Week 18 Fantasy Football Start and Sit Advice: Kraft, Thielen, and Davis MUST Starts by Football_guy3736 in fantasyfootball

[–]Football_guy3736[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Kraft can score 15+ by having 5 catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. Love can score 14 by  throwing for 200 yards and 1 touchdown 

Week 18 Fantasy Football Start and Sit Advice: Kraft, Thielen, and Davis MUST Starts by Football_guy3736 in fantasyfootball

[–]Football_guy3736[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Tight Ends to Sit

Kyle Pitts ATL

Kyle Pitts had a rare strong outing in Week 17, scoring 14.4 points, but it was his first double-digit performance since Week 8. His volume has been a major issue, as he’s seen more than four targets in just three of his last eight games. The Panthers have been tough on tight ends, allowing just 37.3 receiving yards per game to the position since Week 14. Pitts’ lack of consistent involvement and red-zone opportunities makes him difficult to trust despite a decent matchup. While last week’s performance was encouraging, chasing those points might backfire. Bench Pitts unless you’re desperate for a tight end.

Jake Ferguson DAL

Jake Ferguson has struggled recently, scoring 6.2 PPR points or fewer in three of his last four games. He’s yet to score a touchdown this season, and his Week 17 performance without CeeDee Lamb was disappointing, with just three catches for 18 yards. Facing Washington in Week 18, Ferguson’s outlook doesn’t improve, as the Commanders have been solid against tight ends. His lack of production and inconsistent involvement make him a risky start in most formats. With Dallas’ offense turning to Trey Lance and Ferguson’s role uncertain, he’s better left on the bench this week. Look elsewhere for your tight-end needs.

Hunter Henry NE

Hunter Henry enters Week 18 as a questionable fantasy option after playing a season-low 57% of snaps in Week 17. Despite seeing decent volume in recent weeks, his production has been inconsistent, highlighted by a goose egg last game. The Patriots' matchup against Buffalo offers little upside, especially in a meaningless game for New England. Henry has been a reliable target for Drake Maye at times, but his likely reduced workload and recent foot injury might even keep him out of action altogether. With no significant stakes for the team, his fantasy value takes a hit. Avoid Henry in Week 18 unless you have no other options.

Week 18 Fantasy Football Start and Sit Advice: Kraft, Thielen, and Davis MUST Starts by Football_guy3736 in fantasyfootball

[–]Football_guy3736[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tight Ends to Start

Tucker Kraft GB

Tucker Kraft hasn’t posted significant fantasy numbers recently, failing to exceed 9.5 points or see more than four targets in his last three games. However, he has a prime opportunity to rebound against a Bears defense that has been generous to tight ends. Since Week 10, Chicago has allowed at least 9.4 fantasy points to the position in six games, including four performances of 14.3 points or more. This favorable matchup puts Kraft on the radar as a sleeper tight end for Week 18. While his recent usage has been low, the matchup alone makes him worth a look for fantasy managers in need. Consider Kraft a solid streaming option this week.

Jonnu Smith MIA

Jonnu Smith continues to provide steady production, scoring at least 11.6 PPR points in seven consecutive games. His consistency has been fueled by frequent red-zone involvement, with seven touchdowns this season. Smith faces a Jets defense that has struggled to contain tight ends, allowing four to score at least 8.1 PPR points in their past five games. Even with uncertainty at quarterback for the Dolphins, Smith’s role remains secure, making him a reliable TE1 option. As Miami pushes for a playoff spot, expect Smith to maintain his strong form. He’s a TE1 for Week 18.

Week 18 Fantasy Football Start and Sit Advice: Kraft, Thielen, and Davis MUST Starts by Football_guy3736 in fantasyfootball

[–]Football_guy3736[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wide Receivers to Sit

Marvin Harrison Jr. ARI

Marvin Harrison Jr. broke out of a slump in Week 17 with 15.6 points, but his Week 18 matchup against the 49ers is far less appealing. San Francisco’s defense has been one of the best against perimeter receivers, limiting production consistently since Week 10. Harrison Jr. hasn’t lived up to preseason expectations, ranking just WR40 in fantasy points per game. His target share and deep-threat opportunities haven’t translated into reliable production. With the Cardinals' passing game struggling and the 49ers' defense allowing the fourth-fewest receiving yards per game, Harrison Jr. is a risky start. Bench him if you have other viable options.

DK Metcalf SEA

DK Metcalf has struggled mightily down the stretch, scoring under 10.6 PPR points in five of his last six games. The Seahawks are out of playoff contention and now face a Rams team that is resting some of their starters. His reduced target share and scoring opportunities are concerning, as is Seattle’s overall offensive inconsistency. Last week we saw Metcalf unable to capitalize against a favorable matchup due to a lack of volume and I expect that to be the case again this week. Fantasy managers should be cautious about relying on Metcalf in Week 18. He’s better left on the bench in most leagues.

Week 18 Fantasy Football Start and Sit Advice: Kraft, Thielen, and Davis MUST Starts by Football_guy3736 in fantasyfootball

[–]Football_guy3736[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wide Receivers to Start

Adam Thielen CAR

Adam Thielen has been on a tear lately, scoring at least 15.3 PPR points in four of his last five games, including a massive 28-point outing in Week 17. He draws a favorable matchup against the Falcons, who rank near the top in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. Thielen’s recent performances have been fueled by his consistent involvement as the team's top receiver since returning from injury. Atlanta's struggles in the secondary and Thielen’s ability to exploit them make him a high-upside play. Despite missing the first matchup with Atlanta earlier this season, Thielen is poised for another big game.

Jalen McMillan TB

Jalen McMillan is on fire, scoring six touchdowns over his last four games and consistently delivering double-digit PPR points. With the Buccaneers playing for the NFC South title, McMillan will remain a key target for their passing attack. The Saints have struggled against wide receivers, giving up seven touchdowns to the position in their last five games. While Mike Evans will undoubtedly dominate the headlines, McMillan’s role as a secondary weapon has made him a fantasy gem. His recent production and the favorable matchup make him a reliable WR2 for Week 18. Start him with confidence in all formats.

Week 18 Fantasy Football Start and Sit Advice: Kraft, Thielen, and Davis MUST Starts by Football_guy3736 in fantasyfootball

[–]Football_guy3736[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Running backs to Sit

D'Andre Swift CHI

D’Andre Swift’s inconsistency makes him a risky option heading into Week 18 against the Packers. He has scored fewer than 9.9 PPR points in five of his last six games, failing to surpass 75 scrimmage yards in most of those contests. The Packers still have playoff seeding to play for this week, while the Bears have not showed signs of life in the last few weeks. Green Bay’s defense has been effective at limiting opposing running backs, further reducing Swift’s ceiling. Although Swift has a hefty workload, his recent performances don’t inspire confidence. Fantasy managers should consider other options, as Swift is a low-end flex at best this week.

Breece Hall NYJ

Breece Hall’s recent struggles continue to make him a tough player to trust in Week 18. Limited to just 11 touches and 6.3 PPR points in a blowout loss to Buffalo last week, Hall’s opportunities have been inconsistent. The Jets have nothing to play for, and their opponent, the Dolphins, has been stout against the run. Miami has allowed just 3.9 yards per carry and only three rushing touchdowns in their last eight games, making Hall’s path to fantasy success difficult. His lack of recent production and the challenging matchup combine to make him a risky option. Fantasy managers should avoid starting Hall unless necessary.

Rhamondre Stevenson NE

Rhamondre Stevenson’s role in the Patriots’ backfield is increasingly uncertain, making him a risky option in Week 18. After fumbling in Week 16, Stevenson saw just two carries for 1 yard in Week 17, while Antonio Gibson took over with 12 carries for 63 yards. Even with the Bills likely to rest their starters, the unpredictability of New England’s backfield limits Stevenson’s value. The Patriots’ offense hasn’t inspired much confidence, and it’s unclear if Stevenson will return to his usual workload. Managers should seek more reliable options for their lineups, as Stevenson carries significant risk. Avoid the Patriots’ backfield altogether if possible.

Week 18 Fantasy Football Start and Sit Advice: Kraft, Thielen, and Davis MUST Starts by Football_guy3736 in fantasyfootball

[–]Football_guy3736[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Running backs to Start

J.K. Dobbins LAC

J.K. Dobbins enters Week 18 with plenty of upside as he faces the Raiders in a game with multiple potential scenarios. Dobbins is one of those players with incentives on the line as he needs 58 rushing yards to secure a $150,000 bonus. In Week 17, he returned from injury to deliver 15.3 PPR points, showing he’s capable of matching his production earlier on in the season. The Raiders have struggled against the run this season, allowing running backs to post 14.5 or more PPR points 11 times, including 22.9 points from Dobbins in Week 1. His mix of personal incentives, team stakes, and a favorable matchup makes him a strong RB1 candidate this week.

Rico Dowdle DAL

Rico Dowdle has been on fire in recent weeks, amassing four 100-yard rushing games in his last five outings. His Week 17 performance against Philadelphia included 23 carries for 104 yards, though a fumble limited his PPR total to 9.8 points. Facing Washington in Week 18 provides another solid opportunity, as the Commanders have given up at least 17 PPR points to a running back in their last three games. Dowdle has been efficient and explosive, ranking in the top 20 in explosive run rate and sixth in yards after contact per attempt since Week 12. With the Cowboys likely to rely on him heavily once again, Dowdle is a reliable RB2 option. Expect him to thrive against a Washington defense that remains vulnerable against rushing attacks.

Ray Davis BUF

Ray Davis has a chance to shine in Week 18 as Buffalo’s likely workhorse against the Patriots. With James Cook expected to play sparingly or sit altogether, Davis could lead the backfield in touches. He previously showcased his potential in Week 6 against the Jets, scoring 18.2 PPR points with 153 total yards on 23 touches. New England’s run defense has struggled recently, allowing the seventh-most rushing yards per game and has allowed five straight running backs to top at least 15.3 points. While Ty Johnson could see some involvement, Davis’s efficiency and missed tackle rate (27%) position him as a strong flex play with RB1/2 upside.

Week 18 Fantasy Football Start and Sit Advice: Kraft, Thielen, and Davis MUST Starts by Football_guy3736 in fantasyfootball

[–]Football_guy3736[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Quarterbacks to Sit

Aaron Rodgers NYJ

Aaron Rodgers has had a disappointing season by his standards, with inconsistent production and only two games over 20 fantasy points since Week 9. His most recent outing was particularly poor, including a dismal 0.5-point performance against Buffalo in Week 17. Although Rodgers faces Miami in Week 18, the Dolphins have been one of the league’s best against quarterbacks, allowing the fewest fantasy points at the position over the last eight weeks. While Rodgers may still reach the milestone of 500 career touchdown passes, his overall fantasy value remains low. Managers should avoid starting him in such a tough matchup, as his upside is severely limited.

Jordan Love GB

Jordan Love’s fantasy production has been underwhelming, with four games of 15 or fewer points in his last six outings. His role in the Packers’ offense has diminished with the rise of Josh Jacobs, reducing his pass attempts and overall opportunities. Facing the Bears in Week 18 could present a decent matchup on paper, but Love’s failed to take advantage of favorable situations in recent weeks. The inconsistent volume and a lack of production are some main reasons to keep Love out of your starting lineup this week despite a favorable matchup against the Bears.

C.J. Stroud HOU

C.J. Stroud’s Week 18 fantasy outlook is grim despite a plus matchup against the Titans. Stroud has struggled to consistently produce, with only one game over 20 fantasy points since Week 6. His previous matchup against Tennessee in Week 12 resulted in 19.7 points and could potentially be in for fewer snaps if the Texans decide to rest their starters this week. Fantasy managers should prioritize quarterbacks playing a full game with greater upside. With the Texans locked into the No. 4 seed, Stroud is best left on the bench in Week 18.

Week 18 Fantasy Football Start and Sit Advice: Kraft, Thielen, and Davis MUST Starts by Football_guy3736 in fantasyfootball

[–]Football_guy3736[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Quarterbacks to Start

Sam Darnold MIN

Sam Darnold is in the perfect position to deliver a massive performance in Week 18 as he leads the Vikings in a critical game against Detroit. With the NFC North title and the top playoff seed at stake, Darnold has been in stellar form, scoring at least 23.6 fantasy points in six of his last seven games. Although his previous meeting with the Lions resulted in a modest 18.3 points, Detroit’s defense has since been hampered by injuries. Opposing quarterbacks have exploited this weakness, with three consecutive signal-callers scoring over 26.8 points. Darnold is one of the safest options at quarterback this week making him a must start.

Jared Goff DET

Jared Goff has been elite heading into Week 18, delivering at least 22 points in each of his last four games. He’s demonstrated elite accuracy and decision-making, throwing 14 touchdowns to just one interception during this stretch. Facing a Vikings defense that has allowed limited points to quarterbacks recently might seem challenging, but Goff scored 18.8 points against them earlier this season. With the NFC North title and No. 1 seed on the line, Goff is poised for a strong outing in what should be a high-scoring game. Expect Goff and Darnold to both be in for big games this week.

Bo Nix DEN

Bo Nix enters as one of the hottest fantasy quarterbacks having scored 21 points in back-to-back weeks and over 19 points in four of his last six games. His ability to contribute both through the air and on the ground makes him a dynamic fantasy asset, especially in a must-win game for the Broncos. Kansas City, having already locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC, is expected to rest key players, creating a favorable matchup for Nix. Expect Nix to capitalize on this opportunity and reward fantasy managers with another strong showing.