Guest of the League
Saturday Night Flex
High Stakes $125 - FFL: Offseason | NFL: Week 18

Lions LB Alex Anzalone (arm) could be activated for Vikings' showdown

Fri Jan 3 6:29pm ET
Field Level Media

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone was listed as questionable for Sunday's NFC showdown for the Minnesota Vikings and could be activated off injury reserve this week.

Anzalone broke his left forearm in a game against the Jacksonville in Week 11 and has missed the past six games.

Anzalone, a team captain, was injured during a play in which teammate Brian Branch pushed Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. out of bounds. Anzalone's arm got tangled between the two players.

Anzalone, 30, returned to practice earlier this week. Lions coach Dan Campbell liked what he saw from Anzalone during Friday's session but also wants to be cautious.

"It's really about him getting comfortable, and so much of it is what we really like to do is get these guys worked in before you throw them into the fire," Campbell said of Anzalone. "We try to do that with as many of our guys as we can. Get them comfortable with a week of practice, then they're ready for the following week.

"So that's kind of the phase we're in. We want him, would love to have him, but we want to be smart, too. We've got a playoff game after this, so just trying to be right by him and by us."

Both the Lions and Vikings have 14-2 record entering the Sunday night clash.

Anzalone has 56 tackles -- seven for loss -- in nine games this season. He had a career-best 129 tackles in 2023 and 125 in 2022.

As expected, running back David Montgomery (knee) and cornerback Emmanuel Moseley (illness) will miss the contest. Joining Anzalone as questionable are running back Craig Reynolds (back) and receiver Khalif Raymond (foot).

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 18

Player Notes
Baker Mayfield Jan 3 7:10pm CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is coming off a stellar performance against the Carolina Panthers last week. Mayfield threw for 359 yards with five touchdowns and zero interceptions in the blowout win last weekend. The 29-year-old now looks to end his 2024-2025 regular season on a high note with a plus-matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The last meeting between these teams Mayfield threw for 325 yards with four touchdowns. The Saints are banged up on both sides of the ball and this is a must-win game for the Bucs. Fantasy managers who have championship games this weekend should consider Mayfield a QB1. Otherwise, Mayfield is probably an expensive, but reliable DFS option for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Jan 3 7:10pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins is a high-risk but high-upside option in a Week 18 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Chargers enter the weekend with some uncertainty around Sunday's game. Depending on the results of Saturday's games, the Bolts could be shooting for the No. 5 seed with a win, or could be locked into the No. 6 seed regardless of their own game's result. If they have the five seed to play for, the Chargers are sure to go all-in with their starters, making Dobbins an easy RB2 with upside. If they end up in a meaningless game however, Dobbins could sit out entirely or play in a limited role to rest for the playoffs. Essentially, Dobbins is an RB2 if the Bengals win on Saturday, and too risky to start (unless coach Jim Harbaugh commits to his starters regardless) if they don't.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Jan 3 7:10pm CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is coming off another solid performance during last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. Irving rushed 20 times for 113 yards while hauling in all four of his targets for 77 additional yards during the blowout win. The rookie back has now rushed for over 100 yards in three of his last five games. Irving has literally run away with the lead back job in Tampa Bay and looks to finish his regular season on a high note. He'll get a solid matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 18. Irving continues to impress and should remain on the RB1 radar for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Karty Jan 3 7:10pm CT
Joshua Karty

Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty will be kicking indoors at home against the Seahawks in the season finale of his rookie year. So far this season, the sixth-round pick from Stanford has made 25-of-30 field goals and 31-of-35 extra points. This week, his Rams are resting multiple starters with a first-round home playoff game secured by a five-game winning streak. Karty helped lock up the Week 17 win by converting both field goals and one extra point last week in the team's 13-9 victory against Arizona, and he hasn't missed a field goal since Week 12. Still, without his regular offense and against a stingy Seahawks defense, he's a mediocre play in Week 18. He's RotoBaller's K17, meaning he is a mid-level option this week.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Jan 3 7:10pm CT
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal could potentially take a starting role in a Week 18 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Much about the Bolts lineup depends on the results of Saturday's Bengals-Steelers game. If the Bengals win, the Chargers will likely play all of their starters as they could move up to the No. 5 seed in the playoffs with a win over the Raiders. If the Steelers win, however, Los Angeles would be locked into the No. 6 seed regardless of the results of their own game. Vidal is likely to start while J.K. Dobbins rests if the Steelers win, but Dobbins will almost certainly resume his (almost) every-down role if the Bolts are playing for a win. If Vidal starts, he could be a volume-based RB2 even though the Raiders defense has been solid against opposing running backs. Fantasy managers will need to keep an eye on Saturday's results before finalizing their lineups.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Jan 3 7:00pm CT
Kyler Murray

The Los Angeles Rams defense and special teams unit has been a huge part of their late-season success, and they'll look to finish the season strong in a matchup with the Seahawks. The Rams are resting multiple offensive starters, but it isn't clear how many defensive stars could also have a lighter workload. The young unit has held opponents under 10 points in three straight games while forcing four turnovers and totaling eight sacks. They had two goal-line interceptions against Kyler Murray last year to seal the win that earned them the NFC West title, which is why they have already clinched the playoffs. Seattle has been a pretty good matchup for DST this season, turning the ball over 24 times in 16 games and giving up 52 sacks. The Seahawks only scored six points last week in Chicago, and the Rams will hope to keep them in check again on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Jadeveon Clowney Jan 3 6:50pm CT
Jadeveon Clowney

Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (hip), outside linebacker Amare Barno (shoulder), linebacker Josey Jewell (concussion), safety Lonnie Johnson (neck, shoulder) and outside linebacker DJ Johnson (personal) have all been ruled out for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Additionally, defensive end A'Shawn Robinson (neck) and outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (rest) are listed as questionable. Horn, a former first-rounder in 2021, will end up missing the final two games of his fourth and best season in the NFL. In 15 starts, Horn compiled a career-high 68 tackles (49 solo), two sacks, five tackles for loss, an interception and a career-high 13 pass breakups. With Horn out again, Caleb Farley will get another start. Despite the Falcons starting a rookie QB, Carolina's defensive unit should be well off the fantasy radar in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Jan 3 6:50pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett is not worth a fantasy roster spot in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams. While Lockett would likely like to have a good game in what could be his final game in a Seahawks uniform, the fact is that he has been completely phased out of Seattle's offense with the emergence of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Week 17 against the Chicago Bears was Lockett's best game in weeks. He caught three passes for 20 yards last Thursday. It was encouraging to see Lockett earn more than three targets for the first time since Week 9. However, his four targets were not exactly groundbreaking. Unless Lockett finds the end zone, he will be a useless fantasy asset this week. Leave him on waivers once again in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Jan 3 6:50pm CT
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant has built some momentum in recent weeks. He has earned at least five targets in three straight games. He has also reached at least 43 yards in two straight games. Fant will look to carry that momentum into a Week 18 road tilt with the Los Angeles Rams. Fant's issue recently has been his inability to find the end zone. The Seahawks have had trouble throwing touchdowns all season with quarterback Geno Smith having only tossed 17. While Fant has never scored more than four touchdowns in a season, he has been especially dry over the last couple of years. Fant has not scored a touchdown since the 2022 season. In Week 18, Fant will play a Rams defense that is No. 27 against opposing tight ends in fantasy. It feels like a game in which he could get loose. With many teams resting players and a few quarterback injuries around the league affecting the output of their skill players, Fant could be a desperation option for fantasy managers in need of a tight end this week.

From RotoBaller

Zach Charbonnet Jan 3 6:50pm CT
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is in another great spot to succeed in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams. With Kenneth Walker III (ankle) on injured reserve, Charbonnet will have the backfield all to himself. With the exception of Week 17 against the Chicago Bears, Charbonnet has put up massive numbers in his starts in place of Walker this season. Even his outing against the Bears was serviceable, and his lack of high-end output was more a product of the offense's inefficiencies as a whole. The Rams are middle-of-the-road against opposing running backs in fantasy this season. They have allowed 19.5 PPR points per game to opposing backfields. Expect the Seahawks to lean on Charbonnet early and often in both the running and passing games. He should be in every championship lineup in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Jan 3 6:50pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is potentially a strong fantasy option in Week 18 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Chargers will either be locked into the No. 6 seed or have a chance at the No. 5 seed in the final game of the regular season, depending on the results of Saturday's games. If the Bolts have a chance to better their playoff position, Herbert will certainly play and should be a top-10 option at the position against a Raiders defense with nothing to play for. Fantasy managers should have a backup option available, however, as Herbert and other Chargers starters could sit out if the team is locked into the sixth seed, which would give the start to backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said he'd "do what's best for the team" when asked about whether starters would play.

From RotoBaller

Mike Macdonald Jan 3 6:50pm CT
Mike Macdonald

The Seattle Seahawks D/ST is a potential fantasy option in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams are resting several key starters ahead of this matchup. Backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is slated to start with a crew of backup weapons around him. The Seahawks have improved defensively as the season has worn on. With the Rams short-handed this week, this unit should have no trouble getting to the quarterback and creating turnovers. They are an excellent streaming option and will look to build momentum heading into the offseason. With head coach Mike Macdonald already showing that he has made a mark on this defense, expect bigger things from the Seahawks D/ST in 2025. For now, you can safely deploy them in fantasy championships.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Higbee Jan 3 6:50pm CT
Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee has played limited snaps in the last two weeks, and his workload against the Seahawks is very uncertain. The veteran tight end worked his way back after a catastrophic knee injury suffered in the playoffs last year. He played 14 snaps against the Jets and 17 snaps against the Cardinals, and in those two games, he had three catches for 20 yards and a memorable touchdown. With the Rams resting key starters in Week 18 like Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Cooper Kupp, Higbee could continue to ramp up, or he could sit entirely. Even if he does play, though, the Rams will likely avoid putting him in harms way if at all possible. Higbee is RotoBaller's TE34 this week, so he's not a great start in any format.

From RotoBaller

Jimmy Garoppolo Jan 3 6:40pm CT
Jimmy Garoppolo

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will make his first start of the season when the Rams host the Seahawks in their regular season finale. With their playoff spot secure, the Rams will rest multiple starters including Matthew Stafford, letting Jimmy G see his first action of the season. The 33-year-old backup signed a one-year deal with the Rams and will be a free agent after this season. He last played in 2023 for the Raiders when he completed 110 of 169 pass attempts (65.1%) for 1,205 yards in 12 games with seven touchdowns and nine interceptions. He's RotoBaller's QB29 this week and is not a good fantasy option since the Rams won't have their starters on offense, but they'll likely face most of the Seahawks' regulars.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Jan 3 6:40pm CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba enters Week 18 five receptions short of fellow wide receiver Tyler Lockett's single-season team record. Smith-Njigba is in prime position to break the record in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams. Smith-Njigba is entering the final week of what has become a breakout season. In 16 games, JSN sits as the WR7 with 1,121 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He has been nothing short of excellent as he has stepped into Seattle's No. 1 wide receiver role. The Rams have been relatively generous to opposing wide receivers in fantasy so Smith-Njigba should have no problems getting loose in the final game of the season. Additionally, JSN had his best outing of his career against the Rams in Week 9. He caught seven passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He has been nothing short of excellent ever since. Deploy JSN as a WR1 this week.

From RotoBaller

D.K. Metcalf Jan 3 6:40pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf will look to top 1,000 receiving yards for the third time in his career in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams. Metcalf is currently 61 yards short. Unfortunately, Metcalf has been very quiet of late. He has not exceeded four receptions since Week 11, and he has not exceeded 70 yards since Week 7. His fantasy output has been heavily impacted by the lack of production. Metcalf's best outing since Seattle's Week 10 bye is 14.7 PPR fantasy points. If you have made it this far in your league, it is likely not because of Metcalf's performances. He is a risky flex play with limited upside this week. Soon, we will need to start considering Metcalf's future as a fantasy asset given the massive fall in production during the second half of this season.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Jan 3 6:40pm CT
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers is a solid option as your fantasy kicker in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams. While the Seahawks do not have much to play for as far as playoff seeding is concerned, they can push the Rams down to the No. 4 seed in the NFC and finish the season with 10 wins. As such, expect the offense to fight hard throughout this game. That should put Myers in scoring positions often. Myers has scored in the single digits in each of the last three games. This week provides him an opportunity to get back into double-digit scoring. He has been incredibly accurate all season long, having only missed four field goals. All he needs is a chance. He can safely be deployed in fantasy championships this week.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Jan 3 6:30pm CT
Miles Sanders

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (ankle) was a full participant in Friday's practice but is still considered questionable to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. Sanders also practiced in full on Wednesday but was limited on Thursday. The Panthers opened the 27-year-old's 21-day practice window to return from Injured Reserve on Wednesday, but they'll have to officially activate him from IR on Saturday if they want to let him play in the final game of the season on Sunday. Despite having not played since Week 10, Sanders could be the favorite to lead Carolina's backfield this weekend in Atlanta if he's activated since Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee) is on IR. However, if Sanders does return, we wouldn't recommend relying on him for fantasy purposes with Raheem Blackshear and Mike Boone also likely being involved for Carolina.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Jan 3 6:30pm CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith checks in as a QB2 in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams. Smith has been a poor fantasy quarterback recently. He has only exceeded 13.32 fantasy points once since Seattle's Week 10 bye. The Seahawks will face a middle-of-the-road Rams defense in Week 18. Neither team has a lot to play for with the Rams guaranteed to win the NFC West and the Seahawks eliminated from playoff contention. However, Smith has several attainable incentives in his contract. Most notably, Smith will receive a bonus if the Seahawks reach 10 wins. Despite the lack of playoff motivation, expect Smith to come out and put his best foot forward this weekend. He also needs to prove to the Seahawks that he can be their quarterback of the future. He has a releasable contract at the conclusion of this season and he will likely want a contract extension should he remain with the team. Still, recent weeks have shown us that Smith is not a trustable fantasy asset right now. Deploy him as a QB2 in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Chigoziem Okonkwo Jan 3 6:20pm CT
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (abdomen) popped up on the Week 18 injury report on Thursday and is now questionable to play on Sunday in the regular-season finale against the division-rival Houston Texans. Okonkwo was limited in Thursday's practice and missed Friday's session, so he should be considered on the wrong side of questionable. The Titans are only playing for draft positioning in the regular-season finale, so there's a good chance they'll hold out any injured players that are questionable like Okonkwo. If the 25-year-old doesn't play this weekend, look for Nick Vannett and Josh Whyle to get some more run at the tight end position for Tennessee. Although Okonkwo started making some noise in recent weeks as a pass-catcher, he was mostly off the fantasy radar in 2024 and will finish with 52 catches for 479 yards and only two TDs in 16 games if he doesn't play in Week 18.

From RotoBaller