Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, January 8th, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Betting Odds: Mia +1, 38.5 total via PFF.com
Network: CBS
Writer: Chuck Steele (@ChuckSteele_ on Twitter)
New York Jets
Quarterback
Mike White (Sit, QB2) , Joe Flacco (Sit)
The New York Jets may be out of playoff contention, but that does not stop the team from wanting to play spoilers to their division rivals, the Miami Dolphins. The Jets have tried many hands at quarterback this season, but have the most consistency with Mike White behind center. White is set to be the starter this week but was a downgrade Thursday with limited participation in practice. In four games with the team, White is completing 58.9% of his passes going 103/175, and has a touchdown to interception ratio of 3:4. If White can suit up, I’d consider him a sit, with QB2 upside. If by any chance White does miss the contest, Joe Flacco should be sat in all week 18 finals.
Running Backs
Ty Johnson (Sit), Zonovan Knight (Start, Flex) Michael Carter (Sit)
Since the loss of their emerging star in rookie running back Breece Hall, the Jets have used a carousel of players working at running back with Zonovan Knight and Ty Johnson getting the most of the work over the past few games. Last week Ty Johnson saw his biggest game of the season in Week 17, logging eight carries for 46 yards. The 5.75 yards per carry were nice to see, but in a Week 18 outing where the Jets are eliminated from playoff contention, the Jets may more towards their other rookie running back in Zonovon Knight. For that, it’s hard to trust Ty Johnson in your Week 18 finals, he should be sat. In his previous three games, Knight only averaged 3.66 fantasy points per contest, however, in the three before that he was pulling in on average 15.26 points per game. If Knight is indeed given more of a workload, he can be considered for a Flex play.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Garrett Wilson (Start, WR3/Flex), Corey Davis (Start, Flex), Elijah Moore (Flex/Sit), Tyler Conklin (Start, TE2/TE1)
Garrett Wilson is having a successful rookie season despite the lackluster play from whoever it is that the Jets have throwing him the ball. Recording 1,014 yards and four touchdowns on 74 targets, he’s becoming more of a player you can plug in weekly for your lineup. Last week was one of his worst fantasy outings on the year, only putting up 4.8 points. With only three receptions, the 11 targets were encouraging to see, and with big games already under his belt, Wilson will range from a Flex start to a WR3. However, he can produce big games. Corey Davis has only seen less than 6 targets twice since returning from injury, with 13 targets coming in the past two games. As Davis works his way back into the groove of the offense, he’d be a solid flex option versus the Dolphins who rank in the bottom 10 in passing yards allowed. Elijah Moore has only seen one touchdown on the year while scoring 10 fantasy points or more only twice in 15 games. The second-year wideout has more competition for targets, it’s best to keep Moore on the bench. Tyler Conklin is a good start against the Miami Dolphins who are ranked 30th against tight ends. Last week Conklin lead the team in both yards and receptions, hauling in all six of his targets for 80 yards. Averaging 5.2 targets per game, Conklin could see a higher share against one of the weaker teams against the position.
Miami Dolphins
Quarterbacks
Teddy Bridgewater (Start, QB2), Skylar Thompson (Sit)
Teddy Bridgewater is questionable for Sunday’s contest from a dislocated pinky that happened in last week’s game. He also is dealing with a continuing knee issue. If Bridgewater does indeed suit up for the must-win game against the Jets, Bridgewater has the skillset and the playmakers around him to be a QB2 for your fantasy teams. In his only full start against the Vikings earlier in the year, Teddy completed 23 of his 34 passing attempts going over 300 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The Jets are one of the tougher defenses in the NFL, but the Dolphins’ big play wideouts can take it the house at any moment. If by any chance Skylar Thompson gets the nod against the Jets, I wouldn’t give him that nod for your lineup. He should be sat in all fantasy finals, even with two of the better playmakers on his side.
Running Backs
Jeffery Wilson (Start, Flex/RB2), Raheem Mostert (Start, Flex/RB2)
Miami has two talented backs. It’s hard to consider them as a starter and backup, but more of a Starter-A and Starter-B situation. The best part of it, both are serviceable for your fantasy rosters. Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert are flex plays with an upside of RB2. Last week against the Patriots it was Wilson who lead the way on the ground, but Mostert did the most damage overall as a PPR machine, catching all eight of his targets for 62 yards and one score. The backs have flipped-flopped on the big games, but each has been flex worthy for most of the season, and it should continue as so in Week 18.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
Tyreek Hill (Start, WR1), Jaylen Waddle (Start WR2/WR1), Trent Sherfield (Sit), Mike Gesicki (Sit)
Tyreek Hill is one of the most explosive players in the NFL, so it’s no surprise he’s second in receiving yards on the year with 1,687. On any week he can catch a 10-yard slant, and before you can blink he’s already 60 yards downfield dancing in the endzone. For that reason, no matter who is throwing him the ball, Hill should be set in your lineups and forgotten about. Hill has had 13 fantasy points or more in every game besides week 3 against the Bills. Jaylen Waddle is questionable after logging his second limited practice, however, it is said he should be good to go for the must-win showdown. Waddle is also a must-start for your lineups, as the second-year receiver is also enjoying a top-10 year. Waddle is averaging only 6.9 targets per game, but he makes the most of it ripping off 18.7 yards per reception. Mike Gesicki is always a dice roll for any fantasy manager. He’s scored under five points 10 times this season, with three of those games coming away with no points. He has the big game ability but this season has been a letdown for Gesicki. He can stay on your bench.