Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Friday that rookie first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden has a "very bright future" in Green Bay, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. The Packers' coaching staff was singing Golden's praises during training camp and the preseason, too, leading many to believe that a breakout was coming in Year 1 for the Texas alum. It has not happened in 2025, as Golden has been buried in Green Bay's crowded receiver room. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson have missed time with injuries this year, but Golden has just been unable to become a consistent part of the team's passing attack alongside the likes of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks. Golden enters the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings with only 28 catches on the year for 353 yards and zero touchdowns. He has only one target in two of the team's last three games.

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Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) is not practicing on Friday and is unlikely to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, according to Scott Petrak of Browns Zone. David Njoku (knee, personal) is also not expected to play this weekend for the Browns, leaving Blake Whiteheart, Brendan Bates, and Sal Cannella to fight for targets at the tight end position. Surprisingly, Fannin has been a top-five fantasy TE in his first year in the NFL with the Browns despite sharing the field with Njoku for most of the season. The third-rounder out of Bowling Green has a bright future in the NFL and will finish his first year with 72 receptions on 107 targets for 731 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. Fannin goes into Week 18 leading the Browns in all major receiving categories.

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Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (shoulder) will not practice on Friday, and head coach Mike McDaniel said "typically guys who don't practice Friday don't play," but Achane's status for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New England Patriots on Sunday is still to be determined, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. The 24-year-old will be a game-time decision this weekend despite not practicing all week due to a shoulder injury. He will most likely receive a questionable tag on Miami's final injury report on Friday. Achane has been a top-10 fantasy RB all year long, but he's extremely volatile heading into Week 18 against the Patriots. If Achane does suit up, he'll be at risk of losing valuable snaps to both Jaylen Wright and rookie Ollie Gordon II. Wright will be a plug-and-play fantasy RB if Achane is ruled out.

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Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (groin) will be placed on Injured Reserve on Friday, according to Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN. Waller will miss the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival New England Patriots. The 33-year-old veteran came out of retirement to play for the Dolphins in 2025 and will finish with 24 catches for 283 yards and six touchdowns in only nine games played. Waller got a late start to the season as he worked his way into playing shape and also missed time with a hamstring injury. He was not the same player he was earlier in his career with the Raiders, but Waller still had plenty of red-zone prowess in his return this year. It remains to be seen if he'll attempt to return in 2026 with Miami or another organization. Greg Dulcich should be the Dolphins' top pass-catching TE in Week 18.

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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (ribs) will be limited in Friday's practice and is questionable to play in Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New England Patriots, according to Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN. Waddle missed practice on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday and Friday. Tight end Darren Waller (groin) won't play in the final game of the season, and both Waddle and running back De'Von Achane (shoulder) could be held out. Waddle had five catches for 72 yards in rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers' first NFL start, but he failed to haul in his only target in last week's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before injuring his ribs. The 27-year-old could be a game-time decision in Week 18, making him extremely risky for fantasy managers still trying to win a championship.

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New York Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor (neck) has officially been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Buffalo Bills, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. Taylor's rookie campaign will end with four straight missed games due to a neck injury. Head coach Aaron Glenn said that Taylor didn't have a setback with his injury. "Doctor's orders," Glenn said. Jelani Woods (hamstring) will also be out for the Jets this weekend, so Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt will compete for pass-catching duties at TE for the team in the final game of the season. The 21-year-old will wrap up his first year in the NFL with 44 receptions on 65 targets for 369 yards and one touchdown. Taylor wasn't really relevant in 12-team fantasy leagues, and his outlook moving forward will all depend on the Jets' plans at quarterback.

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Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (hand) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Mariota was a stretch to make it back to play in the final game of the year after injuring his hand in the Week 16 loss to the Eagles. The 32-year-old veteran was held out of the Christmas Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 and will now miss a second straight game to end the year. Journeyman QB Josh Johnson will make a second straight start for the Commanders. Mariota ended up playing in 11 games (eight starts) this year while filling in for the injured Jayden Daniels, and he held his own, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He added 297 yards on the ground and a TD.

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New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) will be limited in practice again on Friday and will be evaluated before Sunday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Buffalo Bills, according to head coach Aaron Glenn. With Isaiah Davis (concussion) not expected to play, the team's only other RBs are Kene Nwangwu and Khalil Herbert, with Raheem Blackshear on the practice squad. It sounds as though Hall is very questionable to play in a meaningless game to close out the season for the Jets, so fantasy managers need to have a backup plan if they are still playing for a title this weekend. Despite playing in a poor offense all season long, Hall managed to reach the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the first time in his career while scoring five total touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) in 16 games played.

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The Cleveland Browns have high hopes for the long-term trajectory of rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr., according to Scott Petrak of Browns Zone. "I have all the belief in the world in him, can't wait to see what he does next year," tight ends coach Christian Jones said about Fannin. The 21-year-old third-rounder out of Bowling Green suffered a groin injury in last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and may not play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals this weekend, but he currently leads the team in catches (72), targets (107), receiving yards (731), and touchdowns (six) in his 16 games played. David Njoku (knee) is also likely to miss the season finale, which would leave the Browns with Blake Whiteheart and Brenden Bates at TE in Week 18. Going into next season, Fannin is going to be a highly sought-after TE1 in fantasy football drafts.

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (foot) will be limited for Friday's team practice, and is "good to go" for Sunday's home outing with their division-rival New York Jets, per Syracuse.com's Matt Parrino. The fantasy stalwart has battled a foot issue for a few weeks now, one he picked up in Buffalo's Week 16 win over Cleveland. Unfortunately, Allen would miss practice for the first time on Wednesday and Thursday because of it, although it's encouraging that he'll at least work in a limited capacity to close out the week. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, it appears the 29-year-old will suit up for the season's final game, even with the Bills slated for a meaningless clash with the visiting Jets. Fantasy managers still sticking around can rely on Allen as an elite QB1 if active, but should account for the possibility of the team benching him, particularly if they jump out to an early lead.

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New Orleans Saints running back Evan Hull did not see an increase in touches during the team's 34-26 victory against the Titans, instead playing well behind teammate Audric Estime in the backfield hierarchy. New Orleans hasn't had a healthy ground game in some time now, as they've dealt with injuries to Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) and Devin Neal (hamstring). With both inactive over the past two weeks, Estime and Hull were set to split work in the Saints' ground attack. That wasn't the case, though, as Hull combined for just six yards on seven carries over that span. Moreover, Estime and tight end Taysom Hill alternated as the team's lead rushers over the games mentioned, adding more variability to the situation. Either way, it appears Hull is set for handcuff duties, making him a volatile fantasy option for the season's final week.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard has been completely phased out of the team's game plan with their WR corps at full strength, putting him on the back burner for fantasy. The 32-year-old was a bigger part of Tampa Bay's offense earlier in the campaign, as the receiving room dealt with a myriad of injuries. However, as veterans Mike Evans (rest) and Chris Godwin Jr., and second-year pro Jalen McMillan have returned to full health, Shepard has faded from the offense. In fact, Shepard has been a healthy scratch over the past few weeks, signaling the team's preference in the starting lineup. The Oklahoma product has been a fine secondary option over the course of his career, but he can be avoided for fantasy purposes in a loaded Bucs' pass-catching unit.

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Despite garnering a decent share of the team's targets weekly, New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton's output hasn't been enough to warrant consistent fantasy consideration. When teammate Malik Nabers (knee) suffered a season-ending knee injury, the seventh-year pro automatically slotted in as New York's WR2 behind Wan'Dale Robinson (rib). However, Slayton hasn't turned his opportunity into steady fantasy production, instead taking a clear back seat to Robinson, who leads the team in each significant receiving category by a wide margin sans touchdowns. As it stands, Slayton could see a modest uptick in work when the Giants take on the Cowboys this Sunday, particularly if Robinson and tight end Theo Johnson (illness) are forced to sit with their respective ailments. If they play, though, the veteran is a fade. Slayton has eclipsed 50 receiving yards in just four of 13 games in 2025.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Konata Mumpfield stepped up admirably in Week 16's loss to the Seahawks, while teammate Davante Adams (hamstring) sat with an injury, leaving fantasy managers to believe he was next in line with the veteran shelved. However, he slid back down the pecking order in the following game, signaling instability in a loaded Rams' offense. Mumpfield saw a robust eight targets two weeks back, but that slipped down to five in their loss to the Falcons on Monday night, as he took a back seat to teammate Xavier Smith (chest) (4/67) and tight end Colby Parkinson (6/53). Moreover, Puka Nacua still handled a hefty 10 targets. With Adams out, another asset in LA's passing game is sure to step up. That said, Mumpfield can't be relied upon for consistent fantasy production, considering quarterback Matthew Stafford's propensity to spread the ball around when Adams isn't active.

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After being acquired by the New York Jets from the Philadelphia Eagles in late October, wide receiver John Metchie III looked like a potential breakout candidate. Across his first three games with New York, the 25-year-old recorded 10 receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns on 11 targets. However, Metchie III has been unable to maintain his hot start. Over his last five games played, Metchie III has failed to eclipse four catches or 41 receiving yards in a game, nor has he found the end zone. Metchie III's playing time has dropped off slightly as well, as he's played 77% or fewer of the Jets' offensive snaps in two out of the last three weeks. Especially with undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook in line to make his fourth straight start for the Jets in Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills, there's little reason to think Metchie III will reverse recent trends. He profiles as a wide receiver for fantasy managers to avoid in the final week of the 2025 regular season.

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Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has been a productive player across 12 games this season, recording 435 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 96 carries. However, the 25-year-old has been in-and-out of his team's lineup in recent weeks, missing Week 15 with a groin injury and Week 17 with an illness. In his absence, Rodriguez Jr. may have had his role in the Washington backfield usurped by rookie back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Over the last three weeks, Croskey-Merritt has racked up 224 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 37 carries. Rodriguez Jr. is expected to return for Washington's Week 18 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, and he'll likely still see some touches. However, the Commanders may opt to split touches between Rodriguez Jr. and Croskey-Merritt evenly, or ride the hot hand with the rookie.

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San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges had a big game in Week 17, recording seven catches for 60 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. Tonges benefited from the absence of star 49ers tight end George Kittle (ankle), who was sidelined by an ankle injury. Across the six games Kittle has missed this season, Tonges has racked up 29 catches for 269 yards and three touchdowns on 40 targets. However, recent reporting indicates that Kittle is trending towards returning for the 49ers' Week 18 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Tonges has been far less productive across the 10 games where Kittle has been active in 2025, hauling in five receptions for 24 yards and two scores on just six targets. If Kittle is indeed active for Week 18, Tonges should be avoided by fantasy managers.

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Cleveland Browns running back Raheim Sanders has seen an increased role in recent weeks after Browns RB1 Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) suffered season-ending lower leg injuries in Week 16. After Judkins went down, Sanders recorded 11 carries for 42 yards and looked like the team's lead back for the remainder of Week 16. However, Browns running back Dylan Sampson returned from calf and hand injuries in Week 17, cutting Sanders' usage. In Week 17, Sanders racked up just 21 yards rushing on eight carries. With Sampson functioning as Cleveland's primary receiving back and Trayveon Williams soaking up backfield work as well, the Browns appear to be operating with a full-on backfield committee. Even in a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland's regular-season finale on Sunday, Sanders carries limited upside. Fantasy managers are safe to avoid Sanders in Week 18.

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Across 16 games this season, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey has recorded 66 catches for 789 yards and six touchdowns on 106 targets. Over the second half of the season, the 24-year-old has seen his role in the Chargers' offense minimized. Across six games since Week 10, McConkey has not recorded more than six targets, four receptions, or 43 receiving yards in any contest. While McConkey remains one of his team's top wideouts, he's not an every-down player. Over his last nine games, McConkey has played more than 76% of the Chargers' offensive snaps just twice. In Week 18, Los Angeles will rest quarterback Justin Herbert in preparation for the AFC playoffs, leaving McConkey to catch passes from backup signal-caller Trey Lance. McConkey himself could see a reduced snap share, and he's facing a tough defense in the Denver Broncos. Fantasy managers can view McConkey as a low-end WR3/flex option in Week 18.

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Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter disappointed fantasy managers in Week 17 with only seven carries for 29 yards (4.1 YPC) in Sunday's 37-14 blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Carter also added two catches for 14 yards on four targets. In a smash match-up, Carter and the Cardinals' offense came out flat. The Cardinals couldn't get anything going on the ground, as Emari Demercado also only had five rushes for 11 yards (2.2 YPC). Since seeing 80 percent of the snaps in Week 15 against Houston, Carter has only played 48 percent of the snaps over the past two games, which is not what Carter's fantasy managers were hoping for when they picked him up off the waivers after Bam Knight (ankle) got hurt. At this point, the Cardinals' running game is too hard to trust; they find themselves in pass-happy game scripts, and Carter is splitting work with Demercado. With a much tougher matchup in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams, Carter will be no better than a touchdown-dependent RB3.

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