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

Game Info

Kickoff: Sunday, January 9th at 1:00 PM ET

Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI

Betting Odds: GB -2.5, 44.5 total via Oddsshark

Network: FOX

Green Bay Packers

Quarterback

Aaron Rodgers (Start if active, QB1)

Aaron Rodgers had a fantastic run to finish the regular season, averaging over 25.5 fantasy points per game over his last six appearances. Rodgers would be an easy start if he is active this week, but that seems unlikely. The Packers have already clinched the number one seed in the NFC and secured a round-one BYE in the playoffs. Green Bay will likely want to give Rodgers all the rest he needs for his lingering toe injury. I doubt he plays, but if he does, Aaron is a must-start.

Running Backs

Aaron Jones (Sit), A.J. Dillon (Start if Jones inactive, RB2)

Aaron Jones is likely another doubtful player heading into Week 18. As mentioned before, the Packers have nothing to play for, and giving Jones a full workload seems silly with nothing on the line. Aaron has been practicing in a limited capacity for weeks due to the MCL sprain he suffered in Week 10. So it would make sense for the Packers to make sure their RB1 is as healthy as possible for a playoff run.

If Jones is inactive this week, A.J. Dillon should be a reliable start option. A.J. has done well with his increased role in Green Bay and even has two more carries than Jones at this point in the season. The Packers leaned heavily on Dillon last week after they pulled ahead to a comfortable lead against Minnesota, and Week 18 could be more of the same.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Davante Adams (Start if active, WR1), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Sit), Allen Lazard (Sit)

Fantasy managers will need to monitor Davante Adams this week because there’s a good chance the dominant receiver doesn’t play in Week 18. It doesn’t make much sense to risk an injury to one of the best receivers in the NFL for a pointless game. It’s unlikely that Adams plays, but if he does, he’s an easy start.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard could have better shots at fantasy relevance this week if Adams is inactive, but I still wouldn’t want to trust either of these guys, especially in a fantasy championship. Look elsewhere for more dependable receivers.

Detroit Lions

Quarterback

Jared Goff (Sit), Tim Boyle (Sit)

I’m unsure if the Lions will start Jared Goff this week if they can. Goff missed the past two weeks with a knee injury and a stint on the COVID-19 list. The Lions have been eliminated from the playoffs and don’t have anything to play for anyway, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tim Boyle out there again. Neither of these quarterbacks will be a dependable option if you’re still fighting for a championship.

Running Backs

D’Andre Swift (Unreliable Low-end RB2), Jamaal Williams (Start-able RB2)

Although he could see some playtime, D’Andre Swift with be an unreliable fantasy option this week. Swift finally made his return to the field last week but only saw four carries and three targets against the Seahawks. I’m expecting a similar workload if Swift is active again. Desperate fantasy managers with no better options will likely be praying for a touchdown.

Jamaal Williams will have a better shot at fantasy relevance if his workload is anything like it was last week. Jamaal out-carried Swift 11-to-4 in Week 17 and should be the lead back again this week. I believe Williams will flirt with RB2 production.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Amon-Ra St. Brown (Start, Low-end WR1), Josh Reynolds (Sit, Flex)

Amon-Ra St. Brown finished the season strong with an impressive five-week streak where he averaged 25 fantasy points per game, including a massive 35.4-point performance last week. St. Brown has cemented himself as the true WR1 in Detroit with 11.4 targets per game over his past five. He’s performed well with and without Jared Goff, and the Packers could be resting some key defensive players this week. Amon-Ra may be one of the only must-start options in this game for fantasy managers with the championship still on the line.

Josh Reynolds was activated from the COVID-19 list and should return to his WR2 role in Detroit this week. Still, it will be difficult mustering much enthusiasm for Reynolds. Josh will be a touchdown-dependent Flex option this week.

-Ryan Kruse (@ryanpkruse)