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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Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby could be the starter in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders. Bigsby was traded from the Jaguars to the Eagles after Week 1 and has served as a handcuff to star running back Saquon Barkley this season. However, with the Eagles planning to rest their starters in Week 18, Bigsby could have a clear path to the RB1 role this week. Bigsby has averaged 6.4 yards per carry with the Eagles this season and has played slightly more snaps than Will Shipley behind Barkley. The Commanders have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs this season and, just two weeks ago, allowed Barkley to rush for over 130 yards and a touchdown. Bigsby will be a name to monitor on waivers or as a DFS play if the Eagles decide to rest Barkley and the starters.

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New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has proven he is the quarterback of the future during their four-game win streak. During the streak, Shough has completed 91 of 128 passes (72%) for 1,057 yards and four touchdowns, with one interception. He has also added 70 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, making him a dual threat as well. While most didn't expect Shough to be a key piece for fantasy managers in his rookie season, he has delivered, averaging 17.0 fantasy points per game since becoming the starter, which places him as QB11 during that span. In Week 18, Shough faces the Atlanta Falcons, who rank 15th against quarterbacks this season and have caused the sixth-most interceptions as well. While the matchup is relatively difficult, Shough will hope to lead the Saints to their fifth straight win and potentially take control of the offensive rookie of the year race.

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Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Riley Leonard will make his first career start in Week 18 against the Houston Texans. With the Colts officially eliminated from playoff contention, Philip Rivers has stepped aside to give the rookie quarterback much-needed reps in Week 18. Leonard played in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars after starter Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles tendon. In that game, he completed 18 of 29 passes for 145 yards and one interception. While his passing statistics weren't indicative of a future starting quarterback, his ability to make plays with his legs makes him an intriguing fantasy option. Leonard scored on a six-yard rushing touchdown against the Jaguars, and in his final college season at Notre Dame, he scored 17 rushing touchdowns in 16 games. While the Houston Texans' defense is one of the best in the NFL and has no plans to rest their starters as they chase an AFC South title, Leonard will need to rely on his running ability in Week 18.

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New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime carried 14 times for 94 yards and a touchdown in Week 17's 34-26 victory over the Tennessee Titans. After a confusing Week 16, where tight end Taysom took most of the rushing attempts, Estime took over and had the best game of his young NFL career. With Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle), Kendre Miller (ACL), and Devin Neal (hamstring) all missing significant time, Estime stepped up, playing 80% of the snaps. In comparison, backup Evan Hull played 18%, and Hill played only 14%. They face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18, who rank middle-of-the-pack against running backs this season. However, this could be Hill's final game as a Saint, and his usage on the goal line and in other key situations could cap Estime's ceiling in Week 18. In a meaningless game for the Saints, look for Hill to have a proper send-off against the Falcons, whom he has dominated in his NFL career.

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Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Konata Mumpfield has stepped up as the team's second option in the Rams' receiver room. In his last two games, Mumpfield has seen 13 targets, ranking second on the team during this span, but has yet to have a solid connection with quarterback Matthew Stafford. Veteran receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) has missed the previous two games and is unlikely to play in Week 18. The Saturday game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers could be a factor as well. If the 49ers win, the Rams would be locked into the sixth seed and could very well rest their starters, including Stafford and potentially star receiver Puka Nacua. Fantasy managers still playing in Week 18 will need to assess this Rams situation, as Mumpfield could be a streaming option if Nacua sits against the Arizona Cardinals.

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Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer had the most productive game of his NFL career in Week 17, hauling in nine of 10 targets for 89 yards in the 34-10 loss to the New York Giants. With star tight end Brock Bowers (knee) on injured reserve, Mayer will have a full workload for the remainder of the 2025 season. Mayer played 93% of the snaps in Week 17, had a 36% target share, and accounted for over 50% of the team's passing yards. Quarterback Geno Smith threw for only 176 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions against the Giants, which will cap the tight end's upside if his struggles continue. With a tough matchup upcoming against the Kansas City Chiefs, who rank eighth in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to tight ends, Mayer will be a safe, high-volume option at the position in Week 18.

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers retired for the second time on the Up & Adams Show on Wednesday. The 44-year-old veteran signal-caller came out of retirement to play for the Colts again this year after Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles in Week 14. The eight-time Pro Bowler was immediately thrust into the starting role for Indy after having last played a game in the NFL in 2020. Rivers ended up starting three games for the Colts in his return, going 58-for-92 (63%) for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions in losses to the Seahawks, 49ers, and Jaguars. He held his own, but there understandably wasn't much left on his passes after five years away from the game. With the Colts eliminated from the playoffs, they'll give rookie Riley Leonard a chance in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Houston Texans, and Rivers will return to his big family.

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