While the vast majority of fantasy leagues crowned their champions following Week 17, some leagues prefer to span the entirety of the NFL season. And that makes cobbling together a starting lineup a bit complicated for fantasy managers in Week 18 when NFL teams weigh the risk of injury against the reward of a playoff spot or improved seeding.
Twelve of the 14 playoff spots are set but three division titles remain up for grabs. Several of the seed lines are locked down, but most remain up for grabs, which could lead to some interesting roster decisions for both NFL and fantasy teams.
Here’s a look at each Week 18 matchup game-by-game and how potential playoff implications and seeding could play a role in those games.
Saturday
Browns at Ravens, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC)
Playoff scenarios: With a win or tie, the Ravens claim the AFC North title and secure the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. A Baltimore loss opens the door for the Ravens to slide down to the No. 5 seed pending the outcome of the Steelers game.
What we know: A division title brings with it a home playoff game, so the Ravens will be at full-go for this one. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday he could play both Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe at quarterback.
GO DEEPER
NFL Week 18 playoff scenarios: AFC North, NFC South up for grabs
Key injuries: Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion) hasn’t practiced this week and missed last week’s game. Wide receiver Nelson Agholor (concussion) missed the last two games but has been a full participant at practice. Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) missed last week’s game and hasn’t practiced. Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) was placed on injured reserve this week. The Browns running back depth has been tested with Pierre Strong (head) in the concussion protocol and Jerome Ford (ankle) injured in Week 17 — neither have practiced ahead of Saturday’s game.
What could change: This game opens the weekend, so no other games impact this one.
Analysis: Jerry Jeudy (12 receptions, 94 yards receiving in Week 17) remains the WR to start in Cleveland. Even he’s a risky play with Thompson-Robinson at QB. In his lone game with DTR under center this season, Njoku had eight receptions for 66 yards and can be started if he’s active against Baltimore. Outside of Ford, avoid Browns RBs.
Bengals at Steelers, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC)
Playoff scenarios: The Bengals need to win and for the Broncos to lose and the Dolphins to lose or tie on Sunday to make the postseason. The Steelers are already in but can win the AFC North and the No. 3 seed with a victory and a Ravens loss. A loss potentially pushes Pittsburgh back to the No. 6 seed should the Chargers win in Week 18.
What we know: Coach Mike Tomlin indicated early in the week that he didn’t expect to rest his starters regardless of Baltimore’s result. If Pittsburgh secures the No. 5 seed, the Texans await — a likely more appealing foe than another matchup with the Ravens if the Steelers fell to the No. 6 seed.
Key injuries: Bengals running back Chase Brown (right ankle) was unable to play in the overtime period of the team’s Week 17 win against the Broncos and did not practice Tuesday. Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (ribs) was upgraded to a full participant Wednesday after getting in a limited session Tuesday.
What could change: If the Ravens win in Saturday’s first game, the AFC North crown is off the table for the Steelers. However, seeding and matchups are still in play as noted above.
Analysis: Khalil Herbert led the backfield after Brown’s Week 17 injury and had 5.8 yards per carry, but the Steelers rank seventh in rush yards allowed per game and sixth in yards per carry allowed. Still, Herbert is an RB2 this week with Brown out. Najee Harris becomes an RB1 if Warren sits; otherwise, both are RB2s with Warren having the upside. Harris had 13 carries for 74 yards (5.7 YPC), and Warren had 11 carries for 71 yards (6.5 YPC) last week. But Warren has been the passing-game back with 41 yards receiving in Week 17 and 44 in Week 16.
Sunday
Panthers at Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Playoff scenarios: To win the NFC South, the Falcons need to win and for the Buccaneers to lose.
What we know: The Falcons have their season on the line so their key offensive players are a full go. Panthers running back Miles Sanders (ankle) was designated to return to practice and was a full participant Wednesday.
Key injuries: Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) was placed on injured reserve last weekend
What could change: Both Atlanta and Tampa Bay play at the same time, so the NFC South will be decided after the opening slate of Sunday games.
Analysis: As expected, Raheem Blackshear led over Mike Boone in Week 17, but it matters not, as Boone saw a bit more passing game work, which renders both useless. In the passing game, though, Xavier Legette returned and stepped right back into the No. 2 role with nine targets, despite Jalen Coker seeing six more routes. — Jake Ciely
Commanders at Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
Playoff scenarios: The Commanders lock down the NFC’s No. 6 seed with a win. A loss and a Packers win pushes Washington to the No. 7 seed and a third date with the Eagles on Super Wild Card Weekend.
What we know: Commanders coach Dan Quinn wants to secure the best playoff positioning for his squad and said of the team’s hold on the No. 6 seed, “We’re going to fight like hell to keep it.” Expect to see Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Zach Ertz and more in this one.
Key injuries: Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) was designated to return to practice from injured reserve and was a full participant Wednesday. Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) has already been ruled out for the final week.
What could change: Nothing as Quinn has indicated that Washington is all about locking down the No. 6 seed.
Analysis: If Ekeler returns from IR this week, he’s a decent flex option this week. But Brian Robinson Jr. is the lead back for the Commanders and is an RB2 with or without Ekeler.
Bears at Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
Playoff scenarios: The Packers are already in the NFC playoff field, but a win and Commanders loss moves them to the No. 6 seed. A loss or Commanders win leaves them at the No. 7 seed.
What we know: Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday the team’s healthy players will play in Week 18 as he sees value in having them play and play well. That means Jordan Love at quarterback and Josh Jacobs in the backfield as Green Bay gets ready for the playoffs.
Key injuries: Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee bruise) has yet to practice this week and didn’t play in Week 17. Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (illness) did not participate in practice Wednesday.
What could change: Nothing likely before game time, especially since Green Bay and Washington play at the same time, but there is the potential that the Packers get out big on a Bears team with 10 straight losses and elect to pull Love and Jacobs and roll with backups at some point.
Analysis: Predicting who of the Packers’ receivers will produce for fantasy purposes is an impossible task. But in Week 17, Romeo Doubs was the most-targeted receiver (by far), with 11 targets for seven receptions and 58 yards. Dontayvion Wicks saw five targets while Jayden Reed saw four, and none of them had a touchdown reception. Watson’s injury or availability doesn’t impact this target share scenario too much.
Texans at Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Playoff scenarios: The Texans are locked into the No. 4 seed and have won the AFC South.
What we know: Titans coach Brian Callahan said both of his quarterbacks — Will Levis and Mason Rudolph — will get reps this week in practice and he will announce his Week 18 starter later in the week. Despite Houston’s seeding being secure, coach DeMeco Ryans indicated again Wednesday that his starters will play coming off a brutal loss to the Ravens — although how much they will play remains an open question and could depend on “how the game goes.”
Key injuries: Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) was a limited practice participant for the first time in two weeks, while Tyjae Spears (concussion) did not practice Wednesday. Though not injury-related, expect to see wide receiver Diontae Johnson make his Houston debut after being claimed off waivers last week.
What could change: Nothing.
Analysis: No matter the quarterback, Calvin Ridley is the only reliable option. That includes Pollard being a major risk, missing Week 17, and with Spears likely out. — Ciely
Jaguars at Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
Playoff scenarios: There are no playoff stakes in this contest.
What we know: Both teams are finishing out the season in this one. The Colts are hopeful quarterback Anthony Richardson can return, but that remains to be seen after he acknowledged Wednesday that his lower back issue “might be chronic.”
Key injuries: Richardson (back spasms/soreness, foot) did not play in Week 17 and his status remains in question.
What could change: Richardson was not officially ruled out last week until Saturday, so it may not be known if it will be him or Joe Flacco under center until late in the week.
Analysis: Regardless of who starts, Josh Downs is the Colts receiver to consider flexing. He is the Colts’ most-targeted wide receiver with 7.23 targets per game, followed by Michael Pittman Jr. with 6.73.
Bills at Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Playoff scenarios: The Bills have nailed down the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
What we know: Buffalo quarterback and MVP candidate Josh Allen will start to keep his consecutive starts streak intact (114, counting the postseason) before quickly giving way to backup QB Mitchell Trubisky. The same could be said for other skill players on Buffalo like running back James Cook and wide receiver Khalil Shakir. Bills coach Sean McDermott said Monday the team’s active roster will be a blend of starters and depth players they want to get an extended look at in a game setting. Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said Wednesday that rookie quarterback Drake Maye will play if he is healthy — even if there is a case to be made to not play him. A loss clinches the No. 1 pick for New England in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Key injuries: Maye (right hand) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday and Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) was limited in Wednesday’s session.
What could change: If Maye can’t go for New England, Jacoby Brissett would likely get the call to start. Sixth-round pick Joe Milton III could also get a look at quarterback.
Analysis: The Patriots rank near the bottom of the league in most defensive stats, so Trubisky could be a QB2 in Superflex leagues this week. There’s really no reason for the Bills to play Cook. Ray Davis should be the lead back with Cook out, and he could be a decent flex option against New England. It’s a wait-and-see approach for Bills receivers. If Cooper and Shakir sit, Keon Coleman could be a sneaky flex play this week. While Henry (who could sit) is fantasy’s TE12 this year (145.4 PPR points), his 9.09 points per game are easy enough to replace with someone like Pat Freiermuth, Chig Okonkwo, Noah Gray or Mike Gesicki, one of whom should be available in free agency.
Giants at Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Playoff scenarios: The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
What we know: As it stands now, Tanner McKee looks to be in line to start for Philadelphia in a game that will do nothing to change their playoff seeding. Coach Nick Sirianni said Wednesday he will be resting some of his starters and one of those will probably be running back Saquon Barkley, who is 100 yards shy of tying Eric Dickerson’s rushing record. Star wide receivers A.J. Brown (knee) and DeVonta Smith (wrist) could also get the game off.
Key injuries: Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) remains in the concussion protocol and backup QB Kenny Pickett (ribs) did not practice Wednesday. Tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) had his practice window opened in Week 18.
What could change: Who starts for Philadelphia will likely not be known officially until the end of the week.
Analysis: Hurts was unable to play in Week 17 as he was in concussion protocol, so he will likely sit in a meaningless game to rest up for the playoffs. After Pickett left with a rib injury last week, McKee went 3-for-4 with two touchdown passes. If Brown rests and Smith plays, Smith should see the majority of WR targets. If Smith also sits, there’s no reason to risk playing another Eagles WR with so many unknowns.
Saints at Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)
Playoff scenarios: With a win or tie, the Buccaneers take the NFC South. With a loss, Tampa Bay needs Atlanta to also lose or tie to clinch the division.
What we know: Tampa Bay controls its path to a playoff spot and quarterback Baker Mayfield will look to keep rolling with 14 touchdowns in his last four games. The Saints have had a ton of offensive injuries and may be relying on recent pickup Clyde Edwards-Helaire to carry the backfield load with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler under center.
Key injuries: Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) did not practice Wednesday and has missed two straight games, while rookie running back and leading rusher Bucky Irving (shoulder/shin) and wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) were limited. Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) continues to be a full practice participant and could return, while receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest) and tight end Juwan Johnson (knee) were limited. Running backs Alvin Kamara (groin) and Kendre Miller (concussion) did not practice Wednesday and neither did quarterback Derek Carr (left hand).
What could change: Both Tampa Bay and Atlanta play at the same time, so the NFC South will be decided in Sunday’s early window.
Analysis: With Miller likely sidelined, Edwards-Helaire goes from, “Did you know he was on the Saints?” to, “Man, I might need CEH as a Flex RB in Week 18.” — Ciely
Chiefs at Broncos, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
Playoff scenarios: The Chiefs nailed down the AFC’s No. 1 seed and the first-round bye in Week 17. The Broncos need a win or tie to get in or losses/ties from the Dolphins and Bengals.
What we know: Chiefs coach Andy Reid tends to rest his stars in the final week of the season with a playoff berth/positioning secured — something that has become commonplace for Kansas City — and that will once again be the case. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and others (likely tight end Travis Kelce, for one) will be on the sideline, and Carson Wentz is starting at QB. For Denver, their season is on the line, so expect all their main cogs to be in the lineup.
Key injuries: Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) missed the latter part of the Week 17 win over the Steelers. With nothing at stake for Kansas City and a bye week of rest upcoming, it’s hard to imagine he plays. Mahomes has been battling an ankle injury and an extra week of rest should do him some good. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) had his practice window opened Wednesday.
What could change: Nothing. While Cincinnati plays Saturday, Miami will take the field at the same time as Denver so the final AFC wild card will be determined in the late afternoon window.
Analysis: The Broncos are ranked second in yards per play allowed and yards per rush allowed and sixth in net yards per attempt allowed. While they are ranked 25th in passing yards per game allowed, trusting Wentz against Denver, which needs a win to get into the playoffs, is tough. Kelce is aging and is the perfect rest candidate in Week 18, but the Chiefs love throwing to their tight ends. Noah Gray could see a lot of work and score some solid fantasy points. If Pacheco sits, Kareem Hunt could be a deep-league flex play.
Chargers at Raiders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
Playoff scenarios: In Jim Harbaugh’s first year as coach, the Chargers are already in the AFC field. They could move up to the No. 5 seed with a win and a Steelers loss. Otherwise, they are set as the No. 6 seed.
What we know: Harbaugh said Monday, “the plan will be to win,” but he wasn’t interested in going through hypotheticals should a Steelers win lock his team into the No. 6 spot.
Key injuries: Chargers wide receiver Josh Palmer (foot) has yet to practice this week and was seen leaving the locker room following their playoff-clinching win in a walking boot. Running back Gus Edwards (ankle) did not practice Wednesday and sat out in Week 17. Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) did not practice Wednesday.
What could change: Since the Steelers play Saturday night, the Chargers will know if they have a chance at better seeding before Sunday’s game. If they can’t move up, it is not a stretch to imagine quarterback Justin Herbert, wide receiver Ladd McConkey and running back J.K. Dobbins resting to have them fresh for the playoffs.
Analysis: If Herbert, McConkey and Dobbins sit due to the situation, avoid Chargers skill-position players. Edwards is banged up, and Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal aren’t worth rostering.
Seahawks at Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
Playoff scenarios: The Rams have clinched the NFC West and are currently the No. 3 seed. A win keeps that position but a loss combined with a Buccaneers win drops L.A. to the No. 4 seed.
What we know: The Rams will rest quarterback Matthew Stafford and start Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 18. While McVay hasn’t revealed who else will rest, his past history suggests that running back Kyren Williams and wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nucua may also get the game off. In an interview with the team’s official website, McVay specifically named rookie running back Blake Corum as someone he’s looking forward to seeing in extended action. Even though they have been eliminated from playoff contention, coach Mike Macdonald said Seattle is planning to treat this like a normal game.
Key injuries: Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle) was placed on injured reserve last week.
What could change: Since the Rams already appear to be planning to sit their main guys, nothing should change.
Analysis: Like the Rams, the Seahawks could rest most of their starters, including Zach Charbonnet. RB Kenny McIntosh would start in his place and is a desperation flex option.
Dolphins at Jets, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
Playoff scenarios: The Dolphins need to win and get a Broncos loss to earn the final AFC wild card.
What we know: Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel says the team is approaching this week as if Tyler Huntley will start at quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa (hip) was limited after McDaniel said earlier in the week that his QB1’s status was “firmly in the unknown.” New York quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to start as he looks to become the fifth player to throw 500 career touchdown passes.
Key injuries: Tagovailoa (hip) seems likely to miss another week as his recovery is “all about time” per McDaniel. Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) was limited to start the week after missing the last two games. Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein (knee) was placed back on injured reserve and the team signed Greg Joseph to kick in Week 18. Tight end Tyler Conklin (calf) did not practice.
What could change: If Tagovailoa can go, even at a somewhat limited capacity, that is a major upgrade for the Dolphins on offense. The team is 2-3 when he doesn’t play and has averaged 12 points in those games. In games, he has played, they are 6-5 and have averaged 24.1 points.
Analysis: Huntley was 22-of-26 passing last week against the Browns for 225 yards and a 115.5 passer rating. Tyreek Hill caught nine passes for 105 yards and is a fringe WR1/WR2 this week. If Waddle plays, he’s a high-ceiling flex option.
49ers at Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
Playoff scenarios: There are no playoff implications with this game.
What we know: Joshua Dobbs will start at quarterback for San Francisco in Week 18. QB Brock Purdy will not play after suffering a bruised elbow with nerve inflammation in the team’s Week 17 loss to the Lions. With James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) on injured reserve, the Cardinals have signed Michael Carter to the active roster and he will lead the team’s backfield in Week 18.
Key injuries: Purdy will sit out the finale for the 49ers. Conner is out after leaving the last two games early with a knee injury.
What could change: A potential dual QB game where Shanahan utilizes Dobbs and Allen.
Analysis: With Dobbs set to play in Purdy’s place, Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are still WR2/flex options in Week 18, however risky. After Conner left the game, Carter led the backfield and had 70 yards rushing on 13 carries. He could be a sneaky RB2 in Week 18.
Sunday Night Football
Vikings at Lions, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)
Playoff scenarios: The winner here takes the NFC North and more importantly, the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Detroit can also secure both marks with a tie.
What we know: The two best teams in the NFC will duke it out for home field and the all important bye. The loser drops to the No. 5 seed and will have to go on the road against the Rams or NFC South division winner. Detroit won the first matchup in Week 7, 31-29, on a late field goal.
Key injuries: Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) has missed the last two games and seems more likely to try and return in the postseason. Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quad) was limited Wednesday.
What could change: Nothing. This game will determine where the NFC’s road to the Super Bowl goes through.
Analysis: Jahmyr Gibbs is Jake Ciely’s RB1 this week. Gibbs had 117 yards on the ground last week, a rushing touchdown and caught four passes for 46 yards in Montgomery’s absence in Week 17.
(Photo of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp: Harry How / Getty Images)
