Fantasy football managers know that every lineup decision can make or break a week, and choosing the right players to start or sit is where championships are won. With the 2025 NFL season underway, matchups, stats, and trends are more important than ever. From favorable matchups and scoring trends to players you should avoid in tough spots, my weekly positional start and sit guide is built to give you an edge.
DEF to Start
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars defense sets up as a start in Week 18 thanks to its recent surge in pressure and turnovers, paired with meaningful motivation. Over their last four games, the Jaguars have intercepted eight passes and continue to generate splash plays, including three sacks and two forced fumbles in their first meeting with Tennessee. They rank fourth in opponent scoring rate and EPA per play allowed over the last two months, while also sitting seventh in turnover rate, translating to 9.6 fantasy points per game. Jacksonville is still playing for the AFC South title and has an outside path to the No. 1 seed, which keeps defensive intensity high. Tennessee’s offense has improved, but it has still allowed the sixth-most sacks and committed 17 total giveaways on the season. With Cam Ward taking four sacks just last week and Jacksonville trending upward defensively, the Jaguars offer both floor and upside as a Week 18 start.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings defense is one of the best fantasy football starts of Week 18, given the expected game script and opponent personnel. Green Bay is widely expected to rest multiple offensive starters, including Jordan Love and key skill-position players, which dramatically lowers the Packers’ offensive ceiling. Minnesota’s defense has been dominant of late, recording 10 sacks, three interceptions, and four forced fumbles over its last two games while allowing just 17 total points. The Vikings have also scored double-digit fantasy points in four of their last five contests, showing both consistency and upside. With Green Bay likely starting backups across the offense and offensive line, Minnesota should control the game defensively from start to finish. That combination of matchup, momentum, and motivation firmly places the Vikings D/ST as a top-five start in Week 18.
DEF to Sit
Seattle Seahawks
Despite strong season-long metrics, the Seattle Seahawks defense is a sit in Week 18 due to an extremely difficult matchup against San Francisco. The 49ers offense has averaged 37 points and 374 yards per game over the past four weeks while allowing just four sacks during that stretch, severely limiting defensive scoring opportunities. Seattle thrives on efficiency, ranking near the top of the league in third-down defense, turnover rate, and opponent scoring rate over the last two months, but those strengths are unlikely to translate against San Francisco’s scheme and execution. The 49ers have averaged 28.5 points per game in recent meetings against Seattle, consistently turning these matchups into high-scoring affairs. A projected total near 50 points further suggests limited fantasy upside for the Seahawks defense. Given the lack of sack and turnover potential, Seattle should be benched in Week 18 fantasy football lineups.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers defense is a clear sit in Week 18 due to a combination of matchup concerns and expected personnel rest. Denver has been elite at protecting its quarterback, allowing the fewest sacks in the NFL while averaging nearly 30 points per game at home. Compounding the issue, the Chargers are expected to rest several defensive starters, which further weakens their ability to generate pressure or turnovers. Any reduction in pass rush effectiveness dramatically lowers fantasy defensive output, especially against a quarterback playing confidently like Bo Nix. Even a solid real-life defensive effort would be unlikely to translate into fantasy value without sacks or takeaways. Given the circumstances, the Chargers D/ST should be avoided entirely in Week 18 fantasy football contests.
Kickers to Start
Harrison Mevis LAR
Harrison Mevis enters Week 18 as one of the top kicker starts thanks to both his recent success and the matchup. He has scored double-digit fantasy points in two of his last three games and has made six field goals on seven attempts over his last three contests. Arizona has been one of the most generous defenses to kickers all season, ranking second in fantasy points allowed at the position and surrendering multiple field goals to 11 different kickers. Mevis already produced nine fantasy points against the Cardinals earlier this year and should see ample scoring opportunities in what projects as a high-scoring game. With consistent usage and a favorable environment, Mevis is a strong Week 18 fantasy football start.
Ka’imi Fairbairn HOU
Ka’imi Fairbairn remains one of the safest and highest-upside fantasy football kickers heading into Week 18. He has scored 10 or more fantasy points in three straight games and has not dipped below eight points since Week 7. Fairbairn is averaging a career-high 11.1 points per game while converting 38 of 42 kicks on the season, showcasing both volume and efficiency. Indianapolis has allowed more fantasy points to kickers than any team over the last eight weeks and has surrendered double-digit kicker performances five times since Week 12. Fairbairn has attempted multiple field goals in six straight games, ensuring steady opportunity. The combination of matchup and consistency makes him a potential difference-maker and elite fantasy football start this week.
Kickers to Sit
Jake Bates DET
Jake Bates has seen his fantasy football value decline sharply over the past several weeks, making him a Week 18 sit. He has scored a combined 11 fantasy points over his last two games and has been held to six or fewer points in three of his last five outings. Chicago presents one of the toughest kicker matchups, allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to the position since Week 10. The Bears have permitted just one kicker to make multiple field goals over their past seven games, severely limiting upside. Bates also managed just one made field goal on two attempts against Chicago earlier this season, with most of his scoring coming from extra points. In an outdoor road matchup with limited opportunity, Bates should remain on fantasy benches.
Evan McPherson CIN
Evan McPherson is a risky start in Week 18 despite recent scoring totals, as his matchup significantly caps his ceiling. Cleveland has not allowed an opposing kicker to score more than eight fantasy points since Week 11 and held McPherson to just five points in their earlier meeting. While McPherson has averaged 7.9 points per game this season and has been accurate overall, tough matchups have consistently suppressed his output. He scored just four combined points in Weeks 14 and 15 against similarly difficult defenses, highlighting the concern. Cleveland’s defensive style limits sustained drives while forcing red-zone efficiency, which often reduces field-goal volume. Given the matchup history and environment, McPherson is best left on the bench in Week 18 lineups.
