NFL Week 18 injuries and benchings: With playoff seeds on the line, who’s starting or sitting?

While the vast majority of fantasy leagues crowned their champions following Week 17, some leagues prefer to span the entirety of the NFL season. And that makes cobbling together a starting lineup a bit complicated for fantasy managers in Week 18 when NFL teams weigh the risk of injury against the reward of a playoff spot or improved seeding.

Twelve of the 14 playoff spots are set but three division titles remain up for grabs. Several of the seed lines are locked down, but most remain up for grabs, which could lead to some interesting roster decisions for both NFL and fantasy teams.

Here’s a look at each Week 18 matchup game-by-game and how potential playoff implications and seeding could play a role in those games.

Saturday

Browns at Ravens, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC)

Playoff scenarios: With a win or tie, the Ravens claim the AFC North title and secure the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. A Baltimore loss opens the door for the Ravens to slide down to the No. 5 seed pending the outcome of the Steelers game.

What we know: A division title brings with it a home playoff game, so the Ravens will be at full-go for this one. The Browns named Bailey Zappe as their starting quarterback for the regular season’s final game.

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Key injuries: Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion) is out for the second straight week. Wide receiver Nelson Agholor (concussion) missed the last two games but has been a full participant at practice. Browns tight end David Njoku (knee), wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) and running backs Pierre Strong (head) and Jerome Ford (ankle) have all been placed on injured reserve.

What could change: This game opens the weekend, so no other games impact this one.

Fantasy analysis: Jerry Jeudy (12 receptions, 94 yards receiving in Week 17) remains the WR to start in Cleveland. Even he’s a risky play with Zappe starting at quarterback. With Ford out, avoid Browns RBs.

Bengals at Steelers, Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN, ABC)

Playoff scenarios: The Bengals need to win and for the Broncos to lose and the Dolphins to lose or tie on Sunday to make the postseason. The Steelers are already in but can win the AFC North and the No. 3 seed with a victory and a Ravens loss. A loss potentially pushes Pittsburgh back to the No. 6 seed should the Chargers win in Week 18.

What we know: Coach Mike Tomlin indicated early in the week that he didn’t expect to rest his starters regardless of Baltimore’s result. If Pittsburgh secures the No. 5 seed, the Texans await — a likely more appealing foe than another matchup with the Ravens if the Steelers fell to the No. 6 seed.

Key injuries: Bengals running back Chase Brown (right ankle) is out after not practicing all week. He was unable to play in the overtime period of the team’s Week 17 win against the Broncos and did not practice this week. Wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) is questionable and was limited all week. He carried the same designation before his three-touchdown performance in Week 17, so expect him to be active.

What could change: If the Ravens win in Saturday’s first game, the AFC North crown is off the table for the Steelers. However, seeding and matchups are still in play as noted above.

Fantasy analysis: Khalil Herbert led the backfield after Brown’s Week 17 injury and had 5.8 yards per carry, but the Steelers rank seventh in rush yards allowed per game and sixth in yards per carry allowed. Still, Herbert is an RB2 this week with Brown out. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are RB2s with Warren having the upside. Harris had 13 carries for 74 yards (5.7 YPC), and Warren had 11 carries for 71 yards (6.5 YPC) last week. But Warren has been the passing-game back with 41 yards receiving in Week 17 and 44 in Week 16.

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Sunday

Panthers at Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

Playoff scenarios: To win the NFC South, the Falcons need to win and for the Buccaneers to lose.

What we know: The Falcons have their season on the line so their key offensive players are a full go. Panthers running back Miles Sanders (ankle) was designated to return to practice and activated off injured reserve.

Key injuries: Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) was placed on injured reserve last weekend. Sanders is listed as questionable, but with his activation off IR, he should be playing. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette (hip/wrist) is now active. Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) has been ruled out.

What could change: Both Atlanta and Tampa Bay play at the same time, so the NFC South will be decided after the opening slate of Sunday games.

Fantasy analysis: As expected, Raheem Blackshear led over Mike Boone in Week 17, but it matters not, as Boone saw a bit more passing game work, which renders both useless. In the passing game, though, Legette returned and stepped right back into the No. 2 role with nine targets, despite Jalen Coker seeing six more routes. — Jake Ciely

Commanders at Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)

Playoff scenarios: The Commanders lock down the NFC’s No. 6 seed with a win. A loss and a Packers win pushes Washington to the No. 7 seed and a third date with the Eagles on Super Wild Card Weekend.

What we know: Commanders coach Dan Quinn wants to secure the best playoff positioning for his squad and said of the team’s hold on the No. 6 seed, “We’re going to fight like hell to keep it.” Expect to see Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Zach Ertz and more in this one. Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy was coy with the media when asked which of Cooper Rush or Trey Lance will start in Week 18 and if both will play.

Key injuries: Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) was designated to return to practice from injured reserve and is active. Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) has already been ruled out for the final week.

What could change: Nothing as Quinn has indicated that Washington is all about locking down the No. 6 seed.

Fantasy analysis: With Ekeler off IR, he’s a decent flex option. But Brian Robinson Jr. is the lead back for the Commanders and is an RB2 with or without Ekeler. Without Lamb in Week 17, Cooks led all Dallas receivers with eight targets, four receptions and 52 receiving yards, but Jalen Tolbert caught the Cowboys’ only touchdown. Cooks can be flexed in more desperate situations.

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Bears at Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)

Playoff scenarios: The Packers are already in the NFC playoff field, but a win and Commanders loss moves them to the No. 6 seed. A loss or Commanders win leaves them at the No. 7 seed.

What we know: Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday the team’s healthy players will play in Week 18 as he sees value in having them play and play well. That means Jordan Love at quarterback and Josh Jacobs in the backfield as Green Bay gets ready for the playoffs.

Key injuries: Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee bruise) got in a limited session Friday and is listed as questionable after missing Week 17. While Watson’s active this week, Romeo Doubs will sit.

What could change: Nothing likely before game time, especially since Green Bay and Washington play at the same time, but there is the potential that the Packers get up big on a Bears team with 10 straight losses and elect to pull Love and Jacobs and roll with backups at some point.

Fantasy analysis: Predicting who of the Packers’ receivers will produce for fantasy purposes is an impossible task. But in Week 17, Romeo Doubs was the most-targeted receiver (by far), with 11 targets for seven receptions and 58 yards. Dontayvion Wicks saw five targets while Jayden Reed saw four, and none of them had a touchdown reception. Without Doubs, Watson and Reed should see the most looks.

Texans at Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

Playoff scenarios: The Texans are locked into the No. 4 seed and have won the AFC South.

What we know: Titans quarterback Will Levis will start Sunday, but coach Brian Callahan said Mason Rudolph will also get some time in the season finale. Despite Houston’s seeding being secure, coach DeMeco Ryans indicated again Wednesday that his starters will play coming off a brutal loss to the Ravens — although how much they will play remains an open question and could depend on “how the game goes.”

Key injuries: Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) did not practice Friday after limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday but is active, while Tyjae Spears (concussion) is out. Kicker Nick Folk (abdomen) is also out, so Matthew Wright will handle those duties. Though not injury-related, expect to see wide receiver Diontae Johnson make his Houston debut after being claimed off waivers last week.

What could change: Pollard’s status bares monitoring. If he can’t go, third-year back Julius Chestnut would be the next man up.

Fantasy analysis: No matter the quarterback, Calvin Ridley is the only reliable option. That includes Pollard being a major risk, missing Week 17, and with Spears out. — Ciely

Jaguars at Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)

Playoff scenarios: There are no playoff stakes in this contest.

What we know: Both teams are finishing out the season in this one. Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will be out for this one and Joe Flacco will start for Indianapolis.

Key injuries: Richardson (back spasms/soreness, foot) is out for the second straight week after not practicing.

What could change: Now that we know its Flacco at QB, not much. Both teams are looking to close out the season and move on to preparing for the 2025 season.

Fantasy analysis: Josh Downs is the Colts receiver to consider flexing. He is the Colts’ most-targeted wide receiver with 7.23 targets per game, followed by Michael Pittman Jr. with 6.73.

Bills at Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

Playoff scenarios: The Bills have nailed down the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

What we know: Buffalo quarterback and MVP candidate Josh Allen will start to keep his consecutive starts streak intact (114, counting the postseason) before quickly giving way to backup QB Mitch Trubisky. The same could be said for other skill players on Buffalo like running back James Cook and wide receiver Khalil Shakir. Bills coach Sean McDermott said Monday the team’s active roster will be a blend of starters and depth players they want to get an extended look at in a game setting. Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye is expected to play — even if there is a case to be made to not play him. A loss clinches the No. 1 pick for New England in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Key injuries: Despite OC Alex Van Pelt saying he’ll play, Maye (right hand) was limited all week and is listed as questionable. Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) has been limited too. Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (rib) is questionable. Amari Cooper (personal) has been ruled out.

What could change: Sixth-round pick Joe Milton III has taken some first-team reps this week, so its possible Maye won’t play the whole way.

Fantasy analysis: The Patriots rank near the bottom of the league in most defensive stats, so Trubisky could be a QB2 in Superflex leagues this week. There’s really no reason for the Bills to play Cook. Ray Davis should be the lead back with Cook out, and he could be a decent flex option against New England. It’s a wait-and-see approach for Bills receivers. If Cooper and Shakir sit, Keon Coleman could be a sneaky flex play this week. While Henry (who could sit) is fantasy’s TE12 this year (145.4 PPR points), his 9.09 points per game are easy enough to replace with someone like Pat Freiermuth, Chig Okonkwo, Noah Gray or Mike Gesicki, one of whom should be available in free agency.

Giants at Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

Playoff scenarios: The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC.

What we know: As it stands now, Tanner McKee looks to be in line to start for Philadelphia in a game that will do nothing to change their playoff seeding. Coach Nick Sirianni said Wednesday he will be resting some of his starters and one of those is running back Saquon Barkley, who is 100 yards shy of tying Eric Dickerson’s rushing record. Star wide receivers A.J. Brown (knee) and DeVonta Smith (wrist) also have been ruled out. Much of the team’s first-string defense and offensive line are likely to sit or play limited amounts. On the other hand, tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) had his practice window opened in Week 18 and carries no injury designation.

Key injuries: Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (concussion) remains in the concussion protocol and is out. Backup QB Kenny Pickett (ribs) did not practice this week and is questionable.

What could change: Who starts for Philadelphia will likely not be known until later this week, but all signs point to McKee.

Fantasy analysis: Hurts was unable to play in Week 17 as he was in concussion protocol, so he will sit in a meaningless game to rest up for the playoffs. After Pickett left with a rib injury last week, McKee went 3-for-4 with two touchdown passes. Goedert could be a sneaky start at tight end this week.

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Saints at Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (FOX)

Playoff scenarios: With a win or tie, the Buccaneers take the NFC South. With a loss, Tampa Bay needs Atlanta to also lose or tie to clinch the division.

What we know: Tampa Bay controls its path to a playoff spot and quarterback Baker Mayfield will look to keep rolling with 14 touchdowns in his last four games. After a full session Friday, rookie running back Bucky Irving was off of the injury report. The Saints have had a ton of offensive injuries and may be relying on recent pickup Clyde Edwards-Helaire to carry the backfield load with rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler under center.

Key injuries: Despite being limited in practice the last two days, Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) is listed as doubtful. Wide receiver Sterling Shepard (hamstring) is questionable. Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) has been ruled out, and tight end Juwan Johnson (knee) is active. Alvin Kamara (groin), RB Kendre Miller (concussion) and quarterback Derek Carr (left hand) are out.

What could change: Both Tampa Bay and Atlanta play at the same time, so the NFC South will be decided in Sunday’s early window.

Fantasy analysis: With Miller sidelined, Edwards-Helaire goes from, “Did you know he was on the Saints?” to, “Man, I might need CEH as a Flex RB in Week 18.” — Ciely

Irving has been rolling and is an RB1 this week. Since Week 6, Irving has averaged 16.97 PPR points and has gone over 100 yards rushing three times.

Chiefs at Broncos, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)

Playoff scenarios: The Chiefs nailed down the AFC’s No. 1 seed and the first-round bye in Week 17. The Broncos need a win or tie to get in or losses/ties from the Dolphins and Bengals.

What we know: Chiefs coach Andy Reid tends to rest his stars in the final week of the season with a playoff berth/positioning secured — something that has become commonplace for Kansas City — and that will once again be the case. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, running back Kareem Hunt and multiple key defensive players are listed as doubtful. Carson Wentz is starting at QB for the Chiefs. For Denver, their season is on the line, so expect all their main cogs to be in the lineup.

Key injuries: Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs) is out after not practicing all week and missing the latter part of the Week 17 win over the Steelers. Mahomes has been battling an ankle injury and an extra week of rest should do him some good. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) is out after having his practice window opened Wednesday

What could change: Nothing. While Cincinnati plays Saturday, Miami will take the field at the same time as Denver so the final AFC wild card will be determined in the late afternoon window.

Fantasy analysis: The Broncos are ranked second in yards per play allowed and yards per rush allowed and sixth in net yards per attempt allowed. While they are ranked 25th in passing yards per game allowed, trusting Wentz against Denver, which needs a win to get into the playoffs, is tough. Kelce is aging and is the perfect rest candidate in Week 18, but the Chiefs love throwing to their tight ends. Noah Gray could see a lot of work and score some solid fantasy points. With Pacheco out and Hunt doubtful, expect the Chiefs backfield to be split between Samaje Perine and Carson Steele.

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Chargers at Raiders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)

Playoff scenarios: In Jim Harbaugh’s first year as coach, the Chargers are already in the AFC field. They could move up to the No. 5 seed with a win and a Steelers loss. Otherwise, they are set as the No. 6 seed.

What we know: Harbaugh said Monday, “the plan will be to win,” but he wasn’t interested in going through hypotheticals should a Steelers win lock his team into the No. 6 spot. Las Vegas will start Alexander Mattison at running back with Ameer Abdullah out.

Key injuries: Chargers wide receiver Josh Palmer (foot) and running back Gus Edwards (ankle) are out after not practicing this week. Edwards sat out in Week 17 as well. Abdullah (foot), who had 147 total yards in Las Vegas’ Week 17 win, is out after not practicing this week.

What could change: Since the Steelers play Saturday night, the Chargers will know if they have a chance at better seeding before Sunday’s game. If they can’t move up, it is not a stretch to imagine quarterback Justin Herbert, wide receiver Ladd McConkey and running back J.K. Dobbins resting to have them fresh for the playoffs.

Fantasy analysis: TE1 Brock Bowers and WR2 Jakobi Meyers should start in fantasy this week. Mattison is a flex option, with nearly every other Raiders RB on the injury report. Avoid the Chargers backfield if Dobbins ends up resting.

Seahawks at Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)

Playoff scenarios: The Rams have clinched the NFC West and are currently the No. 3 seed. A win keeps that position but a loss combined with a Buccaneers win drops L.A. to the No. 4 seed.

What we know: The Rams will rest quarterback Matthew Stafford and start Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 18. The team will also rest running back Kyren Williams and wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nucua, as well as several offensive linemen. In an interview with the team’s official website, McVay specifically named rookie running back Blake Corum as someone he’s looking forward to seeing in extended action. Even though they have been eliminated from playoff contention, coach Mike Macdonald said Seattle is planning to treat this like a normal game.

Key injuries: Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle) was placed on injured reserve last week.

What could change: Since the Rams are already planning to sit their main guys, nothing should change.

Fantasy analysis: Corum should be added where available and has the ceiling of an RB1 this week.

Dolphins at Jets, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)

Playoff scenarios: The Dolphins need to win and get a Broncos loss to earn the final AFC wild card.

What we know: Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel says the team is approaching this week as if Tyler Huntley will start at quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa (hip) has been limited all week after McDaniel said earlier in the week that his QB1’s status was “firmly in the unknown.” New York quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to start as he looks to become the fifth player to throw 500 career touchdown passes.

Key injuries: Tagovailoa (hip) is listed as doubtful and the team has been preparing all week as if he wouldn’t be able to play. Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (knee) is listed as questionable and was upgraded to a full practice participant Friday after logging limited sessions to start the week — he had missed the last two games. Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein (knee) was placed back on injured reserve and the team signed Greg Joseph to kick in Week 18. Tight end Tyler Conklin (calf) got in a limited practice Friday is listed as questionable.

What could change: Even without Tagovailoa, this shapes up as a favorable matchup for the Dolphins’ skill position players. The Jets are already going to be without one of their best defensive players in defensive back Sauce Gardner (hamstring) and could also be without defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (hamstring), who is questionable. New York’s defense has allowed at least 25 points in six of the last seven games.

Fantasy analysis: Huntley was 22-of-26 passing last week against the Browns for 225 yards and a 115.5 passer rating. Tyreek Hill caught nine passes for 105 yards and is a fringe WR1/WR2 this week. If Waddle plays, he’s a high-ceiling flex option.

49ers at Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)

Playoff scenarios: There are no playoff implications with this game.

What we know: Joshua Dobbs will start at quarterback for San Francisco in Week 18. QB Brock Purdy will not play after suffering a bruised elbow with nerve inflammation in the team’s Week 17 loss to the Lions. With James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) on injured reserve, the Cardinals have signed Michael Carter to the active roster and he will lead the team’s backfield in Week 18.

Key injuries: Purdy will sit out the finale for the 49ers. Conner is out after leaving the last two games early with a knee injury. 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (rib/wrist) is out after not practicing this week, while tight end George Kittle (ankle/hamstring) is questionable following two straight limited sessions. Cardinals kicker Matt Prater (left knee) has been ruled out, so it will be Chad Ryland attempting field goals Sunday.

What could change: A  dual QB game where Shanahan utilizes Dobbs and Allen.

Fantasy analysis: With Dobbs set to play in Purdy’s place, Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are still WR2/flex options in Week 18, however risky. After Conner left the game, Carter led the backfield and had 70 yards rushing on 13 carries. He could be a sneaky RB2 in Week 18.

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Sunday Night Football

Vikings at Lions, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)

Playoff scenarios: The winner here takes the NFC North and more importantly, the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Detroit can also secure both marks with a tie.

What we know: The two best teams in the NFC will duke it out for home field and the all important bye. The loser drops to the No. 5 seed and will have to go on the road against the Rams or NFC South division winner. Detroit won the first matchup in Week 7, 31-29, on a late field goal.

Key injuries: Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) will miss his third straight game and seems more likely to try and return in the postseason. RB Craig Reynolds (back) is listed as questionable.

What could change: Nothing from the earlier games will impact this one. This game will determine where the NFC’s road to the Super Bowl goes through.

Fantasy analysis: Jahmyr Gibbs is Jake Ciely’s RB1 this week. Gibbs had 117 yards on the ground last week, a rushing touchdown and caught four passes for 46 yards in Montgomery’s absence in Week 17. With the Vikings needing the win, Aaron Jones is Ciely’s RB6 this week.

(Photo of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp: Harry How / Getty Images)