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 look at the best and worst matchups in a given week for fantasy football leagues. Each week, I’ll examine the quarterbacks who could exceed or fail to meet expectations based on their opponents.
As the final week of the regular season rolls around, fantasy managers are feeling the heat. Decisions made now could lead to either a glorious championship or a frustrating end to the season. So, what are the best strategies to maximize your chances? For your final lineup decisions, check out my fantasy player rankings. I update them daily! Also, make sure you subscribe to the Fantasy Dirt Podcast with Lindsay Rhodes and me, as we break down all things fantasy football five days a week!
Start ‘Em: Tight Ends to Watch
Let’s dive into some tight ends who are primed for big performances this week.
Mark Andrews vs. Browns (Sat. 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): Andrews has been one of the most consistent fantasy tight ends in the last five weeks, scoring a touchdown in each contest and averaging 14.7 points. He’s a virtual must-start against the Browns, who have given up at least 9.9 fantasy points to six different tight ends since Week 11. In fact, Andrews had a productive outing against them earlier in the season, recording five catches for 36 yards and a touchdown, netting 14.6 points back in Week 8.
Another tight end to consider is Tucker Kraft vs. Bears (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Although Kraft’s numbers have been underwhelming lately, failing to score more than 9.5 points in his last three games, he finds himself in a favorable matchup against a Bears defense that has allowed at least 9.4 points to tight ends six times since Week 10. During that stretch, four players at the position have managed to score at least 14.3 points against them. Could this be the week Kraft turns things around?
TEs With Good Matchups
1. Brock Bowers vs. Chargers
2. Trey McBride vs. 49ers
3. George Kittle at Cardinals
4. Sam LaPorta vs. Vikings
5. Mark Andrews vs. Browns (Sat.)
6. T.J. Hockenson at Lions
7. Jonnu Smith at Jets
8. Pat Freiermuth vs. Bengals (Sat.)
9. Zach Ertz at Cowboys
10. Chig Okonkwo vs. Texans
Complete Week 18 tight end rankings
Sit ‘Em: Tight Ends to Avoid
While some players are set to shine, others may dim your fantasy hopes.
Jake Ferguson vs. Commanders (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Ferguson was listed as a sit ‘em last week and unfortunately lived up to that label, scoring just 2.8 fantasy points in a loss to the Eagles. He’s now scored single digits in four of his last five games and hasn’t found the end zone all season. This week’s matchup against the Commanders looks decent on paper, but Ferguson’s overall lack of production in the second half of the season makes him a risky play.
Another tight end to keep on the bench is Kyle Pitts vs. Panthers (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Although Pitts posted a touchdown and 14.4 points in a recent loss to the Commanders, that was his first time scoring more than 9.5 points since Week 8! In fact, Pitts has been held to single digits in all but one game during that stretch. The Panthers have also been tough on tight ends, allowing just 37.3 yards per game since Week 14. So, don’t chase the fleeting points here; it’s best to look elsewhere.
TEs With Bad Matchups
As we wrap up our tight end analysis, remember that the right choices can make all the difference in your fantasy playoffs. The key is to stay informed and trust your instincts.
In this critical week, it’s essential to make the right calls. Whether you’re starting Andrews or sitting Ferguson, every decision counts. Keep an eye on player rankings, injuries, and matchups as kickoff approaches.
So, are you ready to take your fantasy team to victory? The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable. Don’t let this opportunity slip away! Let’s go out there and dominate Week 18!
