Week 18 Fantasy Football Rankings And Tiers. Kenneth Walker Is A Top-20 Flex Option.
It is time to make those tough lineup decisions for Week 18 of the fantasy football season.
Below, you’ll find positional rankings, player analysis, team totals and spreads for every game on the slate.
Notes:
- Players are now tiered across all positions (RB, WR and TE) to help with flex decisions in larger formats. Because of this, TEs might not have a player deserving of Tier 1 compared to RBs and WRs.
- Defensive yards and TDs allowed exclude overtime play.
- All references to defensive ranks are for this week (bye Week teams excluded).
Last updated: 6:30 p.m. ET, Jan. 4. Please refer to our Rankings page for updates!
Quarterback Rankings & Tiers - Week 18
Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | Josh Allen | BUF | QB | MIA | 26.25 | -3.0 | 24.1 |
2 | 1 | Dak Prescott | DAL | QB | WAS | 29.50 | -13.0 | 20.4 |
3 | 1 | Jalen Hurts | PHI | QB | NYG | 23.50 | -5.0 | 23.7 |
4 | 2 | C.J. Stroud | HOU | QB | IND | 24.25 | -1.0 | 19.0 |
5 | 2 | Justin Fields | CHI | QB | GB | 20.50 | 3.0 | 19.8 |
6 | 3 | Jordan Love | GB | QB | CHI | 23.50 | -3.0 | 19.5 |
7 | 3 | Tua Tagovailoa | MIA | QB | BUF | 23.25 | 3.0 | 17.9 |
8 | 3 | Kyler Murray | ARI | QB | SEA | 22.75 | 2.5 | 18.7 |
9 | 4 | Jared Goff | DET | QB | MIN | 24.50 | -3.5 | 17.8 |
10 | 4 | Geno Smith | SEA | QB | ARI | 25.25 | -2.5 | 15.7 |
11 | 4 | Trevor Lawrence | JAX | QB | TEN | 22.25 | -5.0 | 18.0 |
12 | 4 | Baker Mayfield | TB | QB | CAR | 21.00 | -4.5 | 17.5 |
13 | 5 | Derek Carr | NO | QB | ATL | 22.50 | -3.0 | 14.0 |
14 | 5 | TyRod Taylor | NYG | QB | PHI | 18.50 | 5.0 | 7.2 |
15 | 5 | Nick Mullens | MIN | QB | DET | 21.00 | 3.5 | 13.0 |
16 | 5 | Gardner Minshew | IND | QB | HOU | 23.25 | 1.0 | 13.6 |
17 | 5 | Jake Browning | CIN | QB | CLE | 22.25 | -7.0 | 16.3 |
18 | 6 | Mason Rudolph | PIT | QB | BAL | 19.50 | -4.0 | 10.5 |
19 | 6 | Sam Howell | WAS | QB | DAL | 16.50 | 13.0 | 16.8 |
20 | 6 | Taylor Heinicke | ATL | QB | NO | 19.50 | 3.0 | 14.0 |
21 | 6 | Easton Stick | LAC | QB | KC | 19.25 | -3.5 | 14.5 |
22 | 6 | Tyler Huntley | BAL | QB | PIT | 15.50 | 4.0 | 2.9 |
23 | 6 | Aidan O'Connell | LV | QB | DEN | 20.50 | -3.0 | 11.9 |
24 | 6 | Carson Wentz | LAR | QB | SF | 18.50 | 4.0 | 0.0 |
25 | 6 | Will Levis | TEN | QB | JAX | 17.25 | 5.0 | 12.4 |
26 | 6 | Bryce Young | CAR | QB | TB | 16.50 | 4.5 | 11.2 |
27 | 7 | Sam Darnold | SF | QB | LAR | 22.5 | -4.0 | 0.8 |
28 | 7 | Bailey Zappe | NE | QB | NYJ | 16.25 | -2.0 | 8.6 |
29 | 7 | Jarrett Stidham | DEN | QB | LV | 17.5 | 3.0 | 6.8 |
30 | 8 | Jeff Driskel | CLE | QB | CIN | 15.25 | 7.0 | - |
31 | 8 | Blaine Gabbert | KC | QB | LAC | 15.75 | 3.5 | -0.9 |
32 | 8 | Trevor Siemian | NYJ | QB | NE | 14.25 | 2.0 | 8.5 |
33 | 9 | Ryan Tannehill | TEN | QB | JAX | 17.25 | 5.0 | 9.2 |
34 | 9 | C.J. Beathard | JAX | QB | TEN | 22.25 | -5.0 | 3.1 |
Running Back Rankings & Tiers - Week 18
Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | Rachaad White | TB | RB | CAR | 21.00 | -4.5 | 14.3 |
2 | 2 | Jonathan Taylor | IND | RB | HOU | 23.25 | 1.0 | 13.4 |
3 | 2 | James Cook | BUF | RB | MIA | 26.25 | -3.0 | 13.0 |
4 | 2 | Breece Hall | NYJ | RB | NE | 14.25 | 2.0 | 14.0 |
5 | 2 | Travis Etienne Jr. | JAC | RB | TEN | 22.25 | 0.0 | 14.9 |
6 | 2 | Jahmyr Gibbs | DET | RB | MIN | 24.50 | -3.5 | 14.9 |
7 | 2 | Kenneth Walker III | SEA | RB | ARI | 25.25 | -2.5 | 12.6 |
8 | 2 | De'Von Achane | MIA | RB | BUF | 23.25 | 3.0 | 16.7 |
9 | 3 | James Conner | ARI | RB | SEA | 22.75 | 2.5 | 13.3 |
10 | 3 | Zamir White | LV | RB | DEN | 20.50 | -3.0 | 4.0 |
11 | 3 | Saquon Barkley | NYG | RB | PHI | 18.50 | 5.0 | 14.0 |
12 | 3 | Tony Pollard | DAL | RB | WAS | 29.50 | -13.0 | 11.2 |
13 | 3 | Devin Singletary | HOU | RB | IND | 24.25 | -1.0 | 8.7 |
14 | 3 | D'Andre Swift | PHI | RB | NYG | 23.50 | -5.0 | 11.4 |
15 | 3 | Bijan Robinson | ATL | RB | NO | 19.50 | 3.0 | 12.5 |
16 | 3 | Raheem Mostert | MIA | RB | BUF | 23.25 | 3.0 | 17.1 |
17 | 3 | Aaron Jones | GB | RB | CHI | 23.50 | -3.0 | 10.5 |
18 | 3 | Joe Mixon | CIN | RB | CLE | 22.25 | -7.0 | 13.4 |
19 | 3 | Ezekiel Elliott | NE | RB | NYJ | 16.25 | -2.0 | 8.8 |
20 | 3 | David Montgomery | DET | RB | MIN | 24.50 | -3.5 | 14.6 |
21 | 3 | Derrick Henry | TEN | RB | JAX | 17.25 | 5.0 | 13.2 |
22 | 3 | Alvin Kamara | NO | RB | ATL | 22.50 | -3.0 | 14.6 |
23 | 3 | Ty Chandler | MIN | RB | DET | 21.00 | 3.5 | 6.3 |
24 | 4 | Austin Ekeler | LAC | RB | KC | 19.25 | -3.5 | 12.3 |
25 | 4 | Khalil Herbert | CHI | RB | GB | 20.50 | 3.0 | 8.9 |
26 | 4 | Elijah Mitchell | SF | RB | LAR | 22.50 | -4.0 | 3.1 |
27 | 4 | Brian Robinson Jr. | WAS | RB | DAL | 16.50 | 13.0 | 12.6 |
28 | 4 | Chuba Hubbard | CAR | RB | TB | 16.50 | 4.5 | 9.6 |
29 | 4 | Jaylen Warren | PIT | RB | BAL | 19.50 | -4.0 | 10.2 |
30 | 4 | Najee Harris | PIT | RB | BAL | 19.50 | -4.0 | 10.1 |
31 | 4 | Javonte Williams | DEN | RB | LV | 17.50 | 3.0 | 9.1 |
32 | 4 | Ronnie Rivers | LAR | RB | SF | 18.50 | 4.0 | 2.1 |
33 | 4 | Isiah Pacheco | KC | RB | LAC | 15.75 | 3.5 | 13.9 |
34 | 4 | Tyjae Spears | TEN | RB | JAX | 17.25 | 5.0 | 6.7 |
35 | 5 | Jerome Ford | CLE | RB | CIN | 15.25 | 7.0 | 11.6 |
36 | 5 | Gus Edwards | BAL | RB | PIT | 15.50 | 4.0 | 11.1 |
37 | 6 | Roschon Johnson | CHI | RB | GB | 20.50 | 3.0 | 5.9 |
38 | 6 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | KC | RB | LAC | 15.75 | 3.5 | 4.3 |
39 | 6 | Antonio Gibson | WAS | RB | DAL | 16.50 | 13.0 | 6.8 |
40 | 6 | Jamaal Williams | NO | RB | ATL | 22.50 | -3.0 | 3.4 |
41 | 6 | Chase Brown | CIN | RB | CLE | 22.25 | -7.0 | 4.1 |
42 | 6 | Tyler Allgeier | ATL | RB | NO | 19.50 | 3.0 | 7.6 |
43 | 6 | Zack Moss | WAS | RB | DAL | 16.50 | 13.0 | 11.6 |
44 | 6 | Zach Charbonnet | SEA | RB | ARI | 25.25 | -2.5 | 5.5 |
45 | 6 | Kenneth Gainwell | PHI | RB | NYG | 23.50 | -5.0 | 5.1 |
46 | 6 | AJ Dillon | GB | RB | CHI | 23.50 | -3.0 | 7.1 |
47 | 6 | Kareem Hunt | CLE | RB | CIN | 15.25 | 7.0 | 7.9 |
48 | 6 | Jordan Mason | SF | RB | LAR | 22.50 | -4.0 | 3.8 |
49 | 6 | Royce Freeman | LAR | RB | SF | 18.50 | 4.0 | 5.5 |
50 | 7 | Alexander Mattison | MIN | RB | DET | 21.00 | 3.5 | 7.9 |
51 | 7 | Justice Hill | BAL | RB | PIT | 15.50 | 4.0 | 6.2 |
52 | 7 | Jaleel McLaughlin | DEN | RB | LV | 17.50 | 3.0 | 5.6 |
53 | 7 | Jeff Wilson Jr. | MIA | RB | BUF | 23.25 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
54 | 7 | Samaje Perine | DEN | RB | LV | 17.50 | 3.0 | 6.0 |
55 | 7 | John Metchie | DEN | RB | LV | 17.50 | 3.0 | 1.5 |
56 | 8 | Pierre Strong | CLE | RB | CIN | 15.25 | 7.0 | 0.0 |
57 | 8 | Melvin Gordon III | BAL | RB | PIT | 15.50 | 4.0 | 6.1 |
58 | 9 | Dameon Pierce | HOU | RB | IND | 24.25 | -1.0 | 5.4 |
59 | 9 | Miles Sanders | CAR | RB | TB | 16.50 | 4.5 | 5.1 |
60 | 9 | Ameer Abdullah | LV | RB | DEN | 20.50 | -3.0 | 1.9 |
61 | 9 | Kevin Harris | NE | RB | NYJ | 16.25 | -2.0 | 6.2 |
62 | 9 | Isaiah Spiller | LAC | RB | KC | 19.25 | -3.5 | 1.8 |
63 | 9 | Emari Demercado | ARI | RB | SEA | 22.75 | 2.5 | 4.8 |
64 | 9 | Cordarrelle Patterson | ATL | RB | NO | 19.50 | 3.0 | 2.3 |
65 | 9 | Israel Abanikanda | NYJ | RB | NE | 14.25 | 2.0 | 2.8 |
66 | 9 | Ben Skowronek | LAR | RB | SF | 18.50 | 4.0 | 0.9 |
67 | 9 | Chase Edmonds | TB | RB | CAR | 21.00 | -4.5 | 2.5 |
68 | 9 | Ty Johnson | BUF | RB | MIA | 26.25 | -3 | 3.9 |
69 | 9 | Latavius Murray | BUF | RB | MIA | 26.25 | -3 | 4.7 |
70 | 9 | Michael Carter | ARI | RB | SEA | 22.75 | 2.5 | 3.2 |
71 | 9 | Patrick Taylor Jr. | GB | RB | CHI | 23.5 | -3 | 2.5 |
72 | 9 | Joshua Kelley | LAC | RB | KC | 19.25 | -3.5 | 3.7 |
73 | 9 | D'Ernest Johnson | JAC | RB | TEN | 22.25 | 0 | 1.9 |
74 | 9 | La'Mical Perine | KC | RB | LAC | 15.75 | 3.5 | 0.0 |
75 | 9 | Dare Ogunbowale | HOU | RB | IND | 24.25 | -1 | 0.9 |
Tier 2 – Kenneth Walker
Walker has taken firm command of the Seahawks ground attack over the last three games, handling 80% of the attempts. Zach Charbonnet remains involved as the primary LDD and two-minute option, but Walker still averages 17 opportunities per contest with 14.7 attempts and 2.3 targets.
Walker is dealing with a shoulder injury that could limit him in practice again this week, but a lack of practice time hasn’t been a factor over the last two games. With the Seahawks must win this weekend to have a shot at a playoff birth, expect Walker to leave everything on the field against the Cardinals.
Arizona allows the most yards (143) and the fifth-most TDs (1.0) per contest on the ground, leading to huge fantasy outings for opponents. No other team allows more points per game (28) than the Cardinals.
The Seahawks carry the third-highest total on the slate (25.25) as 2.5-point favorites. If Walker gets to 20-plus touches, he has a chance to eclipse 100 yards and could have a multi-TD day. At $6,500, he will be a popular selection on DraftKings with so much uncertainty around playing time for teams like the Ravens, 49ers, Chiefs, Browns and Rams.
The Seahawks play in the late window and won’t know their fate before the game starts. They need to win, and for the Packers — who also play in the late window — to lose.
Walker is in a SMASH play as my RB7 and is a top-20 flex option, assuming the shoulder is good to go.
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Tier 3 – Devin Singletary
Singletary has become the focal point of the Texans backfield over the last four games. The 26-year-old RB has bogarted 67% of the rushing attempts, including 75% of the work inside the five-yard line. He gives way to Dare Ogunbowale in LDD situations but remains the primary option when it matters most in the passing game — the two-minute offense.
Singletary averages 16 attempts and 3.3 targets per game over this stretch, making him a high-end RB2 option with C.J. Stroud back at the helm. Over the last 12 years, RBs with Singletary’s profile averaged 14.4 points and an RB15 finish.
The Texans and Colts will face off on Saturday night in one of the most exciting matchups of the weekend. Whoever wins the game is in the playoffs.
Indianapolis allows the sixth-most rushing yards (128) and the third-most TDs (1.3) per game, making this a potential blowup spot. The Texans won’t have Noah Brown, which could also open up additional targets for the backfield.
Singletary is also 165 yards away from a $125,000 incentive bonus. It will be hard to reach, but it doesn’t hurt just in case the game script breaks his way — it could keep him on the field even in a blowout if he is close late.
Singletary UPGRADES to high-end RB2 status as my RB13 and ranks inside my top-25 flex options.
RB Quick Hits
Several teams plan on resting starters this weekend, creating opportunities for players down the depth chart. Additionally, teams already eliminated from the playoffs will have an easier time benching players who aren’t 100% healthy. With RBs, we know volume is king, making the situations below worth monitoring as we get more news.
- Browns: The Browns plan on resting some starters with Joe Flacco and Amari Cooper already ruled out. We could see a more significant workload for Pierre Strong even if Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt are active. I would rather not play Ford or Hunt this weekend in DFS, but Strong becomes interesting at $4,000 on DraftKings if one is declared inactive.
- Chiefs: Isiah Pacheco hasn’t practiced this week, and the Chiefs have already ruled out Patrick Mahomes. At a minimum, I think Pacheco’s touches get curtailed in Week 18. If Pacheco is a scratch, Clyde Edwards-Helaire could be in for a sizable role. La’Mical Perine is next on the depth chart, and Kansas City could also promote Deneric Prince. If Pacheco is out and CEH is active, he could bogart up to 70% of the playing time, making him a volume-based RB2. All three offer great pricing on DraftKings: CEH ($4,900), Perine ($4,500) and Prince ($4,000).
- 49ers: Christian McCaffrey won’t play in Week 18, leaving the door open for Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason and possibly even Tyrion Davis-Price to see significant run. Mitchell dominated the backfield in Week 17 after McCaffrey left, but given Mitchell’s injury history, the team could opt to lighten his load. In that case, Mason could lead the way. I currently have Mitchell projected to lead the way, but we must monitor the latest news over the coming days. This is another situation that could open up salary on DrafKings: Mitchell ($5,800), Mason ($4,600) and Davis-Price ($4,000).
- Rams: Kyren Williams won’t play on Sunday, creating an opportunity for Ronnie Rivers and Royce Freeman to see more opportunities. Freeman was the lead option when Williams was hurt, but Rivers was on IR. Over the last two games, Rivers has taken over the No. 2 role as the only other Rams RB to see a snap. Based on this most recent data point, I have Rivers projected as the lead back, but we should expect some form of a committee. Rivers comes in as a mid-range RB3 in my ranks and offers salary relief as a $4,000 option on DraftKings.
- Ravens: Lamar Jackson has already been ruled out, and some other starters could also rest. With Jackson out, there will be more designed rushing attempts to spread across the active options. Melvin Gordon or the freshly signed Dalvin Cook could get significant run if Gus Edwards or Justice Hill are inactive.
Wide Receiver Rankings & Tiers - Week 18
Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | CeeDee Lamb | DAL | WR | WAS | 29.50 | -13.0 | 19.3 |
2 | 1 | Tyreek Hill | MIA | WR | BUF | 23.25 | 3.0 | 20.1 |
3 | 1 | Amon-Ra St. Brown | DET | WR | MIN | 24.50 | -3.5 | 16.6 |
4 | 1 | Justin Jefferson | MIN | WR | DET | 21.00 | 3.5 | 15.6 |
5 | 2 | A.J. Brown | PHI | WR | NYG | 23.50 | -5.0 | 15.0 |
6 | 2 | Mike Evans | TB | WR | CAR | 21.00 | -4.5 | 15.0 |
7 | 2 | DJ Moore | CHI | WR | GB | 20.50 | 3.0 | 14.5 |
8 | 2 | Ja'Marr Chase | CIN | WR | CLE | 22.25 | -7.0 | 13.9 |
9 | 2 | Nico Collins | HOU | WR | IND | 24.25 | -1.0 | 13.5 |
10 | 2 | Michael Pittman Jr. | IND | WR | HOU | 23.25 | 1.0 | 12.5 |
11 | 3 | DK Metcalf | SEA | WR | ARI | 25.25 | -2.5 | 12.7 |
12 | 3 | Chris Olave | NO | WR | ATL | 22.50 | -3.0 | 11.5 |
13 | 3 | Davante Adams | LV | WR | DEN | 20.50 | -3.0 | 12.6 |
14 | 3 | Stefon Diggs | BUF | WR | MIA | 26.25 | -3.0 | 13.0 |
15 | 3 | Chris Godwin | TB | WR | CAR | 21.00 | -4.5 | 9.8 |
16 | 3 | Jayden Reed | GB | WR | CHI | 23.50 | -3.0 | 11.3 |
17 | 3 | DeAndre Hopkins | TEN | WR | JAX | 17.25 | 5.0 | 10.8 |
18 | 3 | DeVonta Smith | PHI | WR | NYG | 23.50 | -5.0 | 11.8 |
19 | 4 | George Pickens | PIT | WR | BAL | 19.50 | -4.0 | 11.1 |
20 | 4 | Christian Kirk | JAX | WR | TEN | 22.25 | -5.0 | 10.5 |
21 | 4 | Adam Thielen | CAR | WR | TB | 16.50 | 4.5 | 11.0 |
22 | 4 | Calvin Ridley | JAC | WR | TEN | 22.25 | 0.0 | 10.6 |
23 | 4 | Tyler Lockett | SEA | WR | ARI | 25.25 | -2.5 | 9.1 |
24 | 4 | Jordan Addison | MIN | WR | DET | 21.00 | 3.5 | 10.8 |
25 | 4 | Christian Watson | GB | WR | CHI | 23.50 | -3.0 | 9.7 |
26 | 4 | Garrett Wilson | NYJ | WR | NE | 14.25 | 2.0 | 10.3 |
27 | 4 | Demarcus Robinson | LAR | WR | SF | 18.50 | 4.0 | 6.4 |
28 | 4 | Rashee Rice | KC | WR | LAC | 15.75 | 3.5 | 10.9 |
29 | 5 | Deebo Samuel | SF | WR | LAR | 22.50 | -4.0 | 14.5 |
30 | 5 | Brandon Aiyuk | SF | WR | LAR | 22.50 | -4.0 | 14.0 |
31 | 5 | Joshua Palmer | LAC | WR | KC | 19.25 | -3.5 | 9.1 |
32 | 5 | Terry McLaurin | WAS | WR | DAL | 16.50 | 13.0 | 9.7 |
33 | 5 | Drake London | ATL | WR | NO | 19.50 | 3.0 | 8.8 |
34 | 5 | Gabe Davis | BUF | WR | MIA | 26.25 | -3.0 | 8.7 |
35 | 5 | Puka Nacua | LAR | WR | SF | 18.50 | 4.0 | 14.6 |
36 | 5 | Jakobi Meyers | LV | WR | DEN | 20.50 | -3.0 | 10.9 |
37 | 5 | Brandin Cooks | DAL | WR | WAS | 29.50 | -13.0 | 8.7 |
38 | 5 | Diontae Johnson | PIT | WR | BAL | 19.50 | -4.0 | 9.2 |
39 | 5 | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | SEA | WR | ARI | 25.25 | -2.5 | 7.2 |
40 | 5 | Rashid Shaheed | NO | WR | ATL | 22.50 | -3.0 | 8.2 |
41 | 5 | Darius Slayton | NYG | WR | PHI | 18.50 | 5.0 | 7.0 |
42 | 5 | Courtland Sutton | DEN | WR | LV | 17.50 | 3.0 | 11.1 |
43 | 5 | Rashod Bateman | BAL | WR | PIT | 15.50 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
44 | 5 | Tutu Atwell | LAR | WR | SF | 18.50 | 4.0 | 5.8 |
45 | 5 | Josh Downs | IND | WR | HOU | 23.25 | 1.0 | 7.3 |
46 | 5 | Curtis Samuel | WAS | WR | DAL | 16.50 | 13.0 | 8.1 |
47 | 5 | Romeo Doubs | GB | WR | CHI | 23.50 | -3.0 | 9.0 |
48 | 5 | Wan'Dale Robinson | NYG | WR | PHI | 18.50 | 5.0 | 6.6 |
49 | 6 | Demario Douglas | NE | WR | NYJ | 16.25 | -2.0 | 6.3 |
50 | 6 | DJ Chark Jr. | CAR | WR | TB | 16.50 | 4.5 | 6.7 |
51 | 6 | Nelson Agholor | BAL | WR | PIT | 15.50 | 4.0 | 4.6 |
52 | 6 | Jerry Jeudy | DEN | WR | LV | 17.50 | 3.0 | 6.6 |
53 | 6 | Greg Dortch | ARI | WR | SEA | 22.75 | 2.5 | 4.2 |
54 | 6 | Tyler Boyd | CIN | WR | CLE | 22.25 | -7.0 | 7.0 |
55 | 6 | Jameson Williams | DET | WR | MIN | 24.50 | -3.5 | 5.7 |
56 | 6 | Michael Wilson | ARI | WR | SEA | 22.75 | 2.5 | 6.8 |
57 | 6 | K.J. Osborn | MIN | WR | DET | 21.00 | 3.5 | 6.3 |
58 | 6 | Quentin Johnston | LAC | WR | KC | 19.25 | -3.5 | 4.5 |
59 | 6 | DeVante Parker | NE | WR | NYJ | 16.25 | -2.0 | 4.6 |
60 | 6 | Alec Pierce | IND | WR | HOU | 23.25 | 1.0 | 5.0 |
61 | 6 | Jahan Dotson | WAS | WR | DAL | 16.50 | 13.0 | 6.1 |
62 | 6 | Cedrick Wilson Jr. | MIA | WR | BUF | 23.25 | 3.0 | 4.0 |
63 | 6 | Khalil Shakir | BUF | WR | MIA | 26.25 | -3.0 | 5.0 |
64 | 7 | Cedric Tillman | CLE | WR | CIN | 15.25 | 7.0 | 2.1 |
65 | 7 | Robert Woods | HOU | WR | IND | 24.25 | -1.0 | 5.0 |
66 | 7 | Treylon Burks | TEN | WR | JAX | 17.25 | 5.0 | 3.2 |
67 | 7 | Josh Reynolds | DET | WR | MIN | 24.50 | -3.5 | 6.5 |
68 | 7 | Rondale Moore | ARI | WR | SEA | 22.75 | 2.5 | 4.9 |
69 | 7 | Dontayvion Wicks | GB | WR | CHI | 23.50 | -3.0 | 5.8 |
70 | 7 | Jalin Hyatt | NYG | WR | PHI | 18.50 | 5.0 | 3.0 |
71 | 7 | Trey Palmer | TB | WR | CAR | 21.00 | -4.5 | 4.8 |
72 | 7 | Chris Moore | TEN | WR | JAX | 17.25 | 5.0 | 3.3 |
73 | 8 | Alex Erickson | LAC | WR | KC | 19.25 | -3.5 | 4.8 |
74 | 8 | Tre Tucker | LV | WR | DEN | 20.50 | -3.0 | 3.4 |
75 | 8 | Marvin Mims Jr. | DEN | WR | LV | 17.50 | 3.0 | 3.7 |
76 | 8 | Parker Washington | JAC | WR | TEN | 22.25 | 0.0 | 4.0 |
77 | 8 | Michael Gallup | DAL | WR | WAS | 29.50 | -13.0 | 4.4 |
78 | 8 | Brandon Johnson | DEN | WR | LV | 17.50 | 3.0 | 4.3 |
79 | 8 | Lil'Jordan Humphrey | DEN | WR | LV | 17.50 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
80 | 8 | Marquez Valdes-Scantling | KC | WR | LAC | 15.75 | 3.5 | 3.0 |
81 | 8 | Xavier Gipson | NYJ | WR | NE | 14.25 | 2.0 | 3.2 |
82 | 8 | Kalif Raymond | DET | WR | MIN | 24.50 | -3.5 | 4.6 |
83 | 8 | Richie James Jr. | KC | WR | LAC | 15.75 | 3.5 | 0.0 |
84 | 9 | Bo Melton | GB | WR | CHI | 23.50 | -3.0 | 7.0 |
85 | 9 | Keelan Doss | LAC | WR | KC | 19.25 | -3.5 | 1.3 |
86 | 9 | Justin Watson | KC | WR | LAC | 15.75 | 3.5 | 5.1 |
87 | 9 | A.T. Perry | NO | WR | ATL | 22.50 | -3.0 | 4.0 |
88 | 9 | Allen Robinson II | PIT | WR | BAL | 19.50 | -4.0 | 2.8 |
89 | 9 | Xavier Hutchinson | HOU | WR | IND | 24.25 | -1.0 | 1.3 |
90 | 9 | Tyquan Thornton | NE | WR | NYJ | 16.25 | -2.0 | 2.3 |
91 | 9 | Trenton Irwin | CIN | WR | CLE | 22.25 | -7.0 | 3.0 |
92 | 9 | Andrei Iosivas | CIN | WR | CLE | 22.25 | -7.0 | 1.7 |
93 | 9 | Malik Heath | GB | WR | CHI | 23.50 | -3.0 | 2.0 |
94 | 9 | Jalen Reagor | NE | WR | NYJ | 16.25 | -2.0 | 1.5 |
95 | 9 | Jason Brownlee | NYJ | WR | NE | 14.25 | 2.0 | 2.4 |
96 | 9 | Julio Jones | PHI | WR | NYG | 23.50 | -5.0 | 2.9 |
97 | 9 | Tyler Scott | CHI | WR | GB | 20.50 | 3.0 | 1.7 |
98 | 9 | Hunter Renfrow | LV | WR | DEN | 20.50 | -3.0 | 2.4 |
Tier 1 – Justin Jefferson
Jefferson was a letdown in the fantasy championship round, with 10.9 fantasy points. However, he only had 2.3 points at halftime before the team switched from Jaren Hall to Nick Mullens. In the second half, Jefferson accumulated eight targets, which he parlayed into four receptions for 46 yards.
From a real-life football perspective, Mullens is a turnover waiting to happen. Out of all QBs with at least 100 dropbacks, he ranks second in turnover-worthy play rate (7.5) per PFF. However, from a fantasy perspective, he is the best option for Jefferson, who leads the team with a 30% TPRR and 2.44 YPRR on routes with Mullens.
Since returning from injury in Week 15, Jefferson has dominated the Vikings' passing attack, averaging 9.7 targets (31%), 1.7 end zone targets (52%) and 164 air yards (50%) per contest.
The Vikings need to defeat the Lions and need the Packers and Seahawks to lose, plus one of the Buccaneers or Saints to lose. They are long shots to enter the postseason, but they are live heading to the river card. Minnesota plays early on Sunday, meaning they should be playing all their stars.
The Lions aren’t going to rest their starters because they still have a chance to secure the No. 2 seed if Dallas loses, which could propel this game into shootout status if the Vikings can get going on offense. Detroit has made significant improvements this season, but their secondary has remained a weakness, allowing the eighth-most receiving yards (260) and the sixth-most receiving TDs (1.6) per contest. Only the Eagles and Commanders concede more fantasy points to opposing WRs.
Jefferson has one of the better setups this weekend’s slate, but his price tag has also pushed higher ($8,500) on DraftKings. However, there should be plenty of salary relief options as we gain more clarity around injuries and which starters will sit out Week 18 for teams that have already clinched playoff births.
With every aspect of this game aligning for Jefferson, he is a SMASH play, ranking as my WR4.
Tier 2 – Michael Pittman
Pittman cooled off in the box score over the last two outings, but his underlying utilization remains impressive. He left Week 15 due to injury but was on pace for another big performance. Over the four-game stretch, Pittman has a 31% TPRR, averaging 17 fantasy points per game.
The fourth-year WR hopes to be the latest WR to torment a Texans secondary, allowing the sixth-most receiving yards per game at 262 yards.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) runs in the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. The final score was 31-28.
In what is essentially a playoff game, the Colts carry the fourth-best team total (24.3) in a matchup with the third-highest game total (47.5). Look for the Colts to prioritize the WR1 in what could be a shootout in Week 18.
Pittman is a SMASH play as my WR10 and ranks among my top 20 players overall.
Tier 3 – DeAndre Hopkins
Based on his incentive-laden contract, Hopkins could trigger significant bonuses in Week 18.
- 49 yards: $1M
- Seven receptions: $250K
While the 49 yards don’t do much for Hopkins’ ceiling, it isn’t a bad floor, and if he gets to seven receptions, we could get a boom game. However, the most critical factor for Hopkins is the status of Will Levis, who got in a limited practice on Thursday.
From Week 8 to Week 15 with Levis, Hopkins averaged 147 air yards — a significant difference from his 90 per game with Tannehill.
Accuracy issues and deep targets have depressed Hopkins’ catchable ball rate with the rookie, but the upside is undeniable when the two are on the field together. Hopkins averages 15.5 points per game with Levis, including 35-point and 25-point outings.
Jacksonville can secure a playoff birth with a win, so they will be highly motivated to take Hopkins away. However, the Jaguars defense has endorsed the seventh-most receiving yards (262) and the sixth-most TDs per contest this season. In Week 11, Hopkins secured four catches for 59 yards and a score on five targets.
Hopkins UPGRADES to mid-range WR2 status and offers WR1 upside for $6,000 on DraftKings.
Tier 4 – Adam Thielen
It has been a season to forget for the Panthers, but Bryce Young & Co. will get one final opportunity to build momentum for the 2024 campaign. Thielen was the offensive engine early in the year, registering three top-five finishes over the first six contests. The 33-year-old receiver averaged 9.8 targets with a 32% target share over his first five healthy contests.
Unfortunately, as the season progressed, the Panthers became more run-oriented, and Jonathan Mingo emerged as competition for targets. Since Week 8, Thielen has only had three top-24 performances, averaging 10.1 fantasy points.
However, Mingo was placed on IR this week and the Panthers face a Buccaneers secondary granting the most passing yards (280) and the eighth-most receiving TDs (1.4) per contest. We may see early-season Thielen in Week 18 as the veteran looks to close out the year strong after signing a three-year $25M deal with the Panthers last offseason.
Thielen UPGRADES to low-end WR2 status for Week 18.
Tier 4 – Jordan Addison
Addison is only competing with Jefferson for targets now, with T.J. Hockenson out for the season. While that hasn’t led to an uptick in targets so far, the possibility is there, given his pedigree. Addison has shown an ability to come through without immense target volume — as we saw with his two-TD performance that fueled 29 fantasy points in Week 15.
In a must-win game against the Lions, Addison and the Vikings will have plenty to play for, and Addison should come in with a much lower rostership than Jefferson in DFS. At only $5,300 in a matchup that could unlock his big-play upside, the rookie is in an excellent spot for Week 18.
Addison UPGRADES to high-end WR3 territory and is my No. 60 player overall, 40 spots ahead of industry consensus.
WR Quick Hits
- Rams: Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee won’t play in Week 18. Puka Nacua needs four receptions to break Jaylen Waddle’s rookie record of 104, and with 29 receiving yards, he will surpass Bill Groman’s rookie record of 1,473 set in 1960. However, based on Sean McVay's comments, we might not see Nacua once he reaches those marks. This means more significant roles for Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell, who have both flashed at different points. Carson Wentz is a clear downgrade from Stafford, but Robinson is $4,500 and Atwell is only $3,300 on DraftKings. Robinson is a mid-range WR3 and Atwell is a boom-bust WR4.
- Ravens: Odell Beckham won’t play, and Zay Flowers is doubtful this weekend against the Steelers. Tyler Huntley has proven decent as a backup QB, which makes Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor intriguing options. Bateman has come on recently with a 22% target share over the last three games. Bateman moves into WR4 territory and offers WR2 upside, while Agholor climbs into the WR5 conversation.
Tight End Rankings & Tiers - Week 18
Rank | Tier | Player | Team | Pos | Opp | Team Total | Spread | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 3 | Trey McBride | ARI | TE | SEA | 22.8 | 2.5 | 8.1 |
2 | 4 | Sam LaPorta | DET | TE | MIN | 24.5 | -3.5 | 11.3 |
3 | 4 | Evan Engram | JAC | TE | TEN | 22.3 | 0.0 | 9.9 |
4 | 4 | Jake Ferguson | DAL | TE | WAS | 29.5 | -13.0 | 8.2 |
5 | 4 | Dallas Goedert | PHI | TE | NYG | 23.5 | -5.0 | 8.1 |
6 | 5 | Dalton Schultz | HOU | TE | IND | 24.3 | -1.0 | 8.3 |
7 | 5 | Tucker Kraft | GB | TE | CHI | 23.5 | -3.0 | 3.7 |
8 | 5 | Gerald Everett | LAC | TE | KC | 19.3 | -3.5 | 6.1 |
9 | 5 | Travis Kelce | KC | TE | LAC | 15.8 | 3.5 | 11.7 |
10 | 5 | George Kittle | SF | TE | LAR | 22.5 | -4.0 | 10.7 |
11 | 5 | David Njoku | CLE | TE | CIN | 15.3 | 7.0 | 10.3 |
12 | 6 | Cole Kmet | CHI | TE | GB | 20.5 | 3.0 | 8.7 |
13 | 6 | Isaiah Likely | BAL | TE | PIT | 15.5 | 4.0 | 4.7 |
14 | 6 | Darren Waller | NYG | TE | PHI | 18.5 | 5.0 | 7.3 |
15 | 6 | Juwan Johnson | NO | TE | ATL | 22.5 | -3.0 | 6.2 |
16 | 6 | Dalton Kincaid | BUF | TE | MIA | 26.3 | -3.0 | 6.9 |
17 | 6 | Chigoziem Okonkwo | TEN | TE | JAX | 17.3 | 5.0 | 5.1 |
18 | 6 | Kyle Pitts | ATL | TE | NO | 19.5 | 3.0 | 6.7 |
19 | 6 | Pat Freiermuth | PIT | TE | BAL | 19.5 | -4.0 | 5.1 |
20 | 6 | Taysom Hill | NO | TE | ATL | 22.5 | -3.0 | 7.9 |
21 | 7 | Tanner Hudson | CIN | TE | CLE | 22.3 | -7.0 | 5.3 |
22 | 7 | Tyler Conklin | NYJ | TE | NE | 14.3 | 2.0 | 5.6 |
23 | 7 | Logan Thomas | WAS | TE | DAL | 16.5 | 13.0 | 6.7 |
24 | 7 | Cade Otton | TB | TE | CAR | 21.0 | -4.5 | 5.6 |
25 | 7 | Jonnu Smith | ATL | TE | NO | 19.5 | 3.0 | 5.7 |
26 | 7 | Davis Allen | LAR | TE | SF | 18.5 | 4.0 | 1.1 |
27 | 7 | Noah Fant | SEA | TE | ARI | 25.3 | -2.5 | 3.6 |
28 | 7 | Noah Gray | KC | TE | LAC | 15.8 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
29 | 8 | Johnny Mundt | MIN | TE | DET | 21.0 | 3.5 | 1.5 |
30 | 8 | Hunter Henry | NE | TE | NYJ | 16.3 | -2.0 | 7.1 |
31 | 8 | Mike Gesicki | NE | TE | NYJ | 16.3 | -2.0 | 3.1 |
32 | 8 | Durham Smythe | MIA | TE | BUF | 23.3 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
33 | 8 | Dawson Knox | BUF | TE | MIA | 26.3 | -3.0 | 2.9 |
34 | 9 | Kylen Granson | IND | TE | HOU | 23.3 | 1.0 | 3.9 |
35 | 9 | Austin Hooper | LV | TE | DEN | 20.5 | -3.0 | 1.9 |
Reminder: I have leveled my tiers across RB, WR and TE to help with flex lineup decisions. So, getting to Tier 1 is hard — often, Tier 2 is where you will find my highest-ranked TE.
Tier 6 – Chigoziem Okonkwo
Okonkwo hasn’t lived up to the hype that pushed him into the low-end TE1 conversation ahead of the 2023 season. However, his playing time is rising, with Josh Whyle now on IR. Okonkwo reached an 80% route participation only once over the first 13 games but has done so in each of the last two contests.
DeAndre Hopkins remains the No. 1 option in Tennessee, but Treylon Burks (10% TPRR) and Chris Moore (10% TPRR) haven’t established themselves as secondary options. While Okonkwo’s playing time has been an issue, his 18% TPRR is TE1-worthy based on the last 12 seasons of data.
Don’t be surprised if Okonkwo outperforms his $3,500 price point on DraftKings. The Jaguars have green-lighted the fifth-most receiving yards (262) and the sixth-most (1.6) TDs per game.
Okonkwo UPGRADES to borderline-TE1 material in Week 18. He is in the same tier with names like Darren Waller and Juwan Johnson.
TE Quick Hits
- Davis Allen: With Tyler Higbee out for Week 18, Allen could play an every-down role. The rookie flashed in Week 14 with 15 fantasy points when given a 60% route participation due to a Higbee injury. Allen is a punt play option for $2,500 on DraftKings.
- Isaiah Likely: There is a chance Likely doesn’t play a full complement of snaps, but with Beckham out and Flowers unlikely to go, the Ravens are thin on pass catchers. If Likely plays a full-time role, he could dominate the passing attack, making him a boom-bust borderline TE1.