In most fantasy football leagues, the curtain has fallen on the 2024 season. Week 17 was the end of the line. Two teams entered. One team left. That team was champion.

Won a couple myself. Actually a low number given how many leagues I'm in. But it beats a blank.

However, some fantasy football fanatics want to stretch the season as long as possible. Squeeze one more week of fun and excitement out of the season. So, despite the threat of teams with nothing to play for holding players out, they hold their Championship Game in the final week of the season.

Frankly, it's not for anyone other than the managers involved to decide whether that's wise or not. Given how many players were late scratches last week, many want to move the title game to Week 16. In other words, no plan is perfect.

We aren't here to judge. What we are here to do is help managers who are playing this week end on a high note.

So that's what we're going to do—with position-by-position PPR rankings, matchups to exploit and avoid, and a look at the top 100 overall players for Week 18.

Quarterbacks

We're doing Week 18 rankings for all the fantasy degenerates (God love 'em) who stretch out the season as long as possible, but with the 2024 campaign over in most leagues, it's time to hand out some imaginary hardware at each position—Most Valuable Player, Biggest Bust and Surprise Star.

The Most Valuable Player at quarterback is Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (ADP: QB21), who narrowly edged out Washington's Jayden Daniels. Daniels may have had a few more fantasy points, but Mayfield went from late-round afterthought to top-five fantasy quarterback.

The Biggest Bust under center was C.J. Stroud (ADP: QB5) of the Houston Texans. Drafted as a top-five fantasy option, Stroud was unable to recreate his rookie success. Stroud's Week 17 effort against the Ravens was the fitting capper to a clunker of a season that saw him finish outside the top 25 in fantasy points per game.

The surprise star is easy—Sam Darnold (ADP: QB31) of the Minnesota Vikings. Darnold set a new career-high with 377 passing yards in Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers, and the seventh-year veteran had more fantasy points over the first 17 weeks than Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs.

GOOD MATCHUPS

Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (at DAL) [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,800]

The Commanders are still playing for seeding (and the possibility of avoiding the rival Eagles in Round 1). The Cowboys have been a plus matchup for quarterbacks—one of four teams that have allowed more than 20 fantasy points per game on average to the position.

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (at ATL) [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]

Young was something of a disappointment in Week 17, managing just 203 yards and two scores in a blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But Young gets another favorable matchup in Week 18—the Falcons have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2024.

BAD MATCHUPS

Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (vs. CHI) [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]

Like the aforementioned Commanders, the Packers are trying to avoid the NFC's No. 7 seed. But Love's numbers were less than impressive last week against a soft Vikings secondary, and the Bears have surrendered the third-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2024.

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (vs. SF) [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]

This matchup of NFC West also-rans doesn't feature much in the way of stakes. But for all the things the 49ers haven't been able to do well this year, the pass defense has been solid—San Fran ranks outside the top 25 in fantasy points given up to quarterbacks.

SLEEPER

Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons (vs. CAR) [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,400]

The Falcons are fighting for their postseason lives on Sunday—Atlanta needs a win and a Tampa Bay loss to win the NFC South. The Panthers have been kind to opposing fantasy quarterbacks this season—no team in the NFC has surrendered more points to the position.

WEEK 18 QUARTERBACK RANKINGS

1. Lamar Jackson, BAL (vs. CLE)

2. Jayden Daniels, WAS (at DAL)

3. Joe Burrow, CIN (at PIT)

4. Baker Mayfield. TB (vs. NO)

5. Jared Goff, DET (vs. MIN)

6. Sam Darnold, MIN (at DET)

7. Jordan Love, GB (vs. CHI)

8. Kyler Murray, ARI (vs. SF)

9. Bo Nix, DEN (vs. KC)

10. Justin Herbert, LAC (at LV)

11. C.J. Stroud, HOU (at TEN)

12. Bryce Young, CAR (at ATL)

13. Geno Smith, SEA (at LAR)

14. Michael Penix, Jr., ATL (vs. CAR)

15. Matthew Stafford, LAR (vs. SEA)

16. Caleb Williams, CHI (at GB)

17. Tua Tagovailoa, MIA (at NYJ)

18. Russell Wilson, PIT (vs. CIN)

19. Joshua Dobbs, SF (at ARI)

20. Cooper Rush, DAL (vs. WAS)

21. Aaron Rodgers, NYJ (vs. MIA)

22. Joe Flacco, IND (vs. JAX)

23. Drew Lock, NYG (at PHI)

24. Aidan O' Connell, LV (vs. LAC)

25. Carson Wentz, KC (at DEN)

26. Mac Jones, QB, JAX (at IND)

27. Will Levis, TEN (vs. HOU)

28. Tanner McKee, PHI (vs. NYG)

29. Mitchell Trubisky, BUF (at NE)

30. Spencer Rattler, NO (at TB)

Running Backs

Before we hand out the running back awards, a quick note. Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles became the ninth 2,000-yard rusher in NFL history Sunday, but he's not included in the Week 18 rankings. With Philly locked into the NFC's No. 2 seed, it's unlikely that Barkley will play, despite being just 101 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record.

The Most Valuable running back of 2024 was Chase Brown (ADP: RB34) of the Cincinnati Bengals. It took a while for Brown to seize control of the Bengals backfield, but once he did, he exploded—over the second half of the season, Brown was a top-five fantasy back, and he finished inside RB1 territory.

The biggest bust is sadly obvious—Christian McCaffery (ADP: RB1) of the San Francisco 49ers. McCaffery was the first player drafted overall in many leagues despite health questions entering the season. He would play in just four games and gain 202 yards on the ground.

Surprise star status goes to Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (ADP: RB53). At best, the rookie was a late-round flier in drafts over the summer. He finished the year with over 1,000 yards on the ground, 5.5 yards per carry and high-end RB2 fantasy numbers.

GOOD MATCHUPS

Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. NYG) [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]

It's a shame that Barkley probably won't play—his old team has given up over 140 yards per game on the ground this season. Gainwell has shown that he can be a solid fantasy RB2 in the past when the touches were there. They should be in Week 18.

Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons (vs. CAR) [DraftKings DFS Value: $8,500]

Robinson carries a hefty DFS price tag in Week 18. But the second-year pro should be worth every penny—the Falcons need to win Sunday to have a shot at the postseason, and the Panthers are allowing a staggering 176.9 yards per game on the ground.

BAD MATCHUPS

Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings (at DET) [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]

Jones picked up a quad injury last week against the Packers, but if ever there was an "all hands on deck" situation, this week's showdown in Detroit is it. The Lions have fielded a top-five run defense much of the season—both teams could struggle to run the ball Sunday night.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (at PHI) [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]

The play of Tracy has been a bright spot for the Giants in 2024, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and surpassing 1,000 total yards for the season. But no team in the NFC has surrendered fewer PPR points to running backs this season than the Eagles.

SLEEPER

Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos (vs. KC) [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,800]

This week's do-or-die matchup with the Chiefs isn't favorable on paper. But the Chiefs will likely sit a large number of starters on both sides of the ball, and McLaughlin quietly averaged almost seven yards per carry in last week's overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

WEEK 18 RUNNING BACK RANKINGS

1. Derrick Henry, BAL (vs. CLE)

2. Bijan Robinson, ATL (vs. CAR)

3. Jonathan Taylor, IND (vs. JAX)

4. Jahmyr Gibbs, DET (vs. MIN)

5. De'Von Achane, MIA (at NYJ)

6. Josh Jacobs, GB (vs. CHI)

7. Chase Brown, CIN (at PIT)

8. Bucky Irving, TB (vs. NO)

9. Joe Mixon, HOU (at TEN)

10. Zach Charbonnet, SEA (at LAR)

11. Breece Hall, NYJ (vs. MIA)

12. Aaron Jones, MIN (at DET)

13. Brian Robinson Jr., WAS (at DAL)

14. JK Dobbins, LAC (at LV)

15. Rico Dowdle, DAL (vs. WAS)

16. Najee Harris, PIT (vs. CIN)

17. Isaac Guerendo, SF (at ARI)

18. Tyjae Spears, TEN (vs. HOU)

19. Kenneth Gainwell, PHI (vs. NYG)

20. Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG (at PHI)

21. Rachaad White, TB (vs. NO)

22. D'Andre Swift, CHI (at GB)

23. Blake Corum, LAR (vs. SEA)

24. Ray Davis, BUF (at NE)

25. Michael Carter, ARI (vs. SF)

26. Jaylen Warren, PIT (vs. CIN)

27. Alexander Mattison, LV (vs. LAC)

28. Antonio Gibson, NE (vs. BUF)

29. Travis Etienne Jr., JAX (at IND)

30. Samaje Perine, KC (at DEN)

31. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, NO (at TB)

32. Carson Steele, KC (at DEN)

33. D'Onta Foreman, CLE (at BAL)

34. Cam Akers, MIN (at DET)

35. Jaleel McLaughlin, DEN (vs. KC)

36. Tyler Allgeier, ATL (vs. CAR)

37. Patrick Taylor, SF (at ARI)

38. Dameon Pierce, HOU (at TEN)

39. Rhamondre Stevenson, NE (vs. BUF)

40. Emanuel Wilson, GB (vs. CHI)

41. Tank Bigsby, JAX (at IND)

42. Ty Johnson, BUF (at NE)

43. Chris Rodriguez, WAS (at DAL)

44. Raheem Mostert, MIA (at NYJ)

45. Devin Singletary, NYG (at PHI)

46. Javonte Williams, DEN (vs. KC)

47. Braelon Allen, NYJ (vs. MIA)

48. Audric Estime, DEN (vs. KC)

49. Kenny McIntosh, SEA (at LAR)

50. Raheem Blackshear, CAR (at ATL)

Wide Receivers

It was a wild year at wide receiver—the supposedly stable position in fantasy was anything but. But there were still league-winning steals, surprise stars and a depressing number of pass-catchers who failed to meet expectations.

The Most Valuable wide receiver of 2024 has to be Brian Thomas Jr. (ADP: WR49) of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Compared to fellow rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., Thomas was barely a blip on the draft-day radar. But while Harrison underwhelmed this year, Thomas exploded—80 catches, almost 1,200 yards, double-digit scores and top-five fantasy numbers.

The Biggest Bust at wide receiver may well have been the first receiver drafted—Tyreek Hill (ADP: WR1) of the Miami Dolphins. Hill's numbers have ticked up of late, but that late surge barely got Hill inside the top 20.

Not what fantasy managers needed from a top-five pick.

The surprise star at the position? Jerry Jeudy of the Cleveland Browns (ADP: WR56). Thrust into the No. 1 wideout role by the trade of Amari Cooper, Jeudy logged the first 1,000-yard season of his professional career and finished among the top 12 in PPR points.

GOOD MATCHUPS

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. NO) [DraftKings DFS Value: $8,000]

Evans needs 85 receiving yards to surpass 1,000 yards for the eleventh time in as many seasons. The Saints have allowed the sixth-most PPR points to wide receivers in 2024. And this is essentially a playoff game for the Buccaneers. Evans gets to 1,000 yards and finds the end zone this week—book it.

Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns (at BAL) [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]

Jeudy has weathered the storm of Dorian Thompson-Robinson's terrible quarterback play, catching 12 of a whopping 18 targets last week against Miami. The Browns will all but certainly be playing from behind in this game, and the Ravens defense can be had through the air.

BAD MATCHUPS

Nico Collins, Houston Texans (at TEN) [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,800]

The Texans will likely play their starters this week—Houston needs some positive momentum heading into the postseason. But Collins underwhelmed a week ago, the Titans lead the AFC in pass defense and have allowed the fewest PPR points in the AFC to wideouts.

Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals (vs. SF) [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]

This writer cautioned over the summer that Harrison was being overdrafted, but even I didn't expect WR33 numbers after 17 weeks. Unfortunately, Harrison's first year will end with a whimper—the 49ers are last in the NFL in PPR points surrendered to wide receivers.

SLEEPER

Olamide Zaccheaus, Washington Commanders (at DAL) [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,500]

Zaccheaus has been one of the hottest receivers in the league the past two weeks, with 15 catches for 155 yards and three touchdowns over that span. Now he gets a Dallas defense that has given up the ninth-most PPR points to wide receivers this season.

WEEK 17 WIDE RECEIVER RANKINGS

1. Ja'Marr Chase, CIN (at PIT)

2. Justin Jefferson, MIN (at DET)

3. Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET (vs. MIN)

4. Puka Nacua, LAR (vs. SEA)

5. Mike Evans, TB (vs. NO)

6. Brian Thomas Jr., JAX (at IND)

7. Malik Nabers, NYG (vs. PHI)

8. Terry McLaurin, WAS (at DAL)

9. Nico Collins, HOU (at TEN)

10. Davante Adams, NYJ (vs. MIA)

11. Ladd McConkey, LAC (at LV)

12. Tyreek Hill, MIA (at NYJ)

13. Drake London, ATL (vs. CAR)

14. Jaxon Smith Njigba, SEA (at LAR)

15. Courtland Sutton, DEN (vs. KC)

16. Adam Thielen, CAR (at ATL)

17. Tee Higgins, CIN (at PIT)

18. Garrett Wilson, NYJ (vs. MIA)

19. George Pickens, PIT (vs. CIN)

20. Jordan Addison, MIN (at DET)

21. Cooper Kupp, LAR (vs. SEA)

22. DK Metcalf, SEA (at LAR)

23. Deebo Samuel Sr., SF (at ARI)

24. D.J. Moore, CHI (at GB)

25. Jauan Jennings, SF (at ARI)

26. Keenan Allen, CHI (at GB)

27. Marvin Harrison Jr., ARI (vs. SF)

28. Jameson Williams, DET (vs. MIN)

29. Jerry Jeudy, CLE (at BAL)

30. Calvin Ridley, TEN (vs. HOU)

31. Jayden Reed, GB (vs. CHI)

32. Jakobi Meyers, LV (vs. LAC)

33. Jaylen Waddle, MIA (at NYJ)

34. Romeo Doubs, GB (vs. CHI)

35. Jalen McMillan, TB (vs. NO)

36. Olamide Zaccheaus, WAS (at DAL)

37. Josh Downs, IND (vs. JAX)

38. Keon Coleman, BUF (at NE)

39. Michael Pittman Jr., IND (vs. JAX)

40. Darnell Mooney, ATL (vs. CAR)

41. Alec Pierce, IND (vs. JAX)

42. Brandin Cooks, DAL (vs. WAS)

43. Marvin Mims Jr., DEN (vs. KC)

44. Marquise Brown, KC (at DEN)

45. Rome Odunze, CHI (at GB)

46. Parker Washington, JAX (at IND)

47. Quentin Johnston, LAC (at LV)

48. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, TEN (vs. HOU)

49. Wan'Dale Robinson, NYG (at PHI)

50. Jahan Dotson, PHI (vs. NYG)

51. Joshua Palmer, LAC (at LV)

52. Demario Douglas, NE (vs. BUF)

53. Dontayvion Wicks, GB (vs. CHI)

54. Jalen Tolbert, DAL (vs. WAS)

55. Xavier Legette, CAR (at ATL)

56. Tim Patrick, DET (vs. MIN)

57. Ricky Pearsall, SF (at ARI)

58. Michael Wilson, ARI (vs. SF)

59. Jalen Coker, CAR (at ATL)

60. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, NO (at TB)

Tight Ends

Much of the 2024 season has been spent during this portion of this column lamenting the chaos that has been the tight end position in fantasy football. Big-name flops. The rise of Jonnu Smith of the Miami Dolphins. The incredible vanishing Kyle Pitts.

Draft strategy at tight end in 2025 may well involve blindfolds and darts.

For the second season in a row, the No. 1 fantasy tight end is a rookie—and it's Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders (ADP: TE11) who brings home MVP honors at the position. Bowers broke the rookie yardage record at tight end (a record that stood for 63 years) and has more receptions than any rookie ever.

Enough said.

The Biggest Bust among tight ends in 2024 was Dalton Kincaid (ADP: TE5) of the Buffalo Bills. Partly it was a matter of injury. But Kincaid just wasn't as big a part of the Buffalo offense this year, and he finished the year a dismal 25th at the position in PPR points.

The Surprise Star is easily the aforementioned Jonnu Smith (ADP: TE26). With opposing defenses focused on stopping the Dolphins from going deep to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Smith emerged as a big-time target underneath. At season's end, his 79/828/7 stat line was good for fourth at the position.

GOOD MATCHUPS

Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. CIN) [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,900]

Freiermuth has hardly been a dynamic fantasy option, but he sits just inside the top 12 at the position in fantasy points after 17 weeks. No team has allowed more PPR points to tight ends than the Bengals, and Freiermuth caught six passes for 68 yards and a touchdown the last time these teams met.

Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons (vs. CAR) [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,000]

The notion of trusting Pitts is unnerving giving his penchant for vanishing for weeks at a time this season. But his four catches for 44 yards and a touchdown last week was his best game in a long while and the Panthers have allowed the sixth-most PPR points to tight ends this season.

BAD MATCHUPS

T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota (at Detroit) [DraftKings DFS Value : $4,400]

Hockenson was solid last week against Green Bay (5/68/0), and the regular-season finale between the Lions and Vikings has the potential to be one of Week 18's highest-scoring contests. But the Lions are dead last in PPR points given up to tight ends this year.

Jonnu Smith, Miami (at NYJ) [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]

Smith has been an incredible find for fantasy managers this season. But the Dolphins have uncertainty at quarterback heading into Week 18 and face a Jets team that has surrendered less than 11 PPR points per game to tight ends in 2024.

SLEEPER

Will Dissly, Los Angeles Chargers (at LV) [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,600]

Dissly hasn't been especially fantasy-relevant in 2024—the 28-year-old has surpassed 10 PPR points in just two games this season. But the Raiders are the fourth-best fantasy matchup for tight ends this year, and the fifth seed in the AFC (and a matchup with the reeling Texans) could be in play for the Bolts.

WEEK 18 TIGHT END RANKINGS

1. Brock Bowers, LV (vs. LAC)

2. Trey McBride, ARI (vs. SF)

3. George Kittle, SF (at ARI)

4. Mark Andrews, BAL (vs. CLE)

5. Sam LaPorta, DET (vs. MIN)

6. Jonnu Smith, MIA (at NE)

7. T.J. Hockenson, MIN (at DET)

8. Hunter Henry, NE (vs. BUF)

9. Jake Ferguson, DAL (vs. WAS)

10. Zach Ertz, WAS (at DAL)

11. Pat Freiermuth, PIT (vs. CIN)

12. Kyle Pitts, ATL (vs. CAR)

13. Tucker Kraft, GB (vs. CHI)

14. Chigoziem Okonkwo, TEN (vs. HOU)

15. Dalton Schultz, HOU (at TEN)

16. Will Dissly, LAC (at LV)

17. Cade Otton, TB (vs. NO)

18. Mike Gesicki, CIN (at PIT)

19. Noah Fant, SEA (at LAR)

20. Noah Gray, KC (at DEN)

21. Brenton Strange, JAX (at IND)

22. Juwan Johnson, NO (at TB)

23. Cole Kmet, CHI (at GB)

24. Dawson Knox, BUF (at NE)

25. Tyler Conklin, NYJ (vs. MIA)

26. Luke Musgrave, GB (vs. CHI)

27. Tyler Higbee, LAR (vs. SEA)

28. Jordan Akins, CLE (at BAL)

29. Grant Calcaterra, PHI (vs. NYG)

30. Foster Moreau, NO (at TB)

Kickers and Team Defenses

It's never too early to apply lessons learned in 2024 to the 2025 season.

Oh yeah—I'll be back to ruin that one, too.

And here's the first lesson, one this analyst has been trying to hammer into the brains of fantasy managers for well over a decade:

Don't draft a defense or a kicker until the last two rounds of the draft...ever.

This year's top fantasy defense was the Denver Broncos—who had an ADP at Fantasy Pros outside the top 20 at the position. The first defense drafted was the San Francisco 49ers, which finished 21st in fantasy points.

The top kicker of 2024 was Chris Boswell of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who wasn't drafted in the vast majority of fantasy leagues. The first kicker who was drafted was Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens, who finished the season 11th at his position in points.

Stop wasting draft capital on positions that are impossible to predict. Wait. Stream.

It's the only way to fly.

GOOD MATCHUPS

Riley Patterson, Atlanta Falcons (vs. CAR)

Wise fantasy managers will focus as much as possible on the games with the highest stakes in Week 18. The Falcons are playing for their postseason lives, and the Panthers lead the league in fantasy points surrendered to kickers.

Baltimore Ravens Defense (vs. CLE) [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,500]

This is a "perfect storm" matchup. The Ravens haven't been an especially productive fantasy defense, but they rank toward the top of the league in sacks, and the Browns are among the NFL leaders in sacks allowed, giveaways and fantasy points surrendered to defenses.

BAD MATCHUPS

Jake Bates, Detroit Lions (vs. MIN)

Bates has been a productive fantasy asset this season—he's fifth in fantasy points among kickers for the season. This game also has shootout potential. But the Vikings have given up the third-fewest fantasy points to kickers this season.

Minnesota Vikings Defense (at DET) [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,800]

The Vikings have piled up the sacks and big plays this season—no NFC defense has more fantasy points in 2024. But the Lions are a terrible fantasy matchup for opposing defenses—last in the NFC in points allowed to the position.

SLEEPER

Houston Texans Defense (at TEN) [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,800]

The Texans aren't expected to rest starters as they attempt to shake off their recent funk, and the Titans have been a great matchup for opposing defenses this year—no team in the NFL has turned the ball over more in 2024.

WEEK 18 KICKER RANKINGS

1. Chase McLaughlin, TB (vs. NO)

2. Chris Boswell, PIT (vs. CIN)

3. Will Reichard, MIN (at DET)

4. Justin Tucker, BAL (vs. CLE)

5. Brandon McManus, GB (vs. CHI)

6. Riley Patterson, ATL (vs. CAR)

7. Cade York, CIN (at PIT)

8. Jake Bates, DET (vs. MIN)

9. Will Lutz, DEN (vs. KC)

10. Zane Gonzalez, WAS (at DAL)

11. Brandon Aubrey, DAL (vs. WAS)

12. Cameron Dicker, LAC (at LV)

13. Jake Moody, SF (at ARI)

14. Jason Myers, SEA (vs. LAR)

15. Ka'imi Fairbairn, HOU (at TEN)

16. Matt Gay, IND (vs. JAX)

17. Chad Ryland, ARI (vs. SF)

18. Jake Elliott, PHI (vs. NYG)

19. Tyler Bass, BUF (at NE)

20. Joshua Karty, LAR (vs. SEA)

21. Jason Sanders, MIA (at NYJ)

22. Cam Little, JAX (at IND)

23. Greg Zuerlein, NYJ (vs. MIA)

24. Daniel Carlson, LV (vs. LAC)

25. Harrison Butker, KC (at DEN)

WEEK 18 TEAM DEFENSE RANKINGS

1. Baltimore Ravens (vs. CLE)

2. Denver Broncos (vs. KC)

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. NO)

4. Green Bay Packers (vs. CHI)

5. Los Angeles Chargers (at LV)

6. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. NYG)

7. Houston Texans (at TEN)

8. Buffalo Bills (at NE)

9. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. CIN)

10. Seattle Seahawks (at LAR)

11. Los Angeles Rams (vs. SEA)

12. Washington Commanders (at DAL)

13. Atlanta Falcons (vs. CAR)

14. Miami Dolphins (at NYJ)

15. New York Jets (vs. MIA)

16. San Francisco 49ers (at ARI)

17. New England Patriots (vs. BUF)

18. Indianapolis Colts (at TEN)

19. Tennessee Titans (vs. HOU)

20. Kansas City Chiefs (at DEN)

21. Minnesota Vikings (at DET)

22. New York Giants (at PHI)

23. Cincinnati Bengals (at PIT)

24. Arizona Cardinals (vs. SF)

25. Detroit Lions (vs. MIN)

Top 100 Players Overall/"Flex" Rankings

Before we unveil the list of the top 100 players overall for PPR fantasy football leagues in Week 18, the obligatory notes and such.

The first note is the same as it has been every week—there are no quarterbacks included in this list. If your league has a "superflex" spot and you have a viable second quarterback, he should be in that spot. It is worth noting though that the list of viable QB2s isn't as long this week due to injuries and players sitting.

Both of those realities make this a difficult week to slot fantasy starters, although it could be worse. But it can still get there—the outcomes of Saturday's games could influence which players are in lineups Sunday. The 1 p.m. slate Sunday could impact who plays in the late games.

And this week more than ever, it's important to keep an eye on the injury report. There may be some banged-up players who want to play to hit contract incentives, but for teams playing for nothing but pride, there's little to be gained by rolling out stars with even minor injuries.

It's why most leagues hold their championship games in Week 17.

Hopefully, this column was of some use to you this season—if you're still reading it that likely means you're still playing, which is a good sign. Best of luck to you in Week 18, and see you again in the fall of 2025!

WEEK 18 TOP 100 PLAYERS OVERALL/"FLEX" RANKINGS

1. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, CIN (at PIT)

2. Justin Jefferson, WR, MIN (at DET)

3. Derrick Henry, RB, BAL (vs. CLE)

4. Bijan Robinson, RB, ATL (vs. CAR)

5. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, DET (vs. MIN)

6. Puka Nacua, WR, LAR (vs. SEA)

7. Mike Evans, WR, TB (vs. NO)

8. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, JAX (at IND)

9. Jonathan Taylor, RB, IND (vs. JAX)

10. Malik Nabers, WR, NYG (vs. PHI)

11. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, DET (vs. MIN)

12. Terry McLaurin, WR, WAS (at DAL)

13. Nico Collins, WR, HOU (at TEN)

14. De'Von Achane, RB, MIA (at NYJ)

15. Davante Adams, WR, NYJ (vs. MIA)

16. Ladd McConkey, WR, LAC (at LV)

17. Josh Jacobs, RB, GB (vs. CHI)

18. Chase Brown, RB, CIN (at PIT)

19. Tyreek Hill, WR, MIA (at NYJ)

20. Bucky Irving, RB, TB (vs. NO)

21. Brock Bowers, TE, LV (vs. LAC)

22. Drake London, WR, ATL (vs. CAR)

23. Joe Mixon, RB, HOU (at TEN)

24. Jaxon Smith Njigba, WR, SEA (at LAR)

25. Zach Charbonnet, RB, SEA (at LAR)

26. Courtland Sutton, WR, DEN (vs. KC)

27. Breece Hall, RB, NYJ (vs. MIA)

28. Adam Thielen, WR, CAR (at ATL)

29. Tee Higgins, WR, CIN (at PIT)

30. Trey McBride, TE, ARI (vs. SF)

31. Garrett Wilson, WR, NYJ (vs. MIA)

32. Aaron Jones, RB, MIN (at DET)

33. George Kittle, TE, SF (at ARI)

34. George Pickens, WR, PIT (vs. CIN)

35. Jordan Addison, WR, MIN (at DET)

36. Brian Robinson Jr., RB, WAS (at DAL)

37. James Conner, RB, ARI (vs. SF)

38. Cooper Kupp, WR, LAR (vs. SEA)

39. JK Dobbins, RB, LAC (at LV)

40. DK Metcalf, WR, SEA (at LAR)

41. Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, SF (at ARI)

42. D.J. Moore, WR, CHI (at GB)

43. Rico Dowdle, RB, DAL (vs. WAS)

44. Jauan Jennings, WR, SF (at ARI)

45. Keenan Allen, WR, CHI (at GB)

46. Mark Andrews, TE, BAL (vs. CLE)

47. Najee Harris, RB, PIT (vs. CIN)

48. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, ARI (vs. SF)

49. Isaac Guerendo, RB, SF (at ARI)

50. Jameson Williams, WR, DET (vs. MIN)

51. Tony Pollard, RB, TEN (vs. HOU)

52. Jerry Jeudy, WR, CLE (at BAL)

53. Calvin Ridley, WR, TEN (vs. HOU)

54. Sam LaPorta, TE, DET (vs. MIN)

55. Kenneth Gainwell, RB, PHI (vs. NYG)

56. Jayden Reed, WR, GB (vs. CHI)

57. Jakobi Meyers, WR, LV (vs. LAC)

58. Jaylen Waddle, WR, MIA (at NYJ)

59. Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, NYG (at PHI)

60. Rachaad White, RB, TB (vs. NO)

61. Jonnu Smith, TE, MIA (at NE)

62. Josh Downs, WR, IND (vs. JAX)

63. Keon Coleman, WR, BUF (at NE)

64. D'Andre Swift, RB, CHI (at GB)

65. Romeo Doubs, WR, GB (vs. CHI)

66. Jalen McMillan, WR, TB (vs. NO)

67. Blake Corum, RB, LAR (vs. SEA)

68. Olamide Zaccheaus, WR, WAS (at DAL)

69. T.J. Hockenson, TE, MIN (at DET)

70. Ray Davis, RB, BUF (at NE)

71. Michael Pittman Jr., WR, IND (vs. JAX)

72. Darnell Mooney, WR, ATL (vs. CAR)

73. Alec Pierce, WR, IND (vs. JAX)

74. Jaylen Warren, RB, PIT (vs. CIN)

75. Brandin Cooks, WR, DAL (vs. WAS)

76. Alexander Mattison, RB, LV (vs. LAC)

77. Antonio Gibson, RB, NE (vs. BUF)

78. Marvin Mims Jr., WR, DEN (vs. KC)

79. Travis Etienne Jr., RB, JAX (at IND)

80. Hunter Henry, TE, NE (vs. BUF)

81. Marquise Brown, WR, KC (at DEN)

82. Samaje Perine, RB, KC (at DEN)

83. Rome Odunze, WR, CHI (at GB)

84. Parker Washington, WR, JAX (at IND)

85. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, NO (at TB)

86. Quentin Johnston, WR, LAC (at LV)

87. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, TEN (vs. HOU)

88. Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, NYG (at PHI)

89. Jake Ferguson, TE, DAL (vs. WAS)

90. Carson Steele, RB, KC (at DEN)

91. Jahan Dotson, WR, PHI (vs. NYG)

92. D'Onta Foreman, RB, CLE (at BAL)

93. Joshua Palmer, WR, LAC (at LV)

94. Demario Douglas, WR, NE (vs. BUF)

95. Zach Ertz, TE, WAS (at DAL)

96. Cam Akers, RB, MIN (at DET)

97. Dontayvion Wicks, WR, GB (vs. CHI)

98. Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, DEN (vs. KC)

99. Jalen Tolbert, WR, DAL (vs. WAS)

100. Alexander Mattison, RB, LV (vs. LAC)

Looking for more insight to help make some tough roster or lineup decisions? Check out all the latest B/R Fantasy Football essentials here.

Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow him on X at @IDPSharks.