In this article, Tristan H. Cockcroft provides matchup rankings for Week 18 of the NFL season, focusing on favorable and unfavorable matchups for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. With the NFC North title and conference's No. 1 seed on the line, the Vikings-Lions game stands out, especially for players like Sam Darnold and Jameson Williams. The analysis includes insights on player performances and defensive matchups to help fantasy managers make informed lineup decisions.
- Sam Darnold is a strong fantasy option against the Lions, who have struggled against quarterbacks recently.
- Jameson Williams has a favorable matchup against the Vikings, who have allowed high fantasy points to wide receivers.
- Isaac Guerendo is a solid pickup for running back needs, especially against the Cardinals.
Sam Darnold | QB
Breakout
Week 18
250 pass yards
2 pass TDs
1 interceptions
- Has scored at least 21 fantasy points in five of his last seven games.
- Facing a Lions defense that has allowed an average of 31.4 fantasy points to the last three quarterbacks.
Jameson Williams | WR
Pickup
Week 18
3 receptions
70 rec yards
1 rec TDs
- Had 24.5 PPR fantasy points against a tough 49ers defense last week.
- Faces a Vikings defense that has allowed the most Adjusted Fantasy Points to wide receivers.
Isaac Guerendo | RB
Pickup
Week 18
30 rec yards
015 carries
85 rush yards
- Has averaged 17.4 PPR fantasy points over the past three games.
- Facing a Cardinals defense that has struggled against running backs recently.
Jordan Love | QB
Avoid
Week 18
180 pass yards
1 pass TDs
2 interceptions
- Uncertain playing time as the Packers are locked into playoff seeding.
- Has averaged only 24.7 passing attempts in recent games.
Marvin Harrison | WR
Avoid
Week 18
2 receptions
20 rec yards
0- Disappointing season with low fantasy points against tough matchups.
- Faces a 49ers defense that has limited opposing No. 1 wide receivers.
Minnesota Vikings
- Strong offensive performance expected against the Lions.
- Defensive struggles against wide receivers could lead to high-scoring game.
Detroit Lions
- Need to improve defensive performance against quarterbacks.
- Offensive players like Williams could exploit Vikings' weaknesses.
San Francisco 49ers
- Guerendo's performance could be pivotal against the Cardinals.
- Defense has been solid, limiting opposing offenses.
Arizona Cardinals
- Struggles against running backs could be a concern this week.
- Need to contain Guerendo to avoid a high-scoring game.
Green Bay Packers
- Playoff positioning may affect starters' playing time.
- Love's recent performance has not been encouraging.