For most fantasy managers, the 2024 season has concluded. One team emerged as champion last week, while for all the others, there's nothing to do but wait until fantasy draft season for a chance at redemption.
However, there are a few hearty souls who wait until Week 18 to hold their fantasy championship games. The upside? Another week of fantasy football. The downside? Between dinged-up stars for teams out of contention who pack it in for the season and playoff teams locked into seeds with nothing to play for, the player pool gets thrown in a blender this week.
But fear not, Week 18 warrior. For one final time for the 2024 fantasy football campaign, we're going through this week's slate from the first game to the last and offering up info as to which players will be out there. Who to start. Who to sit. And a "sleeper" pick capable of a big stat line when needed the most.
Want a Week 18 tip? Be vigilant about inactive players like never before. Check the injury reports and the inactives and consider who might make an early exit.
Nothing will torpedo this week quicker than a zero in the starting lineup.
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens
It has been a miserable season for the Browns, and as the team closes that season out, they will likely be short-handed offensively. Running back Jerome Ford (ankle) and David Njoku (knee) have been placed on injured reserve, while the team announced (seriously) that Bailey Zappe will start at quarterback.
With a win Saturday, the Baltimore Ravens will be champions of the AFC North. They will attempt to secure that victory at relatively full strength—no Ravens of note are on the injury report.
Start of the Week
Baltimore Ravens Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,500]: The Browns are a dream matchup for defenses. They are among the league leaders in sacks allowed and giveaways and have surrendered the most fantasy points to defenses this year.
Sit of the Week
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]: The Ravens aren't a bad matchup for wide receivers from a fantasy perspective. But staying away from the Browns completely in this game isn't a terrible idea. I mean, seriously. Bailey Zappe.
Sleeper
Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,600]: Baltimore's wideouts have been inconsistent this year. But the team may take some shots down the field against a Browns defense that has given up the ninth-most PPR points to wide receivers this year.
Stat to Know
217—the number of rushing yards Derrick Henry needs to surpass 2,000 rushing yards for the season…again. That's not likely to happen, but with 1,783 rushing yards entering Week 18 Henry will finish the year as the AFC's leading rusher and a top-five fantasy back. Not bad for a 30-year-old.
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Bengals need a win and help to make the playoffs, and the team has some significant injury concerns entering Week 18. Wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) and quarterback Joe Burrow (wrist/knee) were limited in practice this week, while running back Chase Brown (ankle) was a spectator Wednesday and is questionable at best. Burrow's off the injury report.
The Steelers have some running back issues of their own in Week 18. Jaylen Warren was limited in practice with a rib injury, although he's off the injury report and should be good to go.
Start of the Week
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,900]: Freiermuth has been a low-end weekly starter for fantasy managers this year, and Saturday he faces a Bengals defense that leads the league in PPR points allowed to tight ends.
Sit of the Week
Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: The Bengals aren't especially stout against the run, but Harris hasn't had more than 75 rushing yards in a game since October, and this is a game that could easily turn into a shootout.
Sleeper
Russell Wilson, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: Wilson hasn't been especially productive of late—15th in fantasy points among quarterbacks over the past month. But this has the makings of a back-and-forth, pass-heavy affair.
Stat to Know
117. That's how many receptions Ja'Marr Chase of the Bengals has—tops in the NFL. Chase also leads the league in receiving yards (1,612) and touchdowns (16). If this game plays out at all like expected, Chase will finish the year as fantasy's No. 1 wideout by a wide margin and as the "triple crown" winner at his position and an Offensive Player of the Year candidate.
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
The Carolina Panthers will be without running back Chuba Hubbard on Sunday, but the team got some good news regarding him this week—the calf and knee injuries that ended his season won't require surgery.
The Falcons need a win over Carolina and a Buccaneers loss to win the NFC South. They will be in good shape injury-wise as they try to control the first half of that equation—no prominent Falcons are on this week's injury report outside wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who is questionable with a shoulder injury.
Start of the Week
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $8,500]: Robinson's an obvious must-start this week. But he could close with a monster stat line against a Panthers run defense surrendering a staggering 176.9 yards per game.
Sit of the Week
Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,000]: Pitts had his best game in weeks against the Commanders in Week 17. But his penchant for vanishing acts makes him impossible to trust in a must-win game—even in a favorable matchup.
Sleeper
Darnell Mooney, WR, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,100]: After a hot start to the season, Mooney has been a non-factor over the season's second half. But it's all hands on deck for the Falcons in a must-win contest.
Stat to Know
110—the number of receiving yards Panthers wideout Adam Thielen had last week, including a pair of touchdowns on five catches. The Falcons have given up the fourth-most PPR points to wide receivers this year, so the 34-year-old should be in starting lineups for what may well be his last NFL game.
Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys
The Washington Commanders have a shot at the NFC's No. 6 seed, so the team should be playing to win against the Cowboys. There's a possibility the team will have running back Austin Ekeler back for Week 18—his 21-day window to return from injured reserve has been opened and he's listed as questionable.
The Dallas Cowboys are just playing for pride, and they will do so without their top offensive weapon—wide receiver CeeDee Lamb has been fighting a shoulder injury for weeks, and after aggravating it a couple of weeks ago the team elected to shut the star wideout down for the year.
Start of the Week
Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,800]: Daniels has been outstanding as a rookie, and he gets to close the 2024 regular season against a Cowboys team giving up the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2024.
Sit of the Week
Rico Dowdle, RB, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: Dowdle has been a bright spot for the Cowboys this season. But if/when the Commanders start piling up points, Game script could make it hard for him to have a big game to close out the season.
Sleeper
Olamide Zacchaeus, WR, Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,600]: Zacchaeus has been on quite the rip the past couple of weeks—he's sixth in PPR points among wideouts over that span. The Cowboys have allowed the sixth-most PPR points to wide receivers this season.
Stat to Know
One. That's how many receptions Commanders wideout Terry McLaurin had in last week's win over the Atlanta Falcons. That vanishing act likely cooked quite a few fantasy seasons, but it's worth bearing in mind that the last time these teams met McLaurin caught five passes for 102 yards and a touchdown.
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
As the Bears try to end the season by halting their long losing streak, they should have a full complement of offensive weapons. Rookie receiver Rome Odunze missed Wednesday's practice with an illness, but that's not believed to be something that will affect his Week 18 availability.
The Packers are attempting to lock up the NFC's No. 6 seed, but they could be short a wide receiver Sunday. Christian Watson missed last week's loss to Minnesota with a knee injury, and he's truly questionable for Sunday's game. Running back Josh Jacobs was on the injury report, but he's off it and will play.
Start of the Week
Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $8,100]: The Bears have struggled against the run this season, allowing the seventh-most PPR points to running backs in 2024. Look for Jacobs to be a big part of Green Bay's offensive gameplan against Chicago.
Sit of the Week
Jayden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: Reed was a massive disappointment last week, catching just one of four targets for six yards. Now he takes on a Bears team surrendering the fewest PPR points in the league to wide receivers in 2024.
Sleeper
Green Bay Packers Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,400]: The Packers have quietly had a solid season for fantasy managers this season, and now they take on a Bears offense that has surrendered a league-high 67 sacks and the seventh-most fantasy points to defenses this year.
Stat to Know
719—that's how many receiving yards veteran wideout Keenan Allen has in his first season with the Bears, which ranks a distant second behind D.J. Moore. Allen and Moore are the only two Bears receivers with over 100 targets this season, but finishing strong against a Green Bay defense allowing less than 220 passing yards a game won't be easy.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
It has been a dismal season for the Jaguars, who face some tough decisions once Sunday's game is in the books. The Jaguars have been eviscerated by injuries this season, but there are no new ones of import in Week 18.
The $64,000 question for the Colts was whether young quarterback Anthony Richardson (back) would be available for the season finale after missing Week 17. That question has been answered--Richardson's season is over.
Start of the Week
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts [DraftKings DFS Value: $8,200]: Some of this week's starts are sponsored by Captain Obvious, but Taylor could end the season on a high note against a Jaguars run defense that has given up the most PPR points in the AFC to running backs.
Sit of the Week
Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,200]: The Colts aren't especially stout against the run, but the Jaguars run-game has turned into an unpredictable, two-headed mess best avoided in a must-win game.
Sleeper
Jacksonville Jaguars Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,500]: The Jaguars are a deep-league streaming play given their defensive struggles in 2024. But the Colts have been kind to opposing defenses this year, surrendering the 10th-most fantasy points to the position.
Stat to Know
1,179. That's how many receiving yards rookie Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jaguars has amassed this season—fifth in the league after 17 weeks. There hasn't been much that has gone right for Jacksonville this season, but the team appears to have hit the jackpot with the 23rd overall pick in last April's draft.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
The Buffalo Bills are locked into the AFC's No. 2 seed regardless of Sunday's outcome, so many of Buffalo's starters will play limited snaps or none at all. Quarterback Josh Allen will reportedly start to keep his string of consecutive starts alive—but he should be off the field after a series or two.
The Patriots could be without their starting quarterback as well. Drake Maye suffered a head injury last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, and while head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters that Maye will play if healthy, there's little to be gained by rolling out a banged-up rookie in a meaningless game.
Tight end Hunter Henry was a limited practice participant this week with a foot injury--he's questionable for Week 18.
Start of the Week
Antonio Gibson, RB, New England Patriots [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: If last week was any indication, Gibson has supplanted Rhamondre Stevenson as New England's lead back. The Bills have allowed the fourth-most PPR points to running backs this year.
Sit of the Week
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,300]: Henry has been a top-12 fantasy tight end for the season. But he's coming off a goose egg on two targets last week against the Chargers, and the uncertainty at quarterback in New England doesn't help matters.
Sleeper
Ray Davis, RB, Buffalo Bills [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,200]: It's unlikely that we will see much of Bills running back James Cook on Sunday. That should mean plenty of touches for Davis against a Patriots defense that has given up over 130 rushing yards per game this season.
Stat to Know
290.8—the number of yards the Patriots have averaged offensively this season, which ranks 30th in the NFL. Even if you believe in Maye as a long-term answer under center in New England, there's no arguing that the team badly needs to improve the weapons around Maye in the offseason.
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
It has been a rough season for the New York Giants. But the team will look to close it out in solid shape on the injury front—there are no Giants of particular interest to fantasy managers in danger of missing Sunday's game.
It's a much different story for the Philadelphia Eagles. With the team locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC win or lose, most of Philly's starters will play limited snaps or none at all against the Giants. That includes running back Saquon Barkley, who needs 101 rushing yards to break Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record. The team did, however, designate tight end Dallas Goedert to return from injured reserve.
Start of the Week
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: With Barkley on the sidelines, Gainwell should see a heavy workload against a Giants defense that has surrendered 141.6 rushing yards per game—second-most in the league.
Sit of the Week
Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,100]: Nabers had a monster game last week against Indianapolis, and the Eagles may sit some starters in the secondary. But Philadelphia ranks first in the league against the pass this season and has surrendered the eighth-fewest PPR points to wide receivers this year.
Sleeper
Tanner McKee, QB, Philadelphia Eagles [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,000]: McKee played pretty well for the Eagles last week, throwing two touchdown passes in limited action. He'll get a chance to show what he's truly capable of against the Giants, albeit with second-string weapons around him.
Stat to Know
125.3. The number of rushing yards per game Barkley averaged this season, tops in the NFL. Some fans will no doubt lament the fact that Barkley isn't being afforded a chance to break Dickerson's record, and fantasy managers who have ridden Barkley's career year this far are no doubt bummed to see him sit. But such are the perils of holding championship games in Week 18.
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
For much of the 2024 season, it has been easier to list the Saints players who aren't injured in a given week. There was a chance that quarterback Derek Carr (hand), running back Alvin Kamara (groin) and wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) could all play in the season finale. Kamara is doubtful. Carr is out. Olave is questionable, but it will be surprising if he plays.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are champions of the NFC South with a win. Running back Bucky Irving was limited in practice Wednesday with shoulder and shin injuries, but he's off the injury report and will play in Week 18.
Start of the Week
Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,700]: This could change if Irving doesn't practice later in the week. But as things stand now, the rookie is well-positioned for a big game against a Saints defense that has surrendered the sixth-most PPR points to running backs in 2024.
Sit of the Week
Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,600]: Johnson is coming off a solid effort a week ago, catching six of 10 targets for 66 yards against the Raiders. But the entire Saints offense is a "stay away" for fantasy managers who have any sort of viable alternative.
Sleeper
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,600]: The Buccaneers have been a middle-of-the-pack fantasy defense for most of the 2024 campaign. But Tampa needs this win in the worst way, and the Saints are rolling out third-string players (or worse) at multiple offensive positions.
Stat to Know
85—that's how many receiving yards Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans needs for his 11th straight 1,000-yard season. If he accomplishes the feat, he would break his own record of 1,000-yard seasons to open a career and tie Randy Moss for the most consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns overall. Don't bet against Evans—he's never not had 1,000 yards in a season.
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans
The Houston Texans are locked into the AFC's No. 4 seed, but after getting embarrassed last week by the Ravens, head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that Houston will be playing their starters against the Titans in Week 18.
There's some question as to who will be under center for the Titans this week—in fact, the team will reportedly play both Will Levis and Mason Rudolph in an effort to evaluate the team's future at quarterback.
The Titans have been a revolving door at running back in recent weeks, and that door is taking another spin in the finale. Tyjae Spears is out Sunday because of a concussion, while Tony Pollard continues to be limited by an injured ankle.
Start of the Week
Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: The uncertainty at quarterback in Nashville could be a problem. But the Titans will likely be playing from behind against a Houston defense that isn't a bad fantasy matchup for wideouts.
Sit of the Week
Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,200]: Pollard has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the third straight season and could be chasing contract incentives. But the Texans have allowed the sixth-fewest PPR points to running backs this season.
Sleeper
Houston Texans Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,800]: The Texans didn't look like much of a fantasy asset on Christmas Day. But there's a big difference between facing one of the NFL's best offenses and taking on a Titans team that leads the NFL in giveaways.
Stat to Know
214.4. That's how many fantasy points Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has amassed this season—good for 19th at the position. At this time one year ago, Stroud had over 40 more points and ranked inside the top 12. Stroud still has a bright future in the NFL, but there's no denying he took a step backward in his second professional season.
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals
As the San Francisco 49ers close out a disappointing 2024 season, they will do so short-handed. Quarterback Brock Purdy is out after injuring his hand late in last week's loss to the Detroit Lions. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel (rib/knee) is also out. Fellow wideout Ricky Pearsall (chest) and tight end George Kittle (ankle/hamstring) are both questionable, and with nothing to play for, San Fran may play it safe and sit the pair.
The Cardinals have injury issues of their own—after a career year running the football, James Conner will miss Week 18 after landing on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Start of the Week
Isaac Guerendo, RB, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: The Niners likely just want to get this season over with as quickly as possible. That should mean a run-heavy game plan against a Cardinals defense that has allowed the eighth-most PPR points to running backs.
Sit of the Week
Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: The good news is that Joshua Dobbs showed an affinity for targeting Jennings late in last week's loss. The bad news is that Joshua Dobbs will be the Niners quarterback in the season finale.
Sleeper
Michael Carter, RB, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,800]: With Conner and Emari Demercardo both out for the season, Carter will be Arizona's lead running back against a 49ers defense that has surrendered the fifth-most PPR points to running backs this season.
Stat to Know
202—the number of rushing yards Christian McCaffrey had in four games for the 49ers in 2024. There were health concerns with McCaffrey over the summer, but that didn't stop managers from making him the first overall pick in many fantasy drafts. Those managers are all but certainly not playing in Week 18.
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
The Kansas City Chiefs are the No. 1 seed in the AFC regardless of what happens Sunday. So, players like quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce will be watching the game from the sidelines while Carson Wentz and Noah Gray close things out.
With a win in Week 18, the Broncos will win 10 games and make the playoffs. They will attempt to do so at full strength offensively—no names of significance to fantasy managers are on the injury report.
Start of the Week
Denver Broncos Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,000]: The Broncos were fantasy's highest-scoring defense in 2024, and with the Chiefs rolling out a roster that looks like the third quarter of a preseason game, the Denver defense should post a solid stat line in Week 18.
Sit of the Week
Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: It's possible that the Chiefs will try to get youngsters like Worthy extra reps to get them ready for the postseason. But it's more likely he'll play limited snaps (if at all) and be a fantasy non-factor.
Sleeper
Samaje Perine, RB, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,500]: With Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco likely to sit, Perine and Carson Steele will be Kansas City's top two backs in a game where they will probably utilize a conservative gameplan.
Stat to Know
Nine. That's Denver quarterback Bo Nix's ranking among fantasy quarterbacks as a rookie. Nix's passing numbers haven't been gaudy, but his rushing ability has been of great benefit to fantasy managers this season. Come next summer, Nix will be an attractive target for drafters who like to exercise patience before drafting a quarterback.
Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams
There are no postseason ramifications in this game—the Rams sewed up the NFC West last week. The Seahawks had all kinds of problems moving the ball last week in Chicago, but injuries can't be blamed for that—the Seattle injury report is relatively clean offensively.
Technically, the Rams could still play for seeding Sunday—and the chance to avoid the NFC North runner-up in the Wild Card Round. But the belief is that players like quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kyren Williams and wide receiver Puka Nacua will rest Sunday.
Start of the Week
Blake Corum, RB, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: Corum was one of college football's best backs a year ago. Now he'll get an opportunity to show what he can do with a lead back's workload at the professional level.
Sit of the Week
Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,300]: The Rams are actually a solid fantasy matchup for quarterbacks. But after last week's debacle in the Windy City, this analyst has zero confidence in Smith posting a big stat line in a must-win game.
Sleeper
DeMarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,200]: With Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua likely sitting this week, Robinson will be the Rams' de facto No. 1 receiver. Given his red-zone prowess in 2024, a touchdown catch isn't an unreasonable expectation—he's a decent "flex" flier.
Stat to Know
1,121—the number of receiving yards Seattle's Jaxon Smith-Njigba has amassed in 16 games in a breakout second season. Smith-Njigba has done more than just replace veteran Tyler Lockett in the Seattle offense—it can be argued he has supplanted DK Metcalf as the team's No. 1 wide receiver.
Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders
We may not know until Sunday if the Los Angeles Chargers will rest starters in Week 18—if the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, the Bolts are locked into their seed.
Even if they have something to play for, the team could be without running back Gus Edwards (ankle) and wide receiver Ladd McConkey (toe). Both are listed as questionable.
The Raiders are banged up in the backfield, too—after the first 100-yard rushing game of his career, Ameer Abdullah (foot) missed practice all week and is listed as doubtful.
Start of the Week
Los Angeles Chargers Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,500]: The Chargers are in the postseason largely because of their defense, and that defense faces a Raiders team Sunday allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to the position.
Sit of the Week
Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]: Meyers has actually held his own as the Raiders' No. 1 wide receiver this season. But the Chargers have been stout against the pass—eighth in the league in passing yards allowed.
Sleeper
Kimani Vidal, RB, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,500]: Assuming that Edwards sits out and the Bolts bubble-wrap JK Dobbins, Vidal could see 15-plus touches Sunday against a Raiders defense that has struggled at times this season against the run.
Stat to Know
108—the number of receptions Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has this year, more than any first-year player in the history of the NFL. Bowers also broke Mike Ditka's 63-year-old record for receiving yards by a first-year tight end. For the second straight season, a rookie is king of the tight ends in fantasy.
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
This game could have massive stakes for the Dolphins...or none at all.
Regardless, the Dolphins have major injury concerns. The team is preparing as though quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) won't play, and wide receivers Tyreek Hill (wrist) and Jaylen Waddle (knee) are both questionable for Week 18.
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers got the hook in a blowout loss last week, but all indications are he will play Sunday. He may be without veteran tight end Tyler Conklin, who is questionable with a calf injury.
Start of the Week
Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: This game is actually one big bad fantasy matchup. But the Dolphins are easier to run on than throw on, and it makes sense for the Jets to lean on the run game and get this miserable season over with as quickly as possible.
Sit of the Week
Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Wilson was ninth in PPR points among wide receivers this season. But he faces a tough fantasy matchup to end the year—the Dolphins have allowed the fourth-fewest PPR points to wide receivers this season.
Sleeper
New York Jets Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $2,600]: This call has a chance of backfiring. But Miami is already likely starting Tyler Huntley. If the Broncos get up big against the Chiefs reserves, Mike McDaniel will probably pull the plug and take out banged-up stars like Hill and Waddle.
Stat to Know
89.1. That's Aaron Rodgers' passer rating entering Week 18. If it stays under 90, it will be the first full season of the four-time MVP's career that his passer rating didn't hit that benchmark. If Sunday's game marks the end of the line for the 41-year-old, then as so often happens with aging stars, his final year with a new team was one best forgotten.
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
There may never have been a regular-season game with higher stakes than this year finale—the first-ever matchup of 14-2 teams. The winner is the NFC's top seed. The loser hits the road for the postseason.
The two teams are also in good shape from a health perspective. The only player of significance to fantasy managers on the injury report at all this week was Vikings running back Aaron Jones, who was limited early in the week with a quad ailment.
Start of the Week
Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: Williams needs just 33 receiving yards to post the first 1,000-yard season of his NFL career, and this week he takes on a Vikings team that has surrendered the most fantasy points in the league to wide receivers in 2024.
Sit of the Week
Aaron Jones, RB, Minnesota Vikings [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]: This has less to do with Jones' ouchie quad than the Lions' run defense—the Lions have allowed the third-fewest rushing yards per game and the fifth-fewest PPR points to running backs.
Sleeper
Jalen Nailor, WR, Minnesota Vikings [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,400]: Both the Lions and Vikings are excellent in run defense. Both the Lions and Vikings have also had issues defending the pass this season. This game has more than a little shootout potential—and Nailor is coming off a 5/81/1 line last week against the Packers.
Stat to Know
774—the number of yards of total offense in Detroit's 31-29 victory over the Vikings at US Bank Stadium back in Week 7. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was the star of that game, turning 19 total touches into 160 yards and a pair of touchdowns. With David Montgomery out for the season, Gibbs will undoubtedly be a big part of Detroit's offensive gameplan in this must-win contest.
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Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow him on X at @IDPSharks.
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