Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee, shoulder) practiced in full for the second straight day on Thursday and has been cleared to play in Saturday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Carolina Panthers. Mayfield is nursing knee and shoulder injuries, but he will be active as the Bucs look to win the NFC South this weekend with a win over Carolina and a loss by the Falcons to the Saints. The 30-year-old won't be a very inspiring QB1 option for fantasy managers still playing for something in Week 18, although he is coming off a 346-yard passing effort with two touchdowns in last week's loss to the Miami Dolphins. In the first meeting against the Panthers two weeks ago, Mayfield threw for only 145 yards with a touchdown and an interception. After four straight games without multiple passing TDs, Mayfield has two TD passes in two of his last three games.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (illness) is missing a second straight practice this week on Thursday due to an illness, according to Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest. Worthy still has one more day to practice on Friday, but heading into a meaningless Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, it's fair to wonder if the 22-year-old will be active. Rashee Rice (concussion) is on season-ending Injured Reserve as well, so if Worthy is inactive this weekend, the Chiefs would be down to Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and tight end Travis Kelce as their top pass-catchers with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun running the offense. With Rice out in last week's Christmas Day loss to the Denver Broncos, Worthy failed to catch any of his three targets to give his fantasy managers a donut in Week 17.

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Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (illness) has yet to practice this week due to an illness after not practicing again on Thursday, according to Chiefs Digest's Matt Derrick. Hunt, who has ceded more backfield work to Isiah Pacheco in recent weeks, could be in danger of missing the Week 18 regular-season finale this weekend versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders unless he can practice on Friday. Even if Hunt can get cleared to play on Sunday, fantasy managers should consider him a low-upside RB4/flex for starting lineups in an offense that is being run by third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun to close out the season. If Hunt is ruled out for Week 18, Pacheco would be a more attractive RB3/flex play for fantasy managers in deeper leagues still trying to win a championship. Hunt hasn't had double-digit carries in the last three games for KC.

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (back) is practicing for the second straight day this week on Thursday, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. Jackson was a full practice participant on Wednesday and looks ready to start Sunday's AFC North title game versus the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers in the Week 18 regular-season finale. A back contusion kept Jackson from playing in last Saturday night's win over the Green Bay Packers, but he appears to be ready to return for a huge game this Sunday evening. The 28-year-old two-time MVP has not looked like an elite dual-threat fantasy QB in 2025, so fantasy managers playing for a title may be hesitant to throw him back into starting lineups this weekend. In the first meeting with Pittsburgh on Dec. 7, Jackson threw for 219 yards, one touchdown, and an interception against the Steelers, adding 43 rushing yards and only his second rushing TD of the year.

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Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (illness) missed his second straight day of practice this week on Thursday with an illness, according to Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun. Bateman will probably have to return to practice on Friday to avoid being ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night in a game that will decide the AFC North. For fantasy football purposes, the 26-year-old Bateman can be ignored either way, as the former first-rounder has been very quiet after a career year in 2024. He enters Week 18 action with just 19 receptions for 224 yards and two touchdowns on 38 targets in his fifth year in the NFL. Bateman has more than two catches in a game only once this year, and that was all the way back on Sept. 22, when he had five grabs for 63 yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions.

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (foot) was not seen at the portion of Thursday's practice open to the media, according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. Although Allen's foot injury isn't considered serious, he has yet to practice as the team begins preparations for the division-rival New York Jets in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday. The Bills are only playing for seeding purposes in the AFC playoff picture this weekend, and it's unclear yet whether they plan to rest any ailing starters like Allen. As of right now, though, fantasy managers with a championship on the line in Week 18 should be concerned that Allen might be rested. If active, the 29-year-old would be a must-start in all fantasy lineups against the lackluster Jets defense. If the Bills decide to hold Allen out, Mitchell Trubisky would make his first start of the season.

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For a second straight day this week, New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (ribs) was not spotted at the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Robinson is now firmly up in the air to suit up for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. In a meaningless game, don't be surprised if both Robinson and tight end Theo Johnson (illness), who also missed last week, are held out. The 24-year-old Robinson is coming off a season-high 11 receptions on 14 targets for 113 yards in the Week 17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a nice bounce-back performance after he had three catches for 19 yards the week prior. Robinson has been money for fantasy managers in PPR leagues in 2025, but they might be without him in Week 18. Check back for Robinson's status on Friday.

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New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (illness) will miss another practice on Thursday due to illness, according to interim head coach Mike Kafka. Johnson missed last week's win over the Las Vegas Raiders due to an illness and is trending towards missing a second straight game to wrap up the 2025 season unless he can return to practice on Friday. If the 24-year-old has played his last game this year, he'll wrap up his second season in the NFL with 45 catches for 528 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets. Johnson became the team's top pass-catching tight end this year and should have his fantasy arrow pointing upward as a potential TE1 target for fantasy managers going into the 2026 campaign. If Johnson is ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, Daniel Bellinger will have more pass-catching opportunities.

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New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) was seen on the practice field on Thursday after he missed Wednesday's practice with a knee injury, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post. Hall picked up a knee injury in last week's blowout loss to the New England Patriots, but his return to practice on Thursday suggests he'll have a shot to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Isaiah Davis (concussion) also missed practice on Wednesday, so New York's backfield is a bit in flux heading into the final weekend of the regular season. Despite another disappointing year for Gang Green in 2025, Hall posted the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career on a career-high 243 carries over 16 games. If he's active in Week 18, Hall will firmly be in the RB2 mix for fantasy football against Buffalo.

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Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) practiced in full for the second straight day on Thursday and has been cleared to play in Saturday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to the team's official website. Although Chuba Hubbard isn't going to go away in Carolina's backfield, the 27-year-old Dowdle has earned RB1 duties for the Panthers. In an all-important game this weekend that will decide the winner of the NFC South, Dowdle will be on the RB2/3 borderline for fantasy managers. He has certainly slowed down since a strong stretch earlier this year when Hubbard was out with injury, and he hasn't found the end zone in the last two games. In the first meeting with the Bucs two weeks ago, Dowdle had nine carries for 29 yards and caught four passes for 14 yards. Since the team's Week 14 bye, Dowdle has 160 scrimmage yards and a TD on 45 touches.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that left tackle Tristan Wirfs (toe) is questionable to play in Saturday's divisional clash against the Carolina Panthers in the Week 18 regular-season finale, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Wirfs didn't play in last week's upset loss to the Miami Dolphins, but he could be on the right side of questionable for this week's big game after practicing in limited fashion on Wednesday. The 26-year-old's status is key for a game on Saturday that will decide the winner of the NFC South division. The loser will miss the playoffs. In a must-win game this weekend, it would be a surprise if quarterback Baker Mayfield doesn't have his blind-side protector available.

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The Green Bay Packers claimed defensive back Trevon Diggs off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Diggs will join the Packers as they head into the playoffs this year. Green Bay will take on the remainder of the 27-year-old's five-year, $97 million extension that he signed with the Cowboys back in 2023. Diggs most likely will not make his debut with the team in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, but he could be active in the wild-card round of the postseason next week. He will help make up for the loss of cornerback Nate Hobbs, who was placed on Injured Reserve this week. Injuries have been an issue for Diggs the last few years, but the Packers are hoping he can return to form after he had a league-high 11 interceptions back in 2021.

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (concussion, shoulder) has cleared the league's concussion protocol, but he will not make the start in Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, according to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated. While Love won't start this weekend, Huber says that he could end up backing up Clayton Tune versus Minnesota. Malik Willis (shoulder) is dealing with a right-shoulder injury that he suffered in last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. For added QB depth, the Packers signed Desmond Ridder to their practice squad on Wednesday. Love should be ready to rock for the wild-card round of the playoffs next week, but fantasy managers still playing for something will be without him for another game.

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Clayton Tune will make the start on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, according to head coach Matt LaFleur. Regular starter Jordan Love has cleared the league's concussion protocol and was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, but with Green Bay already locked into the No. 7 seed for the postseason, they will play it safe and hold both Love and Malik Willis (shoulder) out this weekend. With the Packers' QB room banged up, the team signed former first-rounder Desmond Ridder to their practice squad on Wednesday. In addition to Love and Willis, the Packers could be resting other skill players on offense, so fantasy managers may want to stay away entirely. Tune, 26, will be making his first start with the Packers and just the second start of his NFL career on Sunday.

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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ankle) said he "absolutely" expects to play on Saturday against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks in Week 18, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. "Fabulous. Great position for Saturday night to punch a one seed. So just with that, I'm doing fantastic," Kittle said when asked how he feels this week. The 32-year-old sat out of the Week 17 win over the Chicago Bears with an ankle injury, but he has been limited in two practices this week and fully intends to play this weekend in a game that will decide the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the postseason. Backup TE Jake Tonges had a career game in the win over Chicago on Sunday night, but he'll revert to a bench role with Kittle expected to play on Saturday. Despite the tough matchup, fantasy managers will want to get Kittle back in their lineups in Week 18.

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Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa hauled in three of four targets for 49 yards and a touchdown in the 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Despite the Lions' recent offensive struggles, TeSlaa has played well, totaling three catches for 45+ yards and a touchdown in back-to-back weeks. He is on a historic pace for red-zone efficiency, scoring a touchdown on 40% of his receptions this season, all inside the 20-yard line. He faces a Chicago Bears secondary in Week 18 that has allowed the second-most touchdowns to wide receivers this season, making this a potential smash spot for TeSlaa. While his usage and other metrics underwhelm, the rookie receiver continues to add value to his fantasy profile by scoring touchdowns.

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Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers completed 14 of 22 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns in his first career win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After struggling in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Ewers led the Dolphins to victory, averaging 7.8 yards per attempt and throwing a touchdown on 9% of his pass attempts. With the team deciding to bench quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, all signs point to a new quarterback taking over for the 2026 season, and the 2025 seventh-round pick is making his case. He faces a New England Patriots defense that has ranked among the top five in 2025. While the Dolphins are playing a "meaningless" game this week, this one is anything but for the rookie quarterback, who is currently contending to be the 2026 starter.

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Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland hauled in six of 10 targets for 94 yards and a touchdown in the 42-38 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. After a slow start to his rookie season, Loveland has put together a fantastic second half, averaging 13.0 PPR fantasy points per game, which ranks him TE5 during that span, trailing only Trey McBride, Brock Bowers, George Kittle, and Kyle Pitts. He also led the Bears' tight ends in snaps last week, playing 81% while veteran Cole Kmet played 61% (his lowest since Week 9). With receiver Rome Odunze (foot) not practicing ahead of their Week 18 matchup against the Detroit Lions, targets will be vacated, giving Loveland another opportunity to establish himself as a starting tight end option in fantasy this week.

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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (illness) has been ruled out for Week 18's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. According to Saints reporter Nick Underhill, Olave had a blood clot detected in his lung and is currently at the hospital, where he is doing well. Olave's career season ends with 100 receptions on 156 targets for 1163 yards and nine touchdowns, ranking him WR6 in PPR formats. With Olave out, look for Kevin Austin and Mason Tipton to step up, while tight ends Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill will have big roles as well. While the Saints eye their fifth straight win against the Falcons in Week 18, they'll have to do it without their best offensive weapon.

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Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III exploded in Week 17, hauling in eight of nine targets for 138 yards and a touchdown in the 42-38 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. After missing a game due to an ankle sprain that he suffered in Week 15, Burden had his breakout game with Rome Odunze (foot) inactive again. With Odunze listed as a DNP on Wednesday, the rookie receiver could be in line for another big day against the Detroit Lions. The Lions' secondary ranks as the second-worst against wide receivers this season, and with the Bears planning to play their starters and potentially quarterback Caleb Williams targeting a 4,000-yard season (which would be the first in Bears franchise history), Burden is a must-start in Week 18.

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