Week 18 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Top Matchup Plays and Sleepers for Final Games

This is it, fantasy fans! We're getting one more week of regular-season NFL action before the postseason gets underway.

Some larger season-long leagues will still be operating in Week 18, and daily fantasy sports (DFS) games are still a thing. With many teams either locked into playoff positions or eliminated altogether, though, knowing which stars will actually suit up will be a challenge.

Here, you'll find a look at some of the best and worst matchups among players we expect to play. All picks and analysis are based on point-per-reception (PPR) scoring.

Start: Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets

AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis

The New York Jets failed to keep things close with the New England Patriots in Week 17. However, they did manage to open up some lanes for starting running back Breece Hall.

Despite playing one of the league's better run defenses, Hall managed to run for 111 yards and a touchdown while adding 18 yards on two catches. He'll have a chance to put up similar or even better numbers this week against the Buffalo Bills.

The Bills' loss on Sunday handed the AFC East to the Patriots, so Buffalo won't have a ton to play for in Week 18. While seeding is still at stake, the Bills may choose to rest any players who aren't 100 percent healthy. Even if all of Buffalo's starters do play, it's still a favorable matchup for Hall.

The Bills have surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.

Sit: Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Tony Pollard had a relatively productive outing against the New Orleans Saints in Week 17. While he couldn't carry the Tennessee Titans to a win, he did notch 95 scrimmage yards and two receptions.

However, Pollard may have a difficult time putting up good numbers against the rival Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18. Jacksonville has surrendered the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs and will have plenty to play for in its finale.

While the Jaguars have control of the AFC South with a 12-4 record, they still need a win to clinch the division. They also have an outside shot at earning the AFC's No. 1 seed, though they would need help.

If the Patriots and Denver Broncos both lose, while the Jags win, Jacksonville would claim the top seed.

Start: Wan'Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants

AP Photo/John Locher

It would seem that the New York Giants have given up on trying to earn the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft. They played hard against a Las Vegas Raiders team trying to lose, racking up a 34-10 victory to fall in the draft order.

In the process, wideout Wan'Dale Robinson had a terrific day, racking up 113 yards on 11 receptions and going over the 1,000-yard mark for the season. He might not grab that many passes in Week 18, but he could have another strong outing.

The Giants will face the rival Dallas Cowboys in their finale. While neither team has anything to play for, it's a divisional matchup that will see players from both sides giving it their all.

New York will try to end its season on a high note, and that could mean a huge day for Robinson. No team has surrendered more fantasy points to opposing WRs than Dallas.

Sit: Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Zach Bolinger

Wideout Michael Pittman Jr. suffered a calf injury on Sunday, though he did return to the game. However, he finished with just two catches for 16 yards, and his outlook for Week 18 isn't good.

With nothing to play for, the Colts appear likely to sit quarterback Philip Rivers and start rookie Riley Leonard. While there's certainly no guarantee that Leonard will flop in his first start, the Houston Texans defense will provide a brutal challenge.

Houston ranks first in both yards and points allowed this season, and it's been a veritable wasteland for receivers in fantasy. Only the Minnesota Vikings have surrendered fewer points to the position.

The Texans also have a chance to steal the AFC South if the Jaguars slip, so expect them to treat their finale as a playoff-caliber contest.

Sleepers

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Browns RB Dylan Sampson

Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson returned to the lineup in Week 17 after missing time with a hand injury. While he yielded just 5.7 fantasy points against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he led the Browns in carries and caught three passes.

If Sampson again leads Cleveland's backfield, he'll have sleeper value against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing RBs this season. Sampson is available in over 70 percent of ESPN and Yahoo leagues.

Malik Davis, RB, Dallas Cowboys

Starting back Javonte Williams left Thursday's game with a shoulder injury, opening the door for Malik Davis. Davis then proceeded to rack up 103 rushing yards on 20 carries.

Much will depend on whether the Cowboys decide to play Williams in Week 18, but Williams has a high upside against the Giants. New York has surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to RBs. Davis is available in over 95 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Parker Washington, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Anyone who needs a receiver should target Parker Washington. He's become one of Jacksonville's top targets and has reached 19 fantasy points in consecutive weeks. He's also topped 17 points in five of his last eight games.

The Titans have surrendered an average of 29.2 fantasy points to opposing receiver groups, so there's a good chance that Parker shines again. For some reason, he's still available in over 60 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

*Fantasy roster and scoring information from FantasyPros.