Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele is a desperation WR5 option with the Broncos at Kansas City in Week 18. The rookie has just five catches in his past four games after a nice run from Weeks 10-12, and played only half of the Broncos' offensive snaps last week. However, Denver looks to be getting a second-rate opponent with Kansas City resting many of its key players in the regular-season finale. The Broncos do not have that luxury and need a win to assure a Wild Card berth. Vele figures to be part of the action for Denver, but probably not enough to warrant a starting spot in standard-format leagues that play Week 18.

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge should not be considered a playable option despite a possible opportunity Sunday against Carolina. With the Falcons unlikely to have wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder), the Falcons have an opening, but the journeyman receiver hasn't been reliable enough to count on in Week 18. Earlier this year, he one catch against Dallas despite playing 81% of offensive snaps. Hodge has just one catch in the past five weeks total, a rookie quarterback in Michael Penix Jr., and a solid Atlanta running game that figures to be the central part of the gameplan on Sunday. Managers in formats that play Week 18 have better options elsewhere.

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Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample caught all four of his targets for 14 yards on Saturday in his team's 19-17 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Though the yardage total wasn't anything to write home about, the veteran tight end tied a season high in catches. More importantly, Cincinnati's offense did just enough to earn a fifth straight victory that kept its playoff hopes alive for another day. Whether Sample and the Bengals get a shot in the Wild Card round will come down to Week 18, when Cincy needs both Denver and Miami to lose.

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Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie (back) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. In order for Badie to play, the Broncos would have been required to activate him from injured reserve on Saturday afternoon. That transaction did not happen as the Broncos reaffirmed their plan to move forward with a backfield featuring Jaleel McLaughlin, Javonte Williams, and Audric Estime on Sunday. All three running backs should carve out significant roles, but McLaughlin has the most fantasy appeal as an RB3/FLEX option.

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Cincinnati Bengals kicker Cade York had a perfect night Saturday in Pittsburgh, converting all four field goal attempts and his lone extra point in a 19-17 victory that kept the Bengals' playoff hopes alive. After a brutal miss last week that forced the Bengals into a tense overtime against Denver, there was no such kicker drama in Week 18. The journeyman converted field goals from 48, 27, 35, and 23 yards, the last of which proved to be the game-winner as Cincinnati held on in the fourth quarter. Whether York gets the chance to kick in the postseason will come down to results elsewhere, as the Bengals need Denver and Miami to lose Sunday to make the AFC playoffs.

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip) is unlikely to play Sunday against the New York Jets, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Miami will once again start backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, who oversaw the win in Cleveland last week, as they attempt to qualify for the playoffs, which would require another victory today and help elsewhere. Though Tagovailoa was widely expected to miss Week 18, the quarterback said this week that he can play next week if Miami advances. Rapoport, however, reported his status would be "up in the air" if Miami plays a Wild Card game. But first, the Dolphins have to get to that bridge before they can cross it.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers held the red-hot Cincinnati Bengals offense to 19 points while recording four sacks, an interception, and two forced fumbles in a Week 18 loss. While the Bengals were able to move the ball effectively on Saturday night, the Steelers' defense stepped up in the red zone and forced them to kick four field goals. Rookie defensive back Beanie Bishop Jr. picked off quarterback Joe Burrow late in the second quarter with Cincinnati in Pittsburgh territory. The viability of Pittsburgh's DST for playoff fantasy leagues and DFS contests will largely depend on its opponent in the wild-card round.

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Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell nailed his only field goal attempt and both of his extra-point tries in a 19-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Boswell's field goal, a 54-yarder, came in crunch time with Pittsburgh down by five points with fewer than three minutes remaining in the contest. Unfortunately, the Steelers were unable to move the ball into field goal range on their final possession to give Boswell an opportunity for a game-winner. The 33-year-old will conclude the most prolific campaign of his career with 41 made field goals and without missing a single extra-point attempt. Boswell can be started as a high-end option in playoff fantasy leagues and DFS contests when the wild-card round begins next weekend.

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Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth finished with eight receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets in a 19-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The lone bright spot for Pittsburgh's offense, Freiermuth led the team in all major receiving categories on Saturday night and came down with a 19-yard score in the fourth quarter on a throw by quarterback Russell Wilson. Freiermuth has an excellent track record against the Bengals and again had a strong showing against his division rival. He did, however, drop a pass on 4th and 12 that could have put the Steelers in range to kick a game-winning field goal with just seconds remaining on the clock. Nonetheless, Freiermuth has been rather productive for fantasy lately and will remain a solid starting option next weekend in playoff leagues and DFS contests.

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren logged six carries for 21 yards and failed to haul in his one target in a Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Although neither Warren nor Najee Harris were able to get much going on the ground, the former's lack of usage through the air on Saturday night was a bit puzzling. Harris earned five targets while Warren was held without a reception for the first time this season. His utilization has been inconsistent, but Warren continues to look like the most explosive back in Pittsburgh while demonstrating an ability to break tackles at a high level. The third-year pro will carry some RB2 value in PPR playoff fantasy leagues and DFS contests alike when the wild-card round kicks off next weekend.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens came down with just one of his six targets and finished with zero receiving yards in a Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a night to forget for both Pickens and his fantasy managers. Pickens recorded his only catch of the contest on Pittsburgh's first possession but was unable to gain any yardage on the play. He then proceeded to drop multiple passes from quarterback Russell Wilson while the Steelers attempted to mount a comeback. Pickens has flashed elite fantasy upside but did not establish himself as a reliable WR1 this season. He'll project as a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option next weekend in playoff leagues and DFS contests.

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 12 carries for 36 yards and a touchdown while adding four receptions for 20 yards in a 19-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Harris briefly exited the contest in the second half to be evaluated for a head injury but was cleared to return. Pittsburgh's offense could not lean on Harris and the ground game on Saturday night while struggling to sustain drives. Still, the 26-year-old salvaged his fantasy performance with some opportunities in the passing game and a one-yard rushing score in the second quarter. It was a successful regular season for Harris, who eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for a fourth consecutive campaign. Although his opponent is yet to be determined, Harris should offer a solid floor for fantasy managers in playoff leagues or DFS contests next weekend.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson completed 17 of his 31 pass attempts for 148 yards and one touchdown while adding 16 rushing yards on four carries in a 19-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran was sacked four times and couldn't get into a rhythm through the air with any pass-catcher except tight end Pat Freiermuth, who was on the receiving end of Wilson's 19-yard passing score in the fourth quarter. After going 6-1 through his first seven starts in Pittsburgh, Wilson will enter the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs having lost four straight. He will be difficult to trust in playoff fantasy leagues and DFS contests regardless of the Steelers' opponent next weekend.

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According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) is anticipated to suit up on Sunday against the Texans. Pollard has been dealing with an ankle injury for a few weeks. However, it finally kept him off the field for the Week 17 loss to the Jags. Tyjae Spears (concussion) for the start in that one. Unfortunately, Spears suffered a concussion and won't suit up in Week 18. With Pollard expected back in the mix, Julius Chestnut, who had three attempts for 17 yards versus Jacksonville, likely won't see as much action, severely restricting his fantasy potential. But Pollard's outlook isn't as favorable either, with the Texans defense allowing only eight touchdowns to opposing backs this season, one of the best marks in the National Football League.

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According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is "considered a long-shot" to suit up for Sunday's meeting with the Carolina Panthers. The wideout is currently listed as questionable for Week 18. However, Rapoport added that it will be an "uphill battle" for Mooney to get on the field. He has had arguably the best season of his career in 2024-25, totaling 992 yards and five touchdowns off 64 catches. With the Falcons still alive for the postseason, Mooney will be needed. But if he's not out there, Drake London will presumably see more attention from Michael Penix Jr. The same can be said for Kyle Pitts and Ray-Ray McCloud III.

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According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) likely suffered a knee sprain in Saturday's win over the Cleveland Browns. The 24-year-old wasn't involved long on Saturday night, catching only one pass before his abrupt departure. He'll undergo an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. However, it's believed Flowers didn't suffer a "major injury." The 2023 No. 22 overall pick had a productive regular season, totaling 74 catches for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns, so the team could use him on the field for the Wild-Card round. But if Flowers doesn't suit up, Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews, combining for nine catches for 130 yards and two scores in Week 18, should remain Lamar Jackson's preferred targets. Of course, Derrick Henry will stay involved, potentially seeing a small uptick in carries.

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Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had eight catches for 68 yards in Saturday's victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran hasn't been consistent during the 2024-25 campaign. Yet, after catching 10 passes for 86 yards in the overtime win over the Broncos, he had another potent showing in Week 18. Gesicki signed a one-year deal to join the Bengals during the offseason. It's likely the team will look to bring him back, considering he was starting to build rapport with quarterback Joe Burrow. Either way, Gesicki is worth monitoring in fantasy drafts heading into next season, although he may benefit the most from a statistical standpoint by remaining in Cincinnati.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas had only two catches for 12 yards in Saturday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The wideout has had the best year since entering the league, totaling a career-high six touchdowns to end the 2024-25 campaign. However, he still hasn't been consistent by any means. With that in mind, Tee Higgins (ankle) future in Cincinnati is up in the air, so there could be room for Iosivas to win the No. 2 job behind Ja'Marr Chase heading into next season. Yet, the front office may finally come to their senses and do what is necessary to retain Higgins, which wouldn't be good for Iosivas' outlook moving forward.

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Khalil Herbert got the start for the injured Chase Brown (ankle) in Saturday's crucial win over the Steelers. The 26-year-old, who was acquired by the Bengals in November, had played sparingly since arriving in Cincinnati. However, he did exactly what was needed on Saturday night, running for 69 yards off 20 carries while adding seven catches for 14 yards. The Bengals still have a shot at the postseason. But if Herbert's season is finished, he'll likely draw interest from at least a few teams in free agency. With that said, unless he gets a meaningful role in 2025-26, his fantasy upside will remain capped.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase caught 10 of his 14 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's win over the Steelers. The former LSU Tiger didn't find the end zone in Week 17 versus the Broncos. However, he showed up in a big way on Saturday to help keep the Bengals' postseason hopes alive. With that said, Chase has had an impressive year, amassing 1,708 yards, 127 grabs, and 17 touchdowns, making him a top-five overall option in fantasy drafts entering the 2025-26 campaign.

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