The end of the season has arrived. With so many teams resting players, Week 18 will be the most interesting week of the season for DFS. With the status of so many players uncertain, it’s a phenomenal week to hit big on some lower-value players. These are Week 18 DFS Sleepers.
*All prices are based on a $60,000 budget listed on FanDuel.
Week 18 DFS Sleepers
Quarterback
Michael Penix Jr.
The Atlanta Falcons made a massive call benching Kirk Cousins. He’s on an enormous contract, but his struggles warranted the benching. Michael Penix Jr. has now taken the reins; this week will be his third start. The Falcons have to win, and they hope that the Bucs will lose so they can sneak into the playoffs.
Luckily for Penix, he plays the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers allow the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, and their defense has been a disaster all season. They allowed 34.56 fantasy points and five touchdown passes to Baker Mayfield last week.
Penix isn’t as good as Mayfield but has a superior supporting cast. Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Darnell Mooney will all demand the ball against a Panthers defense that can’t stop teams from scoring. Penix is in a great spot to have his breakout game and only costs $6,900.
Running back
Michael Carter
The Arizona Cardinals had the NFC West in their hands a few weeks ago. However, divisional losses to the Seahawks and Rams buried their playoff hopes. At running back, James Conner had one of the best seasons of his career, and rookie Trey Benson is emerging. However, both suffered season-ending injuries in the past three weeks.
Therefore, the Cardinals were forced to elevate Michael Carter from the practice squad. Carter saw 72% of the snaps last week and was heavily involved in the passing game on top of getting most of the carries. He’s facing the 49ers, who give up the fifth most fantasy points to running backs and have numerous injuries.
Carter is set to have a workhorse-like role this week, yet is only priced at $5,800. He’s a great option as an RB2 to pair with someone like Josh Jacobs or Jahmyr Gibbs. He will likely be one of the most popular Week 18 DFS sleepers.
Wide Receiver
Alec Pierce
The ultimate boom-or-bust fantasy pick, Alec Pierce, had his highest-scoring fantasy game of the season last week. He had 122 yards and a touchdown, totaling 24.2 fantasy points. Not only that, his six receptions and nine targets were both season highs.
The Colts are rolling with Joe Flacco at quarterback, meaning that Pierce will get more consistent opportunities. Not to mention, the Colts face the Jaguars, who allow the second most points to quarterbacks and the ninth most to wide receivers. Pierce has six touchdowns this season, and his 6’3″ frame makes him an easy end zone target.
It’s a risk, but Pierce could be a steal at $5,800. He has high upside and a great matchup, but also has a low floor.
Tight End
Tucker Kraft
The Green Bay Packers have locked in a playoff spot but still have to fight for seeding. They also play against their long-time rivals, the Chicago Bears, so there is some extra motivation. The Packers have dominated this matchup; they haven’t lost to the Bears since 2018, and it’s been since 2015 at home.
The Bears are a middle-of-the-pack team against tight ends, but this pick is more about the value. Kraft’s price is $5,100 despite being the TE9 overall this season. He’s also a huge threat to score touchdowns; he leads the Packers with seven receiving touchdowns.
Kraft is an upside pick in a week with minimal tight end options. He’s one of Jordan Love’s favorite targets in a game the Packers historically dominate.
Main Image: Brett Davis – USA Today Sports
