Sit/Start Week 18: Reviewing All Fantasy Relevant Players In Every Single Game

Game Info

Kickoff: Sunday, January 9th, at 4:25 PM EST

Location: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Betting Odds: NYJ +17, 44 total via Oddsshark

Network: CBS

New York Jets

Quarterback

Zach Wilson (Sit)

Who would have thunk it? Zach Wilson is arguably coming off his best game as a pro which happened to be against the reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In fact, if it wasn’t for a failed 4th and 2 conversion at the goal line by Wilson, the Jets would have pulled off the upset. Aside from the miss-execution, and the box score suggesting otherwise, Wilson was effective, looking confident with his throws; in the middle of the field and intermediate (which has been a struggle for him all season). It was the rookies fourth-straight start without throwing an interception, which was a Jets franchise record. With all that said, Wilson still holds no fantasy relevancy as he closes out his up and down campaign against the Bills; but he could end it on a nice note to carry over into the 2022 season.

Running Backs

Michael Carter (Start, RB2), Ty Johnson (Sit if Carter is back), Tevin Coleman (Sit)

Michael Carter appeared to be on his way to an active and productive day against Tampa Bay, as he ripped off a 55-yard run, and added a nine-yard reception before exiting due to a concussion. As of Thursday, Carter was a full participant in practice, which was a quick turnaround to say that least. Consider him a strong RB2 for an offense that is hurting on the wide receiver side of the ball. With Carter a go, I wouldn’t concern myself with starting Ty Johnson or Tevin Coleman, who missed Week 17 due to COVID.

Wide Receivers/Tight End

Braxton Berrios (Start if active, WR3), Keelan Cole (Sit), Jamison Crowder (Sit), Tyler Kroft (Sit)

Fools good? Perhaps, but it’s hard to ignore the recent production of Braxton Berrios. He’s a clear favorite of Wilson’s, even dating back to training camp, and it’s proved true the last four weeks. Since Week 14, he’s caught 20 of 29 total targets for 180 yards, but four total touchdowns; one through the air, two on the ground, and a kickoff return TD. The Jets would be wise to keep him for 2022 and beyond, and you can trust starting him in your Week 18 championship… if he plays. He was a DNP on Wednesday and Thursday with a quad bruise, but Saleh did not seemed too concerned. Be sure to check in over the weekend for his status. It doesn’t appear that Elijah Moore will return this week – he missed Week 17 due to his quad injury and COVID, which puts a bit of a damper on his solid rookie year. The likes of Keelan Cole and Jamison Crowder, who could be back as well, are better left on the wire. The Jets tight end situation has been abysmal all season, and so Tyler Kroft, who was out against Tampa due to COVID, and rookie Kenny Yeboah are not viable options.

Buffalo Bills

Quarterback

Josh Allen (Start, QB1)

Good thing for his legs. Josh Allen had a really poor passing game in a smash-spot no less against the Falcons, but made up for it on the ground. He completed 11 of 26 passes for just 120 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions. However, he turned 15 rushes into 81 yards and two touchdowns; totaling 25.10 points in PPR leagues. The matchup this week is another juicy one, and pivotal in that if Buffalo wins, they secure home-field advantage for the Wild Card round. Fire up Allen as a QB1 with confidence, seeing as despite going to toe to toe with the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers last week, the Jets defense still allowed him to complete 34 of 50 passes for 410 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Running Backs

Devin Singletary (Start, RB2), Zack Moss (Sit)

As up and down a backfield could have been this season, Devin Singletary has emerged as the bell-cow in recent weeks, taking back the job as RB1 for Buffalo. Since Week 15, he’s totaled 57 carries, turning the touches into 235 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. One might wonder if he’ll start, but rest shortly after the game gets underway, making him a semi-risky start this week. However, I would still start him in hopes he can be productive early before a potential exit. Zack Moss has taken a back seat, and should be left on the wire.

Wide Receivers/Tight End

Stefon Diggs (Start, WR1), Cole Beasley (Start, FLEX), Gabriel Davis (Start, WR3), Isaiah McKenzie (Sit), Dawson Knox (Start, TE1)

A busy wide receiver room makes for a good problem to have in real life, but difficult to navigate for fantasy. The Bills have fantasy-relevant options, with Stefon Diggs being the obvious alpha. Then comes the likes of Cole Beasley, Gabriel Davis, and Isiah McKenzie. Personally, I would be hard-pressed to give McKenzie a go this week, and that’s with Beasley and Davis having already gotten over COVID in the last week; meaning they aren’t going to hit the list again. Emmanuel Sanders is still not back at practice this week. Week 17 was a downer for all Bills receivers, including a goose egg from tight end Dawson Knox, but they should be using Week 18 as a get-right in time for the playoffs.

-Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)