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.
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.
