It’s Week 18, folks! For those of you who are still in the hunt for a championship, it’s time to set those fantasy lineups and make some tough calls. The excitement of the NFL season is at its peak, and this week’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is your ultimate guide to navigating the best and worst matchups for fantasy football leagues. Each week, I’ll dive into the quarterbacks and running backs who could either exceed or fall short of expectations based on their opponents.
As you finalize your lineup decisions, don’t forget to check out my fantasy player rankings, which I update daily! And for even more insights, make sure 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: Running Backs to Consider
Let’s kick things off with some running backs who are primed for success this week.
Start of the Week
Bucky Irving vs. Saints (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Irving had a stellar performance last week, racking up 23 points in a win over the Panthers. He commanded 36% of the Bucs backfield touches, indicating he’s taken on a featured role. This week, he faces the Saints, who have allowed running backs to score 16-plus points 12 times this season. Moreover, their defense has given up the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs in the last eight weeks. This is a matchup you don’t want to miss!
Other Notable Starts
J.K. Dobbins at Raiders (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Dobbins returned from injury in Week 17, accumulating 20 touches and scoring 15.3 fantasy points against the Patriots. He’ll now face a Raiders defense that has allowed running backs to score 14.5 or more PPR points 11 times this season. Dobbins previously torched the Silver & Black for 135 rushing yards and a touchdown back in Week 1, making him a solid start this week.
Zach Charbonnet at Rams (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Although Charbonnet had a lackluster outing last week with just 10.9 points, he remains a viable option if he continues to lead the backfield. The Rams have been vulnerable, allowing opposing running backs to score at least 12.9 points 12 times this year. With four of those performances coming in the last six weeks, Charbonnet could bounce back in this matchup.
Matchups to Avoid
Now, let’s look at some running backs you might want to bench this week.
Sit of the Week
Breece Hall at Dolphins (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Hall struggled last week, finishing with just 6.3 points in a blowout loss to the Bills. He only managed 11 touches, largely due to the game script. The Jets have little to play for, and the Dolphins have been tough on running backs, allowing only 3.9 yards per rush and three touchdowns in their last eight games. Hall is a risky play, likely only worth a high-end flex spot.
Other Running Backs to Sit
D’Andre Swift at Packers (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Swift has been inconsistent lately, failing to score more than 9.9 points in five of his last six games. With the Packers fighting for playoff positioning and the Bears simply looking to end the season, Swift is a shaky flex option. He hasn’t surpassed 75 scrimmage yards in five of his last eight games, making him a player to avoid this week.
Rhamondre Stevenson vs. Bills (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Stevenson started last week but barely touched the ball, finishing with a dismal 0.10 points in a loss to the Chargers. It appears he’s fallen out of favor with coach Jero Mayo, making him unreliable for fantasy managers in Week 18. Antonio Gibson could see the majority of backfield touches, making him the New England back to consider.
Key Rankings and Insights
As we look ahead to Week 18, here are some running backs with favorable matchups that could help you clinch that championship:
- Bijan Robinson vs. Panthers
- Jahmyr Gibbs vs. Vikings
- Derrick Henry vs. Browns (Sat.)
- Bucky Irving vs. Saints
- Josh Jacobs vs. Bears
- Jonathan Taylor vs. Jaguars
- Zach Charbonnet at Rams
- Chase Brown at Steelers (Sat.)
- Aaron Jones at Lions
- J.K. Dobbins at Raiders
Complete Week 18 running back rankings (coming soon)
With all this in mind, remember that Week 18 can be unpredictable. Roster decisions might hinge on playoff implications or team strategies. Make sure to stay updated on injury reports and any last-minute changes that could affect your lineup.
So, are you ready to make those tough calls and bring home the championship? Let’s go out there and seize the moment!
