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. Each week, we’ll break down the top fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em picks at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defense, and kicker to help you set the best possible lineup. From favorable matchups and scoring trends to players you should avoid in tough spots, my weekly guide is built to give you an edge.
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Quarterbacks to Start
Caleb Williams CHI
Caleb Williams has stabilized his fantasy football production over the past month, even if the ceiling hasn’t been elite every week. He ranks QB8 in fantasy points per game, but only has two QB1 finishes in his last five games, which highlights some volatility. Over that stretch, Williams has been more volume-driven than efficiency-driven, ranking 13th in passing yards per game but just 23rd in yards per attempt. His accuracy metrics also lag behind, sitting 33rd in accurate throw rate, and has been a massive problem in his consistency this year. Still, he has delivered at least 19 fantasy points in three straight games, including a season-high 330 passing yards last week. That yardage spike matters heading into Week 18, as it signals increased trust in the passing offense in the right matchups.
Williams’ Week 18 outlook sets up favorably against a Detroit defense that has quietly become vulnerable through the air. Since Week 13, the Lions rank 11th-worst in yards per attempt allowed and have generated pressure at one of the lowest rates in the league. That lack of pressure is key for Williams, who performs best when kept clean in the pocket. Detroit has also allowed the 13th-most passing touchdowns in that span, and three quarterbacks in their last six games have thrown for at least 366 yards. Williams already scored 20.9 fantasy points against the Lions earlier this season, and Chicago still has seeding motivation entering the finale. Given his recent production and the matchup profile, Williams is a clear start in fantasy football and profiles as a top-10 option in Week 18.
Jaxson Dart NYG
Jaxson Dart’s rookie season has been uneven, but his fantasy football production remains strong thanks to elite rushing usage. Since Week 4, Dart ranks QB8 in fantasy points per game, largely driven by 7.2 rushing attempts and 41.4 rushing yards per contest. He has scored nine rushing touchdowns, which continues to raise his weekly floor even when passing efficiency dips. Dart’s recent passing numbers have cooled, ranking 30th in yards per attempt and 28th in passing yards per game among 42 qualifying quarterbacks. Over the past four weeks, he has posted a modest 3-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio and finished as QB23 in that span. Despite those concerns, he has still produced at least 20 fantasy points in two of his last three games, showing his ceiling remains intact.
Week 18 offers Dart a prime bounce-back opportunity against one of the league’s worst pass defenses. Dallas has allowed the most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season and continues to hemorrhage production through the air. Since Week 13, the Cowboys have surrendered the highest yards per attempt in the NFL and rank second-worst in CPOE and passer rating allowed. Even with improved efficiency metrics recently, opposing quarterbacks have averaged nearly 250 passing yards per game over Dallas’ last three contests. Dart’s rushing profile gives him insulation against any passing struggles, making him especially valuable in 4 point passing touchdown formats with his legs. In a matchup that historically produces quarterback explosions, Dart is a strong Week 18 start and a potential league-winning option.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Baker Mayfield TB
Baker Mayfield’s recent fantasy production has been misleading when viewed through surface-level box scores. While he scored 21.4 fantasy points last week, it came with two interceptions, a lost fumble, and inefficient play that continues a troubling trend. Mayfield has scored fewer than 20 fantasy points in five of his last seven games and fewer than 15 points in four of his last six. Since Week 12, he ranks 24th in passing yards per game and 25th in yards per attempt among 29 quarterbacks. His efficiency has cratered further when adjusted for volume, ranking 25th in fantasy points per dropback. Outside of last week, his only QB1 finish since Week 11 came back in early December, underscoring how rarely he delivers ceiling performances.
The Week 18 matchup against Carolina makes Mayfield a risky start in a must-win game. The Panthers have allowed just 12.1 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks since Week 10 and have held every passer except one under 20 points during that span. Carolina’s defense ranks sixth in success rate per dropback since Week 13 and has consistently forced inefficient drives. Mayfield already struggled against this unit earlier in the season, finishing as QB21 in their previous meeting. While Tampa Bay has playoff motivation, the matchup and Mayfield’s recent efficiency trends point to another capped fantasy outcome. Outside of Superflex formats, Mayfield should be viewed as a sit in Week 18.
Jared Goff DET
Jared Goff enters Week 18 coming off his worst fantasy football performance of the season, posting just 2.1 points in Week 17. While that outing was extreme, it highlighted the volatility that comes with Goff’s environment-dependent production. He has historically struggled outdoors and on the road, averaging just 12.2 fantasy points per game in five career starts at Soldier Field. Despite ranking second in passing yards per game and eighth in yards per attempt this season, his production dips sharply away from controlled conditions. Goff has gone under 256.5 passing yards in five of eight road games and four of six outdoor games in 2025. Even with strong season-long metrics, the situational factors make this a difficult spot.
Week 18 sets up poorly for Goff as he heads into cold, windy conditions against a Bears defense playing for seeding. Since Week 13, Chicago ranks 14th in CPOE allowed and has limited explosive passing plays at a league-average rate. The potential absence or limitation of Amon-Ra St. Brown further clouds Goff’s ceiling. While Detroit may play with pride, fantasy football managers cannot rely on motivation alone. Goff’s splits and historical struggles in Chicago make him a risky bet in championship week. Given the environment and matchup, Goff is best viewed as a sit unless options are extremely limited.
Running Backs to Start
Aaron Jones MIN
Aaron Jones has quietly stabilized his fantasy football value late in the season with consistent volume and efficiency. Since Week 14, Jones has averaged 18.3 touches and 74.3 total yards per game, keeping him firmly involved in Minnesota’s offense. While he ranks just RB29 in fantasy points per game over that span, his usage profile suggests more upside than the raw totals indicate. Jones has posted a 4.6 percent explosive run rate and continues to create yardage despite a modest missed tackle rate. He has scored 26.6 fantasy points across his last two games, including 15.3 PPR points last week. With Jordan Mason potentially sidelined again, Jones’ workload could remain secure heading into the finale. This also could be his last career NFL game, and he has a matchup against his former team in the Packers.
Week 18 presents an ideal matchup against a Green Bay run defense that has collapsed down the stretch. Since Week 13, the Packers have allowed the second-most rushing yards per game and the eighth-most yards before contact per attempt. That level of early-down leakage plays directly into Jones’ skill set as a one-cut runner. Green Bay also has little incentive to push starters in a meaningless game, which further tilts the matchup in Jones’ favor. Revenge narratives aside, the numbers strongly support his outlook entering the week, setting him up for another strong performance. Jones is a reliable fantasy football start in Week 18 and profiles as a strong RB2 with upside.
Malik Davis DAL
Malik Davis enters Week 18 as one of the intriguing plug-and-play options. In Week 17, he stepped into a featured workload after Javonte Williams left early, and Davis immediately handled 20 carries while topping 100 rushing yards. He ran with decisiveness and efficiency between the tackles, averaging over five yards per attempt and consistently staying on schedule for the offense. Even without meaningful receiving production, the rushing volume alone created a strong fantasy scoring profile. The usage also matters because Dallas leaned on him in neutral and positive game scripts, signaling the coaching staff trusts him to handle a full workload. Javonte Williams is expected to miss this week with a shoulder injury, placing Davis back into that workload this week.
The Week 18 matchup against the Giants strengthens Davis’ case as a fantasy football start, assuming his role holds. New York has been one of the most generous defenses to opposing running backs, and the matchup supports both rushing efficiency and carry volume. This season, the Giants have allowed the 4th most points per game to running backs while giving up a bottom-five explosive run rate over the course of the season. While Dallas also has nothing to play for, they will be rolling out their starters in a great matchup. If Davis again pushes toward 18–22 touches, that workload alone places him firmly in RB2 territory with upside. Davis should be started with confidence this week in a favorable matchup.
Running Backs to Sit
Bucky Irving TB
Bucky Irving’s fantasy value has steadily decreased over the past month, resulting in declining trust for managers. He has failed to exceed 8.3 fantasy points in three consecutive games despite continuing to receive early-down rushing volume. While the carry totals remain respectable, Irving has lost access to high-value touches, including goal-line opportunities. Notably, he has not recorded a single carry inside the five-yard line all season, severely limiting his touchdown upside. His snap share has hovered around the mid-50 percent range, signaling a shift away from a featured role. Sean Tucker has taken over short-yardage work, while Rachaad White continues to command a sizable portion of snaps. That backfield split has significantly lowered Irving’s fantasy ceiling.
The Week 18 matchup against Carolina does little to improve Irving’s outlook, keeping him firmly in sit territory. The Panthers already limited him earlier this season, holding him without a reception and keeping him out of the end zone. Carolina’s defensive structure forces inefficient rushing production and limits explosive runs between the tackles. Irving’s recent usage suggests his ceiling is capped at modest yardage totals without scoring equity. Without consistent targets in the passing game, his fantasy floor remains fragile. Until Irving can regain a stronghold on the touches within the red zone, a player with little receiving upside is not an option I would like in my lineup. Irving is ranked as a high-end RB3 entering this week and is a landmine I am avoiding in Week 18.
Woody Marks HOU
Woody Marks returned to action in Week 17 with strong surface-level usage but disappointing fantasy football results once again. Despite handling 20 total touches against the Chargers, Marks failed to reach double-digit fantasy points in a favorable game environment. That inefficiency has become a recurring issue, as he has now failed to crack 10 fantasy points in four of his last six games. Over that stretch, his rushing efficiency has dipped sharply, averaging just over three yards per carry while struggling to create yards after contact. Even when volume has been present, Marks has rarely produced explosive plays or chunk gains. Fantasy football managers hoping workload alone would carry his value have been repeatedly burned late in the season. The combination of declining efficiency and limited scoring has capped his weekly upside.
The Week 18 matchup against Indianapolis further solidifies Marks as a sit this week. The Colts have limited rushing efficiency effectively over the past month, allowing the 8th-lowest explosive run rate and 9th-fewest yards per game. Marks already struggled against this unit earlier in the season, finishing with fewer than eight fantasy points in that meeting. While his snap rate and touch share remain respectable after Jawhar Jordan’s breakout, inefficiency continues to limit his ceiling. Despite the volume, he has not had consistent production, and in a tough matchup, it is hard to trust him in a must-win situation. Marks is an RB3 entering Week 18 and will need to find the end zone to reach that 10-point mark he has struggled to get to over the season.
Wide Receivers to Start
Parker Washington JAC
Parker Washington has rapidly turned himself into one of the most productive wide receivers in fantasy football over the past two weeks, emerging as a focal point of Jacksonville’s passing attack. Over that span, Washington finished as the WR3 and WR9 in weekly scoring, combining for 14 receptions, 260 receiving yards, and a touchdown on 20 targets. His 27.4 percent target share and 29.8 percent first-read share highlight just how central he has become in the offense, especially in high-leverage situations. Washington’s efficiency has been elite as well, averaging 3.82 yards per route run and an eye-popping 130 receiving yards per game. He has also seen meaningful usage downfield and near the goal line, logging seven deep targets and four red-zone targets in just two games. When Washington has seen at least seven targets this season, he has scored at least 17 PPR points in four of those five contests, reinforcing the reliability of his role.
The Week 18 matchup further strengthens Washington’s case as a start against a Tennessee defense that has struggled mightily against slot receivers. Since Week 13, the Titans have allowed the third-most PPR points per target to slot wideouts and the second-highest passer rating when targeted in that area of the field. That vulnerability aligns perfectly with Washington’s usage profile, as much of his production comes in the slot this season. Tennessee also ranks sixth in most fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers overall, providing both floor and ceiling for Washington. In a game where Jacksonville should lean on what’s working, Washington profiles as a strong Week 18 start and a dependable WR2 in fantasy football lineups.
Wan’Dale Robinson NYG
Wan’Dale Robinson continues to be one of the most reliable volume-based wide receivers in fantasy football. Last week, Robinson delivered one of the best performances of his career, catching 11 passes for 113 yards on 14 targets and scoring 22.3 fantasy points. That outing marked his third game with at least 16.4 PPR points in his last five contests, signaling a strong late-season surge during his breakout season. Since Week 4, Robinson ranks WR14 in fantasy points per game, driven by a massive 28.7 percent target share and a 32.1 percent first-read share when on the field. While his average depth of target remains modest, his consistent involvement keeps his weekly floor intact. He has also been used creatively, earning 10 red-zone targets and 10 deep targets over that span, which helps offset the shorter routes.
Robinson’s Week 18 matchup against Dallas sets up as one of the best possible spots for a wide receiver, making him a clear start. Since Week 13, the Cowboys have allowed the sixth-most PPR points per target and the ninth-most receiving yards per game to slot receivers. Robinson already torched this defense earlier in the season, posting eight catches for 142 yards and a touchdown in their Week 2 meeting. Dallas also ranks first in most fantasy points allowed to wide receivers overall, making this a premier matchup. While his rib injury must be monitored, the Giants have a clear incentive to feature Robinson if he plays, as he sits just eight receptions shy of 100 on the season. If active, Robinson is a must-start in Week 18 fantasy football lineups with WR2 upside.
Wide Receivers to Sit
Jaylen Waddle MIA
Jaylen Waddle’s fantasy football season has quietly unraveled down the stretch, and recent production combined with injury concerns makes him a difficult player to trust. Waddle has been held under nine fantasy points in four of his past six games, topping 70 receiving yards just once during that span. Last week’s rib injury further complicated matters, limiting him to zero receptions on one target and just 0.7 fantasy points. While his season-long usage metrics remain strong, including a 2.41 yards per route run and a top-15 first-read target share, the results have not followed. Miami’s quarterbacks have posted one of the lowest passer ratings in the league when targeting Waddle, preventing him from capitalizing on his opportunities. Even during his midseason hot streak, Waddle relied heavily on efficiency rather than consistent volume.
The Week 18 matchup against New England makes Waddle a sit entering the week. The Patriots have allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to perimeter receivers since Week 10 and just two wide receiver touchdowns over their past five games. Waddle is also likely to see significant coverage from Christian Gonzalez, one of the league’s most effective man-cover corners. New England is still playing for postseason positioning, which means they will be giving it their best shot to dismantle Miami’s offense. Combined with Waddle’s rib injury and recent inefficiency, his path to a usable fantasy outcome is narrow. Outside of deeper three-receiver leagues, Waddle should remain on benches in Week 18.
Terry McLaurin WAS
Terry McLaurin has struggled to find consistency in fantasy football since returning from injury, and recent production trends point toward another disappointing week. He has scored 11.3 or fewer fantasy points in three of his last four games, including an 8.3-point performance against Philadelphia two weeks ago. Last week, McLaurin managed just 63 receiving yards on seven targets despite facing a porous Dallas secondary. His underlying usage with Josh Johnson at quarterback was concerning, as he failed to earn a single red-zone or deep target. While his 30.4 percent target share appears strong on paper, much of that volume has come in low-value areas of the field. Without explosive opportunities, McLaurin’s fantasy ceiling has been capped.
The Week 18 matchup against Philadelphia further solidifies McLaurin as a sit. Since Week 13, the Eagles have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to perimeter wide receivers and the second-fewest receiving yards per game at the position. Assuming Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean suit up, McLaurin is likely to draw shadow coverage that limits his ability to win downfield. Philadelphia also held McLaurin to just 8.3 fantasy points in their most recent meeting, and the matchup has only become tougher. With Washington expected to start a backup quarterback again, the offensive environment remains unfavorable. Given the defensive matchup and recent trends, McLaurin should be benched in Week 18 fantasy football lineups.
Tight Ends to Start
Colston Loveland CHI
Colston Loveland is finishing his rookie season as one of the steadier tight end options in fantasy, offering both consistency and emerging upside. He is coming off a career-best performance in Week 17, where he caught six passes for 94 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets, good for 21.4 PPR points. That performance marked his fourth game with at least 10.1 PPR points over his last six contests, showing a growing comfort level in Chicago’s offense. Loveland’s weekly involvement has been reliable, as he has recorded at least three receptions in 11 straight games. His role has stabilized further with five or more targets in five consecutive outings, a rare level of consistency at the tight end position. That steady usage gives him a dependable floor while still allowing for spike weeks when game flow cooperates.
Loveland’s Week 18 outlook places him firmly in the start conversation against a Detroit defense that has struggled to contain tight ends. Two tight ends have scored at least 10.8 PPR points against the Lions over their past five games, and injuries in the secondary have only worsened coverage issues over the middle of the field. With Rome Odunze sidelined, Loveland has been operating as a clear secondary option in the offense behind either DJ Moore or Luther Burden, when healthy, increasing his target reliability regardless of game script. Chicago still has seeding motivation, which should keep the passing offense active throughout the contest. Loveland’s combination of volume, red-zone usage, and matchup-driven upside makes him a strong Week 18 play.
Juwan Johnson NO
Juwan Johnson has quietly become one of the most productive tight ends in fantasy football over the past several weeks, fueled by both increased opportunity and strong efficiency. Over his last two games, Johnson has scored 30.4 combined fantasy points while catching 12 passes for 184 yards on just 13 targets. Since Tyler Shough took over at quarterback in Week 9, Johnson ranks TE8 in fantasy points per game, underscoring how stable his role has become. Among 44 qualifying tight ends, he ranks fifth in receiving yards per game and eighth in yards per route run, showing that his production is not fluky. His 16.7 percent target share and 18.7 percent first-read share further illustrate his importance in the Saints’ passing attack. With Devaughn Vele sidelined, Johnson has stepped into a clear featured role that continues to grow.
The Week 18 matchup against Atlanta positions Johnson as a high-end start with legitimate top-five upside. The Falcons have allowed four tight ends to score double-digit fantasy points since Week 12, including Johnson himself earlier this season. Since Week 11, Atlanta ranks 15th in fantasy points allowed per game to the position and has struggled with tight ends who can work the seams. Johnson already posted six catches on seven targets against this defense in their previous meeting, and his role has expanded since then. With New Orleans leaning heavily on what has worked offensively, Johnson should again see consistent volume. He is a strong Week 18 start and one of the better tight end options available in fantasy football championship lineups.
Tight Ends to Sit
Tyler Warren IND
Tyler Warren’s recent fantasy football production has failed to match his underlying usage, creating a frustrating profile for managers. Since Week 15, Warren has finished as TE30, TE21, and TE16 in weekly scoring despite leading the Colts in both target share and first-read share during that span. While those usage numbers appear encouraging, the efficiency has been lacking, as he is averaging just 30.7 receiving yards per game and 1.14 yards per route run. He has managed only one red-zone target and zero deep targets over that stretch, severely limiting his touchdown and big-play upside. Even last week’s five-catch, 43-yard outing was driven more by short-area volume than meaningful involvement. With Indianapolis spreading the ball around and playing without urgency, Warren’s role lacks fantasy ceiling.
The Week 18 matchup against Houston further solidifies Warren as a sit. The Texans have been particularly disciplined against tight ends, ranking 16th in yards per target allowed and forcing short, inefficient receptions. Indianapolis is eliminated from playoff contention and are turning to Riley Leonard, which will hurt the production of the offense in a tough matchup. Warren has not scored double-digit PPR points since Week 13, and his recent quarterback play has not elevated his production. Without red-zone involvement or downfield opportunities, his path to a usable fantasy outcome is extremely narrow. Outside of deep leagues, Warren is best left on benches in Week 18.
Mark Andrews BAL
Mark Andrews’ fantasy football decline has been stark over the second half of the season, particularly in matchups against Pittsburgh. In his last five games in Pittsburgh, Andrews has totaled just 19 receptions for 199 yards with no touchdowns, repeatedly failing to produce usable fantasy lines. He has scored 8.7 PPR points or fewer in six consecutive games and has not found the end zone since Week 10. Even in Week 14 against the Steelers, he caught only one of five targets for nine yards, finishing with just 1.9 fantasy points. Since Week 12, Andrews is averaging a mere 22 receiving yards per game while posting a modest 1.18 yards per route run. Despite some red-zone usage, the lack of efficiency and scoring has crushed his fantasy reliability.
Week 18 offers little reason for optimism, even with Lamar Jackson expected back under center. Andrews’ target share and first-read share remain modest, and Jackson’s presence has not meaningfully boosted his production over the past month. Pittsburgh has consistently limited Andrews throughout his career, allowing him just one touchdown in 12 career games against the Steelers. While the matchup metrics appear good on paper, Andrews’ individual history against this defense tells a different story. With Baltimore’s offense leaning elsewhere in high-leverage situations, Andrews’ role no longer supports fantasy upside. He should be viewed as a clear sit in Week 18 fantasy football lineups.
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.
