Arizona Cardinals

As the regular season concludes with Week 18, fantasy managers can confidently rely on Arizona Cardinals kicker Matt Prater. In the recent victory against the Eagles, Prater showcased his consistency by converting 2-of-2 field goals and 3-of-3 extra points. Impressively, he has not missed a kick in his last four games and has only four total misses on the year, solidifying his status as one of the most reliable kickers in the league. Prater's performance against the Eagles, including successful attempts from 28 and 34 yards, underlines his ability to contribute fantasy points regularly despite Arizona's offensive inconsistencies. As the Cardinals gear up for the final game of the year, fantasy managers should feel comfortable starting Prater, knowing they have a dependable kicker to round out their lineups.

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride is set for a crucial Week 18 showdown against the Seattle Seahawks, and fantasy managers should consider starting him. Despite a slight dip in production in recent weeks, McBride remains a top option at a thin fantasy position. In the last game against the Eagles, he caught six of seven targets for 48 yards, showcasing his consistent involvement in the passing game. Notably since Week 10, McBride has been a volume monster, ranking first in target share (25.2%) among tight ends. Additionally, with quarterback Kyler Murray under center, McBride has displayed elite volume and usage stats, making him a reliable fantasy asset. As the Cardinals face Seattle to close out the year, McBride's strong finish to the season seems imminent, and he can be started with confidence in Week 18.

Arizona Cardinals receiver Michael Wilson's Week 17 performance, amassing four receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown, provided a glimmer of hope after a recent dry spell. However, with his failing to record a catch on his last seven targets over the last two games, Wilson's 5.8 yards per target efficiency is a concern. Even though The 23-year-old's ability to find the end zone adds a silver lining, a matchup against the Seahawks poses a few challenges. With Wilson still getting reacclimated in the offense from a neck injury that sidelined him in Weeks 11-13, the lack of synergy with quarterback Kyler Murray in the past two games also raises questions about his consistency. Fantasy managers should exercise caution and sit Wilson in Week 18, prioritizing more reliable options as the Cardinals close out the season against Seattle.

Arizona running back James Conner's Week 17 heroics, amassing 128 rushing yards and two touchdowns, highlight his dominant form heading into Week 18. With a four-game scoring streak, Conner needs just 110 yards to reach 1,000 for the season. Averaging 21.6 touches and 109.8 total yards since Week 13, he's a prime asset. Ranking 12th in explosive run rate, seventh in missed tackles forced per attempt, and eighth in yards after contact, Conner has been electric. Seattle's porous run defense, allowing the most yards and fifth-highest explosive run rate since Week 12, sets the stage for Conner's success in Week 18. Fantasy managers should confidently start him as he aims to continue his impressive run and end the season strong.

In Week 18, Arizona Cardinals' quarterback Kyler Murray carries the momentum from a stellar performance against the Eagles into a matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Completing over 80% of his passes and scoring three touchdowns in a comeback victory in Week 17, Murray showcased his quarterback prowess. While his rushing output was modest, Murray remains a dual-threat force, ranking seventh in rushing yards and red zone carries per game. Despite his recent struggles as a passer, the Seahawks' defense, which has shown vulnerability in recent weeks, presents an opportunity for Murray to exploit. Since Week 12, Seattle has allowed significant passing yards, high yards per attempt, and a notable passer rating. With Murray's ability to capitalize on defensive weaknesses and a track record of at least 20 fantasy points in four of seven starts, deploying him in Week 18 could prove rewarding for fantasy managers. Murray is a QB1 for this matchup.