Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, January 7th @ 4:25 PM ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada
Betting Odds: LV -2.5, 38 total via PFF.com
Expected Weather: Dome
Network: Fox Sports
Writer: Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ on Twitter/X)
Denver Broncos
Quarterback
Jarrett Stidham (Sit)
The Russell Wilson era is seemingly over in Denver, a colossal failure that deserves a deep-dive in the future. In his stead, Jarrett Stidham is set to finish out the season against the Las Vegas Raiders. In his first start of the season last week, Stidham completed 20 of 32 attempts for 224 yards and one touchdown in a win against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Broncos are not playoff-bound, so Stidham at best is auditioning for the 2024 starting quarterback gig. In any case, he’s best left on the waiver wire by those playing in Week 18 championship matchups.
Running Backs
Jaleel McLaughlin (Start, FLEX), Javonte Williams (Sit)
Between Week 16 and 17, per FantasyData, Javonte Williams owns a snap percentage of 84 percent compared to rookie Jaleel McLaughlin’s 52.1 percent, but McLaughlin has been the more efficient back in both the passing game and on the ground, especially over the last few games. In a PPR league, you’d rather have McLaughlin’s potential if you are RB needy this week, and Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette reported on Monday that he is expected to have an increased workload this week against the Raiders.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Jerry Jeudy (Sit), Brandon Johnson (Sit), Lil’Jordan Humphrey (Sit), Courtland Sutton (Start, WR3), Adam Trautman (Sit)
Taking on the role as the defacto WR1 last week, Jerry Jeudy didn’t seize the moment and continued to disappoint as he has all season. In Week 14 against the Chargers, Jeudy had two catches on six targets for 16 scoreless yards. Since then, he has 11 receptions on 24 targets for 188 scoreless yards. He hasn’t found the end zone since Week 8, when he crossed the stripe for the first and only time this season. Jeudy isn’t a recommended start this week, and the same can be said for the likes of Brandon Johnson and Lil’Jordan Humphrey beside him.
Courtland Sutton was ruled out with a concussion in Week 17, and with the Broncos eliminated from playoff contention, it wouldn’t be shocking for him to miss this game as well; he’s suddenly shaping up as a viable WR3 after logging a full practice on Thursday. The enticing yet oft-sidelined Marvin Mims Jr. was also inactive last week (hamstring), but was a full participant on Thursday, as well. His upside is intriguing, but he doesn’t see the field enough when healthy to warrant a start during Championship Week. Meanwhile, tight end Adam Trautman is a fantasy non-factor, as he is in real life.
Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback
Aidan O’Connell (Sit)
Week 17 may have been an “L” for Aidan O’Connell and the Raiders against the Indianapolis Colts, but O’Connell was strong in the effort. He completed 30 of 47 attempts for 299 yards and two touchdowns. He hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 14, and like Denver, the Raiders were eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday. O’Connell will start and has a leg up on Jimmy Garoppolo in 2024; the latter was benched in Week 9, and the Raiders haven’t looked back once. Regardless, O’Connell isn’t a recommended start for anyone’s Week 18 ‘ship drive.
Running Back
Zamir White (Start, RB2)
Josh Jacobs missed his second straight game last week with a quad injury, and after missing practice on Thursday, it doesn’t seem like he’ll suit up in the season finale for Vegas. Zamir White will continue to take hold of the Raiders backfield as he seemingly has since Week 15. During that span, White has thrived, totaling 285 yards on 59 carries and a touchdown. He’s proven to be a reliable fantasy asset in the playoffs; start him without hesitation against a Denver Broncos team that’s seemingly adrift without a rudder.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Davante Adams (Start, WR2), Jakobi Meyers (Start, WR3), Michael Mayer (Sit), Austin Hooper (Sit), Zach Gentry (Sit)
Davante Adams had his second-best game of the season last week against the Colts. He caught 13 of a whopping 21 (!) targets for 126 yards and two touchdowns. He is two catches shy of 100 on the year, so he’ll be surely eyeing that milestone How long he’ll actually play in this finale remains to be seen, which is why he’s pegged for a WR2 finish.
Jakobi Meyers is coming off a 6 for 56 (10 targets) game against Indy last week and is set to face a Broncos defense that he dropped a pair of touchdowns on back in Week 1. Meyers, who hauled in nine grabs for 81 yards against Denver earlier this year, is a justifiable WR3 this week. Meanwhile, the tight end room in Vegas, aside from rookie Michael Mayer, has been uninspiring this season. The likes of Austin Hooper and newly added Zach Gentry are best left on the wire. There are likely better options than Mayer in free agent pools this week, as well.