We’ll start off by identifying the QBs we likely won’t see on teams with little to play for. With the Buccaneers clinching the NFC South and the Giants locked into their wild-card spot, there’s a chance we won’t see Tom Brady (@ Falcons in Week 18), and Daniel Jones (@ Eagles) take many snaps. Brian Daboll brushed off the idea of resting starters, so Jones could start, but Tyrod Taylor’s also likely to see some playing time if the Giants pull their starters early.
You probably don’t want to start Blaine Gabbert (@ Falcons) with Tampa Bay’s reserve offense on the field, but the Falcons’ defense is still one of the weakest in the league, allowing the third-highest drop-back success rate. Gabbert could put forth a decent fantasy showing in his spot start. Following their loss to the Packers, the Vikings are out of the running for the NFC’s top seed, but they’re still playing for seeding, which likely means Kirk Cousins and the rest of the starters will play against the Bears.
WEEK 18 FANTASY RANKINGS:RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
We will, however, likely see Jalen Hurts (vs. Giants) and the rest of the Eagles’ starters suit up in Week 18 in an attempt to lock up the NFC’s top seed. That also means Dak Prescott (@ Commanders) is likely to suit up with the top seed up for grabs. Brock Purdy (vs. Cardinals) and the rest of the 49ers’ starters’ statuses are up in the air depending on if the Eagles defeat the Giants. Josh Johnson (vs. Cardinals) would start in Purdy’s place if the 49ers’ fate is decided before their kickoff, but he’s nothing more than a DFS flier.
We’ll also see Aaron Rodgers (vs. Lions), Jared Goff (@ Packers), and Geno Smith (vs. Rams) in Week 18 with all three teams fighting for the last playoff spot in the NFC. Both Rodgers and Goff could be in line for solid fantasy showings in a projected high-scoring contest.
Since Kansas City has yet to lock up the AFC’s top seed, expect Patrick Mahomes (@ Raiders) and the rest of the Chiefs starters to be full go. After an impressive first start, Jarrett Stidham (vs. Chiefs) could outperform his projections and an exploitable Chiefs defense. Stidham was formidable enough against a stout San Francisco defense in Week 17, but a better matchup against Kansas City could lead to an even higher fantasy point showing.
The same goes for Trevor Lawrence (vs. Titans) and Mike White (@ Dolphins) as both QBs draw plus matchups. White’s a bit tougher start given his uneasy showing in Week 17, but an improved fantasy performance in Week 18 should be in the cards (Update: Joe Flacco will start in place of White). There’s also a shot Justin Herbert (@ Broncos) plays with the Chargers vying for the fifth seed in the AFC, but if Brandon Staley elects to rest starters, Chase Daniel (@ Broncos) will make the spot start.
We’ll see if Tua Tagovailoa (vs. Jets) is able to clear concussion protocol next week. If he doesn’t, Skylar Thompson would be in line to start. Also on the injury front, Lamar Jackson (@ Bengals) might return to game action after missing the past four weeks with a knee sprain. He’d be a must-start, as usual, if he’s back despite the potentially tough matchup. (Update: Tagovailoa (concussion) and Jackson (knee) have been ruled out).
Week 18 fantasy QB Rankings
These rankings are based on four-point passing TD scoring
Rank Player 1 Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ Raiders 2 Josh Allen, Bills vs. Patriots 3 Jalen Hurts, Eagles vs. Giants 4 Justin Herbert, Chargers @ Broncos 5 Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars vs. Titans 6 Joe Burrow, Bengals vs. Ravens 7 Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ Commanders 8 Kirk Cousins, Vikings @ Bears 9 Aaron Rodgers, Packers vs. Lions 10 Brock Purdy, 49ers vs. Cardinals 11 Geno Smith, Seahawks vs. Rams 12 Jared Goff, Lions @ Packers 13 Jarrett Stidham Raiders vs. Chiefs 14 Kenny Pickett, Steelers vs. Browns 15 Deshaun Watson, Browns @ Steelers 16 Sam Darnold, Panthers @ Saints 17 Russell Wilson, Broncos vs. Chargers 18 Tyler Huntley, Ravens @ Bengals 19 Andy Dalton, Saints vs. Panthers 20 Baker Mayfield, Rams @ Seahawks 21 Mac Jones, Patriots @ Bills 22 Josh Dobbs, Titans @ Jaguars 23 Desmond Ridder, Falcons vs. Buccaneers 24 Tom Brady, Buccaneers @ Falcons 25 Skylar Thompson, Dolphins vs. Jets 26 Sam Howell, Commanders vs. Cowboys 27 Joe Flacco, Jets @ Dolphins 28 Davis Mills, Texans @ Colts 29 Nathan Peterman, Bears vs. Vikings 30 David Blough, Cardinals @ 49ers 31 Davis Webb, Giants @ Eagles 32 Blaine Gabbert, Buccaneers @ Falcons 33 Sam Ehlinger, Colts vs. Texans 34 Kyle Trask, Buccaneers @ Falcons
