It’s time for weekly bold predictions. The point here is that if you follow the consensus, you’re probably going to have a good team. But in order to go from good to great, you have to take some chances. You have to do your homework and figure out where you can zig when the rest of your league (or at least your opponent this week) zags. In short, you need to know how and when to be bold.

We asked our analysts to provide a bold prediction for Week 18. Their answers and justifications are below.

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Fantasy Football Week 18 Bold Predictions

Q: What is one bold fantasy prediction (player-related) for the upcoming week, and why could it happen?

Justin Fields (QB – CHI)

“Justin Fields is the QB1 in an attempt to play spoiler against the Green Bay Packers. The former Ohio State star has been the QB4 over the past month, averaging 21 fantasy points per game. Outside of a matchup against an elite Cleveland Browns defense, Fields has scored 24.5 or more fantasy points and a rushing touchdown in every game since the bye week. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers gave up only 8.2 fantasy points to Jaren Hall and Nick Mullens in Week 17. However, they gave up six passing touchdowns and 51.2 fantasy points to Baker Mayfield and Bryce Young over their previous two games.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

Pierre Strong (RB – CLE)

“Pierre Strong rumbles for 125 yards and two scores this week. Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt likely sit this week which means it will be Strong’s backfield. Strong has long been the apple of my eye since his days as a prospect. He has done nothing to change that stance this season with limited work. Among 66 qualifying running backs (per Fantasy Points Data), Strong ranks 29th in explosive run rate and 11th in yards after contact per attempt. He should shred the Bengals’ putrid run defense. Since Week 11, the Bengals have allowed the seventh-highest rushing touchdown rate, the fourth-highest yards before contact per attempt, and the fifth-highest yards per carry-to-gap runs (Strong 59.2% gap) with the eighth-lowest stuff rate. Strong week is here.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)

George Pickens (WR – PIT)

“George Pickens finishes as the top WR for the week. I’m not sure Mason Rudolph is actually any good, but I respect that he knows what he is and who he’s throwing to. Though the Ravens are usually tough to pass against, they’ll be resting some players, and Pickens should have several opportunities for some big plays in a must-win game for the Steelers.”
– Kyle Cunningham-Rhoads (The Analyst)

Tony Pollard (RB – DAL)

“Tony Pollard finished the fantasy football season 2nd in the NFL in red zone touches. But he only found the end zone five times. He scored twice in Week 1. The TD regression kicks into massive overload against the Commanders, who rank last in fantasy points allowed to RBs over the last four weeks. Pollard wins fantasy football championships in leagues playing in Week 18 with a 3-TD effort.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)

James Conner (RB – ARI)

“James Conner will end the year with a top 3 fantasy week! In Week 17, as the Arizona Cardinals stunned the Philadelphia Eagles, Conner ran for 128 yards and scored twice (1 rushing/1 passing). Since Week 13, he has averaged 21.1 points/game. This week he is going up against a 49ers team that will be sitting many starters. With starters sitting and the Cardinals playing better football recently, James Conner is primed to help teams in Week 18!”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Tutu Atwell (WR – LAR)

“WR Tutu Atwell finishes as a Top 20 WR with nine receptions, 110 yards, and a TD. The Rams are resting a bunch of their starters, including Cooper Kupp. Note that Puca Nacua only needs 29 yards to break the rookie WR record, and then he’s expected to take a seat on the bench next to Kupp. And while Matthew Stafford is sitting, too, backup QB, Carson Wentz, is more than capable of finding the explosive Atwell for some big plays, especially with the added playing time Tutu will get this week. Atwell by name, At-very-well by reputation. Oh, behave with those awful jokes Mark Ringo. Not if I can help it- yeah baby yeah!!! -Austin Powers Ringo”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

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