Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 18
The final week of the season is one of the most challenging slates of the year. Nearly half the league has nothing to play for, which complicates fantasy lineups. Additionally, many of the top squads are resting players. Subsequently, our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em Week 18 will help you navigate that turbulence to pick a winning lineup in the 2023 season finale.
Additionally, FullTime Fantasy has some of the top tools of the trade and accurate rankings.
Quarterbacks
Start ‘Em
Justin Fields (Bears) vs. Packers
In the closing stretch of the season, Fields has demonstrated both Fantasy and real-world prowess, making a strong case to lead the Bears in 2024. Scoring a minimum of 26.5 Fantasy points in three of his last four games, including consecutive impressive performances, Fields is poised for another standout display against the Packers in Week 18. Recent matchups suggest Fields has a top-five Fantasy upside, enhancing his appeal.
Jordan Love (Packers) vs. Bears
Week 18’s clash against the Chicago Bears marks a critical moment in Jordan Love’s young career. The Packers’ playoff fate hinges on this game, making it a significant test for Love. While uncertainties persist about the outcome, considering Love for your fantasy lineup is reasonable. Despite the Bears’ recent defensive improvements, they still concede points to fantasy quarterbacks. Love’s consistent performance, ranking as QB5 this season, and the potential for a close, high-scoring game make him a worthy Fantasy starter for Week 18.
Sit ‘Em
Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins) vs. Bills
Tagovailoa’s recent struggles, combined with a shoulder injury and a challenging matchup against the Bills, raise concerns for Week 18. Buffalo’s defense has limited several quarterbacks to 17.1 Fantasy points or less in recent weeks. With uncertainties surrounding key offensive players, Tagovailoa is a high-risk option not expected to meet Fantasy expectations.
Sam Howell (Commanders) vs. Cowboys
Howell’s lackluster Fantasy performances in recent weeks, combined with a challenging matchup against the Cowboys, diminish his appeal for Week 18. With the Cowboys’ defense proving resilient against quarterbacks and Howell’s recent struggles, relying on him, even in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues, is a risky proposition.
Running Backs
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Tony Pollard (Cowboys) vs. Commanders
Despite a disappointing fantasy season, Pollard is poised to rebound in Week 18 against the Commanders. Scoring 22.3 PPR points in their previous encounter, Pollard has the opportunity to be a top-10 fantasy running back this week.
Also, Washington’s recent struggles against running backs, coupled with Pollard’s previous success, make him a favorable start in the season finale.
Zach Charbonnet (Seahawks) vs. Cardinals
With concerns about Kenneth Walker III’s shoulder injury and Pete Carroll’s dissatisfaction with the run game, Charbonnet could see increased opportunities in Week 18 against the Cardinals.
Additionally, ranked first in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, Arizona presents a favorable matchup. If Walker is sidelined, Charbonnet becomes a solid RB2 option across all leagues.
Sit ‘Em
Austin Ekeler (Chargers) vs. Chiefs
Ekeler’s disappointing fantasy season, compounded by offensive injuries, limits his upside for Week 18.
Facing a formidable Chiefs defense that has been restrictive to opposing running backs, Ekeler’s recent struggles and the potential challenges with Easton Stick at quarterback make him a high-risk, low-reward option for the Fantasy championship.
Javonte Williams (Broncos) vs. Raiders
Williams’ recent dip in performance, coupled with uncertainties about his role and the emergence of Jaleel McLaughlin, make him a questionable start for Week 18.
Also, the Raiders have toughened against running backs in recent weeks, reducing Williams’ fantasy appeal.
Wide Receivers
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Jakobi Meyers (Raiders) vs. Broncos
In a game with limited stakes for both teams, Jakobi Meyers emerges as a viable WR3/Flex option for Week 18. Despite uncertainties about player availability, Meyers showcased his potential with 10 targets in the previous week.
Against a Broncos defense that has been solid against wide receivers, Meyers’ past success against them in Week 1 adds to his appeal. Also, Meyers’ ability to exploit the middle of the field and a potentially fatigued Broncos defense make him a recommended choice.
Nico Collins (Texans) vs. Colts
Collins’ standout performance against the Colts in Week 2, coupled with Tank Dell’s absence, positions him as a strong candidate for Week 18.
In addition, the Colts have struggled against wide receivers recently, with three receivers in the last five games scoring at least 16.2 PPR points.
Finally, with Collins likely to be a focal point for C.J. Stroud, he presents a favorable fantasy option, with WR1 upside in Week 18.
Sit ‘Em
Terry McLaurin (Commanders) vs. Cowboys
Despite McLaurin’s solid Week 17 performance, his historical struggles against the Cowboys’ defense suggest caution for Week 18. Facing a defense that has held him to single digits in four of their last five meetings, coupled with uncertainties about player availability, makes McLaurin a riskier fantasy option.
Drake London (Falcons) vs. Saints
London’s recent struggles, scoring single digits in three straight games, and the Saints defense’s success against perimeter receivers raise concerns for Week 18. With limited upside, London becomes a risk-reward flex option at best.
Tight Ends
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Juwan Johnson (Saints) vs. Falcons
Juwan Johnson’s increased role in the Saints’ offense makes him a compelling fantasy option this week. Over the last two games, Johnson has outperformed Taysom Hill in terms of targets, yards, and touchdowns.
Finally, versus the Falcons, a bottom-10 unit against tight ends, Johnson’s matchup and recent form position him as a TE1 for Week 18.
Sit ‘Em
Evan Engram (Jaguars) vs. Titans
While Engram remains involved in the offense, the Titans’ ability to shut down opposing tight ends and Engram’s previous modest performance against them in Week 11 raises doubts about his Fantasy production for Week 18.
Also, uncertainties about Trevor Lawrence’s health and potential quarterback changes further contribute to Engram being a less favorable fantasy option.
