Welcome back to my trust or bust series, brought back for 2022, here we look at the Week 18 matchups.
I know this incident is still fresh in our minds, so I’ll keep it short. On Monday night of January 2nd, 2023 the world of sports held its breath as Demar Hamlin took a hit to the chest, took a few steps, and fainted. His teammates, opponents, fans, and family could only watch as Hamlin received medical attention and get taken off the field in an ambulance. I didn’t see the play live and honestly I wish I hadn’t seen it at all.
I will say I’m proud of both the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals coaching staff and players for standing with Demar and refusing to finish the game. This incident should remind us all that football is just a game and the player’s health and well-being are what matter most. Prayers and wishes to Demar Hamlin’s family and friends.
Now, for my first-time readers. This is NOT a ‘start/sit’ article per se. This is more or less how I feel about a player, why I think that way, suggesting what I would do, what to expect, and who I like more.
*All rankings are used with full PPR scoring in mind.*
I know when offering advice and analysis, accuracy and accountability are essential. Not just to you guys but to me as well. Every week I like to keep track and share my previous week’s picks that I got right and wrong.
Accountability Report
QB Trevor Lawrence (JAX)
Week 17 Ranking 7th
Prediction- Bust
Week 17 Finish 7th
After three straight QB1 weeks, it only makes sense that Trevor Lawrence would have his worst performance of the season on the most important week of the season. It wasn’t all bad for Trevor and the Jaguars, after another victory the Jaguars are on their way to the playoffs and a division title.
RB Nick Chubb (CLE)
Week 17 Ranking 9th
Prediction- Bust
Week 17 Finish 20th
Here we are in 2023 and wouldn’t you know it, Nick Chubb is having another RB1 season, which makes it four years in a row. If you had Chubb he likely carried you to the playoffs, so take it easy on him for having one bad week.
WR Davante Adams (LV)
Week 17 Ranking 9th
Prediction- Bust
Week 17 Finish 2nd
Does anyone have Jarrett Stidham’s address? I need to send him a flower arrangement or would an edible arrangement be more fitting?
TE Tyler Higbee (LAR)
Week 17 Ranking 9th
Prediction- Bust
Week 17 Finish 38th
Higbee had a nice run, but the Chargers’ defense was too much for Baker Mayfield and the Rams’ offense. After winning the Super Bowl last year, I’m interested to see how the Rams approach this off-season.
T’was a good week, not a great week. The numbers shall be ran.
Week 17 Results- 3 for 4 75%
Correct
32
Wrong
14
Week 18 Inside/ Outside Picks
QB Jared Goff (DET)
@GB
Current Ranking 10th
AVG Points per Game 17.6
Week 18 ranking 10th
In a win-or-go-home game, there’s nothing quite like it being decided by one of the oldest rivalries in the NFL. Jared Goff has done everything in his power to keep the Lions’ playoff hopes alive with four twenty-point fantasy scoring weeks in the Lions’ last 5 games. Looking to play spoiler and win the last wild-card spot are Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay defense that has been lights out lately holding their last four opponents to twenty points scored or less. Facing a Green Bay defense that’s allowed only two passing touchdowns in the last 4 weeks, Jared Goff will have to bring his A-game on Sunday.
Who I like More
QB DeShaun Watson (CLE)
@PIT
Week 18 ranking 14th
Turning in his best performance of the year last week, DeShaun Watson looks to be finding his stride. As the season comes to an end and the playoffs out of sight Watson and the Browns don’t have much to play for other than pride. Somehow, still in the playoff hunt are the Pittsburgh Steelers and coach Mike Tomlin. With a point total projection of 40.5 this may not be a gun-slinging battle. However, the Steelers have allowed the fourth most passing touchdowns this season with 26.
RB Joe Mixon (CIN)
v BAL
Current Ranking 12th
AVG Points per Game 15.9
Week 18 ranking 12th
Since his week 9 explosion, Joe Mixon has missed more games (2) than he’s scored touchdowns (0) and from Weeks 10-17 Mixon is the RB47. With the playoffs right around the corner, Mixon being a key piece of the offense, his injury history, and the success of Samaje Perine I wouldn’t be surprised if Cincy limited his touches this week. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the Ravens’ run defense is seventh in yards allowed this season.
Who I like More
RB Jerick McKinnon (KC)
@LV
Week 18 ranking 14th
With 8 touchdowns in his last 5 games, McKinnon has been the missing link to the Chiefs’ offense. McKinnon is the RB2 overall from weeks 13-17, he’s second in receptions and second in points among runningbacks. Now, he gets to take on a Raiders run defense that’s third in receptions allowed to runningbacks.
WR Keenan Allen (LAC)
@DEN
Current Ranking 48th
AVG Points per Game 14.9
Week 18 ranking 9th
Since his Week 11 return Keenan Allen is the WR7 and the prime reason why the Chargers’ offense has started clicking on all cylinders. The Chargers are another team with not much to play for in Week 18, so I don’t expect to see too many reps from the starters. Add in the fact that the Broncos’ secondary has been a stalwart all season and Allen and the Chargers aren’t a team I’m looking at in DFS or any format this week.
Who I like More
WR Christian Watson (GB)
v DET
Week 18 Ranking 23rd
A team with everything to lose on Week 18 is the Green Bay Packers. Fighting all the way to the final week Aaron Rodgers is looking to make it four playoff appearances in a row for head coach Mike LaFleur. Looking for his first playoff appearance is rookie sensation, Christian Watson. Even with the improved defense of the Lions, Detroit is still in the bottom three in receiving yards and is fifth in receptions allowed. Mark my words this game will be a shoot-out.
TE Taysom Hill (NO)
v CAR
Current Ranking 8th
AVG Points per Game 9.5
Week 18 ranking 11th
A first-timer on the ‘BUST’ list, Taysom Hill the Saints quarterback, I mean tight end, sorry I meant running back, oh wait a minute he returns kick-offs, doesn’t he? The guy does freaking everything! Taysom Hill has passed for a touchdown, ran for a touchdown, and caught a touchdown! Even a skill set like that is no match for a top-ten Panthers defense that has given just one TE1 finish since Week 11.
Who I like More
TE Tyler Conklin (NYJ)
@MIA
Week 18 ranking 17th
Tyler Conklin wasn’t on any championship rosters I imagine and even though he hasn’t had a TE1 week or scored a touchdown in 8 weeks, I still like him. Wanna know why? He’s facing a Miami defense that has allowed the second most touchdowns to tight ends and tight ends average over 15 PPG when facing the Dolphins’ defense.
That’s gonna do it for this week’s piece. I hope you found the info useful and actionable.
Thank you for reading. Just a reminder, my fantasy podcast: The ATB Fantasy Show records a new episode every Thursday. You can find the podcast on most major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Here’s a link to the most recent episode.
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There you have it! Any questions, or want some more specific help for your league on who to drop, just reach out. Reach out on social media, you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or jump into our Discord server. And checkout out rankings for each Week.
Image Credit: Joe Maiorana – USA TODAY Sports
