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Congratulations to those who took home a fantasy championship in season-long formats in Week 17. However, Week 18 offers a chance to close out the year strong for the fantasy managers who didn't do so well. Yet, navigating things can be tricky, which is especially true concerning players on teams who have already punched a ticket into the postseason. As a result, several players throughout the league may see a limited workload on Sunday, with the potential that some may not even play at all.
Keeping track of who will be impacted can be cumbersome, so make Vegas your friend. Keep an eye on those prop bets, which usually reveal more information than some realize. Also, follow some of the beat writers throughout the league, as most have the "inside scoop" regarding who could receive more action during the final week of the regular season. And lastly, with things getting colder and snowier throughout most of the country, check the weather forecast. Even though a player may have a favorable matchup on paper, the elements can undoubtedly alter things, usually not for the better.
In this article, I will be providing you with my Week 18 daily fantasy football lineup picks for FanDuel. These lineups can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. Be sure to also check out our weekly DraftKings DFS lineup picks and lots of other great NFL DFS articles and NFL DFS tools to help you win big! Also, feel free to give me a follow on Twitter @DennisMClausen.
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FanDuel Quarterbacks - Week 18 DFS Lineup Picks
Josh Allen, QB - vs. NYJ ($8,800)
The Bills are in control of their destiny. With a victory against the Jets on Sunday, Buffalo will capture the AFC East. Though a win isn't the only thing that will get the team into the playoffs, beating New York shouldn't prove to be too difficult.
Allen has struggled to some degree against the Jets, throwing five touchdowns and five picks across six career outings. Yet, he's done damage on the run, amassing three rushing touchdowns during that span. Yes, the signal-caller has struggled at times this year, but he should have no issues sealing the deal on Sunday against one of the worst teams in the NFL.
Kyler Murray, WR - vs. SEA ($8,400)
The Cardinals will need a win and the Rams to lose to secure the NFC West. While the team continues to deal with some significant injuries, specifically to DeAndre Hopkins, James Conner, Chase Edmonds, and Rondale Moore, there was some good news leading into the final game of the regular season.
J.J. Watt was designated to return from injured reserve, and though he won't play on Sunday, it was still a step in the right direction. Arizona will also likely have its entire starting offensive line together for the first time since Week 9. Murray arguably hasn't been the same without his protection unit, so it is undoubtedly a positive sign for his fantasy potential. Seattle has played well against opposing quarterbacks this season. However, Murray has historically got it done against the team, as evident by his performances against the club during his career.
Also Consider: Tom Brady ($8,100), Matthew Stafford ($7,400), Tyler Huntley ($7,000)
FanDuel Running Backs - Week 18 DFS Lineup Picks
Jonathan Taylor, RB - vs. JAC ($10,200)
The Colts need to pull off a win in Jacksonville to make the postseason, although the team shouldn't have much trouble accomplishing that. Undoubtedly, Taylor should continue to play a significant role on offense in Week 18, so he will likely get plenty of work, just like he has all year.
The sophomore got back on track in Week 17 versus the Raiders. He ran for 108 yards off 20 carries in that one, and more importantly, he found the end zone, something he didn't do versus the Cardinals on Christmas, snapping an 11-game streak with at least one touchdown. Everyone knows how bad Jacksonville is, which only makes Taylor's outlook even brighter, so DFS managers shouldn't need much convincing about his insanely high ceiling. However, for those who still need a nudge, keep in mind the Jaguars have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs over the last two weeks.
Alvin Kamara, RB - @ ATL ($9,000)
The Saints are still in the hunt for a postseason opportunity. However, some things will need to happen for that to come to fruition, including a victory against Atlanta and a 49ers loss versus the Rams. Fortunately, New Orleans has an easier path, but Kamara will need to step it up.
Overall, the veteran has struggled against the Falcons throughout his career, racking up just three touchdowns and averaging 50.8 yards throughout nine meetings with the club. Yet, those three trips to the end zone have come during his last three games against the birds. Vegas also has some optimistic projections for Kamara on Sunday, so save some cap space.
Also Consider: Dalvin Cook ($8,700), David Montgomery ($7,600), Devin Singletary ($6,700), D'Onta Foreman
FanDuel Wide Receivers - Week 18 DFS Lineup Picks
Cooper Kupp, WR - vs. SF ($10,000)
The Rams got smoked by the 49ers during a Monday Night Football matchup in mid-November. While most of Los Angeles' offense struggled in that one, Kupp still flourished by finishing with 122 yards and catching 11 of his 13 targets.
L.A. is looking to clinch the NFC West title, so the wideout should be ready to cap off his fantastic year. The 49ers' defense poses its challenges. Still, with Kupp looking to become only the fourth player of the Super Bowl era to lead the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, Matthew Stafford will surely do all he can to make that happen.
Justin Jefferson, WR - vs. CHI ($8,500)
The Vikings and Bears won't be joining in on the postseason festivities. Yet, these two teams loathe each other, so this should be far from a meaningless game, especially for Jefferson, who believes Chicago is owed a "butt-whooping."
The sophomore also has some business of his own to take care of on the individual end, as he is currently 124 receiving yards away from breaking Randy Moss' single-season record of 1,632. Nonetheless, he will have a good chance of doing that, primarily since the Bears are banged up defensively. Kirk Cousins will also be back under center, and with Adam Thielen out of the equation for the rest of the year, Jefferson may thrive.
Also Consider: Stefon Diggs ($7,700), Michael Pittman Jr. ($6,600), Christian Kirk ($6,200), Gabriel Davis ($5,200)
FanDuel Tight Ends - Week 18 DFS Lineup Picks
Rob Gronkowski, TE - vs. CAR ($7,400)
The Buccaneers have been the talk of the town since the turbulent departure of Antonio Brown. Even so, despite distractions and negative press, the defending champs are still playing for something on Sunday, as some scenarios exist that could impact the playoff picture.
With Brown gone and Chris Godwin, Leonard Fournette, and Ronald Jones II injured, Tom Brady will rely on Gronkowski, his longtime safety net and pal. He's been targeted 21 times throughout the last three weeks, and he accumulated over 100 receiving yards in Week 17. Mike Evans is cleared to play as well. However, it's unknown how healthy he truly is, primarily since he logged only 56 offensive snaps against the Jets, one of his lowest marks of the year.
Also Consider: Zach Ertz ($5,600), Pat Freiermuth ($5,200)
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