Fantasy Football Week 18: Start ’em, Sit ’em

Welcome to the final week of fantasy football for the 2022-23 season. I hope everyone in their respective championships had a strong week 17, but before I get into the starts and sits for week 18, there are a couple people I’d like to thank.

First, I’d like to thank anyone and everyone who has read any of my articles and has supported me while I do what I love (my mom, my girlfriend, etc. etc. you get it). If there’s one player I listed that helped win in any given week, I’d consider my work a success. Second, I’d like to thank the guy who gave me this job and who makes my articles visible to the world every week – the boss – Jonny Bisby.

I’d also like to take a moment to praise all the medical staff involved in the treatment of Damar Hamlin, who were there on the field in a flash and now are providing him care in the hospital as he continues to improve after suffering cardiac arrest during MNF. All of us hear at offGrid and wishing him and his family the very best.

Ian’s Record: 92-48

Start ’em

Geno Smith (QB, Seahawks) vs. Rams

It’s do or die this week for the Seahawks, as they need a win over the Rams as well as for the Lions to beat the Packers. Pretty much all season, Geno Smith has proven that he’s still a starting-caliber quarterback.

In this win-or-go-home scenario the Seahawks find themselves in, look for Smith and Pete Carroll to prevail over Baker Mayfield and the Rams. Geno went off in their first meeting, and I don’t see Sean McVay changing his game plan much for a game that means next to nothing for the Rams.

Raheem Mostert (RB, Dolphins) vs. Jets

Similar to the Seahawks, it’s do or die for the Dolphins this week as they need to beat the Jets and for the Bills to beat the Patriots. Mostert took over Miami’s offense last week in Foxborough, and the stage is set for him to do it again.

With the rookie Skylar Thompson starting in the regular season finale, look for Mike McDaniel to rely heavily on both Mostert’s speed and ability to create yards from quick little dump offs.

Zay Jones (WR, Jaguars) vs. Titans

Similar to the Seahawks AND the Dolphins, it’s do or die for the Jaguars this week as well. However, the Jaguars won’t need any help with a win over the Titans, because beating the Titans this week would win the Jags the AFC South.

With how the Jaguars have been playing (won five of their last six), and how terrible the Titans have been against wide receivers all season (dead last), I’m taking the Jags. And Zay Jones.

Taysom Hill (TE, Saints) vs. Panthers (if he plays)

I’m not even sure Taysom Hill should be referred to as a tight end. But he’s listed as a tight end in fantasy, so here we are.

His hybrid role in the Saints’ offense is too much to disregard him as a fun start at this point, plus he has a rushing touchdown in each of the past two weeks.

If you have any key players in your flex spot that will be resting this week for the playoffs, go get Taysom Hill. He’ll get a touchdown somehow.

Sit ’em

Mac Jones (QB, Patriots) vs. Bills

Against the Bengals and the Dolphins, Jones played quite well, topping 200 yards and two scores in both games without throwing an interception.

Against the Bills this week, however, Jones will not play well. The cancellation of the Bills-Bengals game makes this week a must win for Buffalo if they hope to claim the number one seed in the AFC, meaning Sean McDermott and Bills Mafia are going to bring it to Mac Jones and the Patriots. Pass.

Devin Singletary/James Cooks (RBs, Bills) vs. Patriots

While I just said Sean McDermott and Bills Mafia are going to bring it to Mac Jones and the Patriots this week, I don’t see that happening through the means of Buffalo’s running backs.

The Patriots’ run defense has been nasty all season, and their snapshare makes it difficult to trust either Singletary or Cook.

DJ Chark (WR, Lions) vs. Packers

DJ Chark, meet Jaire Alexander.

Chark didn’t play in their first meeting against Green Bay, but in this do-or-die matchup for both teams, it’s likely Chark will see a lot of Alexander on the outside. Pass.

Hayden Hurst (TE, Bengals) vs. Ravens

Hurst hasn’t seen the end zone since the Bengals’ first meeting with the Ravens in week five. Ever since then (when he plays), Hurst has simply been overshadowed by the league’s best wide receiver trio.

He’s also a very dirty blocker.

Meanwhile, the Ravens have been able to shut out tight ends recently, surrendering the fourth fewest fantasy points in the past eight weeks. I’m seeing a limited role with very low upside for production.

BYES: NONE

Good luck in all your fantasy championships! Thanks for reading my tips!