Week 18 Gold: Fantasy or Fools?

A player on your radar had a big game. Do you pick him up? This is where we decide whether their forecast is Fantasy or Fools Gold.

This is an important week to keep up with fantasy news because of teams sitting guys for a variety of reasons. Keep checking player status before games so you do not play a guy who is sitting.

Zack Moss RB Indianapolis Colts

15 rushes, 74 yards

Moss is the new RB1 on a bad Colts team that fell behind early last week, limiting Moss’s touches. This week they face a Texans defense that gives up more yards on the ground than any other NFL defense. Moss should feast this week and be fantasy gold.

Richie James WR New York Giants

7 targets, 7 rec, 76 rec yards, 1 rec TD


James appears to be QB Daniel Jones’ go to receiver here at the end of the season and the team could be in a shootout against the Eagles this week. There is some concern that the Giants sit a lot of guys because their playoff position is guaranteed whether they win or lose. I think the Giants throw everything they can against their division rivals in a game that means everything to the Eagles. If James and the offensive starters play then he will be fantasy gold in Week 18.

Jarrett Stidham QB Las Vegas Raiders

365 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 2 INTs, 7 rushes, 34 rush yards

Stidham’s numbers from last week shows just how much offensive talent there is on the Raiders. With weapons like WR Davante Adams, TE Darren Waller and RB Josh Jacobs in a matchup against a fantasy friendly Chiefs’ defense, Stidham is set to deliver again. He should be fantasy gold this week too.

Matt Brieda RB New York Giants

9 rushes, 59 yards, 1 target, 1 rec, 8 yards

The one Giants player I could see getting a lighter run this week is RB Saquon Barkley who could use a little rest before the playoffs. If that is the case then Brieda could be in line for a huge day against the Eagles. If we start to hear chatter that they are going to rest Barkley after a few series then grab Brieda and put him in your line up. He could be fantasy gold this week.

Alexander Mattison RB Minnesota Vikings

8 rush, 38 rush yards, 1 target, 1 rec, 7 rec yards

There is a chance the Vikings decide to sit some players in Week 18 and RB Dalvin Cook is a likely candidate. In order to earn the No. 2 NFC spot, the Vikings need to beat the Bears and have the Cardinals beat the 49ers. I would not bank on the Cardinals beating San Fran, so it may be wise to give Cook a breather. If Cooks sits then Mattison who is widely regarded as one of the more capable backup RBs will be fantasy gold for the Vikes this week.