The 2025 NFL Season is here, and with it comes some lineup questions. Which moves should you make to maximize your points? Let this weekly post be your guide as I offer one start and one sit suggestion at QB, RB, WR, and TE. These suggestions are based on my rankings compared to the consensus each week. And because we want to measure our success, check back each week for a recap on how I did.
For this project, a start is a player I think will finish in the Top 12 at QB or TE and the Top 24 at RB or WR. A sit is a player I think will finish outside those metrics. Before we dive into this week’s suggestions, let’s review how we did last week. All scoring is courtesy of Fantasy Pros.
We’ve arrived at Week 18. Likely, your season is over, but if it’s not, this will be a tricky setup. You might also be looking for DFS lineup options, so consider this my prediction for who will thrive and who will struggle in the handful of games that matter.
But first, let’s look back at how I did in Week 17.
Week 17 Starts
QB: Jaxson Dart, QB4 Hit. Dart was great against the Raiders.
RB: Derrick Henry, RB1 Hit. Henry was incredible in carrying the Ravens.
WR: Nico Collins, WR42 Miss. The Texans used every receiver but Collins…
TE: Juwan Johnson, TE8 Hit. Johnson continues to be steady.
Start Record: 3-1
Week 17 Sits
QB: Justin Herbert, QB15 Hit. Herbert struggled against the Texans.
RB: Woody Marks, RB27 Hit. Marks was the top Texans back, still outside Top 24.
WR: Marvin Harrison, 0 points Hit. Harrison isn’t a good bet.
TE: Colston Loveland, TE2 Miss. Loveland went off in the Bears’ loss.
Sit Record: 3-1
Now, on to the Week 18 selections.
Quarterbacks
Start: Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
About: The 49ers have a shot to win a home game in Week 18 and earn homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. They face a tough Seahawks team that beat them in Week 1 and has an impeccable road record. So, why is Purdy a start? Well, simply put, he’s been on fire. He’s QB2 on a points-per-game basis this season. He’s had 26 or more points in each of his last three games. It’s a tough matchup, but I like Purdy to lead the 49ers to the top spot in the NFC.
Sit: Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
About: Young has been steady as a QB2 this season, and he’s had some big performances in crucial games. In some ways, this has been a step forward. But you still don’t know what Young you’re going to get in a big game. Last week, against Seattle, he was dreadful. The Buccaneers don’t have as imposing an offense, but I’m still not relying on Young this week.
Running Backs
Start: R.J. Harvey, Denver Broncos
About: As the lead back for the Broncos, the back half of the season, Harvey has been solid. He’s RB18 on the season with 18 or more points in four of his last five games. His low during that period was 10.5 points, presenting a fairly stable floor. In Week 18, the Broncos need a win to lock up the No. 1 seed. The Chargers might be playing subs, but the Broncos will be going for it, and I expect Harvey to carry a heavy load.
Sit: David Montgomery, Detroit Lions
About: I like Montgomery as a player, but this season has been wildly uneven. Even Jahmyr Gibbs has struggled on the ground at times. The Lions badgered the Bears earlier this season, but the Bears need it more and are playing better in Week 18. I think the Bears are likely to turn the tables, hoping to secure the No. 2 seed, while the Lions are out of the mix. I’m not trusting Montgomery to get enough volume and production to finish Top 24.
Wide Receivers
Start: Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
About: The Buccaneers’ offense has been a mess of late. But Godwin has been steady since returning, and has seemingly been the most consistent of the Buccaneers’ receivers. This is a must-win game for the Buccaneers at home. I expect Baker Mayfield to lean on Godwin as the team tries to rally and save a chance at the playoffs. Godwin is a start for me.
Sit: Steelers Wide Receivers
About: With D.K. Metcalf suspended, the Steelers’ passing game was a mess in Week 17. I don’t think it gets any better with him still suspended in Week 18. There isn’t a player in the Steelers’ receiver room I would trust with the season on the line, which is a big part of the problem for the Steelers’ offense this season.
Tight Ends
Start: A.J. Barner, Seattle Seahawks
About: It’s a big swing, but when the season has been on the line, Sam Darnold looks for Barner. His numbers this season aren’t incredibly impressive. He’s TE13 on the season, but he’s had 13 or more points in each of the last two games against the Rams and Panthers. In a must-win game against the 49ers, I suspect Darnold will be looking for Barner once again.
Sit: Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens
About: There was a time when Andrews was an automatic start, especially in a must-win game. Though he’s had a great career and just got a contract extension, he’s been wildly inconsistent in 2025. In fact, for the most part, he’s been missing in action. Could he be the difference against the Steelers? It’s possible, but how can you count on him or this Ravens’ pass offense? He’s a sit for me this week.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
