Start ’em, Sit ’em advice for NFL’s Week 18

The smart bastards on the NFL schedule are doing everything in their power to keep your fantasy stars alive in the final games of the season. Nothing says “grades” like desperate fantasy managers glued to “RedZone.” The first-place matchups between the Steelers-Ravens and 49ers-Seahawks claim a good crop of fantasy difference-makers will play four full quarters. No early exits. No “coach’s decision”. But some coaches might not care about your fantasy football team (shocking). Jim Harbaugh has already announced that Justin Herbert will not play on Sunday. Josh Allen, limping with a bad foot, could follow suit. Do your homework before submitting queues. The Packers have hinted at resting starters, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chiefs and Lions treat this week like a preseason game. Finally – and I can’t stress this enough – you should not hold your Fantasy Championship in Week 18. Take a league vote. Change the rules. Fix your mess. I spoke.

GOOD YEAR!

QB Jaxson Dart vs. Cowboys —Who needs the first pick in the draft anyway? The Giants have their franchise quarterback. This Dart kid is good. Alright. His courage and competitiveness bode well for the future. He will fare well against the defensively challenged Cowpokes.

QB Drake Maye vs. Dolphins — The Pats’ cupcake schedule continues as they battle for the AFC’s No. 1 seed. The Dolphins with their “Olé” defense are no match for Drake, a man on a mission.

QB Bo Nix vs. Chargers — In his last seven games, Nix has thrown for a touchdown or less six times. But the Broncos have to win and the Chargers would rest their starters. Hue!

RB Kyren Williams vs. Cardinals — Williams’ solid but unspectacular season gets one last opportunity to improve his stats. Expect a steady diet of runs against an inferior Cards team while Stafford stays clean and Kyren quietly racks up points.

RB James Cook vs. Jets — Confirm that it is playing. The Bills are fighting to improve their playoff seeding and the Jets are ready to break their New Year’s resolution to “play harder.” Cook should get his ninth 100-yard game by the 3rd quarter, then watch from the sidelines.

WR Nico Collins vs. Colts — With back-to-back disastrous performances, Collins owes his fantasy managers a hand-written apology. He can redeem himself by torching the Colts’ secondary, 31st, in an important game for the Texans.

WR Justin Jefferson vs. Packers — JJ needs 53 yards to record his sixth 1,000-yard season. Will he get it? If QB Max Brosmer (51 passing yards last outing) starts, the chances aren’t great. If JJ McCarthy can suit up, the odds increase significantly. Plan accordingly.

WR Wan’Dale Robinson vs. Cowboys — Congratulations to Robinson on his first 1,000-yard season. The last time he played against Dallas, Robinson exploded for 142 yards and a touchdown. Expect more fireworks as it kicks off 2026 with a bang.

TE Travis Kelce at Raiders —Is this Kelce’s last game in the NFL? Maybe. Andy Reid loves storybook endings. One last Kelce TD seems written in the script.

TO FORGET!

QB Jordan Love/Malik Willis at Vikings – Love sat out last week with a concussion, but Green Bay could rest him and the other starters anyway. If Willis gets the nod with other replacements, expect less than optimal results against Minny’s stout pass defense.

RB Jahmyr Gibbs at Bears — Detroit on the road in the cold of Chi-Town with nothing to play for doesn’t give me confidence. If I’m coach Dan Campbell, Gibbs is wrapped in a parka on the bench, waiting for next season to arrive.

RB Breece Hall to Bills — Hall twisted his knee last week against the Pats. Unless he’s 100%, I don’t see the Jets risking more injuries on a frozen Buffalo field. Check his status, but he’s not in my list.

WR Drake London vs. Saints — Why is London still playing? A PCL sprain has diminished his play and the Falcons have nothing to play for. Stop it already.

TE Darren Waller at Patriots — TD-dependent Waller has soiled many fantasy formations over the past two weeks (4/40 yards). He’s not in perfect health (groin, under control) and certainly can’t be trusted.

Saturday Special Offers:

In the battle for the NFC South title, it’s the winner who takes all. The Bucs are a mess, coming off a shocking loss to the Dolphins while the Panthers lost to the Seahawks in a game that was closer than the score indicated. I think the Bucs get the win but give me the Panthers and the three points. Buccaneers 21, Panthers 20

Seattle travels for a short week in a back-to-back road game to San Francisco. The 49ers have shown some real offensive firepower over the past two weeks, but the Seahawks have the better defense. Sam Darnold plays hard and wins the NFC West title for Seattle. Seahawks 26, 49ers 24

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Bill Reinhard is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and a columnist for FantasyGuru.com.