Lamar Jackson put a stamp on his MVP bid last week, rifling 5 touchdown passes past the Miami Dolphins. He led the way in fine fashion, with good weeks also coming from the likes of Kyler Murray, Jordan Love and Justin Fields.
The quarterbacks listed above all came up clutch in what was the fantasy football championship week for most leagues, but there are plenty out there who will be fighting for their title in Week 18. If that is you, then here are some NFL Week 18 fantasy suggestions to bear in mind.
Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Lamar Jackson – Sit (Projection 11.3 Points)
Many will have the same question this week. Will Lamar Jackson play the full game in Week 18 if at all. Even if the starters are out there for the first snap, I doubt they will play much more than just one-half of the game. Therefore, Lamar Jackson has to take the sad trip to your bench.
If Jackson sits the whole game, Tyler Huntley becomes an option at quarterback. I will have him down as a sit recommendation though. He won’t be operating a full-strength offense, and the Steelers’ defense, led by TJ Watt, will be as motivated as ever to make life difficult for him.
Mason Rudolph – Sit (Projection 11.1 Points)
Mason Rudolph has transformed this Pittsburgh offense. He completed 18 of his 24 pass attempts in Week 17, unleashing more deep passes to George Pickens, with whom he has a fantastic connection. He is offering a much-needed late-season revival to keep the Steelers’ playoff hopes alive.
In order to make the playoffs, the Steelers will have to defeat the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens arguably have the best defense in the league, but given they have already clinched the number one seed, they will likely be sitting some of their stars in this game. I will still be putting Rudolph down as a sit recommendation, but if you are at a complete loss at quarterback, he is not a bad Hail Mary pick-up and play option. The Steelers need a win in Week 18, and they will likely be facing a weaker Ravens side.
New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons
Derek Carr – Start (Projection 15.3 Points)
Derek Carr is coming off his best few weeks as the Saints quarterback. He followed up back-to-back 20+ fantasy point outings with another solid, 2-touchdown game against the Buccaneers last week. He completed a very tidy 24 of his 32 pass attempts, reflecting a Saints offense that is much more cohesive than it was earlier in the year, and of course a strong Derek Carr fantasy performance.
The Saints’ final game of the season comes against Atlanta, who just allowed 268 passing yards to Justin Fields. Carr benefits from being in his home stadium with a strong home advantage, which means I am happy to start him this week. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed are very talented outside receivers, and Carr got some brilliant support from both of his tight ends as well last week. He has more than enough pass-catching options to get you a solid fantasy outing.
Taylor Heinicke – Sit (Projection 13.7 Points)
It is a tough time to be a Falcons fan at the moment. They have the big names of Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts to cheer for, but lackluster play at the quarterback position is becoming all too familiar. Against the Bears last week, Taylor Heinicke completed just 10 of his 29 pass attempts. Given that the New Orleans Saints are a top-10 defense against the pass, it is a no-brainer to leave Heinicke on your bench this week.
Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks
Kyler Murray – Start (Projection 17.7 Points)
In leading the Cardinals to a shock victory over Philadelphia, Kyler Murray had his best game of the season. He completed 25 of his 31 pass attempts for 232 yards and 3 touchdowns, also adding 5 rushes for 24 yards. He capitalized on a good matchup against the Eagles’ awful secondary, rewarding Kyler Murray fantasy owners with 26 points.
He has had over 19 fantasy points in five of his seven starts this year, and another one should be right around the corner this weekend. The Seahawks gave up 274 passing yards to Mason Rudolph, which is a feat that Murray and his pass catchers are more than capable of replicating. Murray benefits from having James Conner in the backfield alongside him. Conner has been elite this year, and I back him and Kyler to produce another high-scoring game from Arizona.
Geno Smith – Start (Projection 18.5 Points)
Geno Smith has been fine in his last two starts, nudging just above 19 fantasy points in both. He is not the most exciting of starts, but he has one of the best groups of receivers to aim for in the NFL. With the Cardinals being the opposition in Week 18, you can start Geno with confidence.
Admittedly, the Cardinals are best attacked on the ground, but they are still giving up the 4th most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. It was hugely disappointing for the Seahawks to lose to Pittsburgh last week, but the season hangs in the balance, and the Cardinals are the perfect opponent to re-find his mojo. Fire him up!
Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns
Jake Browning – Sit (Projection 16.2 Points)
Browning had a decent week against Kansas City, passing for 197 yards and a touchdown, also rushing for 32 yards and another score. If you started him to get to your fantasy championship, you may unfortunately have to move him to the bench now that you are here.
Cleveland are giving up the fewest passing yards per game this year, and are the 5th hardest matchup for quarterbacks in fantasy. Tee Higgins’ hamstring injury could mean he is without one of his top targets, which makes him a sit for me.
Joe Flacco – Start (Projection 9.7 Points)
The Browns have clinched a playoff spot now, thanks to last Thursday’s incredible victory over the Jets. It is, therefore, important to monitor whether Joe Flacco is set to play in the regular season finale.
If he does play, then you can definitely roll him out for your fantasy championship. He has been nothing short of spectacular since joining the Browns, passing for over 300 yards in each of his last four games. Last week’s 309-yard, 3-touchdown performance came against one of the best secondaries in the league, the Jets. The Bengals, on the other hand, are giving up the fourth most passing yards this year. Flacco can be your starting quarterback if the Browns don’t rest their starters.
