I hope everyone continues to be profitable playing NFL DFS even if the math says that’s impossible. Regardless, last week is in the past and we have a new week of action in front of us. I intend to help you make Week 18 of NFL DFS a week to remember as you finish in the green. With that being said, let us jump right into my top Week 18 DFS picks.
Each week, I will take a look at one option at each position that can be a nice piece in your lineup. Additionally, I will provide one stud and one value option to target along with one expected bust.
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NFL Week 18 DFS Picks
Quarterback
Tyrod Taylor, New York Giants, $5,300
This might come across as an odd choice with our Week 18 NFL DFS picks, but again the last season of the season is a unique being. After entering in the second half two weeks against these same Philadelphia Eagles, Tyrod Taylor has regained the starting job. The veteran threw for 133 yards and a touchdown in relief before getting the start last week.
Taylor came within a missed field goal of leading New York to victory last week. He threw for 319 yards and a touchdown while also adding 4o yards on the ground. The additional production we get from Taylor from his legs certainly makes a difference. That is especially true at this price point.
We also cannot lose sight of the fact that this game is ultimately going to be meaningless for the Eagles. Even when the games mattered, they allowed the most DK points to opposing quarterbacks. So with nothing to play for, Taylor should run into even less resistance.
Running Back
Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers, $6,300
With A.J. Dillon out this week, Aaron Jones will be front and center once again for Green Bay. It is a great matchup for Jones and the Packers’ run game against the Chicago Bears, and we get him at a fair price.
In each of the last two weeks, Jones averaged six yards per carry with 20 and 21 carries respectively. There is nothing to suggest that we won’t see another similar performance out of Jones to close out the season.
Wide Receiver
Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys, $5,200
We don’t want to be too forward, but Dallas’ victory over the Washington Commanders this week is ultimately a formality. It is a great matchup for the Cowboys’ passing offense, and Brandin Cooks figures to benefit.
Cooks has touchdowns in back-to-back games and caught five passes for 60 yards last week. When Cooks faced the Commanders earlier in the season, the veteran caught four passes for 72 yards and a touchdown. At this price point, even that would represent a strong return.
Tight End
Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints, $3,600
Despite being listed on the Injury Report with a chest injury, it didn’t impact Juwan Johnson last week and it shouldn’t this week either. Johnson enters a great matchup against the Atlanta Falcons having caught a touchdown pass in three straight weeks.
Not only has Johnson consistently found the end zone, but the volume has been there for the last two weeks. Johnson was targeted 19 times and ultimately caught 12 passes for 138 yards. New Orleans is devoid of many weapons in the passing game, especially if Alvin Kamara is out, so Johnson should be busy once again.
Defense
Cincinnati Bengals, $3,000
Jeff Driskel. That is who the Cleveland Browns are starting at quarterback this week. Not only that, but Amari Cooper won’t be playing this week, and the thought process is that Elijah Moore will be sidelined as well.
With 15 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries, the Bengals’ defense has been able to generate turnovers. Additionally, with 41 sacks, the Bengals have been able to get to the quarterback.
DFS Stud
Breece Hall, New York Jets, $7,200
There isn’t much going on with the Jets offense, but anything that is features Breece Hall. Over the past two weeks, Hall has 33 carries for 179 yards and two touchdowns. Hall has shown explosiveness, and it is clear who New York’s offense is focused on.
Perhaps of greater importance though, is his role in the passing game. Over the past two weeks, Hall has been targeted 25 times and we can expect him to be busy once again on Sunday. Not only does he have 21 receptions, but Hall has 138 receiving yards. We are dealing with a true playmaker here and there is no secret who the Jets’ offense is centered on.
DFS Value
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs, $4,900
While Isiah Pacheco is slated to take the field this week, I wouldn’t expect him to be out there for long. There is no reason to push Pacheco with their postseason fate locked in.
That means Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be busy as the Chiefs’ offense will truly be shorthanded. Travis Kelce likely won’t be long for the game, and with Rashee Rice and Kadarius Toney out, weapons are at a premium. The Chiefs should be leaning on Edwards-Helaire early and often from both the rushing and receiving angles. At this price, there will be more than sufficient volume to support a strong return.
DFS Bust
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings, $8,500
What is the point? The Vikings season is essentially over, so why would they put Justin Jefferson at risk? The other issue here is the quarterback play. Minnesota has gone back and forth at quarterback since Kirk Cousins went down, and play has clearly suffered there.
For this week, the Vikings are going back to Nick Mullens. Ultimately, this is a situation to avoid as things could easily get ugly pretty quickly. Last week, Jefferson was only able to catch five of his 10 targets for 59 yards and the fear is that we get another game like that on Sunday.
Week 18 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | Half-PPR by Position | Flex Rankings | Positional Ranks w/ K & DST | Dynasty | Superflex Dynasty