It’s Week 18, FootClan, and for most of us, the crowns are already secured. Congrats on surviving the grind of the 2024 season! But for the few still battling for glory this week—props to you because, according to Andy’s very scientific Twitter poll, 10% of leagues wrap things up in Week 18.
Are you in a week 18 championship game?
— Andy Holloway (@andyholloway) January 2, 2025
If that’s you, this article is for you. And if it’s not? Stick around anyway because Week 18 is also prime DFS territory. These Start/Sit picks can help you crush your lineup there, too. Week 18 is pure chaos. Some teams are benching starters, others are fighting for playoff dreams, and the rest… well, they’re just out there. So buckle up, and let’s break down the best plays for this wild week from the Footclan’s most searched Start/Sits.
Bryce Young or Michael Penix Jr.?
Since Bryce Young returned from his brief benching, he’s been impressive. Whatever adjustments he made—or perhaps the coaching staff made—something has clicked. Over the past five weeks, he’s averaged more than 18 fantasy points per game. Young might not be lighting up the scoreboard, but he’s proving he can produce consistently for fantasy managers. He’s a safe start this week against the Falcons, who are the fourth easiest matchup according to the Strength of Schedule tool.
Since returning in Week 8 from his benching, Bryce Young is averaging 16 pts per game (4 pt TD)
In that time CJ Stroud is averaging 12.1 pts per game…
— Mike Wright (@FFHitman) December 30, 2024
Michael Penix Jr. has a lot to play for this Sunday. The Falcons aren’t eliminated from playoff contention just yet. To secure a spot, they need to win this week and hope for a Buccaneers loss. First things first: win. The matchup couldn’t be better—the Panthers have been the most generous defense to opposing QBs, consistently allowing big fantasy production to the position. Penix has a prime opportunity to turn his potential into points.
Verdict: As much as I love Penix as a prospect, I would start Young over him this week. Young has shown over the past month and a half that he can put up fantasy points. Penix hasn’t had a performance with over 12 fantasy points yet. I know the Falcons have more on the line, but their run game is strong enough to carry them to a win. No Chubba. No Brooks. The Panthers won’t be able to lean on the run. I expect Bryce to have the bigger game.
Blake Corum or Ray Davis?
Finally, Blake Corum will get the start with the Rams resting their starters against Seattle in Week 18. The Rams might still have a reason to go all out (even with the backups), depending on what happens earlier in the day between the Buccaneers and Saints. If the Bucs lose and the Rams win, the Rams will lock up the third seed. Corum was a third-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft, and I was definitely one of the fantasy managers hyped about his potential. One reason? He had Kyren Williams—a fifth-rounder with a history of injuries—ahead of him on the depth chart. Yet Kyren surpassed all expectations, played well, and kept the RB1 role. The other reason? Corum was an absolute workhorse at Michigan, putting up back-to-back 1,000+ yard seasons with double-digit touchdowns. Now, in Week 18, we finally get to see what the rookie can do. What’s at stake? A lot. If Corum delivers a standout performance, he could force his way into a bigger role on this offense. It’s time to see if all that college hype translates to the NFL.
Speaking of rookies, Ray Davis has already carved himself a small role on this Bills offense. The Bills have already locked up the second seed and will also rest their starters. That means no James Cook. They play the Patriots, which is the fourth-easiest matchup for RBs. Just two weeks ago, they allowed two TDs to James Cook. Davis profiles as a bruiser back but has recently seen success as a pass catcher. The only concern with Davis is that his involvement in the offense may already mean limited opportunity for him as well. The Bills don’t want to risk injury, and Davis is already a contributor on that offense. Meanwhile, Ty Johnson has been getting work in blowout situations, and with nothing on the line, he might be the one seeing the bulk of the touches in this game.
Verdict: Blake Corum. I think the Rams need to see what Corum is capable of. I especially lean toward Corum if the Buccaneers lose their matchup earlier in the day and the Rams have the opportunity to lock up the third seed.
Jaylen Warren or Michael Carter?
Michael Carter?! In 2025?! Yep, straight off the Cardinals’ practice squad after James Conner and Trey Benson hit IR. Carter’s getting the start this week alongside DeeJay Dallas. This is full-on Nasty Boy territory. Sure, the Cardinals’ season is toast, but don’t sleep on Carter’s motivation—he’s been stuck on a practice squad all year. He’s only 25 and will be using this as an audition for not only the Cardinals but other NFL teams. He’s stepped in for Conner lately and honestly hasn’t looked half bad. Two weeks ago, he snagged five catches, and last week, he ran for 70 yards. Not exactly league-winning numbers, but hey, desperate times call for desperate flex plays.
Jaylen Warren has been sharing the backfield with Najee Harris all season. Although his fantasy production hasn’t been exciting most of the year, he’s been looking much better down the stretch and has seen an increase in carries. The Steelers are on a three-game losing streak and would love to turn things around before the playoffs, especially against division rivals the Cincinnati Bengals. Even sweeter? A win against the Bengals eliminates their playoff hopes.
Verdict: It’s Jaylen Warren for me. The Steelers will be playing to win. Warren has played all season, while Carter has been on the practice squad. I can’t trust someone an NFL team hasn’t trusted all year with my championship title on the line.
Week 18 brings with it a unique blend of opportunity and uncertainty in fantasy football. Some teams are resting their stars, while others are going all out for the playoffs. The trick? Stay on top of the news and be ready to tweak your lineup. It’s a crazy week, but with a little hustle, you can finish strong. Good luck—I hope you wrap up your season with a big win!
from Fantasy Footballers Podcast https://ift.tt/iLuGAoD
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