Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups based on a PPR scoring system in fantasy football. This column will not cover the elite players in the NFL like Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey or Justin Jefferson. Instead, I'll look at the players you have questions about who could exceed or fail to meet expectations at each position. For all of your final fantasy lineup decisions, be sure to check out my weekly player rankings which will be updated daily throughout the 2023 NFL season.
Fabs’ Top 10 Quarterbacks
1. Josh Allen at Miami Dolphins
2. Dak Prescott at Washington Commanders
3. Jalen Hurts at New York Giants
4. Justin Fields at Green Bay Packers
5. C.J. Stroud at Indianapolis Colt (Sat.)
6. Kyler Murray vs. Seattle Seahawks
7. Jared Goff vs. Minnesota Vikings
8. Jordan Love vs. Chicago Bears
9. Trevor Lawrence at Tennessee Titans
10. Geno Smith at Arizona Cardinals
Week 18 Start ’Em, Sit ’Em: QUARTERBACKS | RUNNING BACKS | WIDE RECEIVERS | TIGHT ENDS | KICKERS & TEAM DEFENSES
Week 18 Start ’Em: Quarterbacks
Start of the Week
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Dak Prescott at Commanders (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Prescott is in a great spot to put up big totals this weekend, facing a Commanders defense that’s allowed the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. What’s more, Washington has surrendered 18-plus points to the position 11 times including four who have scored over 25 points. The Cowboys also need a win to clinch the NFC East.
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Start ’Em
C.J. Stroud at Colts (Sat. 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN): Stroud put up a stinker last week, scoring just 12.9 points in a win over the Titans. I like him to rebound in the finale, however, as a matchup against the Colts is a positive one. The last time the rookie faced this AFC South rival, he threw for 384 yards and scored 21.5 fantasy points. In a game chock full of postseason implications, Stroud is an attractive option.
Jared Goff vs. Vikings (1 p.m. ET, Fox): The Lions have clinched the NFC North, but coach Dan Campbell has said he still plans to play his starters in Week 18. His squad has an outside (although unlikely) shot at the No. 2 seed, and Goff has been far better at home the last two seasons. The Vikings also gave up a huge stat line to Jordan Love last week, so Goff is a viable fantasy option for those in action.
Tyrod Taylor vs. Eagles (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Taylor started last week’s game against the Rams and found success, scoring 18.8 fantasy points. I like him to put up a nice line this week, too, as he’ll face a vulnerable Eagles defense that’s given up the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. The G-Men will also be looking to play spoiler against their NFC East rival, so Taylor is a nice sleeper.
More Starts
Trevor Lawrence at Titans (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Geno Smith at Cardinals (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox)
Jordan Love vs. Bears (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS)
DFS Bargains (DraftKings)
Geno Smith at Cardinals ($6,100)
Tyrod Taylor vs. Eagles ($5,300)
Sam Darnold vs. Rams ($5,200)
Week 18 Sit ’Em: Quarterbacks
Sit of the Week
Tua Tagovailoa vs. Bills (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Tagovailoa has not been fantasy friendly lately, scoring fewer than 16 points in five of his last six games including two games in single digits. He also banged up his shoulder last week, and a bad matchup against the Bills makes him a fade. Over the last four weeks, their tough defense has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to enemy quarterbacks.
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Sit ’Em
Jake Browning vs. Browns (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Browning has recorded 18-plus points in all but one of his last five games, but there’s some risk with him this week. While the Browns likely will rest their starters, their defense is still among the best in the league against quarterbacks. The Bengals wideouts are banged up, too, as Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are dealing with injuries, so Browning is a risk.
Baker Mayfield at Panthers (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Mayfield’s numbers have been solid in recent weeks, scoring 19-plus points in three of his last four games. The Bucs will be playing their starters with the NFC South division title on the line, but the matchup isn’t favorable. Carolina has allowed the fifth-fewest points to enemy quarterbacks in the last four weeks and held Mayfield to 9.9 points in Week 13.
Derek Carr vs. Falcons (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Carr has scored 20-plus points in two of his last three games, but this week’s matchup against the Falcons makes him a risk. Their defense has been a bit inconsistent against quarterbacks, but it did hold Carr to just 10.9 fantasy points in their first matchup of the season. Unless you’re in a super flex league, Carr is likely better left on the sidelines for this weekend.
