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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Kevin Hickey

Fantasy football waiver wire: Week 18 free-agent forecast

Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated.

Check back for any updates throughout Monday and Tuesday as more injury news becomes available.

One-week plays

Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

QB Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans

The Colts and Texans will be fighting for their playoff lives Saturday night. Minshew only has multiple passing touchdowns in two of his last six games, but the matchup against Houston should allow him to throw the ball. They’ve allowed the third-most fantasy points above expectation to quarterbacks this season so Minshew is a fine streaming option.

Availability: 68%
FAAB: 40%


QB Nick Mullens, Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions

This is assuming Mullens is the starter after taking over during the second half Sunday night in Week 17. Over the last four weeks, Detroit has allowed 19.8 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, including a 411-yard performance to Mullens in Week 16.

Availability: 93%
FAAB: 15%


RB Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams

With the 49ers having clinched the top seed and home-field advantage entering the final week, there’s a good chance the starters sit, especially Christian McCaffrey (calf). That means we’re going to see a lot of Mitchell in the running game as San Francisco looks to get ready for a playoff run. Jordan Mason also could see some work alongside Mitchell.

Availability: 88%
FAAB: 90%


RB Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Titans are playing for nothing but to spoil the Jaguars’ chances at winning the division. Spears has been heavily involved as a receiving option with at least four receptions in four of his last six games.

Availability: 56%
FAAB: 70%


RB Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

The Bears may be eliminated, but they’ll be playing to spoil the playoff hopes of the Packers. Herbert has clearly taken over as the starter with 22 and 21 opportunities in his last two games, respectively. In that span, he’s recorded 19.1 and 20.9 PPR points, going over 100 rushing yards and finding the end zone in each of those contests.

Availability: 47%
FAAB: 70%


WR Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders

The Cowboys are fighting for the division title and will get to visit the Commanders to wrap up the season. Cooks came through with a 5-60-1 line last week, so he’s certainly in play as a WR3/flex option in a favorable matchup against Washington.

Availability: 34%
FAAB: 50%


WR Darius Slayton, New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Once again, Slayton came through with a big play en route to a 4-106-1 receiving line that mostly came on the back of an 80-yard touchdown. Those who need an upside WR3 play can look to Slayton against a susceptible Eagles secondary.

Availability: 97%
FAAB: 30%


TE Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears

Kraft has six targets in four of his last five games and at least four receptions each of his last five. Considering the injuries that have hit the wide receiver room, Kraft is a strong streaming option for those in need of a tight end this week.

Availability: 80%
FAAB: 25%


Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST at Carolina Panthers

No offense is more dysfunctional than the Panthers, and they’ve scored fewer than 10 points in three of their last four games. The Bucs should be able to tee off against a team that just wants the season to end.

Availability: 63%
FAAB: 10%


Las Vegas Raiders D/ST vs. Denver Broncos

The Raiders defense has been playing well under interim head coach Antonio Pierce. The Broncos made the switch to quarterback Jarrett Stidham, but it didn’t lead to much improvement of the offense last week, so the Raiders are certainly in play.

Availability: 68%
FAAB: 10%


PK Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have allowed the ninth-most fantasy point per game to opposing kickers this season, and Myers should have plenty of opportunities to kick in this game.

Availability: 42%
FAAB: 10%


PK Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to kickers and the second-most field-goal attempts this season. Fairbairn should be plenty busy in this game.

Availability: 93%
FAAB: 10%

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