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 we dive into the final week of the fantasy season, it’s crucial to make those lineup decisions count. 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 I, as we break down all things fantasy football five days a week!
Start ‘Em: Players to Consider
Let’s kick things off with some players you should definitely consider starting this week.
Jordan Addison at Lions (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Addison has been on fire in recent weeks, scoring no fewer than 13.3 fantasy points in each of his last four games and six of his last seven games overall. This week’s matchup against the Lions is not only for the NFC North title but the No. 1 seed in the NFC. With a total that opened at 52.5 over at DK Sportsbook, this figures to be a high-scoring affair. As a result, keep Addison in your lineups.
Adam Thielen at Falcons (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Coming off his best stat line of the season, Thielen scored 28 points in a loss to the Buccaneers. He has now scored 15-plus points in four of his last five games, including three performances with at least 19 points. I’d keep him in lineups against the Falcons, who have allowed 11 touchdown catches and the third-most points to opposing wide receivers over the last eight weeks of action.
Jalen McMillan vs. Saints (1 p.m. ET, Fox): McMillan has been under-the-radar awesome in the last month, scoring six touchdowns in his last four games. During that stretch, he has put up at least 16.7 points in every contest, including two games with more than 21 points. The Buccaneers are playing for the NFC South title, and New Orleans has allowed six scores and the ninth-most fantasy points to perimeter receivers over the last eight weeks.
Players to Sit: Avoid These Matchups
Now, let’s talk about some players you might want to think twice about starting this week.
Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. 49ers (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Harrison Jr. broke out of his recent funk last week, scoring 15.6 points against the Rams. However, he had been held to single digits in each of his previous three games and four of his last five. Facing the 49ers makes him tough to trust. Their defense has allowed the third-fewest points per game to perimeter receivers since Week 10, and Harrison Jr. only managed 5.6 points against them in Week 5.
Jerry Jeudy at Ravens (Sat. 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): Jeudy posted a ridiculous 18 targets in last week’s loss to the Dolphins, finishing with 12 catches and 21.4 fantasy points. While that performance makes it tempting to start him in Week 18, be cautious. The Ravens are playing for the AFC North title, and with the Browns banged up on offense, Jeudy will likely be Baltimore’s defensive focus.
DK Metcalf at Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Metcalf and the Seahawks have been eliminated from postseason contention, while the Rams are fighting for the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs. Motivation aside, Metcalf has been held to 10.6 or fewer points in five of his last six games, including four games where he’s been limited to single digits. Additionally, the Rams have allowed the seventh-fewest points per game to wideouts since Week 10.
Wide Receivers with Good and Bad Matchups
When it comes to wide receivers, matchups can make or break your fantasy week.
Start of the Week: As mentioned, Jordan Addison is a must-start. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and his recent performance speaks volumes.
WRs with Good Matchups: Players like Ja’Marr Chase at the Steelers and Amon-Ra St. Brown against the Vikings are also worth a look. They have been consistent performers and are likely to find success in their respective matchups.
WRs with Bad Matchups: Conversely, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jerry Jeudy face tough defenses that could limit their production. It’s essential to weigh these factors when finalizing your lineups.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up this week’s analysis, remember that every point counts in your fantasy championship. Keep an eye on player rankings and injury reports as kickoff approaches. The thrill of Week 18 is upon us, and your decisions could lead you to glory or disappointment.
With the playoffs just around the corner, this week is your last chance to make a significant impact in your fantasy leagues. Keep your lineups sharp, stay informed, and let’s make this a week to remember!
