Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 277 yards, one touchdown, and one pick off 37-for-46 passing in Saturday's much-needed win over the Steelers. The signal-caller entered Week 18 by tossing at least three touchdowns each of his last eight appearances. While he cooled off on Saturday night, he still did enough to lead the Bengals to another victory while keeping the team's postseason hopes alive. With that in mind, regardless of what happens with Cincinnati concerning the playoffs, Burrow will be a top-five quarterback in all fantasy drafts heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle) exited Saturday's 19-17 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers and did not reenter. The 25-year-old was forced from the contest in the third quarter and was initially deemed questionable to return. However, he was not seen again after injuring his ankle. Cincinnati's offense missed him when he was gone -- having trouble moving the ball with Pittsburgh keyed in on teammate Ja'Marr Chase. Before leaving, Higgins caught 4-of-5 targets for 53 yards. Despite not returning, he was not immediately ruled out, which is a positive sign. With the Bengals snagging another win, they'll need some help tomorrow to punch their ticket to the playoffs.

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Indianapolis Colts placekicker Matt Gay will be a fringe top option in Week 18 when his team hosts the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. The sixth-year pro has been excellent in his second season with the Colts -- hammering home all 31 extra-point attempts and missing just five field goals. It starkly contrasts his 2023 season when he missed eight of them and an additional extra point. Jacksonville has been one of the more favorable matchups for kickers this season -- letting up 8.6 fantasy points per game to the position. Quarterback Joe Flacco will again play in an injured Anthony Richardson's (back) stead, and he moved the ball well last week in their 45-33 loss to the Giants. Gay should again be productive and comes in at RotoBaller's K12 in this week's ranks.

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Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Akins caught six of his eight targets for 60 yards and a touchdown in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Akins caught Bailey Zappe's lone touchdown pass in the contest on a 16-yard reception in the fourth quarter. The veteran tight end turned in a strong showing starting in place of the injured David Njoku (knee) over Cleveland's final two games of the season, catching 12 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. Akins is an unrestricted free-agent heading into the offseason as he will hope to parlay his strong performance at the end of the season into a new contract somewhere in 2025.

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Riley Patterson is a solid fantasy option this weekend in his team's divisional clash with the visiting Carolina Panthers. The 25-year-old has been fine since taking over the Falcons kicking job for an injured Younghoe Koo (hip). In four appearances this season, Patterson has been automatic on his 11 XP attempts but has missed a field goal try in each of his last two games. He'll get a dream outing in Week 18 against a Panthers defense that's allowed the most points per game in the league (31) and the most fantasy points per game to the kicking position (10.5). The Falcons bolster a 28-point implied point total for the contest, so the Memphis product projects to be afforded a few chances to get on the board against one of the league's worst defenses. Patterson ranks as RotoBaller's K10 ahead of this weekend's slate of action.

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Cleveland Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins made his lone field-goal attempt, a 23-yarder, and added an extra point in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Although Hopkins finished a tough 2024 season on a high note, he overall made just 18 of his 27 field-goal attempts for the Browns this past season. The veteran kicker still has three years remaining on the contract extension he signed before the season, although it wouldn't be a big surprise to see the Browns bring in some competition in training camp next year. That being said, an offseason release would bring a significant cap hit and dead money for the Browns which makes it likely that Hopkins is back with the team for the 2025 season.

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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore caught three of his five targets for 36 yards in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. The veteran's production was good enough for him to finish third on the team in receiving in the season finale, putting the finishing touches on what was a disappointing finish to the season for him as he caught just 11 passes for 91 yards over his final five contests. That being said, Moore set a new career-high in receptions in a single season in the Week 18 loss, finishing with 61 to eclipse his previous high of 59 in 2023. An unrestricted free-agent heading into the offseason, Moore is unlikely to have trouble finding a job heading into 2025.

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Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman carried the ball 10 times for 27 yards and caught his lone target for an eight-yard gain in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Foreman opened the game as the team's starter and led the backfield but it was slow going for the veteran, who saw just three carries after halftime. Foreman is an unrestricted free-agent heading into the offseason and will look to catch on somewhere to continue his career after averaging just 3.3 yards per carry with the Browns in 2024.

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Green Bay Packers placekicker Brandon McManus is an excellent option this weekend when his team squares off with the visiting Chicago Bears in Week 18. The twelfth-year pro has been exceptional since taking over the Packers' kicking job in Week 7 -- driving through all 29 extra-point tries and missing just one of his 18 field goal attempts. This Sunday, he'll line up against a Bears defense that's been friendly to kickers in 2024, giving up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position (9.4). Moreover, Green Bay is scoring the eighth-most points per game in the league (27.4) -- so the 33-year-old should again be afforded plenty of scoring opportunities in the contest. The veteran is RotoBaller's K9 ahead of the season's final slate.

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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy caught six of his 13 targets for 63 yards in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Jeudy set a new Cleveland Browns record by snagging his 90th catch of the season in the fourth quarter, breaking Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome's previous single-season team record of 89. The veteran wideout started off slow in 2024 but came on strong at the midpoint of the season to post career highs in catches and receiving yards. Cleveland is likely to bolster their receiving corps in the offseason but Jeudy did enough to be considered the team's No. 1 receiver heading into the 2025 season.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing will see an uptick in snaps this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals in a road tilt. The rookie has been used sparingly in 2024 -- recording just two receptions and 50 yards in 11 appearances. However, he projects to see an elevated role in the offense with fellow wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib, wrist) ruled inactive for the contest. Cowing has managed only 56 snaps in his debut campaign but was productive during his time at college -- breaking out in his third season with UTEP (104.2 YPG) before transferring to Arizona and notching two 85+ catch seasons. With QB Brock Purdy (elbow) set to sit, Joshua Dobbs will man the 49ers helm, so it isn't ideal for the 23-year-old wideout. Still, tight end George Kittle (ankle) is also dealing with an injury and is questionable for the matchup. Cowing could have a busy day in the team's season finale if Kittle sits. Though, he still won't be a recommended option. The former fourth-round pick comes in at RotoBaller's PPR WR87 in this week's rankings.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Bailey Zappe completed 16 of his 31 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions while adding two yards on two carries in a 35-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Zappe made his first and only start of the season for the Browns in the finale while showing spotty accuracy and a lack of arm strength in the lopsided loss. His first interception came in the first quarter and was a back-breaker as it was thrown right into the hands of rookie corner Nate Wiggins, who returned it 26 yards for a touchdown. The Browns turned to Dorian Thompson-Robinson to lead a drive at the end of the first quarter but he only wound up taking six snaps in the contest before the team reinserted Zappe at the beginning of the second quarter. An unrestricted free-agent heading into the offseason, Zappe will look to catch on as a backup quarterback somewhere ahead of the 2025 season.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson will not be a recommended fantasy option for Sunday's meeting with their division-rival Seattle Seahawks. The 26-year-old was a healthy scratch for the last two contests, but he'll be called upon to work in the Rams' season finale, with teammates Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp getting the afternoon off. Johnson will likely slot in as the third or fourth option in the offense behind wideouts Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell -- competing with Jordan Whittington for looks from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Fantasy managers looking for a streaming option can do better than the fifth-year pro, who presents as a low-floor, low-upside option in the season's final week. Johnson ranks as RotoBaller's PPR WR86 ahead of Week 18's action.

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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington will most certainly take a back seat in their Week 18 matchup. Jaylen Waddle (knee) was a full practice participant on Friday and looks more likely than not to play on Sunday. Miami will travel in Week 18 to take on the New York Jets, who rank ninth in total fantasy points allowed to wide receivers this year. That alone diminishes Washington's fantasy value tremendously. Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is also doubtful this week, which means Tyler Huntley would draw the start for the second straight game. With this being a must-win game for Miami, it's safe to assume he won't see a similar snap count he's had with Waddle sidelined. He is best left on the bench for anyone fighting for a fantasy championship.

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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Derius Davis hasn't done much this season, but has finally been more involved over the last two weeks. Davis has four receptions for 60 yards and a pair of touchdowns over his last two games. He'll look to extend his touchdown-streak against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18. The 24-year-old normally isn't much of an option, but could see more targets with Joshua Palmer (foot) sidelined. Despite that, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston remain ahead of Davis on the pecking order. Davis isn't anything more than a touchdown-dependent option for Week 18.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson is coming off arguably his best performance of the season. The 28-year-old hauled in both his targets for 60 yards and a touchdown during last week's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before that, Watson has been held to 43 receiving yards or less in every game this season. Watson is normally depth, but might see a bigger role if the Chiefs decide to rest or pull their starters out early in Week 18. It's also worth noting that Carson Wentz will be under center for the Chiefs during their Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Watson doesn't offer much value on a weekly basis and playing with a backup quarterback against a tough secondary isn't going to help. Fantasy managers should be able to find a better option for Week 18.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) is officially active ahead of the Week 18 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Higgins carried a questionable tag into this game after getting in three limited practice sessions this week. Despite that, Higgins has been cleared to play and is a full-go for Saturday's game. Higgins is coming off a huge performance during last week's win over the Denver Broncos. He hauled in 11 of his 12 targets for 131 yards and three touchdowns last week. Fantasy managers can go ahead and plug Higgins into their lineups ahead of Saturday's game.

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (ankle) has been ruled out for the Week 18 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The plan was for Brown to workout pre-game and attempt to suit up for this contest. The Bengals have decided to play it safe and hold out Brown for the regular season finale. The 24-year-old suffered an ankle injury last week and is still feeling sore coming into Saturday's game. Khalil Herbert figures to see a bulk of the carries with Brown unable to play. Herbert is worth a look as a cheap DFS option for this weekend's slate.

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Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) was forced to exit early during the second quarter of Saturday's Week 18 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Flowers was tagged as questionable to return, but has now been ruled out for the rest of the game. The Ravens decided to play their starters this weekend as they attempt to clinch the division title. Now, that could end up being a mistake as they could possibly lose their top wideout as they head into the postseason. Possibly, the Ravens are holding out Flowers for the rest of the game as a precaution. He finished the day with one reception on two targets for 12 yards before exiting. Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace will likely see bigger roles now.

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New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper has fallen off the fantasy radar ahead of Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Buffalo Bills. Hooper enjoyed an impressive stretch of games from Week 10 through Week 13 during which he was the overall TE10 in PPR leagues, but he has just 10 catches for 112 yards in three games since then. Equally noteworthy is the fact that his snap share dropped to 45 percent last Saturday against the Los Angeles Chargers, which is the lowest it has been since Week 12. It's possible that this was an anomaly based on scheme and game plan, as fellow tight end Hunter Henry also played reduced snaps. However, it's still a sign that Hooper's role in the offense may be declining. As long as he remains behind Henry, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and perhaps Kendrick Bourne in the pecking order, he can be avoided in fantasy football. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for production at the tight end position in Week 18.

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