DAL | JAC vs. IND | NYG vs. PHI | BUF vs. NE | NO vs. TB | HOU vs. TEN | SF vs. ARI | KC vs. DEN | MIA vs. NYJ | SEA vs. LAR | LAC vs. LV | MIN vs. DET

Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions

• Watch Live on Fubo
• DET -3, O/U 56
• Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Week 18 Motivation: Each of these teams will have the pedal to the metal this week with the NFC North crown and the No. 1 seed on the line for the winner.

Vikings Players & Weekly Rankings

Lions Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Sam Darnold
• Jared Goff
• Jahmyr Gibbs
• Amon-Ra St. Brown
• Justin Jefferson
• Jordan Addison
• Sam LaPorta

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Aaron Jones (RB)

Jones is the RB19 in fantasy points per game, ranking 13th in opportunity share, 12th in weighted opportunities, and ninth in red zone touches. He has averaged 18.2 touches and 91.9 total yards per game. Among 67 qualifying backs, he ranks 39th in explosive run rate and 16th in yards after contact per attempt. Since Week 13, Detroit’s run defense has been downgraded to a middle-of-the-road unit, sitting at 18th in missed tackle rate while giving up the highest rushing touchdown rate and the seventh-highest zone rushing success rate (Jones 58.8% zone).

Jameson Williams (WR)

Williams is the WR22 in fantasy points per game, with four red zone targets in his last five games. He has eclipsed 20 fantasy points in four games this season, including each of his last two games. Minnesota has the highest two high rate in the NFL (63.8%). Against two high, Williams has had a 17.6% target share, 2.31 YPRR, and a 26.4% first-read share. Williams should cook the Vikings secondary. Since Week 12, they have allowed the sixth-most receiving yards per game and the fifth-most fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers.

T.J. Hockenson (TE)

Hockenson is the TE14 in fantasy points per game with five red zone targets in his last five games. He has three TE1 finishes this season. Hockenson has a 15.8% target share, 1.86 YPRR, and a 16.2% first-read share. He faces his former team that, across their last five games, has allowed the sixth-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends. Hockenson is a TE1 again this week.

Fantasy Football Week 18 Flex Plays & Fades

Tread lightly with these players who are questionable starts or players I’m fading this week.

N/A

CLE vs. BAL | CIN vs. PIT | CHI vs. GB | CAR vs. ATL | WAS vs. DAL | JAC vs. IND | NYG vs. PHI | BUF vs. NE | NO vs. TB | HOU vs. TEN | SF vs. ARI | KC vs. DEN | MIA vs. NYJ | SEA vs. LAR | LAC vs. LV | MIN vs. DET

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*All data utilized in this article is courtesy of Fantasy Points Data, PFF, FTN, rbsdm.com, and Playerprofiler.com unless otherwise specified.*