The excitement of Week 18 is palpable as NFL fantasy football enthusiasts gear up for the season's final showdown. This week brings some major decisions as players push for playoff spots or strive to make the most of their last game. Here’s the lowdown on key players, their injury statuses, and potential impacts for your fantasy lineups.
Alvin Kamara Fantasy Outlook
Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints will not be suiting up for this week's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a groin injury. According to reports, Kamara has missed the last two games and did not practice all week. His absence means significant changes for fantasy players relying on him, especially as the Saints surge toward the finish line.
Kamara has showcased productivity this season with nine top-15 finishes, but his groin injury could keep him off the field for the final game of the year. "Kamara is projected to score 0 points this week," fantasy analysts from Pro Football Network noted, emphasizing how dashed hopes might impact lineups.
With Kamara sidelined, Kendre Miller's role will become pivotal. With the Saints' offense struggling, Kamara's inability to contribute may foreshadow what's to come for the team's running game.
Devin Singletary and the Giants' Backfield
Meanwhile, Devin Singletary of the New York Giants appears set to play against the Philadelphia Eagles after being taken off the injury report. Analysts suggest, though, there might not be much value found here. Singletary's average of just 2.8 yards per carry raises alarms.
This week, he is projected to score about 9.5 fantasy points, hinting at moderate expectations. The consensus among experts suggests to steer away from Singletary, particularly with the uncertain performance of the Giants' offensive line.
Kyren Williams and Resting Starters
For the Los Angeles Rams, Kyren Williams was marked as doubtful for his matchup with the Seattle Seahawks due to the Rams’ decision to rest him as they prepare for the playoffs. After logging 316 carries this season, this strategic resting shows the team is prioritizing health.
Even with impressive stats, Williams will not be on the field, adding another layer of challenge for fantasy owners. Fantasy football insights suggested his projected score this week also rests at 0 points, putting players on alert to adjust their lineups accordingly.
Miles Sanders and the Panthers
Miles Sanders, returning from injury, finds himself active against the Atlanta Falcons. After having averaged just 3.7 yards per carry, his presence is welcomed but not necessarily reassuring. "Sanders is projected to score 0 points this week," as observed by analysts. His potential role could be impacted significantly with teammate Chuba Hubbard out.
Even with opportunities arising from Hubbard's absence, it remains uncertain how valuable Sanders can be, with offensive lines struggling to create gaps for running backs.
Roschon Johnson's Potential
Finally, Roschon Johnson of the Chicago Bears is not on the injury report and should be available against the Green Bay Packers. Although Johnson has had limited impact on games, he is projected to score about 8.6 fantasy points this week, reflecting the modest expectations surrounding him. His performance has been underwhelming, with most of his scoring coming from within the one-yard line.
The Bears' offense has failed to capture the lead consistently, making Johnson’s contributions feel even more sidelined compared to potential higher-scoring matches.
Defensive Matchups to Note
This week features pivotal matchups for defenses as well. The Philadelphia Eagles boast one of the top defenses, noted for allowing the fewest yards per play this season. Their dominant performances against the pass could hinder the Giants' offensive capabilities significantly.
Similarly, the Seattle Seahawks' defensive unit showed improvement, recording some of their best grades recently, potentially putting the Rams' offense to the test as they face off.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense has turned around, ranking second in expected points added (EPA) per play during recent games, holding opponents to minimal scoring opportunities.
Final thoughts suggest weighing risk versus reward this week. Considering the current injury statuses and matchups will be key for fantasy players as they strategize their lineups for the concluding week of the regular season. Feel free to explore additional insights with our free PFN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer and finalize your decisions with the latest projections and expert advice.