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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).

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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 18

Player Notes
Eddy Pineiro Jan 3 9:50pm CT
Eddy Pineiro

Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro hasn't gotten many opportunities to kick field goals the past few weeks. Over the past four games, he has only attempted three field goals. The silver lining for Pineiro is that between Weeks 10 and 13, he made nine of his 11 field goal attempts. In Week 18, the Panthers take on their division rivals, the Atlanta Falcons, who have allowed the sixth most fantasy points to opposing kickers, giving some hope for Pineiro in this contest. However, the lack of consistent attempts makes it difficult for fantasy managers to trust Pineiro in this one. The 29-year-old comes in as K27 in the latest RotoBaller kicker rankings for Week 18. There are likely better options at the kicker position for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Jaleel McLaughlin Jan 3 9:50pm CT
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin will be on the RB2/3 borderline for the team's Week 18 regular-season finale against the visiting division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. After missing the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers with a quadriceps injury, McLaughlin returned in last week's overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals to narrowly lead what has become a three-man committee in Denver with 12 touches for 76 scrimmage yards. He did have an impressive 6.9 yards per carry on 10 rushing attempts, although it was his second straight game seeing fewer than 30% of the offensive snaps. The Chiefs defense has allowed the fewest half-PPR points per game to RBs this year, but they will also be resting key starters for the playoffs. The Broncos need to win to get in. In a three-man committee, McLaughlin will likely need to score to pay off as an RB2.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Jan 3 9:50pm CT
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is expected to get a full workload on Sunday as his team still has designs on making the playoffs. If the Falcons win and the Saints beat the Buccaneers, Atlanta is in. Robinson is having a fantastic season, now top 5 in fantasy scoring for RBs with over 1700 all-purpose yards and 13 total TDs. Not to mention, the last time these two teams met, the 22-year-old stampeded his way to 95 yards and two scores on 15 carries (6.3 YPR), adding three catches for 10 yards as well. The Panthers have been run on all season, allowing the most fantasy points to running backs in all of football. With the playoffs in sight, look for Robinson to rumble his way to top-tier RB1 status on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Jan 3 9:40pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

The New York Jets defense will wrap up a disappointing season at home against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. They will catch a break as the Dolphins are expected to give Tyler Huntley his second-straight start while Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is dealing with an injury. That being said, the Jets have not been a good fantasy defense this season and should not be counted upon for fantasy gamers still vying for titles in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Michael Penix Jr. Jan 3 9:40pm CT
Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. just needs to take care of the football -- and get some help from the Saints -- in order to send his team to the playoffs. The 24-year-old is 37-for-62 (59.7%) in his two games as starter, with two touchdowns and one interception (that was not his fault). But with a strong ground game that rushed for 200 yards and three scores the last time Atlanta faced Carolina in October, Penix Jr. should be handing the ball off much more than he should be passing it. Not that the Panthers can stop the passing attack, allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing QBs including five TDs last week to Baker Mayfield and even three TDs to Cooper Rush in Week 15. With the friendly matchup and some likely volatility at the QB position in the final week of the regular season with some starters sitting or seeing only limited playing time, the former first-round draft pick sets up as a high-end QB2 on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Conklin Jan 3 9:30pm CT
Tyler Conklin

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin (calf) is listed as questionable heading into his team's season finale against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. Assuming Conklin is able to play through his calf injury he draws a plus matchup against a Dolphins defense that is allowing the 12th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. Conklin turned in his best fantasy performance of the season in a Week 17 loss to the Buffalo Bills and will be worth a look as a TE2 in fantasy this Sunday if he ultimately suits up on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Greg Joseph Jan 3 9:30pm CT
Greg Joseph

New York Jets kicker Greg Joseph will make his debut for the team in a Week 18 home matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Joseph was added to the team's roster from the practice squad earlier in the week and will serve as the Jets' fifth kicker this season. The Dolphins have been generous to kickers this season, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to the position but Joseph should not be considered a starting option for fantasy gamers still vying for a title in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Isaac Guerendo Jan 3 9:30pm CT
Isaac Guerendo

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) is off the injury report and ready to roll for a Week 18 matchup with the Cardinals in Arizona. Last week at home versus Detroit, Guerendo took just nine carries for 34 yards but snagged all four targets in the passing game for 65 yards. Arizona's defense represents a favorable opportunity for Guerendo to finish his first NFL campaign on a high note -- they have allowed the 10th-most half-PPR points per game (21.9). Last week, they allowed 14.7 points to Kyren Williams of the Los Angeles Rams. With the 49ers having been eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago and playing their final game of 2024, head coach Kyle Shanahan should give Guerendo his classic heavy lead-back usage while assessing Guerendo's role in 2025. This could be especially true with the 49ers injury issues -- backup Joshua Dobbs is starting for an injured Brock Purdy (right elbow), wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib, wrist) is out, and tight end George Kittle (ankle, hamstring) is questionable. Guerendo is a back-end RB1 in Week 18.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Jan 3 9:20pm CT
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams was quiet in a Week 17 loss to the Buffalo Bills, catching just five passes for 47 yards. He needs just 25 receiving yards for his fifth straight 1,000-yard season. The team standing in the way of that milestone for Adams in Week 18 is a Miami Dolphins defense that is allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season. Just like when they were together in Green Bay, Adams has been Aaron Rodgers' favorite target since joining the Jets at the trade deadline. He is a low-end WR1 for fantasy this weekend while also being in play as a tournament option in DFS contests.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Jan 3 9:20pm CT
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers will be a top option at his position despite a stiff test in the Los Angeles Chargers. In Week 17's win over the New Orleans Saints, the rookie sensation broke Mike Ditka's rookie receiving yardage record and Puka Nacua's rookie reception record (in one fewer game). With one game remaining, the 22-year-old could make even more history as he closes in on Zach Ertz's single-season TE reception record set in 2018. The veteran notched 116 that season, meaning Bowers needs eight more catches to tie him. The Chargers aren't the most favorable of matchups, but with the Georgia product playing the role of the clear No. 1 option on his team, he still stands a chance to challenge an impressive mark. He'll come in as RotoBaller's PPR TE1 in this week's ranks.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Jan 3 9:20pm CT
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard will finish up his 2024 season with a home matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. The Dolphins have been tough on wide receivers this season, allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to the position. Lazard has not been a significant part of the Jets passing offense since the team acquired Davante Adams at the trade deadline and is not a recommended fantasy option heading into the season finale on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Jan 3 9:20pm CT
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has several factors working in his favor to produce as a strong QB1 in fantasy football in the Week 18 regular-season finale at home against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs. First off, Denver can lock up their first playoff berth since the 2015 Super Bowl-champion team with a win over a division rival in front of the home crowd. That's reason enough in a Week 18 with many teams across the league resting starters. But the 24-year-old from Oregon has also continued to get better throughout his first year in the NFL, throwing for three touchdowns just last week in a near-miraculous comeback win against the Bengals. Nix is the QB11 in overall fantasy points on the year through 17 weeks and will be taking on a Chiefs defense that will be resting some of their best players, including pass-rusher Chris Jones. Nix has a clear path to high-end QB1 numbers in fantasy this week.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Davis Jan 3 9:10pm CT
Isaiah Davis

New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis rushed for 35 yards on three carries and added an eight-yard reception in a Week 17 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The rookie running back will look to finish his debut season on a high note in a home matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. The Dolphins have been tough on opposing running games this season, allowing the 13th-fewest fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Davis has shown flashes in limited work this season but he is not a recommended fantasy play as the No. 3 back behind Breece Hall and Braelon Allen this weekend.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Jan 3 9:10pm CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift gets an exploitable spot in Week 18 against the Green Bay Packers in a road tilt. The former Georgia Bulldog has had quite the rollercoaster of a season. He's the current RB19 in PPR formats, though most of his production came during a four-game stretch in the middle of the season. From Weeks 4-8 (Week 7 bye), Swift scored 90.3 fantasy points (22.6 PPG) and was the RB4. However, in his other 12 contests, he'd averaged 9.3 fantasy points per game -- scoring a lone touchdown. Despite his woes, he'll get a Green Bay defense that's much more beatable on the ground than they are through the air. The Pack allow 23.7 fantasy points per game to RBs and are particularly susceptible in the passing game (86 receptions [third-most]). The 25-year-old is RotoBaller's PPR RB15 ahead of the season's final slate of action.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Jan 3 9:10pm CT
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught seven passes for 66 yards and a touchdown, his second in the past three games, in a Week 17 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Wilson needs just three receptions against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18 to log the first 100-catch season of his young career. That being said, the Dolphins have been excellent against receivers this season, allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to the position. Wilson remains behind Davante Adams in the target pecking order in New York. However, the targets in the New York passing attack are consolidated enough that he is still safe to start as a high-end WR2 in fantasy leagues while also worth considering for DFS tournaments this weekend as he is unlikely to be highly rostered due to the tough matchup.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Jan 3 9:00pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers will wrap up his 2024 season with a home matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. Rodgers struggled mightily in his last game, throwing for just 112 yards and two interceptions in a loss to the Buffalo Bills. He will attempt to finish on a high note against a Miami defense that has been tough on opposing quarterbacks, allowing the fewest fantasy points per game to the position this season. Rodgers said earlier in the week that Sunday's game could be his last, which gives some added luster to an otherwise uninspiring matchup. That being said, Rodgers settles in as a low-end QB2 for fantasy purposes this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Dobbs Jan 3 9:00pm CT
Joshua Dobbs

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs is set to make his only start of 2024 in a Week 18 matchup against the Cardinals in Arizona. The 29-year-old will fill in for starter Brock Purdy (right elbow), as he did for a few plays at the end of last week's loss before scoring a rushing touchdown. Dobbs made his most recent start in Week 14 of 2023 with the Minnesota Vikings, as San Francisco opted for Brandon Allen when Purdy missed Week 12 of this season at Green Bay with poor results. Dobbs made some noise in fantasy last year, averaging 15.7 Yahoo default points per game with Arizona and Minnesota. He went over 20 points five times in 13 games -- driven mostly by rushing touchdowns -- but went out with a whimper with the Vikings, failing to reach five points in his final two starts. The Cardinals are the 12th-toughest defense to opposing fantasy quarterbacks, but they've allowed five rushing touchdowns to quarterbacks -- the fifth-most in the NFL. "The Pass-tronaut" is a QB2 in Week 18, but could be a sneaky-good DFS play for those who choose to spend big at other positions.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Jan 3 9:00pm CT
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen ran for 26 yards on six carries in a Week 17 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He will look to put the finishing touches on his rookie season in a home matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. The Dolphins have been solid against running backs this season, allowing the 13th-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. Allen is unlikely to see much work behind starter Breece Hall this weekend, leaving him as a low-end RB4 option who should not be considered to start in any fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Drew Lock Jan 3 8:50pm CT
Drew Lock

New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock will not be a recommended option in Week 18's divisional showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles. The sixth-year pro is coming off his best game, totaling a shocking five touchdowns (one rushing) and 309 passing yards in last weekend's 45-33 win over the Indianapolis Colts. It was the second time in his career that he'd tossed four scores in a single outing, and he was 30 yards shy of matching his previous career high. Despite the stellar performance, Lock can't be trusted for fantasy purposes in this Sunday's road tilt. Before Week 17's explosion, the 28-year-old bolstered a 1:4 TD:INT ratio in his previous appearances. Even with Philly slated to rest most of their starters, the veteran lands at QB26 in RotoBaller's Week 18 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Jan 3 8:50pm CT
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall will put the final touches on his 2024 season in a home matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18. Hall was quiet in his last game, posting 53 all-purpose yards on 11 touches. He will look to bounce back against a Miami run defense that is allowing just the 20th-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season. Hall settles in as an RB2 in fantasy but is probably not a high-ceiling play in DFS contests this weekend due to his recent struggles and the tough matchup on tap.

From RotoBaller