Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, January 5th, 2024, 4:25 ET
Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Network: CBS
Kansas City Chiefs
Quarterback
Carson Wentz: Sit
Patrick Mahomes and many of the other Chiefs starters are expected to sit and rest for the playoffs this week, which means we’ll see Carson Wentz leading the way for Kansas City this week. You don’t need me to tell you to sit him, especially against a tough Denver defense on the road.
Running Back
Sit Whoever Plays
While it’s uncertain which RBs will suit up in Week 18 for the Chiefs, we likely won’t see Isiah Pacheco or Kareem Hunt out there, meaning it could be Samaje Perine or even Carson Steele leading the way for Kansas City. With so many offensive starters sitting, the floor and ceiling are low for all Chiefs RBs this week. Look elsewhere to fill these spots in your fantasy lineup.
Wide Receiver
Sit Whoever Plays
Essentially an identical situation to the RBs here. We very likely won’t see DeAndre Hopkins and Hollywood Brown, and Xavier Worthy might rest as well. Whichever WRs are out there against Patrick Surtain II and the rest of the Denver defense will have tough times with Wentz throwing the ball. These are all very risky plays that should be avoided.
Tight End
Noah Gray: Streaming Option, TE2
With Travis Kelce resting in Week 18, we’ll have Noah Gray leading the way for the Chiefs’ TE room. Gray has delivered streaming value on a couple of occasions this year, and he could very well be the team’s leading receiver with so many players sitting this week. It’s risky, but he’s a decent streaming option if you own Kelce or another TE that may be resting up for the playoffs.
Denver Broncos
Quarterback
Bo Nix: Start, QB1
While the Chiefs have nothing to play for in this game, the Broncos have everything to play for in a win-and-in situation in Week 18. Bo Nix will look to cap off an excellent rookie campaign by giving his team a win at home and propelling them into the playoffs. The last time these teams played, Nix threw for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns and finished as QB12 on the week. He should be able to exceed those numbers in Week 18.
Running Back
Jaleel McLaughlin: FLEX Option, RB3
Javonte Williams: Sit
Audric Estime: Sit
This Broncos backfield has been a revolving door of mediocrity throughout the season, with Jaleel McLaughlin, Javonte Williams, and Audric Estime all operating as the lead back in some capacity throughout the season. McLaughlin had the strongest workload last week and is the supposed “best” option against a tough Chiefs run defense this week. The Chiefs may be resting some defensive starters as well, but it’s more likely Denver does their damage through the air. McLaughlin is a “meh” FLEX option this week, while the other two RBs should be left out of your lineups.
Wide Receiver
Courtland Sutton: Start, WR1
Marvin Mims Jr.: FLEX Option, WR3
Devaughn Vele: Sit
While the yardage totals have dipped for Courtland Sutton since the bye, he’s still the most trusted target in Bo Nix’s arsenal and should be started as a high-floor, high-ceiling back-end WR1 this week. The usage is reliable and the connection with his QB is strong. Another connection that is burgeoning in recent weeks is the one between Nix and Marvin Mims Jr. Mims had a career week in Week 17’s shootout with the Bengals, catching all 8 targets for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns. With a shorter track record, Mims is a boom-bust WR3 option this week, but if he can keep connecting with Nix on deep throws, he can deliver value with a single play. Finally, Devaughn Vele‘s usage has dipped too much in recent weeks to recommend starting him this week.
Tight End
Sit Them All
No Broncos TE has been worth starting all season, and that won’t change in Week 18.