Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce should not be started in any format on Sunday afternoon facing the Tennessee Titans. Last weekend, Pierce logged 14 offensive snaps, which was his second-highest total of the season. In this game, he ran the ball five times for 13 yards. He also ran six routes but was not targeted. While he did see a slightly increased role and logged more touches, Dare Ogunbowale has continued to see more offensive snaps over the past month. However, both running backs are being deployed as clear depth options as Joe Mixon is the lead workhorse in Houston. As a result, Pierce should not be started in any formats this weekend despite a favorable matchup against the Titans who have allowed the 12th-most PPR points to opposing running backs this season.

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Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols is not a viable play in all format on Sunday when the Commanders face the Dallas Cowboys. Last weekend in their overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons, McNichols saw just one rushing attempt. During Weeks 15 and 16, McNichols saw two attempts in each contest. With Austin Ekeler (concussion) sidelined, McNichols has struggled to continue to remain in the No.2 role, as Chris Rodriguez Jr. has begun to carve out a larger role behind Brian Robinson Jr. However, McNichols may be in danger of even losing the No.3 spot as Ekeler is listed as questionable for this game after logging three consecutive full practices and is nearing a return. Even if Ekeler does not return to action, McNichols remains a high-risk desperation play in this contest.

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According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Green Bay Packers are placing defensive back Jaire Alexander (knee) was placed on the injured reserve on Saturday. As a result, Alexander will miss the next four contests, leaving the door open for a return in the Super Bowl, if the Packers were to reach that game. For the time being, fantasy managers should expect Carrington Valentine to continue to have an increased role in the Green Bay secondary. Alexander logged only six full games during the regular season. Across this stint, he tallied 16 tackles (15 solo) with seven pass deflections and two interceptions.

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According to Kelsey Russo, Cleveland Browns defensive back Cameron Mitchell (knee) and defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (knee) are both active for Saturday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. Both players carried a questionable tag into the weekend after logging limited practice sessions throughout the week. Fantasy managers should expect Mitchell to have an increased role in this game with No.1 defensive back Denzel Ward (shoulder) inactive. Okoronkwo should continue to be deployed as rotational piece on the defensive line subbing in for Myles Garrett.

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According to Kelsey Russo of the Browns, quarterback Jameis Winston (shoulder) is inactive for Saturday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. He will operate as the No.3, emergency quarterback. Winston came into this game logging three limited practice sessions and carrying a questionable tag. Winston has not been on the field since their Week 15 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. Over his past seven games, Winston posted a 12:12 TD:INT ratio while averaging 291.1 passing yards per game. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Bailey Zappe to get the starting nod but No.2 option Dorian Thompson-Robinson should be in line to see some opportunities. Both quarterbacks should be faded in all fantasy competitions.

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According to the team, the Jacksonville Jaguars have ruled out defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (personal) for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts. In a corresponding move, the Jaguars have elevated defensive end Joe Gaziano from the practice squad. Hines-Allen has not missed a game all season. Through 16 contests, the former first round selection tallied 45 tackles (26 solo), 19 assists, eight sacks, two pass deflections, with a forced fumble. Fantasy managers should expect Myles Cole to have increased role in Sunday's contest.

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According to the team, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor (concussion) will not suit up on Saturday afternoon against the Cleveland Browns. Agholor missed the previous two games with a concussion but was able to avoid an injury designation on Thursday's final injury report. However, the team will opt to keep him sidelined in the regular season finale as the Ravens have already clinched a playoff spot. Over his past six games, he saw only seven targets and was only able to bring in three of them for 61 yards and a score. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman to see most of the passing work with Tylan Wallace moving up to the No.3 spot on the depth chart.

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According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins hope to play together for "years to come." Rapoport noted that sources say that the three players have made it "their goal." Burrow has expressed heavy interest in keeping Tee Higgins under team control before he enters free agency this offseason. Chase has one more year left on his rookie contract but attempted to negotiate a long-term contract this past offseason. Discussions were eventually put on hold shortly before Week 1. However, their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday evening could be their last game together if Higgins is unable to agree to a contract to remain in Cincinnati this offseason. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this situation throughout the offseason as Burrow would see his fantasy ceiling drop if he were to lose one of his star wideouts. Burrow has already set a career-high in touchdown passes and yards this season.

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier should be viewed as a risky RB3 heading into a Week 18 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Last weekend Allgeier saw just three attempts during their overtime loss to the Washington Commanders. However, during Weeks 13 through 16, Allgeier ran the ball an average of ten times per game. While Allgeier may see a similar workload as he did during that stretch this Sunday, he only averaged 6.0 PPR points per game over this previous span which suggests he has a limited ceiling playing behind Bijan Robinson. Despite facing a weak Carolina Panthers defense that has allowed the most PPR points to opposing running backs, the BYU product projects to be a risky RB3 given his minimal role in the Atlanta offense as the clear No.2 option in the backfield.

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Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III projects to be a risky flex option in a Week 18 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Last weekend against the Baltimore Ravens, Metchie saw a team-high eight targets and was able to bring in five of them for 48 yards. With Tank Dell (knee) out for the season, fantasy managers should continue to expect Metchie to operate as a starting option in the Houston passing attack. While he has only caught three or more passes in four games this season, fantasy managers should expect him to have an increased role going forward. Even though the Texans are locked into the No.4 seed in the AFC, they do not appear to be resting any players in this game against the Titans. Therefore, Metchie has a path to being a viable flex option despite facing a tougher Tennessee secondary that has allowed the third-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

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According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead (undisclosed) was placed on the non-football injury list after being involved in an automobile accident earlier on Saturday. Stroud noted that Whitehead is not expected to return this season given the extent of the injuries. As a result fantasy managers should expect Kaevon Merriweather to see an uptick in playing time for the remainder of the season. Whitehead will finish the season with 79 tackles (49 solo), 30 assists, and three pass deflections across 12 contests. This is another tough blow to the Tampa Bay secondary that will already be without Jamel Dean (knee), Antoine Winfield (knee), and Christian Izien (pectoral) on Sunday afternoon. Fantasy managers in playoff competitions should continue to monitor the health of the Tampa Bay secondary as they could face a difficult task in the Wild Card round with a depleted secondary.

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According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (personal) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots due to a personal issue. Fantasy managers in playoff competitions should continue to monitor his status before the Wild Card round in case Cooper needs more time to attend to his situation. The veteran wideout has had trouble finding consistent targets in the Buffalo passing attack. Over his previous six games, Cooper has seen an average of just 4.2 targets per game and tallied a mere 38.0 yards per game. Fantasy managers should expect Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman to play in Sunday's game but not for long as this game does not have any playoff implications for the Bills. Instead, DFS players should pivot to Mack Hollins who could have an increased role in this contest.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will take on the Denver Broncos in Week 18. Smith-Schuster appeared to be the Chiefs WR1 in the wake of Rashee Rice's injury, but then he also lost time to injury. By the time he returned, Kansas City had acquired DeAndre Hopkins, and Xavier Worthy had become more integrated into the offense. This week, Smith-Schuster could find himself with a more significant role, given the state of the team. The Chiefs have already clinched the top seed in the AFC and a first-round bye, meaning they are inclined to rest their starters in anticipation of the playoffs. If the starters rest and Smith-Schuster plays, he could be an interesting PPR play due to the routes he runs. That said, the veteran receiver must rely on Carson Wentz throwing him the football. Patrick Mahomes is doubtful for this week's contest and likely will not suit up. Another obstacle Smith-Schuster will have to contend with is the Broncos, who rank 16th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. The 28-year-old is ranked WR76 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a deep flex option this week. Fantasy managers starting Smith-Schuster will have to hope for a touchdown.

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According to the team, the Carolina Panthers have activated running back Miles Sanders (ankle) off the injured reserve. While Sanders still carries a questionable tag, this transaction suggests he should be in line to return to action in the season finale. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a sprained ankle during their Week 10 contest against the New York Giants. If Sanders is able to return on Sunday afternoon, fantasy managers should expect him to take the lead role in the backfield. As a result, Rasheem Blackshear and Mike Boone will be used as change-of-pace options and may not be given enough opportunities to have productive fantasy outputs. As a result, fantasy managers should fade this backfield if possible as Sanders carries low-end flex upside in a crowded backfield.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will face the Denver Broncos on the road in Week 18. In the past three weeks, Hopkins has taken a backseat as Xavier Worthy has emerged as the team's WR1. The Chiefs have already clinched the top seed in the AFC, so they have nothing to play for in the regular season. Given their status atop the league, Hopkins and other starters could be rested to save them for the playoffs. That said, Hopkins does have some contract incentives to play for if he does suit up. The 32-year-old could earn $500,000 if he finds the endzone this week against the Broncos, who rank 16th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Hopkins will have to rely on Carson Wentz to feed him the ball since Patrick Mahomes is doubtful for this week's contest. The veteran receiver is ranked WR77 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option this week.

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Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders has been the hottest kicker in all football throughout the second half of the season. He has made 25 straight field goals and is the fifth-ranked kicker in fantasy football. Sanders and the Dolphins will travel to East Rutherford to take on the New York Jets in Week 18. With Tyler Huntley likely the starter, it's not farfetched that Miami could settle for a few field goals this week. The Jets struggle giving up fantasy points to kickers, ranking 31st in fantasy points per game, on top of allowing a 90% field goal percentage. If you're a fantasy manager in need of a kicker for your fantasy championship, he could be a very viable option.

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Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman will be an extremely volatile option for fantasy managers on Sunday in the team's Week 18 regular-season finale versus the division-rival New England Patriots. The Bills are already locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC for the postseason, so their starters might only play one offensive series before calling it a day. That could include Coleman, who has been a big part of Buffalo's passing attack in his first year in the NFL when he's been healthy. Because of the possibility that the 21-year-old wideout barely sees the field this weekend, fantasy managers shouldn't be relying on him this weekend. In his first season in the NFL over 12 games played, Coleman has impressed with 27 catches on 47 targets for 525 yards and four touchdowns, although it's amounted to just 7.5 half-PPR points per game, which puts him as the WR60.

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Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson could have a much bigger role in the backfield on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New England Patriots with the team expected to pull their starters early on. The Bills are locked into the No 2 seed in the AFC for the playoffs already, so they are expected to treat this game like a preseason contest. It means that the 27-year-old Johnson could have his biggest workload of the season. However, rookie Ray Davis should also have a bigger workload and could lead the Bills backfield. At the very least, though, Johnson is trending up as an RB3/flex sleeper in DFS contests against a New England defense that has surrendered the fourth-most half-PPR points per game to RBs this year. Despite being Buffalo's No. 3 back in 2024, Johnson has been efficient with 5.1 yards per carry on his 39 rushing attempts through 16 games.

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Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Carson Steele is set for an expanded role on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Denver Broncos. The Chiefs will be resting many of their regulars this weekend after already locking up the No. 1 seed in the AFC for the playoffs. Isiah Pacheco (rib) has already been ruled out, while Kareem Hunt is doubtful to play. It means that Steele, an undrafted free agent, could make the start in the final regular-season game. However, he's surely to share touches with Samaje Perine at the very least and will be facing a top-five defense as the Broncos look to punch their own playoff ticket with a win. The increased role will boost the 22-year-old's fantasy value in Week 18, although Steele has averaged only 3.3 yards per carry on his 48 rushing attempts in his first 16 NFL games. Despite increased opportunity, the upside remains limited for Steele in a bad matchup.

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley will seemingly get the start for the second straight game in Week 18, with Tua Tagovailoa (hip) being listed as doubtful for Sunday's game. Huntley had an excellent game against the Cleveland Browns last week, completing 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards and one passing touchdown to go along with 52 rushing yards on seven attempts and a rushing touchdown. Miami will travel in Week 18 to take on the New York Jets in a game where it is projected to be around 35 degrees at kickoff. Despite Jaylen Waddle (knee) and Tyreek Hill (wrist) looking like they will play, one good game is not enough to trust Huntley for fantasy owners still fighting for a championship. He is best left on the bench unless there are limited options available.

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