It’s Week 18, folks! For you crazies who play this week, let’s set those fantasy lineups and take home a championship! Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is the ultimate guide to the best and worst matchups in a given week for fantasy football leagues. Each week, I’ll dive into the quarterbacks and other positions who could either exceed or fail to meet expectations based on their opponents.
As we gear up for this exciting week, it’s essential to make those final lineup decisions wisely. For the latest insights, check out my fantasy player rankings, which I update daily! And don’t forget to subscribe to the Fantasy Dirt Podcast with Lindsay Rhodes and me, where we break down all things fantasy football five days a week!
Start ‘Em: Kickers to Consider
Jason Sanders at Jets (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Sanders has been one of the hottest kickers in fantasy football, scoring a combined 55 points in his last four games. He’s also scored in double digits in six of his last eight games, making this matchup against the Jets particularly favorable. The Men in Green have allowed the second-most points to kickers since Week 10.
Cameron Dicker at Raiders (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Dicker has scored 27 fantasy points in his last two games and has hit double digits five times in his last seven overall. Facing the Raiders, who have allowed nearly nine points per game to kickers since Week 10, Dicker is poised for another strong performance. He even scored 12 fantasy points against them back in Week 1!
Kickers With Good Matchups
- Chase McLaughlin vs. Saints
- Will Reichard at Lions
- Chris Boswell vs. Bengals (Sat.)
- Brandon Aubrey vs. Commanders
- Jake Bates vs. Vikings
- Brandon McManus vs. Bears
- Wil Lutz vs. Chiefs
- Riley Patterson vs. Panthers
Sit ‘Em: Kickers to Avoid
Harrison Butker at Broncos (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Butker has been inconsistent this season, scoring single digits in four of his last seven games while averaging a modest 8.1 points overall. With the Chiefs likely to bench their starters, Butker may have fewer scoring chances, making him a risky play this week.
Justin Tucker vs. Browns (Sat. 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): Although Tucker has been hot lately, scoring a combined 21 fantasy points in his last two games, he had scored single digits six times in his previous seven games. Averaging just 7.1 points in his last nine, including a six-point outing against the Browns in Week 8, he’s not a reliable option this week.
Kickers With Bad Matchups
- Ravens defense vs. Browns (Sat.)
- Buccaneers defense vs. Saints
- Chargers defense at Raiders
- Broncos defense vs. Chiefs
- Texans defense at Titans
- Packers defense vs. Bears
- Bills defense at Patriots
- Dolphins defense at Jets
- Eagles defense vs. Giants
- Colts defense vs. Jaguars
Defenses to Start and Sit
Start of the Week: Buccaneers defense vs. Saints (1 p.m. ET, Fox): The Buccaneers are fighting for the NFC South, and their defense is a terrific option against the struggling Saints. Over the last four weeks, New Orleans has averaged a dismal 10.8 points and 250.5 total yards of offense. With 12 sacks and six giveaways during that span, the Buccaneers’ defense could be a game-changer.
Ravens defense vs. Browns (Sat. 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): With a chance to wrap up the AFC North, the Ravens’ defense is in a prime position to shine. The Browns’ offense has averaged a league-low 7.5 points per game since Week 14, committing 14 giveaways and allowing 14 sacks. Baltimore’s DST is a must-start this week.
Defenses With Good Matchups
- Steelers defense vs. Bengals (Sat. 8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
- Lions defense vs. Vikings (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
Defenses to Sit
Sit of the Week: Steelers defense vs. Bengals (Sat. 8 p.m. ET, ESPN): It’s tough to sit the Steelers DST, but this week’s matchup against the Bengals is daunting. Cincinnati’s offense has averaged 29.5 points and 407 yards per game since Week 14. If the Ravens beat the Browns earlier in the day, this game could be meaningless for Pittsburgh, further complicating their defensive outlook.
Lions defense vs. Vikings (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Although the Lions boast a top-10 fantasy defense, facing the Vikings is a different story. With injuries plaguing Detroit’s defense and Minnesota’s offense averaging 31.5 points and 375.3 yards in the last four weeks, it’s wise to avoid the Lions’ defense this week.
As we dive into Week 18, remember to strategize wisely. The right choices can lead you to victory, while the wrong ones might leave you wondering what could have been. Good luck, and may your fantasy dreams come true!
