Week 17 was championship week for many of you, but for those of you reading now, the semi-finals of the fantasy playoffs are just about wrapped up. We are one step closer to that championship week. This article will discuss the key players worth picking up that could help you win that championship. We will discuss what they have done and why they are important players to pick up on rosters.
The Week 18 waiver wire is starting to have names you will want to pick up to help your championship lineup. There is a nice mix of players who all produced in Week 17 and could help you in Week 18.
Khalil Herbert, RB – CIN
Our top waiver wire pickup for Week 17 is Khalil Herbert from the Bengals. Chase Brown left with an injury in Week 17. While there is a chance he could play this week, it could be Khalil Herbert handling the workload. He’ll face off against the Steelers in Week 18. The Steelers’ run defense has weakened in recent weeks, and we saw Brown have 100 yards and a touchdown a few weeks ago. Herbert would likely see the bulk of the workload in Cincinnati with at least 15 touches. Herbert has shown that he can produce fantasy points when he can see the work. In 16 career games, Herbert had at least 10 carriers; he had 50 or more yards in 14 of those games. Herbert could be a league winner in Week 18 if Brown were to miss.
Marvin Mims, WR – DEN
We have a name that hasn’t been said all season: Marvin Mims from the Broncos. Since Week 10, Mims has averaged 13.3 fantasy points per game. While those numbers are inflated due to Week 17, as he had 100 yards and two touchdowns, Mims performed better. He has double-digit fantasy points in 3 of 7 games. Mims is coming off career highs in targets and receptions, which were both 8. Mims looks to be finally seeing work in the Broncos offense. In an essential win-or-go-home game, he’ll face off against a Chiefs defense that may be sitting important starters in Week 18. Mims should be picked up and included in your conversation for a Week 18 FLEX option.
Mac Jones, QB – JAX
You may not need a quarterback heading into Week 18, but Mac Jones offers some starting value. Jones has produced well as a fantasy quarterback since taking over, as he has 20 fantasy points in 3 of the last six games. Despite some of that success only coming at home, Jones has weapons to help him produce. He’ll face off a struggling Colts defense that was embarrassed in Week 17, allowing Drew Lock to have five touchdowns. Jones allowed some security to a fantasy manager who is okay with seeing between 16 and 20 fantasy points as fair play.
Noah Gray, TE – KC
Our tight end pickup for Week 18 should be Noah Gray. The Chief’s tight end is going to get the start this week, with Travis Kelce taking the week off. Gray has flashed many times this season to produce strong fantasy performances. He has at least nine fantasy points in his last 11 games. Gray should be one of the top two options in this Chiefs offense, as some veteran pass catchers are likely resting. Gray will face off against the Broncos, who have recently struggled against tight ends. They have allowed at least 45 yards in 3 of the last four games to a tight end. Gray offers a solid floor play for any fantasy lineup.
Alec Pierce , WR – IND
Another waiver wire pickup for Week 18 is Alec Pierce. Pierce came alive in Week 17 with 6 receptions, 122 yards and a touchdown. Most of that had to do with Joe Flacco starting, which was a high-scoring game. There is a good chance now that the Colts are eliminated from the last playoffs that they may just let Anthony Richardson sit and rest. That would mean we would get more Joe Flacco as he faces off against the Jaguars at home. Jacksonville allows receivers the third most fantasy points per game. Pierce is more risky due to his boom-or-bust value, but he could be a difference-maker.
Marquise Brown, WR – KC
Our last waiver wire pickup was Chiefs receiver Marquise Brown. Brown has missed most of the season due to an injury. In two games, he has averaged 4.5 receptions for 45 yards. In week 18, you should expect many of the offensive starters to sit and rest until the playoffs. I don’t think Brown will end up being one of those receivers due to getting him some reps in the offense. Carson Wentz will be the quarterback this coming week and has a live arm. Brown could be the top pass catcher, as Wentz would likely try to show off his ability on the field for teams. Brown will face off against Denver this coming week. Despite the fighting to the playoffs, they did get just destroyed in the secondary with 100-yard receivers. Brown could be worth the pickup.
Photos by Icon Sports Wire and Adobe Stock | Adapted by Carlos Leano