San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy enters Week 18 on an absolute heater. Over his last three games, the 26-year-old has thrown for 893 yards, 11 touchdowns, and two interceptions. However, Purdy will face a difficult matchup in Week 18 against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle enters the week ranked first among NFL defenses in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.1) and ninth in passing touchdowns allowed (20). Making matters even tougher, Purdy could be without star left tackle Trent Williams (hamstring), whose status for Week 18 is unclear due to a hamstring injury. Still, the 49ers offense is firing on all cylinders, as the team is averaging 42.3 points per game over its last three contests. Purdy will also get back star tight end George Kittle, who missed Week 17 due to an ankle injury. Fantasy managers should have some reason to be concerned about the matchup for Purdy in Week 18. However, given how well he has played lately, Purdy remains a solid fantasy QB1 against Seattle.

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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has been one of the more disappointing players in fantasy football in 2025, recording 45 catches for 658 yards and two touchdowns on 86 targets across 13 games. The 23-year-old remains a key piece of his team's offense, as he's earned at least six targets in three out of his last four games. However, Thomas Jr. has struggled to turn his opportunities into consistent production, recording just six catches for 57 yards over the last two weeks. In Week 18, Thomas Jr. will get a favorable matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Entering the week, Tennessee ranks 25th among NFL defenses in total passing yards allowed (3,950) and tied for 21st in passing touchdowns allowed (27). Perhaps most importantly for Thomas Jr. and his role as a downfield receiver, Tennessee has allowed 54 pass plays of 20 or more yards across 16 games in 2025. Given the big-play opportunity and the favorable matchup overall, Thomas Jr. profiles as a low-end fantasy WR2 in Week 18.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. has battled injury and inefficiency for much of the 2025 season. However, the 29-year-old had a breakout performance in Week 17, recording seven receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown on eight targets against the Miami Dolphins. Godwin Jr. also led all Buccaneers wide receivers in snap share, playing 79% of his team's offensive snaps. In Week 18, Tampa Bay will face the Carolina Panthers. Carolina has been a solid pass defense so far this season, ranking 11th in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (3,454) and ninth in passing touchdowns allowed (19). Still, Godwin Jr. should have his chances to produce. Over his last four games played, Godwin Jr. is averaging just under seven targets per contest. Given the likely target opportunity and his encouraging performance last week, Godwin Jr. profiles as a low-end fantasy WR2 in Week 18.

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Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson returned from calf and hand injuries that sidelined him for two games in Week 17 and recorded 27 yards from scrimmage on 14 touches against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) on Injured Reserve, Sampson should have a chance to lead his team's backfield once again in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has been one of the NFL's worst rush defenses in 2025, ranking 30th in the league in yards per carry allowed (5.2) and 32nd in runs of 20 or more yards allowed (19). Sampson will likely split touches with Browns backs Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams in Week 18, which limits his ceiling. However, Sampson has recorded 10 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets across his last four games, which provides a relatively safe PPR floor. Fantasy managers should view Sampson as a low-end flex option in Week 18 against Cincinnati.

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New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime delivered the best game of his career in last week's win over the Tennessee Titans, handling 14 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown while adding one catch (one target) for four yards. The Saints leaned more into the second-year back in Week 17 after giving tight end Taysom Hill 16 touches in the final home game of the season in Week 16. Estime broke off a 32-yard touchdown to essentially ice the game for the Saints, and he figures to be a key part of the offense in the season finale against the Falcons, with multiple starters ruled out, including Alvin Kamara (knee). The Falcons rank in the middle of the pack in PPR points per game allowed to running backs this season, but they concede the seventh-most yards per carry (4.6). Estime should be in line for around 15 touches, making him a viable flex option in Week 18.

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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington has enjoyed a breakout season in his third year in the league, catching 53 of 87 targets for 760 yards and four touchdowns. The 23-year-old wideout has produced his two best performances of the season in the last two weeks, posting a 6-145-1 line on 10 targets in Week 16 against the vaunted Broncos defense before following it up with eight catches for 115 yards on 10 targets last week in Indianapolis. His 260 yards during that span are third in the league, only trailing Chris Olave (267) and Puka Nacua (272). While the Jaguars have multiple pass-catchers capable of producing big games, Washington has established a solid floor and should be in line for another productive game in the regular-season finale against a Titans defense that has allowed the seventh-most PPR points per game to wide receivers.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) is considered unlikely to play in the regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports. Adams has been out since tweaking his hamstring in Week 15's win over the Lions and was able to return to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday and Friday. However, the Rams are expected to hold the 33-year-old out one more week to ensure he is good to go for the playoffs. The six-time Pro Bowler has had a terrific first season in Los Angeles, recording 60 receptions (114 targets) for 789 yards and a league-leading 14 touchdowns. Konata Mumpfield and Xavier Smith should continue to see increased opportunities behind Puka Nacua in Week 18 with Adams sidelined.

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (knee) is officially listed as questionable for Week 18's matchup against the New Orleans Saints, but head coach Raheem Morris is optimistic about his chances to suit up. London has delivered his two worst games of the season over the past two weeks, catching just one of two targets for four yards last week against the Rams and three of eight targets for 27 yards in Week 16 versus the Cardinals after returning from a PCL sprain. The star wideout will look to get back on track and close out the season on a high note against the Saints, who have allowed the eighth-most PPR points per game to wide receivers this season. London missed Atlanta's Week 12 meeting with New Orleans, but he totalled 14 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown on 25 targets in two games against them last year. He is ranked as RotoBaller's WR13 for the season finale.

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will return to the Vikings next season as expected, but he won't be guaranteed to be the starter, The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports. McCarthy had a disappointing sophomore season after missing his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus. He was dropped into a highly favorable situation with an excellent play-calling head coach in Kevin O'Connell and an elite wide receiver duo in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. However, the 2024 first-round pick was one of the least efficient quarterbacks in the league, ranking last out of 36 quarterbacks (minimum 275 plays) in EPA/play (-0.134), with the highest interception rate (5.5%) and the third-highest sack percentage (10.93%). It doesn't help McCarthy's case that he was also unavailable for seven games this season because of ankle, head, and hand injuries. Minnesota was hoping for proof this season that their first-round investment is the long-term answer, but they now plan to explore established QB options via trade or free agency to compete with McCarthy.

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Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue could play his most snaps in a game this season in Week 18's regular-season finale against the New York Giants, with both Javonte Williams (shoulder, neck) and Malik Davis (calf, eye) ruled out. The fifth-round rookie has only been active for four games this season, with his most recent appearance coming back in Week 8 in the loss to the Denver Broncos. He has recorded 22 carries for 65 yards to go with one catch (one target) for five yards. Blue eventually lost his backup role to Davis after Week 8, but he could be set up for a big day on the ground on Sunday against the 30th-ranked Giants run defense. The Cowboys will likely use fullback Hunter Luepke more with Williams and Davis out, but Blue has big upside as a flex option for the final game of the regular season.

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Washington Commanders QB Josh Johnson will start Week 18's game versus the Philadelphia Eagles, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Fantasy Spin: Johnson went 15-for-23 for 198 passing yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, along with 10 rushing yards, in his last start versus the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17. He is receiving the starting nod again for the regular-season finale after both Jayden Daniels (elbow) and Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) were ruled out but should be avoided in all fantasy formats.

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Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) does not have an injury designation heading into the team's week 18 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dowdle appears to be in a 60-40 timeshare with fellow running back Chuba Hubbard, with the latter seeing the vast majority of third downs over the past three games. The Panthers hosted the Buccaneers in Week 16, and Dowdle was held to just 29 yards from nine rushing attempts, but did earn 14 receiving yards from his four receptions off six targets. Even though Dowdle has been absent on nearly every third down over the last two games, he still managed to earn more targets and run six more routes each game than Hubbard. Dowdle profiles as a low-end RB2 against a middle-of-the-road Buccaneers run defense in the 2025 regular season finale.

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson should reassume his WR1 production against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18, with fellow wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel) placed on IR after Week 17. In the four games without Harrison Jr. in the latter half of the 2025 season, Wilson hauled in 41 of his 60 targets for 499 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 27.2 fantasy points per game. When the Cardinals faced the Rams in Week 14, Wilson had his best fantasy game of the season, racking up 37 PPR points from his 11 receptions off 16 targets for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Since that Week 14 tilt, the Rams' pass defense is a top-five matchup for opposing wide receivers. Wilson is a top-10 wide receiver with high upside for fantasy managers playing in Week 18, especially in PPR formats, or those looking for a reliable DFS option to close out the regular season.

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New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson (concussion) was unable to find the end zone in Week 17, which led to a disappointing fantasy day. Still, the young rookie should continue to see steady volume against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. Henderson was able to clear the league's concussion protocol and suit up in Week 17 against the New York Jets, logging 82 yards from his 19 rushing attempts, but failed to see any targets in the passing game. Against the Jets, fellow running back Rhamondre Stevenson was the headliner, even though the veteran back saw fewer opportunities, as he was able to score two touchdowns. There is a possibility that the Patriots rest some starters in the second half of this game, with an eye on the postseason. However, New England is still playing for seeding, and head coach Mike Vrabel will probably want to get the rookie additional reps before the playoffs. Henderson profiles as a low-end RB1 with a high ceiling and big-play potential in Week 18 against a Miami Dolphins defense that has been a bottom-10 matchup against opposing running backs since Week 10.

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Los Angeles Rams TE Tyler Higbee (ankle) is expected to be activated from the Reserve/Injured list Saturday, Jan. 3, in order to play in Week 18's game versus the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Jan. 4.

Fantasy Spin: Higbee was listed as questionable on the injury report despite being a full participant in all three of the Rams' practice sessions held during the week. He may see a handful of targets this weekend but can be avoided in most fantasy leagues.

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Carolina Panthers WR David Moore (elbow) and OG Robert Hunt (biceps) were not activated from the Reserve/Injured list Friday, Jan. 2, and will not play in Week 18's game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday, Jan. 3.

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez converted two of three field goal attempts and made all three of his extra point tries in Monday's win over the Los Angeles Rams. It was the fourth time this season that Gonzalez had scored nine or more points. Gonzlaez will look to keep things rolling in Sunday's divisional matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Since signing with the Falcons in Week 10, the 30-year-old has been a solid option for fantasy managers, making 15 of 18 (83.3%) of his field goal attempts over eight games. The Saints are a neutral matchup and rank in the middle of the pack in points allowed to kickers this season. Gonzalez is ranked 16th among all kickers in the latest RotoBaller Week 18 rankings and can be used as a streamer for managers in deep leagues with some fantasy championships still on the line for Week 18.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has been a solid fantasy option for managers this season, but he will look to rebound in Saturday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He was limited to five points last Sunday, as he made one of two field-goal attempts and both of his extra-point tries in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Dolphins. Before last Sunday's game against Miami, McLaughlin hadn't missed a field goal attempt since Week 6. The 29-year-old has been a consistent option and has recorded at least eight points per game in six out of the last eight weeks. Overall, he's converted 29-for-34 on field goals and 31-for-32 on PATs through 16 contests. McLaughlin can be used as a streamer for the regular season finale and comes in as the ninth-ranked kicker in the latest RotoBaller rankings for Week 18.

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Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson recorded a season-high six catches for 53 yards while finishing second on the team with seven targets in last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. After scoring six touchdowns in Weeks 10-15, Parkinson hasn't scored in each of the past two weeks with receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) out of the lineup. The 26-year-old tight end's run of full playing time could be nearing its end, however, with Tyler Higbee (ankle) on track to be activated from Injured Reserve this week. It remains to be seen how head coach Sean McVay will deploy his tight end group on Sunday, but the Rams have used plenty of three-tight-end formations and should put up plenty of points against a soft Arizona defense. The Cardinals have allowed the ninth-most PPR points per game to tight ends this season, and with Adams' red-zone targets vacated again, Parkinson should have a good shot at finding the end zone. Parkinson is firmly in borderline TE1 territory for the regular-season finale.

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Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland is emerging as a go-to target in the offense and has all the makings of a future star. Loveland commanded a season-high 10 targets in last week's loss to the San Francisco 49ers, catching seven of them for 96 yards and a touchdown. The rookie first-rounder matched a season-high of six receptions and the most yards since Week 9 at Cincinnati. His role continues to expand in the ascending Bears offense, and his efficiency has been at a rare level for a rookie, recording the most total receiving EPA by a rookie tight end since 2017. With receiver Rome Odunze (foot) likely sidelined again, Loveland is a must-start in a divisional Week 18 matchup with the Detroit Lions that is projected to be a shootout with the highest total of the week (50.5).

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