Fantasy Football Week 18 Start/Sit Advice: Sleepers & Duds (2023)

Which under-the-radar players might be able to give your fantasy team a lift? Which chalky players might not be as safe as they seem? Our featured analysts name some potential sleepers and underachievers, along with start/sit advice for Week 18.

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Fantasy Football Week 18 Start/Sit Advice

Q: Which player outside of the top 100 in the FantasyPros flex rankings is a good sleeper start and why do you think he has upside this week?

Bo Melton (WR – GB)

“Bo Melton could be a sneaky flex option if Jayden Reed or Christian Watson doesn’t play in Week 18. Over the past two weeks, Melton has been the WR17, averaging 13.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, a higher average than Tyreek Hill and Deebo Samuel. Despite ranking fourth on the team in routes run (35), Melton had the highest target share (24.2%) and the second-highest receiving yards market share (29.1%) over the past two weeks (per Fantasy Points Data). The Green Bay Packers make the playoffs if they defeat the Chicago Bears. Expect Melton to keep his recent hot playing rolling if the Packers are without Reed or Watson, especially both.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

Dalton Kincaid (TE – BUF)

“I’m not sure why Dalton Kincaid is ranked so low this week, but he’s my pick to click. Buffalo and Miami are fighting for the AFC East title, so both teams have plenty of incentive to play their starters. There’s a whole lot of fantasy lovin’ about what Dalton “don’t call him Reuben from The Partridge Family” Kincaid is bringing. Come on, get happy! And you thought my jokes were bad, just wait until you hear me sing haha! -Ringo Partridge”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

“In the last week of the NFL regular season, you have to identify players whose teams still have much to play for. Enter the Buffalo Bills and their quest to wrestle the division away from the Dolphins. Dalton Kincaid figures to get a healthy number of targets in a supremely meaningful, high-scoring game. Fire up Kincaid in your lineups.”
– Neema Hodjat (Real GM)

Khalil Shakir (WR – BUF)

“Khalil Shakir is a deep ball threat for the Buffalo Bills who are going into a win or possibly miss the playoffs game. Last week the Miami Dolphins defense gave up a bomb to Zay Flowers, and that could be repeated this week for Shakir. This game should be a high-scoring game, and Shakir will benefit from the extra coverage on Diggs and Davis, helping teams pull out wins in late championships or DFS contests this week!”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE – TEN)

“Chigoziem Okonkwo. Two straight weeks of playing 97% of the pass snaps for the Titans and finally finding the endzone. With Tyson Campbell back for the Jaguars, Hopkins will have a reduced target share. All other Titans pass catchers have a target share baseline of less than 15%, which should mean more opportunities for Okonkwo.”
– Kyle Cunningham-Rhoads (The Analyst)

Q: Which player inside the top 40 in the FantasyPros flex rankings is likely to disappoint fantasy managers this week?

Isiah Pacheco (RB – KC)

“Fantasy players with a Week 18 matchup should avoid starting Isiah Pacheco. The star running back is coming off a massive performance, totaling 165 scrimmage yards and 26 half-point PPR fantasy points. However, the Kansas City Chiefs have nothing to play for in Week 18 – they are locked into the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoff picture. Therefore, don’t be surprised if Pacheco has a severely reduced role or doesn’t play at all, especially given his multiple recent injuries. Furthermore, he needed a receiving touchdown to score double-digit fantasy points in the Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

A.J. Brown (WR – PHI)

“The Eagles are most likely locked into their playoff slot, barring an improbable Dallas loss. They have nothing to play for. Don’t be surprised if Philly sits their starters (including A.J. Brown & Jalen Hurts) for either all or part of the game. Good thing it’s only the championship game for the remaining fantasy leagues still going haha! Hey, look at the bright side- at least you have my incredible, funny jokes to enjoy for one more week haha! ”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

Alvin Kamara (RB – NO)

“This week is going to be full of disappointments as teams that are locked in the playoffs decide to rest starters at some point in the game. That being said, Alvin Kamara has been on the downturn recently. In the last two weeks, he cost teams fantasy playoff games with a 6.0 point (week 16) and 5.9 point (week 17) outing. Prior to that, he had a month of decent RB2 outings. This week he is facing an Atlanta Falcons defense that is decent against the run and has only allowed 9 rushing touchdowns this year. This stat won’t increase this week, and Kamara will disappoint owners again to close out the season.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Puka Nacua (WR – LAR)

“Love Puka Nacua the player, but don’t love his situation for fantasy purposes in week 18. The Rams are starting Carson Wentz at QB, which shows that they are focused on keeping key players healthy heading into the playoffs. Can’t see Nacua playing more than a half, tops. Could even be 1-2 series and out. Avoid Nacua this week, and target him in your drafts next year!”
– Neema Hodjat (Real GM)

Derrick Henry (RB – TEN)

“There’s always a chance Derrick Henry finds the endzone once or twice, but the Jags defense practically begs you to pass the ball. Teams throw on the Jags 10% more than expected, which should reduce the load for a back who’s already not seeing the 90% usage we’ve become accustomed to the last several years. He’s our RB26 for the week.”
– Kyle Cunningham-Rhoads (The Analyst)

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