Tennessee Titans quarterback Cameron Ward has shown flashes of why he was the No. 1 overall pick back in April, but mostly, it's been a struggle for the 23-year-old and the Titans' offense in 2025. However, in the Week 17 loss to the New Orleans Saints, Ward had one of his best all-around showings of the year, going 21-for-40 for 251 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions against a decent Saints defense. He added two carries for 10 yards on the ground. Ward fumbled twice, losing one of them. Don't look now, but Ward has now thrown two touchdown passes in four straight games with only one interception. It could signal that he's taking the next step as an NFL passer as he heads into a difficult Week 18 matchup against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, who are looking to lock up the AFC South title. In the first meeting with the Jags on Nov. 30, Ward threw for 141 yards with no touchdowns or picks.

From RotoBaller

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado hasn't really been a realistic starting option for fantasy managers this year, even in a banged-up Cardinals backfield. Through 12 games in 2025, Demercado has 42 rushing attempts for 283 yards (6.7 yards per tote) while adding 12 catches for 73 yards and one touchdown on 19 targets. The 26-year-old played only seven snaps in Week 15 in his return from injury against the Houston Texans, but he's been more involved the last two weeks, carrying the ball five times apiece the last two games. Demercado outsnapped lead back Michael Carter in Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and finished with five carries for 11 yards while catching two of his three targets for nine yards. It wasn't much to look at, but with fewer options available to fantasy managers in Week 18, Demercado could be a sneaky deep-league PPR flex play as a pass-catcher in a matchup against the Rams that should feature plenty of positive game script for the Cardinals to use Demercado as a receiver.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough continues to get better with more playing time. For the second straight week, the 26-year-old threw for over 300 yards in the Week 17 win over the Tennessee Titans. Shough went 22-for-27 passing on Sunday for a season-high 333 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in the 34-26 win. He added six rushing yards on four attempts. The second-rounder out of Louisville has latched on to star receiver Chris Olave, but beyond him, he doesn't have a lot of experienced options, which makes his rise in the second half of the 2025 season that much more impressive. In 10 games (eight starts), Shough has completed 67.8% of his pass attempts for 2,125 yards, nine TDs, and five interceptions, adding 152 rushing yards and two more touchdowns. In the season finale this weekend against Atlanta, Shough will be a popular streaming option in fantasy as he looks to close out his rookie campaign on a high note.

From RotoBaller

Although Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter doesn't have a high fantasy ceiling, he's still the team's lead back for the final week of the regular season for a divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. In the Week 17 loss on the road to the Cincinnati Bengals, Carter was held in check, picking up only 29 yards on the ground on seven rushing attempts. The 26-year-old added two receptions on four targets for 14 yards. He was outsnapped by backfield mate Emari Demercado, but Carter had two more touches. It was a disappointing performance for Carter in a plus matchup against a bad Bengals defense, but with the Cardinals falling behind by multiple scores early, they weren't really able to keep using Carter as a runner. On the bright side, Carter has 208 rushing yards and 4.6 yards per carry in the last six games, and he's had double-digit carries in two of the last three games. He'll be in play as an RB3/flex in deeper fantasy leagues this weekend against L.A.

From RotoBaller

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said on Monday that wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (foot) suffered a new foot injury in Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Harrison missed Weeks 14 and 15 due to a heel injury that was on the opposite foot of the one he injured in Week 17. Gannon said that Harrison will play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams "if he is healthy enough to play." Given all of the 23-year-old's injuries this year and the fact that the Cardinals have nothing to play for, fantasy managers still playing for a championship this week shouldn't be holding their breath for Harrison. Even if Harrison ends up suiting up, he probably won't be on the field all that much as the No. 3 target behind Michael Wilson and star tight end Trey McBride.

From RotoBaller

The Houston Texans announced on Monday that they activated wide receiver Justin Watson (calf) from Injured Reserve. Watson will be eligible to play in the team's Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, but it's unclear if he'll actually be active. The Texans activating the 29-year-old this week ensures that they'll have him available for their playoff run as additional receiving depth behind Nico Collins, rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, and slot man Christian Kirk. Watson had played in only two games with Houston before landing on IR, catching three of his four targets for 30 yards. The eight-year vet probably isn't going to be a huge part of the Texans' offense the rest of the way, barring an injury to a receiver ahead of him on the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that quarterback Josh Allen (foot) is dealing with "some soreness" in his right foot, much like he was last week, but he might be slightly better this week, according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. The Bills will see how Allen looks over the course of the week, but as of right now, fantasy managers should expect him to be available to play in a juicy Week 18 matchup against the division-rival New York Jets. The 29-year-old underwent precautionary X-rays after Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and they came back negative. Despite not being 100% on Sunday, the former MVP did run the ball seven times for 27 yards and two touchdowns in the one-point loss to Philly. Allen went 23-for-35 passing for 262 yards without a TD or interception as a passer. Depending on how Allen progresses this week, it's still possible that Buffalo decides to shut him down for the regular-season finale.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that quarterback Trey Lance will make the start on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. The Chargers will rest Justin Herbert, and he won't dress for the game in Denver. Lance will make his first start of the year and only the sixth start of his NFL career. DJ Uiagalelei will be elevated from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster to back Lance up. The 25-year-old former first-round pick has completed seven of his 13 pass attempts in three games played for the Bolts in 2025 for 90 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. With other starters on offense possibly being rested while facing one of the best defenses in the league (the Broncos will be playing for a first-round bye), Lance will not be set up for success in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that center Tyler Biadasz (ankle, knee) doesn't need surgery for his injuries, but he's unlikely to play on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. In addition to Biadasz, quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) is expected to miss a second straight game to close out the year. It means that Nick Allegretti will most likely be snapping footballs to journeyman QB Josh Johnson to close out the season against an Eagles team that could be resting most of their starters this weekend. The 28-year-old Biadasz suffered ankle and knee injuries in last Thursday's Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that linebacker Terrel Bernard (calf) will not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday versus the division-rival New York Jets due to the calf injury that he suffered in Sunday's 13-12 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, per Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. The 26-year-old linebacker will sit out the final game of the regular season, but the Bills will hope he can make enough progress to play in the wild-card round of the playoffs against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. Even though Bernard being ruled out will be a downgrade for Buffalo's defense in Week 18, their defense/special teams unit will still be a strong play in lineups where titles are still on the line against the lowly Jets. With Bernard out, Joe Andreessen and Dorian Williams will both see more playing time.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that quarterback Justin Herbert won't play on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale on the road against the division-rival Denver Broncos, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Harbaugh said that other starters with "the most bruises" and need "the most healing" won't play either. Herbert has been playing through a fractured left hand for weeks, but he's been practicing in full and hasn't missed any time. The Bolts are electing to give the 27-year-old signal-caller some extra rest before the start of the postseason. With Herbert sitting this Sunday, backup Trey Lance will be thrust into a starting role, and it remains to be seen what other offensive skill players the Bolts might rest. With a win this weekend, the Broncos would clinch the top seed in the AFC and a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is under contract through the 2027 season, but a prominent NFL agent said on Sunday that "the biggest story of the offseason is going to be Lamar. That is going to be crazy." Head coach John Harbaugh has downplayed stories suggesting that his relationship with Jackson has been strained amid a disappointing season for the two-time MVP QB. Jackson and Baltimore have been in this position before, but after a lengthy contract negotiation and a trade request from Jackson, the two sides agreed to a five-year, $260 million extension in April of 2023. "The fact that Lamar does not have an agent is really a big negative," an NFL team executive said. When he's been at his best (and healthy), Jackson has been elite at the QB position, but outside of two seasons, the dual-threat QB hasn't been consistently great. With a lengthy injury history, too, it makes sense as to why Baltimore might consider trading Jackson this offseason.

From RotoBaller

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said the team is looking to get rookie first-round wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan more involved in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Saturday, according to Joseph Person of The Athletic. McMillan was under the weather last weekend and ended up catching just one pass for five yards in the Week 17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, his worst performance of his rookie season. "Our focal point is T-Mac. We try to build formations and try to get him into spots to get him the ball," Canales said. "I didn't do a good enough job of that last week, and we'll make sure that that comes alive." McMillan saw a lot of man and press coverage, which was considered his weak spot coming out of college. In the first game against Tampa two weeks ago, McMillan had six catches for 73 yards and a touchdown. Fantasy managers playing for a title in Week 18 will be hoping the Panthers grease the squeaky wheel in the rematch.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that it would be "a stretch" for quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. The Commanders aren't closing the door on Mariota playing, but with Washington eliminated from the playoffs, it's unlikely. It means that veteran journeyman QB Josh Johnson is lined up to make a second straight start to close out the 2025 season. The 39-year-old went 15-for-23 passing 198 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in the Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys last Thursday. Mariota is not moving at full speed yet after suffering multiple injuries in the Week 16 loss to the Eagles. He didn't practice at all last week and shouldn't be counted on for fantasy managers still playing for a title in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) is "making outstanding progress, working extremely hard, and preparing for next season," league sources told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Dell tore his ACL, MCL, and LCL in Week 16 last year against the Kansas City Chiefs. There was never a realistic chance that he'd play for Houston in 2025, but if he continues to make progress and avoid setbacks in his rehab, the 26-year-old wideout could be back on the field next year. Dell required multiple surgeries for his knee injury, which initially looked like it might have been career-threatening. He still has a ways to go, though, and it's possible Dell won't ever be the same player he was before the injury. For fantasy purposes, we'll have a clearer picture of whether Dell might be a key contributor to the Texans' offense once training camp begins next summer.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said on Monday that quarterback Geno Smith (ankle) doesn't have a high-ankle sprain, but the injury is still significant, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Smith left in the second half of Sunday's loss to the New York Giants and never returned. It was initially reported that the 35-year-old signal-caller suffered a high-ankle sprain, although Carroll has refuted that. Still, with one week left in the 2025 season, it seems unlikely that Smith will play in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Smith has been a massive failure in his first year with the Raiders, going 2-13 in his 15 starts with 3,025 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-high 17 interceptions. Backup Kenny Pickett will most likely get the start this weekend in a meaningless game against KC.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said that quarterback Dak Prescott will play on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale versus the division-rival New York Giants, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Neither the Cowboys nor the Giants has anything to play for in the final game of the 2025 season, but Dallas will run out their starters to close things out. The 32-year-old Prescott is having one of the finest seasons of his career, as he heads into Week 18 with 4,482 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions on the year. He has added 178 rushing yards and two rushing TDs. Since the team's Week 10 bye, Prescott is averaging 300 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He is the QB4 in overall fantasy points and should be considered a must-start for anyone still playing for something in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is considered day-to-day with his knee injury for the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday versus the division-rival Chicago Bears, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. St. Brown has been dealing with irritation in his knee, but he played through it in the Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Vikings that eliminated the team from postseason contention. The 26-year-old caught eight of his 13 targets for 68 yards on a day in which Detroit's offense could hardly move the ball at all. The Lions don't have anything left to play for but pride this weekend, which means they probably won't push St. Brown to play if he's not 100 percent. As of right now, it sounds like St. Brown will be ready to play, but fantasy managers who have something still on the line will want to keep a close eye on his practice status throughout the week. Rookie Isaac TeSlaa had another touchdown last Thursday and would benefit even more if St. Brown sits out the season finale.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said on Monday that quarterback Lamar Jackson's (back) status for Sunday's game at the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 is "to be determined," according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. "I think we'll know a lot more on Wednesday," Harbaugh said. Jackson was sidelined in Week 17 in the win over the Green Bay Packers due to a back contusion that he suffered in the Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots. The Ravens obviously want the two-time MVP available in a winner-take-all showdown for the AFC North this Sunday night, but Jackson's status will be determined later this week. The 28-year-old was feeling better late last week, but he missed practice all week. If Jackson is unable to play against the Steelers, Tyler Huntley would make another start after going 16-for-20 for 107 yards and a touchdown against the Packers, adding 60 rushing yards on eight carries.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (illness) was a late inactive for the team's Week 17 Christmas loss to the Cowboys, clearing the path for rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt to put up 105 yards and two scores on the ground. With roster crunches ratcheting up during the fantasy playoffs, there's a real chance that Rodriguez may be available on some waiver wires this week, making him a must-add in any league with a Week 18 championship game. While Croskey-Merritt has looked brilliant at times this year, Washington has repeatedly shown that, when healthy, they prefer Rodriguez to handle the majority of their groundwork. Rodriguez has cracked double-digit points in Half-PPR formats in three of his last six games played, and should slot in as a low-end RB2/flex in a plus matchup with the Eagles in Week 18.

From RotoBaller