Fantasy Football Start/Sit: Week 18

I hope the bulk of my Start/Sit readers are already drinking from their fantasy football championship trophies. But I also know some fantasy leagues play into Week 18. This will be a particularly challenging week for fantasy with a bunch of teams — most notably the Ravens, 49ers, Chiefs, Browns and Rams — expected to rest players to prepare for their real playoffs. But I have adjusted my typical Start and Sit column format to try to help. This week, I list my positional rankings from the top spot, since even those QB1s, RB1s, WR1s, and TE1s will look notably different. And I have abbreviated but pointed notes on the players whose rankings may surprise you or may be in flux waiting for additional news.

Oh, and thanks for reading this year!

The positional rankings and projected fantasy point totals rely on half-PPR scoring. The listed start/sit calls assume a 12-team league with 2 running back, 3 wide receiver, 1 tight end, and 1 flex starting lineup spots. If your league is different, I recommend you start my higher ranked players over my lower ranked players.

You can find my weekly rankings and those of other FTN writers here.

Fantasy Football Start/Sit: Week 17

Quarterbacks

1. Josh Allen, BUF at MIA: 34.6-253-1.63-1.04 and 5.4-26-0.56 = 20.4
2. Dak Prescott, DAL at WAS: 36.0-275-2.01-0.50 and 2.8-12-0.10 = 19.9
3. Justin Fields, CHI at GB: 30.8-210-1.41-0.80 and 7.8-42-0.25 = 18.2
4. C.J. Stroud, HST at IND: 34.3-279-1.48-0.38 and 1.8-7-0.10 = 17.6
5. Jordan Love, GB vs. CHI: 34.2-240-1.85-0.68 and 2.2-12-0.13 = 17.6
6. Kyler Murray, ARZ vs. SEA: 35.5-230-1.42-0.75 and 4.4-24-0.28 = 17.5
7. Tua Tagovailoa, MIA vs. BUF: 33.3-278-1.73-0.77 and 1.4-3-0.04 = 17.1
8. Jake Browning, CIN vs. CLV: 34.4-277-1.31-0.93 and 2.6-11-0.17 = 16.6

Browning has averaged 20.1 fantasy points per game since he became the Bengals start in Week 12, and that is eighth among quarterbacks.

9. Jalen Hurts, PHI at NYG: 32.1-234-1.33-0.87 and 4.0-16-0.32 = 16.4

Like for most of the Eagles stars, I am projecting Hurts to play less than a full Week 18.

10. Trevor Lawrence, JAX at TEN: 35.8-257-1.33-0.82 and 3.0-15-0.14 = 16.3

Has the incentive to play, but confirm Lawrence is active with his shoulder and finger injuries before you play him in fantasy.

11. Baker Mayfield, TB at CAR: 32.6-239-1.70-0.62 and 2.1-6-0.08 = 16.1

Has the incentive to play, but confirm Mayfield is active with his rib injury before you play him in fantasy.

12. Geno Smith, SEA at ARZ: 34.2-249-1.44-0.65 and 2.1-8-0.05 = 15.5

13. Tyler Huntley, BLT vs. PIT: 30.7-198-1.32-0.74 and 5.8-21-0.26 = 15.4

Possible sneaky start with Lamar Jackson confirmed to sit; and while he may not be Lamar, Huntley has averaged 42 rushing yards in eight professional starts.

14. Mason Rudolph, PIT at BLT: 33.3-273-1.23-0.63 and 2.1-3-0.05 = 15.2

May not have to face the full No. 1 Ravens pass defense assuming they rest some starters to prepare for the playoffs.

15. Tyrod Taylor, NYG vs. PHI: 33.1-233-1.13-0.66 and 4.8-25-0.03 = 15.2
16. Nick Mullens, MIN at DET: 34.1-276-1.47-1.33 and 2.0-4-0.05 = 14.9
17. Sam Howell, WAS vs. DAL: 37.9-246-1.40-1.21 and 2.0-12-0.11 = 14.9
18. Derek Carr, NO vs. ATL: 34.9-243-1.43-0.52 and 1.8-2-0.02 = 14.7
19. Carson Wentz, LA at SF: 33.2-221-1.46-0.83 and 2.3-9-0.11 = 14.6

Possible sneaky start with Matthew Stafford confirmed out.

20. Taylor Heinicke, ATL at NO: 32.6-234-1.11-0.75 and 2.4-17-0.07 = 14.5
21. Gardner Minshew, IND vs. HST: 34.7-236-1.18-0.66 and 2.1-6-0.15 = 14.3
22. Jarrett Stidham, DEN at LV: 33.1-234-1.29-0.79 and 3.1-10-0.06 = 14.3

Players I expect to sit or play a lot less to prepare for the playoffs: Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Brock Purdy, Matthew Stafford, Joe Flacco, Jared Goff

Running Backs

1. De’Von Achane, MIA vs. BUF: 13.0-96-0.48 and 4.1-3.0-23-0.16 = 17.2
2. Breece Hall, NYJ at NE: 13.0-57-0.25 and 7.0-5.6-44-0.19 = 15.5
3. Jonathan Taylor, IND vs. HST: 18.8-76-0.77 and 2.8-2.2-16-0.08 = 15.4
4. Rachaad White, TB at CAR: 17.3-63-0.45 and 4.1-3.7-33-0.14 = 15.0
5. James Conner, ARZ vs. SEA: 16.2-80-0.55 and 3.3-2.6-16-0.12 = 14.9
6. Joe Mixon, CIN vs. CLV: 15.6-59-0.70 and 3.6-3.0-22-0.13 = 14.6
7. Bijan Robinson, ATL at NO: 14.8-69-0.28 and 5.7-3.7-28-0.18 = 14.3
8. James Cook, BUF at MIA: 14.2-69-0.26 and 3.6-3.0-30-0.15 = 13.8
9. Ezekiel Elliott, NE vs. NYJ: 15.6-54-0.41 and 5.7-4.5-28-0.14 = 13.7
10. Travis Etienne, JAX at TEN: 15.8-60-0.52 and 3.9-3.1-26-0.06 = 13.6
11. Saquon Barkley, NYG vs. PHI: 17.2-69-0.38 and 4.7-3.2-19-0.15 = 13.6
12. Tony Pollard, DAL at WAS: 15.4-61-0.52 and 4.1-3.3-19-0.10 = 13.4
13. Kenneth Walker, SEA at ARZ: 15.3-63-0.61 and 2.8-2.2-18-0.05 = 13.2
14. Austin Ekeler, LAC vs. KC: 12.5-46-0.53 and 4.7-3.1-27-0.14 = 12.8
15. Zamir White, LV vs. DEN: 16.9-72-0.42 and 2.9-2.3-15-0.06 = 12.6

You can trust him if Josh Jacobs sits again, but confirm the latter is inactive before you lock in your lineups.

16. Aaron Jones, GB vs. CHI: 13.3-61-0.37 and 3.8-2.7-20-0.14 = 12.6
17. Chuba Hubbard, CAR vs. TB: 16.7-64-0.47 and 3.1-2.7-17-0.05 = 12.5
18. Devin Singletary, HST at IND: 15.5-68-0.40 and 3.1-2.4-16-0.07 = 12.5
19. Derrick Henry, TEN vs. JAX: 16.1-63-0.56 and 2.3-1.8-15-0.04 = 12.3
20. Jamaal Williams, NO vs. ATL: 17.6-61-0.58 and 2.7-2.3-12-0.05 = 12.2

I am projecting a workhorse role for Williams with Alvin Kamara presumedly likely to sit with an ankle injury and Taysom Hill the only other healthy “back” on the roster.

21. Ty Chandler, MIN at DET: 15.1-65-0.41 and 2.6-2.1-15-0.05 = 11.7
22. Craig Reynolds, DET vs. MIN: 14.6-63-0.39 and 2.5-2.0-16-0.05 = 11.5

Possible sneaky start with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs likely to sit or play less to prepare for the playoffs.

23. Brian Robinson, WAS vs. DAL: 12.9-54-0.36 and 2.5-2.1-20-0.08 = 11.1
24. Jaylen Warren, PIT at BLT: 8.3-44-0.20 and 5.4-4.4-28-0.08 = 11.0
25. Melvin Gordon, BLT vs. PIT: 13.8-54-0.50 and 1.9-1.5-13-0.04 = 10.7

Possible sneaky start with Gus Edwards and Justice Hill likely to sit or play less to prepare for the playoffs.

26. Khalil Herbert, CHI at GB: 13.4-66-0.28 and 2.5-1.7-11-0.07 = 10.6

The Bears made veteran D’Onta Foreman a healthy inactive in Week 17 after he missed Week 16 with an undisclosed personal issue.

27. Jordan Mason, SF vs. LA: 12.0-58-0.36 and 2.1-1.5-10-0.04 = 10.0

Based on “The Athletic” reporter Matt Barrows’ mailbag speculation, I am projecting Mason to lead the 49ers backfield in touches with Christian McCaffrey confirmed out this week.

28. Javonte Williams, DEN at LV: 12.8-46-0.29 and 3.6-2.9-14-0.11 = 9.9
29. Tyjae Spears, TEN vs. JAX: 7.2-32-0.14 and 5.7-4.2-29-0.11 = 9.7
30. Pierre Strong, CLV at CIN: 11.0-50-0.31 and 2.6-2.0-14-0.05 = 9.5

Possible sneaky start with Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt likely to sit or play less to prepare for the playoffs.

31. Najee Harris, PIT at BLT: 14.3-58-0.40 and 1.1-0.8-5-0.03 = 9.3
32. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC at LAC: 10.7-39-0.30 and 2.5-2.0-18-0.10 = 9.2

With Isiah Pacheco likely to sit in Week 18, I am projecting Edwards-Helaire to lead a time share with La’Mical Perine and Keaontay Ingram.

33. Antonio Gibson, WAS vs. DAL: 4.8-19-0.13 and 4.8-3.9-31-0.14 = 8.7

34. D’Andre Swift, PHI at NYG: 9.8-45-0.29 and 1.7-1.4-8-0.05 = 8.0

Like for most of the Eagles stars, I am projecting Swift to play less than a full Week 18.

35. Roschon Johnson, CHI at GB: 5.9-26-0.18 and 3.4-2.9-18-0.07 = 7.4

The Bears made veteran D’Onta Foreman a healthy inactive in Week 17 after he missed Week 16 with an undisclosed personal issue.

36. Jeff Wilson, MIA vs. BUF: 7.4-33-0.22 and 2.4-1.8-12-0.05 = 7.1

Played a healthy 49% of snaps in Week 17 with Raheem Mostert out; could have real fantasy value in Week 18 in a likely easier defensive matchup with the Bills

37. Samaje Perine, DEN at LV: 3.3-15-0.09 and 3.3-3.0-27-0.07 = 6.6
38. Jaleel McLaughlin, DEN at LV: 5.2-27-0.11 and 2.9-2.4-13-0.08 = 6.4
39. Zach Evans, LA at SF: 8.1-31-0.22 and 1.7-1.3-10-0.04 = 6.3

Possible sneaky start with Kyren Williams confirmed to sit; I am projecting Evans to lead a timeshare with Royce Freeman and a dab of Ronnie Rivers, who as the typical No. 2 back could also play less to prepare for the playoffs.

40. Tyler Allgeier, ATL at NO: 8.4-31-0.21 and 1.1-0.9-8-0.03 = 5.7
41. Jahmyr Gibbs, DET vs. MIN: 5.1-28-0.20 and 1.7-1.3-8-0.04 = 5.6

I assume Gibbs is below David Montgomery in the Lions’ rest pecking order, but I am still projecting the rookie for less work than usual and would sit him in fantasy; note that Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters he doesn’t plan to rest his starters the way the Ravens, 49ers, Chiefs, Browns and Rams stated they plan to; also note that I don’t believe Campbell.

42. Boston Scott, PHI at NYG: 6.6-29-0.24 and 0.9-0.7-5-0.02 = 5.3

Possible sneaky start assuming D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Gainwell may play less than a full Week 18.

43. Kenneth Gainwell, PHI at NYG: 4.4-18-0.16 and 2.3-1.9-12-0.04 = 5.2
44. Chase Brown, CIN vs. CLV: 4.8-20-0.12 and 1.8-1.5-14-0.05 = 5.1
45. Zack Moss, IND vs. HST: 5.4-23-0.18 and 1.5-1.1-8-0.04 = 5.0
46. Royce Freeman, LA at SF: 7.1-29-0.22 and 0.7-0.5-3-0.01 = 4.9

Possible sneaky start with Kyren Williams confirmed to sit.

47. Israel Abanikanda, NYJ at NE: 4.9-20-0.12 and 2.0-1.5-10-0.04 = 4.7

Was already the No. 2 Jets back before the team released Dalvin Cook.

48. AJ Dillon, GB vs. CHI: 6.6-23-0.21 and 1.0-0.8-7-0.02 = 4.7
49. Zach Charbonnet, SEA at ARZ: 3.9-16-0.12 and 2.3-1.9-12-0.04 = 4.7
50. Tyrion Davis-Price, SF vs. LA: 6.8-25-0.18 and 1.1-0.8-5-0.02 = 4.6

Possible sneaky start with Christian McCaffrey confirmed to sit and Elijah Mitchell likely to play less to prepare for the playoffs.

Players I expect to sit or play a lot less to prepare for the playoffs: Christian McCaffrey, Kyren Williams, Raheem Mostert, Isiah Pacheco, David Montgomery, Gus Edwards, Jerome Ford, Kareem Hunt, Justice Hill, Elijah Mitchell

Wide Receivers

1. CeeDee Lamb, DAL at WAS: 11.7-8.5-115-0.70 = 21.1
2. Tyreek Hill, MIA vs. BUF: 11.1-7.9-121-0.66 = 20.3
3. DJ Moore, CHI at GB: 9.4-6.7-94-0.51 = 15.9
4. Justin Jefferson, MIN at DET: 9.8-6.4-97-0.49 = 15.9
5. Davante Adams, LV vs. DEN: 10.9-6.4-72-0.53 = 13.6
6. George Pickens, PIT at BLT: 8.3-4.9-88-0.32 = 13.2
7. Mike Evans, TB at CAR: 7.7-4.6-74-0.55 = 13.0
8. Michael Pittman, IND vs. HST: 10.0-6.9-74-0.34 = 12.9
9. Ja’Marr Chase, CIN vs. CLV: 8.2-5.7-71-0.41 = 12.4
10. Stefon Diggs, BUF at MIA: 9.2-6.1-66-0.43 = 12.3
11. Nico Collins, HST at IND: 6.7-4.8-74-0.38 = 12.0
12. DK Metcalf, SEA at ARZ: 7.5-4.3-70-0.48 = 12.0
13. Calvin Ridley, JAX at TEN: 8.7-4.8-63-0.51 = 12.0
14. DeAndre Hopkins, TEN vs. JAX: 8.9-4.8-71-0.40 = 11.9
15. Garrett Wilson, NYJ at NE: 10.5-6.0-65-0.35 = 11.7
16. Chris Olave, NO vs. ATL: 8.5-5.3-67-0.31 = 11.2
17. Adam Thielen, CAR vs. TB: 8.0-6.0-60-0.33 = 11.0
18. Jayden Reed, GB vs. CHI: 6.8-4.5-52-0.42 = 10.7
19. Terry McLaurin, WAS vs. DAL: 7.9-4.7-61-0.30 = 10.2
20. Chris Godwin, TB at CAR: 7.7-4.8-61-0.27 = 10.2
21. A.J. Brown, PHI at NYG: 6.5-4.4-60-0.32 = 10.1

Like for most of the Eagles stars, I am projecting Brown to play less than a full Week 18.

22. Drake London, ATL at NO: 7.1-4.6-61-0.28 = 10.1
23. Jerry Jeudy, DEN at LV: 6.9-4.4-58-0.27 = 9.6

With Courtland Sutton out in Week 17, Jeudy saw six targets on a modest, illness-limited 48% snap share; I expect a clear No. 1 receiver role if Sutton misses another week with his concussion.

24. Puka Nacua, LA at SF: 6.0-4.0-57-0.23 = 9.6

The Rams have announced they are sitting Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams and Cooper Kupp as playoff prep and are sitting Tyler Higbee for some combination of that and his shoulder injury; I’m nervous for and lowered projections for Nacua for obvious reasons, but the Rams can’t sit everyone, and he would set rookie records with four more receptions and 29 more yards.

25. Jakobi Meyers, LV vs. DEN: 6.6-4.4-49-0.35 = 9.4
26. Jordan Addison, MIN at DET: 5.7-3.8-49-0.39 = 9.1
27. DeVonta Smith, PHI at NYG: 5.6-4.1-53-0.28 = 9.0

Like for most of the Eagles stars, I am projecting Smith to play less than a full Week 18.

28. Tyler Lockett, SEA at ARZ: 7.0-4.6-49-0.31 = 9.0
29. Joshua Palmer, LAC vs. KC: 6.0-3.8-54-0.26 = 8.9

Would be the definitive No. 1 receiver if he returned from his concussion and Keenan Allen did not return from his heel injury this week

30. Demarcus Robinson, LA at SF: 5.7-3.7-47-0.35 = 8.7

Robinson is clearly below Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee in the rest pecking order, and he is presumably below Puka Nacua, as well.

31. Brandin Cooks, DAL at WAS: 5.5-3.6-46-0.35 = 8.7
32. Josh Reynolds, DET vs. MIN: 5.5-3.4-51-0.32 = 8.7

Could see a temporary No. 1 receiver role if Amon-Ra St. Brown sits or plays less to prepare for the playoffs.

33. Demario Douglas, NE vs. NYJ: 6.5-4.2-49-0.18 = 8.3
34. Noah Brown, HST at IND: 5.5-3.3-51-0.23 = 8.2
35. Curtis Samuel, WAS vs. DAL: 5.9-4.1-41-0.28 = 8.2
36. Diontae Johnson, PIT at BLT: 6.5-3.7-46-0.27 = 8.2

George Pickens has outsnapped and out-targeted Johnson the last two weeks; I think Mason Rudolph might be a Pickens guy.

37. Michael Wilson, ARZ vs. SEA: 5.6-3.4-48-0.27 = 8.1

Wilson has played 86-90% of snaps the last three weeks as the Cardinals’ No. 1 outside receiver with Marquise Brown on injured reserve

38. Tee Higgins, CIN vs. CLV: 5.8-3.2-48-0.29 = 8.1

Left Week 17 early with a hamstring injury; confirm he is active before you put him in your fantasy lineups

39. Gabe Davis, BUF at MIA: 4.9-2.8-46-0.33 = 8.0

40. Josh Downs, IND vs. HST: 6.1-4.2-46-0.20 = 8.0
41. Wan’Dale Robinson, NYG vs. PHI: 6.4-4.9-41-0.18 = 8.0
42. Rashee Rice, KC at LAC: 4.6-3.6-42-0.29 = 7.8

I assume Rice is below Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Isiah Pacheco in the Chiefs’ rest pecking order, but the rookie also missed Wednesday’s practice with a stated hamstring injury; I wouldn’t trust him in my fantasy lineups even if he were active.

43. DJ Chark, CAR vs. TB: 5.7-3.1-44-0.27 = 7.6

I am projecting Chark for a bit more work with Jonathan Mingo out.

44. Zay Jones, JAX at TEN: 6.7-3.7-39-0.30 = 7.6
45. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA at ARZ: 5.7-3.9-40-0.26 = 7.5
46. Greg Dortch, ARZ vs. SEA: 5.7-3.7-42-0.22 = 7.4

Played 79-82% of targets the last two weeks and averaged 6.0 targets.

47. Tutu Atwell, LA at SF: 5.5-3.2-41-0.22 = 7.3

Possible sneaky start with Cooper Kupp confirmed to sit.

Players I expect to sit or play a lot less to prepare for the playoffs: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Cooper Kupp, Amari Cooper, Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham, Kadarius Toney

Tight Ends

1. Trey McBride, ARZ vs. SEA: 8.1-6.3-64-0.25 = 11.1
2. Evan Engram, JAX at TEN: 8.2-6.6-56-0.21 = 10.1
3. Jake Ferguson, DAL at WAS: 6.5-4.4-47-0.39 = 9.2
4. Taysom Hill, NO vs. ATL: 2.2-1.7-16-0.12 = 8.9
5. Dalton Kincaid, BUF at MIA: 6.3-5.0-45-0.26 = 8.5
6. Juwan Johnson, NO vs. ATL: 6.2-3.8-39-0.36 = 7.9

Has three touchdowns and three targets thrown to within 5 yards of the end zone in the last three weeks, the latter which ties him for third among tight ends.

7. Gerald Everett, LAC vs. KC: 6.1-4.4-36-0.31 = 7.7

New interim Chargers coach Giff Smith has made traditional No. 2 tight end Donald Parham a healthy scratch the last three weeks, and Everett has capitalized with eight or nine targets each of the last four weeks

8. Dalton Schultz, HST at IND: 5.4-3.6-40-0.31 = 7.6
9. Kyle Pitts, ATL at NO: 5.6-3.3-42-0.20 = 7.1
10. Pat Freiermuth, PIT at BLT: 5.4-3.6-36-0.25 = 6.9
11. Tyler Conklin, NYJ at NE: 5.6-3.9-40-0.15 = 6.9
12. Darren Waller, NYG vs. PHI: 5.2-3.6-39-0.18 = 6.8

Played 42%, 63% and 66% of snaps in his three games back from injured reserve, significantly down from his pre-injury standard of 90%-plus; I don’t see him as a top-tier TE1.

13. Jonnu Smith, ATL at NO: 4.5-3.2-38-0.18 = 6.5
14. Logan Thomas, WAS vs. DAL: 4.8-3.4-31-0.25 = 6.3
15. Dallas Goedert, PHI at NYG: 4.7-3.4-35-0.18 = 6.2

Like for most of the Eagles stars, I am projecting Goedert to play less than a full Week 18.

16. Chigoziem Okonkwo, TEN vs. JAX: 5.1-3.5-33-0.17 = 6.1
17. Cade Otton, TB at CAR: 4.0-2.8-27-0.22 = 5.4
18. Johnny Mundt, MIN at DET: 4.0-2.9-27-0.20 = 5.4

Played 77% of snaps, saw seven targets, and scored in Week 17 with T.J. Hockenson out.

19. Mike Gesicki, NE vs. NYJ: 4.1-2.7-26-0.21 = 5.2

With Hunter Henry out the last two weeks, Gesicki has split snaps a bit too evenly with Pharaoh Brown to trust the former for fantasy.

20. Isaiah Likely, BLT vs. PIT: 3.2-2.3-29-0.19 = 5.1

Likely may play more than his star receiver teammates since the Ravens cannot sit everyone, but I still wouldn’t start him with the team’s lack of incentive.

21. Tanner Hudson, CIN vs. CLV: 3.9-3.0-28-0.13 = 5.1
22. Tucker Kraft, GB vs. CHI: 3.5-2.6-28-0.16 = 5.1

I am currently projecting Luke Musgrave to return and split targets with Kraft, but I will bump the latter up if his teammate misses another week.

23. Noah Gray, KC at LAC: 3.5-2.6-27-0.16 = 5.0

Possible sneaky start with Travis Kelce likely to sit.

24. Davis Allen, LA at SF: 3.6-2.5-25-0.18 = 4.8

Another possible sneaky start with Tyler Higbee confirmed out; played 71% of snaps, saw five targets and scored in Week 14 with Higbee sidelined.

25. Tommy Tremble, CAR vs. TB: 3.5-2.4-22-0.21 = 4.7
26. Noah Fant, SEA at ARZ: 3.1-2.3-28-0.11 = 4.6
27. Durham Smythe, MIA vs. BUF: 2.9-2.3-24-0.12 = 4.2
28. Kylen Granson, IND vs. HST: 3.5-2.1-24-0.12 = 4.1
29. Austin Hooper, LV vs. DEN: 3.0-2.2-22-0.11 = 4.0
30. Luke Musgrave, GB vs. CHI: 2.8-2.0-21-0.13 = 3.9
31. Harrison Bryant, CLV at CIN: 2.9-2.0-16-0.18 = 3.7
32. Cole Kmet, CHI at GB: 2.4-1.9-19-0.14 = 3.7

Players I expect to sit or play a lot less to prepare for the playoffs: Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Sam LaPorta, David Njoku, Tyler Higbee