The end of the 2024 NFL DFS season is finally upon us. It’s pretty hard to believe that it’s gone this fast! It only seems like yesterday we were setting lineups for Week 1. We’ve reached 2025, and it’s the end of the road.
This means it’s that last chance to shine in the NFL’s main Sunday slate. So, it’s time to put together a slate-winning team to end the season with a bang!
(NFL DFS salaries courtesy of DraftKings)
Week 18 NFL DFS Picks & Lineup Advice (2024)
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) | $7,000
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is having a career year. The two-time Heisman Trophy winner has been on a complete tear and will need to continue that heading into Week 18 in search of clinching the NFC South. Mayfield and company take on the New Orleans Saints in a situation where they’d love to lock up the NFC South. In the last four weeks, the former Oklahoma Sooner hasn’t scored under 22 NFL DFS points, topping out at 37.6 this past week against Carolina.
New Orleans is right around the middle of the field regarding fantasy points allowed to the quarterback position, allowing 17.3 fantasy points per game. That number could easily be eclipsed this week as Mayfield and company look to let it fly and head into the playoffs as division champs.
Running Back
Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons) | $8,500
It’s not a cheap pick by any means. However, if the Atlanta Falcons want to advance to the playoffs, they must win this week. Why wouldn’t they force-feed their best player, Bijan Robinson, in a must-win situation? In nine of the past 11 games, Robinson has eclipsed 20 or more NFL DFS points, five of those going over 24 points. Since rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has gotten under center, Robinson has scored 24.3 and 24.8 fantasy points, respectively.
Their matchup – the Carolina Panthers – has single-handedly been the best matchup for fantasy running backs this season, allowing 29.1 fantasy points per game to the position. It’s a layup of a selection. The kicker here lies in if you’re willing to drop the dough to get him in your lineup. Looking at the field, I believe this is a good idea!
Wide Receiver
Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) | $8,000
The price tag is huge, so many NFL DFS managers will understandably shy away from this. But it seems like it is a must-start for Mike Evans this week. The veteran is a key cog to this Buccaneers’ offense that is fighting to secure the division with a win. As noted, Mayfield has been on an absolute heater, and Evans is chasing greatness. He only needs 85 yards to tie the great Jerry Rice for 11-straight 1,000-yard seasons.
The New Orleans Saints’ secondary is also about as bad as it gets when it comes to defending wide receivers, allowing 30.2 fantasy points per game to the position. Giving even more upside, Evans’ “arch-nemesis” Marshon Lattimore is no longer a Saint. This seems like an absolute no-brainer, even with the associated cost.
Tight End
Jonnu Smith (Miami Dolphins) | $5,800
Believe it or not, Miami is still in the hunt for a playoff spot. The Dolphins are in the postseason if they win and the Broncos lose. Do you see a trend here? We’re targeting players whose teams need their studs to win and make the playoffs. Jonnu Smith has been just that: a stud. Over the past seven games, Smith has had six total touchdowns. With the subpar seasons of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, head coach and play-caller Mike McDaniel has leaned more on Smith this season. For the most part, the fantasy scoring has followed.
The matchup against the Jets isn’t great, with New York ranking inside top-10 toughest matchups for fantasy tight ends. Still, if the Dolphins want to get in the playoffs, they’ll need their big-bodied tight end to make some plays this week.
Defense/Special Teams
Philadelphia Eagles D/ST | $3,300
The Philadelphia Eagles take on the New York Giants, who came alive in Week 17 and ruined their chance of getting the first-overall pick. However, the Eagles’ defense has been firing on all cylinders and is looking to knock down a division foe before the playoffs. They’ve been all over the place with four interceptions, six fumble recoveries, four sacks and a defensive touchdown all coming in the last three games! What’s not to like against a woeful New York Giants team?
Check out all of our Week 18 fantasy football content:
- Fantasy Football Whiplash! | Week 18 News & Notes (2024)
- Week 18 Fantasy Football Advice Mailbag (2024)
- Week 18 NFL DFS Picks & Lineup Advice (2024)
- Way-Too-Early 2025 Fantasy Football Sleepers
- PropKings: NFL Week 18 (2024)
- All-In-The-Scope Team (2024)
Thanks for reading my Week 18 NFL DFS picks! Check out more of our fantasy football and other written content here at In-Between Media, or head over to our YouTube channel to get your fix via video.
Be sure to also follow me on Twitter @snag1025 for more content.
*Photo Credit: Brett Davis – USA TODAY Sports*
