Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 18: Examining Fringe Fantasy Football Flex Starters

Many fantasy football leagues crowned champions at the end of Week 17. And to the managers who ended the 2023 season by capturing a title: Congratulations!

But not every league has wrapped up. There are some that hold their championship matchup during Week 18 of the NFL campaign instead. It can be tricky to navigate, too, because some teams that have already clinched division titles will be resting their starters this weekend.

So, here's some start/sit advice for fantasy managers who are members of an 18-week league. For everybody else, this could still be useful help as you set daily fantasy lineups.

Start 'Em: Khalil Herbert, RB, Chicago Bears

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 31: Khalil Herbert #24 of the Chicago Bears runs the ball during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field on December 31, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

For much of the season, the Bears employed a by-committee approach in their backfield, relying on a trio of running backs: Khalil Herbert, D'Onta Foreman and rookie Roschon Johnson. But that hasn't exactly been the case in recent weeks.

Herbert has been the clear-cut lead back in each of Chicago's past two games. In Week 16, the 25-year-old had 20 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown vs. the Arizona Cardinals. Then, last week, he had 18 carries for 124 yards and a TD vs. the Atlanta Falcons.

The Bears won both of those games, so it's unlikely they'll change their approach in Week 18. Herbert should get a lot of touches in a road matchup against the Green Bay Packers, who are allowing 131.6 rushing yards per game (fifth most in the NFL).

Herbert should be started in all fantasy lineups this week in a favorable matchup.

Sit 'Em: Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

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DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: Running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs with the football during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on December 31, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

It's been a disappointing season for Austin Ekeler, and fantasy managers who drafted him early have felt the repercussions. The Los Angeles Chargers' star running back has scored only one touchdown over his past seven games, a quiet stretch for the 28-year-old.

Last week, Ekeler wasn't much of a factor in the Chargers' loss to the Denver Broncos, as he had only 13 carries for 46 yards and one catch for 4 yards. It hasn't helped that Los Angeles' overall offensive production has gone down with backup Easton Stick at quarterback in place of the injured Justin Herbert.

In Week 18, the Chargers host the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs, who could rest some of their starters ahead of the playoffs. Still, Ekeler hasn't been trustworthy enough to turn to in the fantasy playoffs, and managers should try to avoid starting him, if possible.

Start 'Em: Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 31: Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lumen Field on December 31, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)

Tyler Lockett hasn't scored a touchdown in any of his past seven games, and the 31-year-old Seattle Seahawks wide receiver has been inconsistent throughout the season. Nonetheless, he's worthy of flex consideration in Week 18, with Seattle in a must-win contest.

In pursuit of an NFC wild-card berth, the Seahawks are going on the road to face the division rival Arizona Cardinals, who have long been eliminated from playoff contention. It could still be a competitive game, though, and Seattle may need to be aggressive on offense with its season on the line.

After a quiet showing last week (one catch for 10 yards vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers), Lockett should have a bounce-back performance. He has remained involved in the Seahawks' offense and is only two weeks removed from recording eight catches for 81 yards on 11 targets vs. the Tennessee Titans.

Sit 'Em: Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 17: Drake London #5 of the Atlanta Falcons catches the ball during the second half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

In Week 14, Drake London had his best showing of 2023, setting season highs in both catches (10) and receiving yards (172) in the Atlanta Falcons' loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since then, London has not been nearly as productive.

Over Atlanta's past three games, London has totaled only 119 yards on nine catches. The 22-year-old also hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 4.

It's unlikely London finishes strong in Week 18, when the Falcons have a challenging matchup against the NFC South rival New Orleans Saints. Don't expect London to have a big showing vs. a strong New Orleans secondary. Leave him on the bench and find another flex option.