NFL Fantasy Start Em, Sit Em: 20 Players to Start or Sit in Week 18
With some leagues having Championship Week this week, which players should you have an eye on? Jason Radowitz provides his NFL Fantasy start or sit em list for Week 18. Check it out and see who he has his eye on.
Jason Radowitz - January 2, 2024, 9:25 AM EST
5 minNFL Fantasy Start Em, Sit Em: 20 Players to Start or Sit in Week 18
Some leagues are already finished. Other leagues have their championships this week.
There are even leagues that will combine weeks 17 and 18 together for the Championship.
If you're in the Championship this week, we're still here to help you in Week 18.
Quarterbacks To Play in Week 18
1. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
2. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Don't get scared off of Matthew Stafford. It's likely that the 49ers sit some of their best players, as they are already in the playoffs. After Christian McCaffrey's injury, the 49ers will likely have second thoughts.
Meanwhile, Baker Mayfield should find the endzone multiple times against Carolina's defense this week. It's a must-win game for Tampa Bay, so that Mayfield will bring it.
Baker Mayfield is fighting for a playoff spot in Week 18. Can he bounce back and deliver against the Panthers? Make sure you're hammering Mayfield prop bets at DraftKings right now
Quarterbacks To Sit in Week 18
3. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
4. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
5. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Lamar Jackson and Brock Purdy led fantasy teams into their championships. However, even if Jackson and Purdy start their games this week, they could be benched mid-way through the game.
Meanwhile, Trevor Lawrence is still dealing with an injury. There are better options out there. Don't rely on a quarterback who is hurt to win you your fantasy league.
Running Backs To Play in Week 18
6. Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders
7. Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers
8. Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
The Raiders want to run the ball every chance they get. White added 20 carries and five catches for over 100 yards in Las Vegas' loss to the Colts. With the Raiders eliminated from the playoffs, it's likely White gets the start in Week 18.
Meanwhile, Christian McCaffrey is injured and out against the Rams on Sunday. Therefore, Elijah Mitchell will get a heavy workload. Mitchell saw 17 touches for 80 yards against the Commanders and also scored a touchdown. He could see 25+ carries on Sunday.
Somehow, Tyler Allgeier always finds himself earning big plays down the field. He's still being used by the Falcons at a high rate, despite the Week 17 game where he only saw five touches.
Running Backs To Sit in Week 18
9. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
10. James Cook, Buffalo Bills
James Cook saw just 16 carries for 48 yards in Buffalo's win against the Patriots. With another tough matchup against Miami on the road, Cook probably won't have his best game.
On the other hand, Austin Ekeler's production has been weak this year. You might've drafted him at the top of your draft, but his production isn't good enough. There are better options out there.
Wide Receivers To Play in Week 18
11. Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
12. Darius Slayton, New York Giants
Tyler Lockett had just one catch on five targets last week. But he's got a solid matchup against Arizona in a game where the Seahawks need to win. Don't forget that he had eight catches on 11 targets in the week before.
Meanwhile, the Eagles' secondary is brutal, and they could even potentially sit some of their starters on the defensive line. That opens up the passing game for Tyrod Taylor and Darius Slayton. Slayton has 90+ receiving yards in two straight games.
Wide Receivers To Sit in Week 18
13. Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers
14. Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
15. Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos
The Packers have had other wide receivers step up recently. Doubs has been a solid plug-and-play guy. But against the Chicago secondary, it's best to keep him on the bench.
London saw ten targets but caught four balls last week against the Bears. The Saints' secondary is just as difficult. He might see the same stat line.
Even with Courtland Sutton out, Jerry Jeudy failed to make a significant impact last week.
Tight Ends To Play in Week 18
16. Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers
17. Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints
One of those receivers still from Doubs is Tucker Kraft. He just saw six targets and caught six balls for 48 yards. He's now seen six targets in three straight games.
On the other hand, Tayoms Hill scored a rushing touchdown and caught two passes last week against Tampa Bay. He's a fun wildcard at tight end.
Can Taysom Hill step up and deliver in Week 18? Well, FanDuel is the place to bet on Hill props right now!
Tight Ends To Sit in Week 18
18. Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens
19. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
20. Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers
The Ravens will likely sit starters for most of Week 18 if not all. Likely qualifies as an essential starter now.
Meanwhile, Kyle Pitts added one reception against Chicago, totaling five yards receiving. No thanks.
Lastly, Gerland Everett is getting looks but not connecting with Ethan Stick. There were more incompletions thrown his way than completions last week.
NFL Odds
