The NFL is a "next man up" league. By extension, your fantasy football league is as well. You acquired your team during the draft, but it's the moves you make as the 2024 fantasy season comes to a close that may ultimately decide whether or not you're winning that crown. Every week we help you identify the players available in more than 50% of ESPN leagues whose value has taken a turn for the better and should be added to your roster as starters or as smart stashes for your bench.
Congratulations! If you're reading this, you're probably playing for first ... or trying to avoid last place. Week 18 isn't for the timid; there are plenty of NFL teams with nothing left to play for or with an eye on resting their stars for the playoffs to come, none of whom will be active for long (if at all) this weekend. I'm here to help. Whether you're fighting for that championship or just trying to avoid that dreaded last-place punishment, I've got you covered. All of the players I'm highlighting today are all on teams with something to play for.
Remember, everything is fair in love and fantasy football. While you may not find yourself in a position of need, perhaps your opponent has a hole to fill. There's no reason to make it easy for them. In redraft leagues, the only players who should still be on your bench are backup starting options if you have injury questions or players you'd rather not play against even if they won't be starting for you.
So, let's dive in!
Next QB up
Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers (47.1%): Wilson put up a season-high 26.8 fantasy points against the Bengals back in Week 13. Now, the Steelers have a shot at the AFC North title on Saturday if the Ravens lose to the Browns in the week's first game, but even if the Ravens take care of business, the Steelers will be motivated to win to stay ahead of the Chargers in playoff seeding, so as to avoid travelling to Baltimore in the Wild Card round. Wilson gets a great matchup here against a Bengals defense giving up the sixth-most QB fantasy points per game.
Other QB options
Drake Maye, New England Patriots (22.4%): Maye's had a solid rookie season, averaging 15.8 fantasy points per game over his last 11 outings. He's shown his rushing ability too, with at lest five runs in six of those games. While his supporting cast isn't the strongest, Maye has a great opportunity this week. The Bills are locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC and likely to rest starters, giving Maye a chance to shine. Buffalo's defense has allowed the seventh-most passing yards per game this year.
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (13.1%): Young has shown real growth since reclaiming the starting job back in Week 8. He's been especially sharp since the Panthers' Week 11 bye, scoring 16-plus fantasy points in four of his last six games, with at 23-plus points in two of those games. Young will wrap up the regular season against the Falcons, a defense that's given up the seventh-most QB fantasy points this year.
Next RB up
Ameer Abdullah, Las Vegas Raiders (33.4%): Abdullah had his first career 100-yard rushing game in Week 17 against the Saints. With Sincere McCormick on IR, Abdullah has stepped up big time for the Raiders. Over the last three games, he's had double-digit touches and scored 17-plus fantasy points in each week. He should see plenty of touches in Week 18 against the Chargers.
Other RB options
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams (13.9%): The Rams have clinched the NFC West and the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs. This sets the stage for Corum to see an expanded role, as Los Angeles will likely rest its starters, including regular starting running back Kyren Williams.
Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills (11.2%): Davis could lead the Bills' backfield in Week 18 with Buffalo already locked into the No. 2 seed. Remember back to Week 6 when Davis had 23 touches and 18.2 fantasy points when James Cook was out? This week, he's got a great matchup against a Patriots defense that's allowed the third-most RB rushing yards.
Julius Chestnut, Tennessee Titans (0.4%): Tony Pollard missed Week 17 due to an ankle injury and the flu, but he could return for the finale, especially with contract incentives within reach. Tyjae Spears, meanwhile, has been ruled out for Week 18 after being diagnosed with a concussion. That leaves Chestnut to potentially step into a key role in the Titans backfield against the Texans. However, Pollard's availability could dictate just how significant that role becomes.
Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals (1.1%): James Conner was active in Week 17 against the Rams, but it was clear he wasn't fully healthy. With the Cardinals having nothing to play for and Conner recently signing a contract extension, there's a good chance he'll be ruled out. Carter has been a solid fill-in, posting double-digit fantasy points in both of the last two games. He could step in as the lead back. However, do keep an eye on Trey Benson. He's been inactive for the last two games, but he did practice last week and could return.
Next WR up
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills (50.0%): As I've been saying, the Bills will rest some starters -- but I don't think Coleman will be one of them. This is a big chance for the rookie to get valuable reps before the postseason. He could even become Buffalo's No. 1 receiver against the Patriots. Coleman has had five games this season with five-plus targets and has scored double-digit fantasy points in four of them.
Liz Loza breaks down Jalen McMillan's fantasy potential in the final week of the season.
Other WR options
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (39.4%): The Buccaneers can clinch their fourth consecutive division title with a win over the Saints in Week 18. McMillan has finished the season strong. Over the last four games, he and Mike Evans have run nearly the same number of routes; 119-118, in favor of McMillan. McMillan has also seen at least five targets in every game during that stretch and has hit 18-plus fantasy points in three of them. With the Saints secondary up next, he's in a great position for another big performance.
Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts (10.9%): Pierce had his best performance of the season against the Giants in Week 17, finishing with 24.2 fantasy points. With the Colts now eliminated from the playoffs and Anthony Richardson battling foot and back injuries, I'd be surprised if the young QB plays in Week 18 against the Jaguars. That leaves Pierce in the hands of veteran Joe Flacco, who's not shy about attacking defenses vertically. The Jaguars have allowed the fifth-most WR fantasy points this season.
Marvin Mims Jr., Denver Broncos (4.0%): Mims finished with a season-high eight targets and 30.2 fantasy points in Week 17. He's been consistent, with at least four targets in five straight games and two 100-yard receiving performances -- which is very promising. Also, Mims has had at least one rushing attempt in each of his last seven games. That makes him an intriguing option in Week 18, especially in a win-and-get-in scenario against a Chiefs team with nothing to play for.
Next TE up
Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans (31.2%): The connection between Okonkwo and QB Mason Rudolph is undeniable. Over the past three games, Okonkwo has seen double-digit targets twice and has scored 11-plus fantasy points in all three games. Expect him to remain a key part of the Titans offense against the Texans in Week 18.
Another TE option
Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals (26.0%): Gesicki posted a career-best 10 receptions on 12 targets against the Broncos in Week 17, finishing with 18.6 fantasy points -- his second-best performance of the season. While his role in the passing game has been inconsistent, he remains a solid option in Week 18. The Bengals are still fighting for that last playoff spot. They'll lean heavily on Joe Burrow and the passing game, so Gesicki could see ample targets.