Fantasy Football Week 18: Biggest Sleepers at Every Position
The fantasy football season isn't over for managers in two-week championship matchups. Within the chaos of lineup changes, there are still intriguing sleeper options for the Week 18 slate.
Because several teams have clinched playoff spots and intend to rest starters, managers must consider backups. This will be a headache for anyone who relied on players like Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, or Puka Nacua for most of the year.
After reading through reports, we have a final batch of waiver-wire options to help you finish the fantasy season with a bang.
Some of these players are in matchups with playoff implications and others may be looking to head into the offseason on a positive note for various reasons.
All our sleepers selections are available in at least 50 percent of leagues based on FantasyPros' roster consensus percentages.
QB Michael Penix Jr. vs. Carolina Panthers (16 Percent Rostered)
Two weeks ago, Michael Penix Jr. appeared on our sleeper radar as a longshot option in his first career start against the New York Giants but delivered little return in fantasy scoring (7.4 points).
Now, with playing experience and a favorable matchup with the Carolina Panthers, Penix could post QB1 numbers.
The Panthers allow the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks, and their top cornerback, Jaycee Horn, could miss consecutive games with a hip injury.
Last week, in a high-pressure game against the Washington Commanders, Penix missed some throws but led a touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter and put the Atlanta Falcons in a position to kick a game-winning field goal, but they missed it.
This week, Penix will be in the friendly confines of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, facing a defense that's allowed the most passing touchdowns this season.
QB Mac Jones at Indianapolis Colts (4 Percent Rostered)
In three of the last five weeks, Mac Jones has scored at least 17.2 fantasy points, throwing for multiple touchdowns in each of those games. So, even without wide receivers Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis, Jones can rack up yards and finish drives for touchdowns.
Jones has built a rapport with wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who leads all rookies in receiving yards (1,179) and touchdowns (10). The quarterback-receiver duo could have a big game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Last week, the Colts defense gave up 309 yards and four touchdowns to New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock. Also, Indianapolis is giving up the ninth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Remember, Jones, a former first-round pick in the 2021 draft, will be a free agent in the offseason. He probably wants to finish the season strong before entering the market.
RB Antonio Gibson vs. Buffalo Bills (18 Percent Rostered)
In Week 17, the New England Patriots benched Rhamondre Stevenson because of his fumbling issues in favor of Antonio Gibson. Gibson logged 12 carries for 63 yards in a 40-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Patriots should be more competitive against the Buffalo Bills, who may rest starters as they prepare for the playoffs as the AFC's No. 2 seed. If so, Gibson could handle a bigger workload as New England's lead tailback.
Moreover, the Bills give up 4.7 yards per carry, which ranks 25th leaguewide, and they allow the third-most fantasy points to running backs.
Even though the Patriots signed Stevenson to a four-year, $36 million extension this past offseason, Gibson could make a case to open Week 1 of the 2025 campaign as the Patriots' starting running back.
RB Ray Davis at New England Patriots (17 Percent Rostered)
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott revealed the team's approach going into Week 18.
"What we're going to do is you'll see some starters out there playing, and you'll see some other players who we want to take a good look at. So it'll be a blend of both," McDermott said to reporters on Monday.
Over the last two years, James Cook has established himself as the Bills' lead running back. He's unlikely to play through four quarters.
Rookie running back Ray Davis will probably play a significant number of snaps against the New England Patriots' 25th-ranked run defense. Also, New England allows the eighth-most fantasy points to tailbacks.
In a backup role, Davis has racked up 566 scrimmage yards and scored five touchdowns. The Bills should evaluate him as they prepare for the postseason. He could be instrumental in Buffalo's offense if the team has to play in inclement weather or looks to exploit a below-average run defense.
WR Marvin Mims Jr. vs. Kansas City Chiefs (4 Percent Rostered)
Over the previous four weeks, Marvin Mims Jr. has emerged as the Denver Broncos' No. 2 wide receiver, hauling in 18 of 21 targets for 290 yards and three touchdowns in that stretch.
In Week 17, Mims caught a career-high eight passes for 103 yards in his first two-touchdown performance as a pro. The second-year wideout has produced big plays for the Broncos' aerial attack, which gives him some boom potential in a matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, who will rest starters after clinching home-field advantage in the AFC.
Over the past few weeks, the Chiefs have stiffened up their downfield coverage, but if they give more snaps to backups, Denver could take advantage of matchups in the passing game.
If so, Mims, who's second on the Broncos in receiving yards (452) and touchdowns (four), could have a productive outing with his team's postseason hopes on the line.
WR John Metchie III at Tennessee Titans (1 Percent Rostered)
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters that his healthy starters will play in Week 18, which isn't a big surprise after his team's embarrassing 31-2 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week.
The Texans' offense has averaged 16 points over the last four weeks and needs to establish some rhythm heading into the postseason. Houston also needs someone to fill a void in the passing game after losing Tank Dell for the rest of the campaign.
Last week against Baltimore, John Metchie III led Houston in targets (eight) and catches (five), finishing second on the team in receiving yards (48).
Metchie doesn't have an easy matchup against the Tennessee Titans' No. 2 pass defense, but his potential target share as the probable No. 2 wideout in the Texans' aerial attack should result in a solid outing.
TE Mike Gesicki at Pittsburgh Steelers (20 Percent Rostered)
Last week, Mike Gesicki had one of his most productive outings of the season, hauling in 10 of 12 targets for 86 yards in a 30-24 overtime win over the Denver Broncos.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow relied on wideouts Tee Higgins and Gesicki against the Broncos, while Ja'Marr Chase battled All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II in a tough matchup.
On Saturday, Chase could face some double-teams with a cornerback and safety over the top, which may create opportunities for Gesicki to make plays in the middle of the field. Regardless of the Steelers' defensive scheme, they allow the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends.
Furthermore, DraftKings has set an over-under point total of 48 for this game. If the Bengals are in another high-scoring matchup like last week, Gesicki should see plenty of looks in the passing game.
TE Noah Fant at Los Angeles Rams (15 Percent Rostered)
The Seattle Seahawks won't make the playoffs this year, but they can still win 10 games, which would be the first time the team finished with double-digit victories since 2020. Seattle can also avoid a season series sweep to the Los Angeles Rams.
The Seahawks offense has been disjointed at times, so this could be a game in which Geno Smith and Co. look to build a connection heading into the offseason.
Seattle may feature Noah Fant in its offensive game plan this week. He's caught at least three passes in nine consecutive outings.
Fant should be able to keep that three-plus-catch streak alive against the Rams, who give up the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends. Last week, Los Angeles allowed Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride to haul in 12 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.
Already set to host a playoff game, Los Angeles may limit or sit its starters this week. With or without their first-stringers on the field, the Rams could struggle to cover Fant.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).
21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/IA/CO/IL/TN only. In partnership with Meadows Racetrack & Casino. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.