From game-time decisions to injuries so significant they affect the value of every single position, let's break down the Fantasy and DFS impact of injuries for every Week 18 matchup. Know when to pivot and how your fantasy roster will be affected.
Below, you'll find a game-by-game look at the injuries you need to know that will have the biggest impact for Fantasy leagues, as well as the implications for DFS players. This week's list of notable names includes quarterbacks Lamar Jackson, Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts; running backs Kenneth Walker, Josh Jacobs and D'Onta Foreman; receivers Tyler Lockett and DeAndre Hopkins; tight ends Taysom Hill and Noah Fant; and many others, including key offensive line and defensive injuries to know.
Notable injuries
- WR Skyy Moore (hand) - Out
- WR Mecole Hardman (pelvis) - Questionable
- OG Joe Thuney (ankle) - Questionable
- K Harrison Butker (back) - Questionable
- CB L'Jarius Sneed (hip) - Questionable
- RB Josh Jacobs (hip, oblique) - Questionable
- LB Darien Butler (concussion) - Out
Juju Smith-Schuster has struggled in recent games as the Chiefs are spreading the ball evenly among pass catchers, making receivers difficult to trust. But with Moore out and Hardman questionable, JuJu could see an increase in opportunities, making him a low-end flex option.
Josh Jacobs should be monitored throughout the weekend. Jacobs, who has played through a variety of injuries this season, is a must-start if active.
DFS impact
Given the two-game Saturday schedule, JuJu is the third highest-priced receiver on the slate. While he could see enough volume to justify his usage in redraft, he lacks upside in DFS at his pricing. Jacobs is the second most expensive running back on the slate but a viable option if active.
Notable injuries
Titans
- RB Derrick Henry (hip) - Cleared
- WR Treylon Burks (groin) - Questionable
- OT Nicholas Petit-Frere (ankle) - Questionable
- DT Jeffery Simmons (ankle) - Cleared
- OLB Dylan Cole (ankle) - Questionable
- CB Kristian Fulton (groin) - Questionable
- SS Amani Hooker (knee) - Questionable
Jaguars
- QB Trevor Lawrence (toe) - Questionable
- OG Brandon Scherff (abdomen) - Questionable
- DE Foley Fatukasi (ankle) - Questionable
- OLB Travon Walker (ankle) - Questionable
- SS Rayshawn Jenkins (shoulder) - Questionable
This matchup is one of the rare Week 18 matchups unaffected by potential players resting and lack of incentive to play. The Titans and Jags are battling for the playoffs. Derrick Henry is returning to action after missing Week 17 and has an excellent matchup. Fantasy managers should monitor status for Burks and Lawrence but both are expected to play and both have excellent defensive matchups.
DFS impact
If Burks is active, he's just $4,200 on DraftKings and an excellent value play. Quarterbacks are limited on the Saturday slate but Lawrence is just $6,100 on DraftKings and is potentially the best value option if active, given the Titans' struggles against the pass.
Notable injuries
- WR Julio Jones (knee) - Questionable
- OT Tristan Wirfs (ankle) - Cleared
- OT Donovan Smith (foot) - Out
- NT Vita Vea (calf) - Out
- OLB Carl Nassib (pec) - Out
- CB Jamel Dean (toe) - Questionable
- CB Carlton Davis (shoulder) - Out
- S Logan Ryan (knee) - Out
- S Mike Edwards (hamstring) - Questionable
- OG Elijah Wilkinson (calf) - Out
The Bucs have a long injury list with a significant amount of players out on defense, plus several offensive linemen and Julio Jones. Tampa Bay is locked into their playoff seed, has no incentive to use players dealing with injuries and will likely limit play time for starters. For the Bucs, this means Russell Gage could see increased play time and be a solid flex option. For the Falcons, Drake London, Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson will face a softer defense and are all flex options for Week 18.
DFS impact
Allgeier at $5,600, London at $4,900 and Gage at $4,400 are all solid value plays this week. Gage will likely see work without Tom Brady but Gage has a low ADOT and should be the favorite target of any backup quarterback.
Notable injuries
- WR Jakobi Meyers (shoulder) - Questionable
- WR DeVante Parker (concussion) - Cleared
- TE Jonnu Smith (concussion) - Questionable
- NT Davon Godchaux (illness) - Cleared
- CB Jalen Mills (groin) - Questionable
- CB Jonathan Jones (chest) - Questionable
- CB Marcus Jones (concussion) - Cleared
- CB Myles Bryant (shoulder) - Cleared
- QB Josh Allen (ankle) - Cleared
- WR Jamison Crowder (ankle) - TBD
- WR Jake Kumerow (ankle) - TBD
- TE Dawson Knox (hip) - Cleared
- NT Jordan Phillips (shoulder) - Cleared
- OLB Matt Milano (knee) - Cleared
- SS Damar Hamlin (undisclosed) - IR
- CB Taron Johnson (head) - Cleared
Jakobi Meyers is questionable for Week 18 and his status should be monitored throughout the weekend. Meyers has had at least Fantasy points for two straight weeks and is a strong option despite the difficult matchup. Tyquan Thornton saw an increase in opportunities last week but with Parker cleared from concussion protocol, Thornton is not a flex-worthy option. Hunter Henry if a low-end TE1 if Smith is unable to play.
Josh Allen and Dawson Knox are cleared for Week 18 and are excellent starts. With the canceled Week 17 game between Buffalo and Cincinnati, the Bills benefit from winning regardless of the Kansas City Chiefs' outcome, so both players should see a full game. Crowder and Kumerow could be active in Week 18 and should be monitored throughout the weekend. While they are not viable options in Fantasy, their availability does affect other Bills pass catchers.
DFS impact
If Meyers is active, he's a strong value play at just $5,100 on DraftKings. Henry is an interesting value play at just $3,300 if Smith is out. Josh Allen is the most expensive quarterback on the main slate at $8,400 but a top-tier, healthy quarterback in line to play a full game is worth the price.
Notable injuries
- TE Irv Smith Jr (ankle) - TBD
- C Garrett Bradbury (back) - Out
- OLB Za'Darius Smith (NIR) - Questionable
- CB Cam Dantzler (ankle) - Questionable
- QB Justin Fields (hip) - Out
- OG Teven Jenkins (neck) - IR
- CB Kyler Gordon (groin) - Questionable
- DB Jaylon Jones (concussion) - Out
Justin Fields is out for Week 18 and despite the excellent matchup against Minnesota, it's difficult to trust any Chicago pass catcher with Nathan Peterman leading the way. The Bears will likely lean on the ground game. But with David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert splitting work, both are unappealing starts.
Justin Jefferson is a still a must-start unless we hear news over the weekend that Minnesota plans to rest players. Monitor status throughout the weekend around all Vikings starters.
DFS impact
It's best to avoid this game as a whole in DFS. The Bears could struggle significantly on offense and Minnesota players are at risk or not playing a full complement of snaps.
Notable injuries
- QB Lamar Jackson (knee) - Out
- QB Tyler Huntley (shoulder, wrist) - Questionable
- WR Desean Jackson (illness) - Questionable
- WR Tylan Wallace (hamstring) - TBD
- OT Morgan Moses (biceps) - Questionable
- DE Calais Campbell (knee) - Questionable
- CB Marcus Peters (calf) - Questionable
- CB Brandon Stephens (illness) - Questionable
- CB Kevon Seymour (finger, illness) - Questionable
- DE Sam Hubbard (calf ) - Cleared
- CB Eli Apple (neck) - Questionable
The Ravens are once again without Lamar Jackson, while Tyler Huntley is questionable. Huntley's potential absence would put Anthony Brown in line for a start. This is an extremely difficult matchup against a strong Cincinnati defense and the only viable options this week are Mark Andrews and JK Dobbins. Temper expectations if Huntley is inactive.
DFS impact
Cincinnati is one of the more difficult defensive matchups in the league. Despite the huge bounceback game in Week 17, Andrews is a risky option in DFS as the third highest-priced tight end on the main slate if Huntley cannot play.
Notable injuries
- WR Phillip Dorsett (hamstring) - Out
- TE O.J. Howard (hip) - Questionable
- OLB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (illness) - Questionable
- CB Steven Nelson (illness) - Questionable
- QB Nick Foles (ribs) - Out
- WR Ashton Dulin (concussion) - Cleared
- TE Kylen Granson (ankle) - Out
- DE Yannick Ngakoue (throat) - IR
- CB Kenny Moore (ankle) - IR
- CB Stefon Gilmore (wrist) - Questionable
- DB Brandon Facyson (concussion) - Questionable
While the Texans' offensive injuries are not significant Fantasy players, it's still difficult to trust any offensive player in this matchup, given the lack of incentive to win for both teams.
The Colts will be without Nick Foles, which could be an offensive boost for Colts pass catchers. However, Houston has one of the worst run defenses in the league, so Indianapolis will likely lean on the ground game, led by Zack Moss.
DFS impact
Given the Colts' defensive secondary injuries, Brandin Cooks is a value play at just $4,800. But this play is more suitable for GPP.
Notable injuries
Jets
- QB Mike White (ribs) - Questionable
- WR Jeff Smith (knee) - IR
- TE C.J. Uzomah (ankle) - Questionable
- OT George Fant (knee) - Out
- OT Duane Brown (shoulder) - Out
- OG Nate Herbig (ankle) - Out
- OG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (knee) - Questionable
- SS Lamarcus Joyner (hip) - Out
- FS Jordan Whitehead (hamstring) - Questionable
- QB Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) - Out
- QB Teddy Bridgewater (finger, knee) - Questionable
- FB Alec Ingold (thumb) - Questionable
- WR Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) - Cleared
- WR Cedrick Wilson (hip) - Doubtful
- OT Terron Armstead (toe, pec, knee, hip) - Doubtful
- OT Kendall Lamm (ankle) - Doubtful
- OLB Bradley Chubb (ankle, hand) - Questionable
- CB Xavien Howard (knee) - Questionable
- SS Eric Rowe (quadriceps) - Questionable
With injuries to Mike White, Tua Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater, this matchup will likely feature Joe Flacco and Skylar Thompson at quarterback. The Jets are dealing with significant injuries to their offensive line, making Jets running backs unappealing options. However, given the early season performances from Flacco, Garrett Wilson is still a flex option this week. Elijah Moore could see increased targets this week but is only a very deep league option.
For the Dolphins, Jaylen Waddle has been cleared for Week 18. Waddle is a risky flex option in a difficult matchup and with Thompson at quarterback. Tyreek Hill is still a must-start with Thompson. Miami could lean on the ground game in this matchup and Raheem Mostert would likely see the majority of work.
DFS impact
Garrett Wilson is an interesting, potentially low-rostered option at just $5,800. Wilson is poised for a bounceback game after catching only three of his 11 targets in Week 18. Wilson averaged 11 targets per game with Joe Flacco earlier this year.
Notable injuries
- RB D'Onta Foreman (knee) - Questionable
- DE Brian Burns (ankle) - Questionable
- DT Matt Ioannidis (back) - Questionable
- CB Jaycee Horn (wrist) - IR
- RB Dwayne Washington (illness) - NFI
- TE Juwan Johnson (quadriceps) - Questionable
- TE Taysom Hill (back) - Questionable
- OT Ryan Ramczyk (hip) - Questionable
- OT James Hurst (foot) - Questionable
- OG Andrus Peat (ankle) - Out
- CB Paulson Adebo (hamstring) - Out
- SS Marcus Maye (shoulder) - Questionable
D'Onta Foreman popped up on the injury report on Friday and is questionable for Week 18. His status should be monitored throughout the weekend. Chuba Hubbard is in line for a big increase in work if Foreman is unable to play.
For the Saints, Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill are both questionable. If active, both are streaming options at tight end.
DFS impact
With Jaycee Horn on IR, the Saints receivers could see a boost in production this week. Chris Olave is a bit pricy at $6,200. But Rashid Shaheed, at just $4,200, is an option as a value play in tournaments.
Notable injuries
- RB D'Ernest Johnson (shoulder) - Cleared
- WR Amari Cooper (hip) - Cleared
- C Ethan Pocic (illness) - Cleared
- OT Jack Conklin (ankle) - Out
- DE Jadeveon Clowney (NIR) - Out
- CB Denzel Ward (shoulder) - Questionable
- WR Diontae Johnson (hip) - Cleared
- DT Larry Ogunjobi (toe) - Cleared
- ILB Myles Jack (groin) - Questionable
- OLB Alex Highsmith (ankle) - Cleared
- CB Arthur Maulet (illness) - Cleared
- FS Minkah Fitzpatrick (ankle) - Questionable
Offensive, both Pittsburgh and Cleveland are relatively healthy. There are a few key absences on defense for both teams but injuries should make little impact in the outcome of this game.
DFS impact
There is no DFS impact for injuries in this matchup.
Notable injuries
- FB Zander Horvath (ankle) - Questionable
- OT Trey Pipkins (knee) - Cleared
- SS Derwin James (concussion) - Cleared
- RB Marlon Mack (hamstring) - IR
- WR Jerry Jeudy (ankle) - Cleared
- WR Kendall Hinton (hamstring) - Out
- TE Eric Saubert (knee) - Questionable
- TE Andrew Beck (elbow) - Cleared
- TE Eric Tomlinson (ankle) - Questionable
- OT Billy Turner (back) - Questionable
- OT Calvin Anderson (ankle) - Out
- OG Quinn Meinerz (foot) - Cleared
- NT D.J. Jones (knee) - Out
- CB K'Waun Williams (knee) - Cleared
- CB Damarri Mathis (head) - Questionable
The Chargers are finally healthy on offense but Fantasy managers do need to be wary of them this week. It's possible that the Chargers are locked into their playoff spot as the result of earlier games. If that happens, the Chargers could rest players. Monitor status and games throughout Sunday.
For the Broncos, Latavius Murray and Chase Edmonds are the only healthy backs on the roster in a good matchup against a Chargers defense that has struggled to stop the run.
DFS impact
If Fantasy managers opt to use Chargers, prepare to late swap if the Chargers opt to rest players. Murray did see increase work in the pass game last week. If he can repeat that usage plus a positive increase on the ground given the matchup, he's an interesting option at just $5,400 on DraftKings.
Notable injuries
- C Jon Feliciano (back) - Questionable
- DE Leonard Williams (neck) - Out
- OLB Azeez Ojulari (ankle) - Out
- CB Adoree' Jackson (knee) - Doubtful
- QB Jalen Hurts (shoulder) - Questionable
- RB Miles Sanders (knee) - Cleared
- OT Lane Johnson (groin) - Out
- DE Robert Quinn (knee) - TBD
- DE Josh Sweat (neck) - Out
- CB Avonte Maddox (toe) - Out
- FS Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (abdomen) - TBD
It's difficult to gauge usability of Giants in this matchup because there's a strong possibility that they rest players. Given lack of Giants' receiving options, lower-end streaming options at receiver like Isaiah Hodgins and Richie James could see enough work for low-end flex options. But Fantasy managers in shallow leagues can pivot to safer options. Matt Breida could see the bulk of work on the ground if the Giants rest Saquon Barkley.
For the Eagles, Jalen Hurts' status must be monitored throughout the weekend. He seems to be trending towards playing but given the likelihood of the Giants resting players, follow updates for any indication on limitations.
DFS impact
The main impact is the potential rest for Barkley. Matt Breida is just $5K on DraftKings and the Giants could lean on the ground game. Breida could be a pure volume play.
Notable injuries
- WR Ben Skowronek (calf) - Out
- C Brian Allen (calf) - Out
- NT Greg Gaines (shoulder) - Cleared
- DE Aaron Donald (ankle) - Out
- FS Nick Scott (shoulder) - Out
- RB Kenneth Walker (ankle) - Cleared
- RB DeeJay Dallas (ankle) - Cleared
- RB Travis Homer (ankle) - Doubtful
- WR Tyler Lockett (shin) - Questionable
- WR Marquise Goodwin (shoulder) - IR
- TE Noah Fant (knee) - Cleared
- OG Damien Lewis (ankle) - Questionable
- OG Phil Haynes (ankle) - Questionable
- OT Abraham Lucas (knee) - Cleared
- OLB Uchenna Nwosu (foot) - Cleared
- SS Ryan Neal (knee) - Questionable
The Rams injury list remains steady week-to-week.
For the Seahawks, the long injury list has cleared up with Kenneth Walker, DeeJay Dallas and Noah Fant active for Week 18. Fantasy managers should monitor status for Tyler Lockett throughout the weekend.
DFS impact
All Seahawks are well-priced and in play this week. The Rams are typically a tough matchup but have struggled with injuries. Geno Smith and DK Metcalf are a solid stack this week.
Notable injuries
- QB Colt McCoy (concussion) - Out
- RB James Conner (shin, knee) - Out
- WR DeAndre Hopkins (knee) - Out
- WR Marquise Brown (wrist) - Cleared
- WR Robbie Anderson (back) - Out
- C Billy Price (knee) - Cleared
- OT Kelvin Beachum (knee) - Cleared
- NT Leki Fotu (shoulder) - Questionable
- DE J.J. Watt (groin) - Cleared
- DE Zach Allen (hand) - Out
- OLB Zaven Collins (calf) - Out
- CB Antonio Hamilton (hip) - Out
- CB Marco Wilson (neck) - Out
- CB Josh Jackson (hamstring) - Questionable
- QB Jimmy Garoppolo (foot) - Out
- QB Brock Purdy (oblique, rib) - Cleared
- RB Christian McCaffrey (knee, ankle) - Cleared
- RB Elijah Mitchell (knee) - TBD
- WR Deebo Samuel (knee, ankle) - Cleared
- OG Aaron Banks (knee) - Out
- DT Arik Armstead (foot) - Questionable
- DT Javon Kinlaw (knee) - Questionable
- DT Kevin Givens (knee) - Out
- OLB Dre Greenlaw (back) - Out
The Cardinals are without McCoy, Conner, and Hopkins this week. Brown was cleared and is only a flex play. He should see a solid amount of targets but lacks upside. Greg Dortch is also a flex option in deep leagues. He was unproductive with his targets last week but should continue to see double-digit targets.
For the 49ers, Purdy and McCaffrey are cleared and Deebo Samuel will make his return to action this week. However, monitor news around Samuel this weekend because it's possible the 49ers ease him back into play after the long layoff and with playoffs looming.
DFS impact
The Cardinals are risky options in DFS given all the injury issues. Dortch is priced as a value play and could be a contrarian option if Fantasy managers are fearful of his usage after a disappointing Week 17 performance. The 49ers are potentially risky options as well. If the game is out of hand, the 49ers could opt to rest players in the second half. Purdy is still a fine value play but McCaffrey could be a risky DFS option at his price.
Notable injuries
Cowboys
- C Tyler Biadasz (ankle) - Out
- WR KaVontae Turpin (illness) - Questionable
- DE Demarcus Lawrence (foot) - Cleared
- MLB Leighton Van Esch (neck) - Out
- RB Antonio Gibson (knee) - IR
- RB Brian Robinson (knee) - Out
- OG Saddiq Charles (concussion) - IR
- OT Cornelius Lucas (ankle) - Out
- OG Andrew Norwell (hip) - Questionable
- OL Saahdiq Charles (concussion) - Out
- DT Jonathan Allen (knee) - Out
- LB Jamin Davis (knee) - Questionable
- CB Benjamin St-Juste (ankle) - IR
- SS Kamren Curl (ankle) - Questionable
With Gibson and Robinson out, Jonathan Williams and Jaret Patterson are the active backs for Washington. Neither is a viable Fantasy option. The Commanders are starting Sam Howell at quarterback this week and Washington pass-catchers are risky, flex options at best.
DFS impact
Although the price may be appealing, it's unlike that Williams or Patterson would see significant work to justify usage in DFS. Washington receivers are more suited for tournament play but are risky options. Howell showed promise in preseason but his preferences at receiver are unknown.
Notable injuries
- FB Jason Cabinda (ankle) - Questionable
- C Frank Ragnow (foot) - Questionable
- OG Evan Brown (ankle) - Cleared
- DT Michael Brockers (ankle) - Questionable
- CB Jeff Okudah (elbow) - Questionable
- SS DeShon Elliott (shoulder) - Questionable
- RB Aaron Jones (knee) - Cleared
- WR Christian Watson (hip) - Cleared
- TE Josiah Deguara (calf) - Questionable
- OT Elgton Jenkins (knee) - Cleared
- OT David Bakhtiari (knee) - Cleared
- OT Yosh Nijman (shoulder) - Cleared
- DB Keisean Nixon (groin) - Cleared
Detroit is healthy on offense and the Packers have cleared all players outside of Deguara. This is an extremely meaningful matchup to both teams and injuries will have little impact on this game.
DFS impact
There is no DFS injury impact for this game.
