The final Sunday of the NFL season is always a hectic time. Sifting through the chaos of which players are and aren’t playing can become a chore, especially for those still playing for a fantasy championship. Fear not, managers! Here are some sleepers that could help secure a DraftKings DFS matchup or season-long fantasy win in Week 18.
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Top Fantasy Football Sleepers
RB Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals ($4,700)
James Conner has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, joining rookie running back Trey Benson (ankle) on injured reserve. That leaves the Cardinals with a rag-tag group out of the backfield, led by Michael Carter. The former Jets rusher has looked solid in limited action this season, gaining 129 yards from scrimmage over Arizona’s last two contests.
The 49ers defense has a reputation as one of the league’s more formidable groups, but that hasn’t been the case this season. San Francisco has allowed the fifth-most DK fantasy points to opposing running backs, most recently giving up 117 rushing yards and a touchdown to Jahmyr Gibbs on Monday night. Finding any surefire RB1 this week is hard enough; grabbing one for under $5,000 makes Carter an absolute steal.
WR Marvin Mims, Denver Broncos ($4,600)
The Broncos are one of the few teams with plenty to play for, needing a win over the rival Chiefs to earn a postseason berth. While Kansas City is expected to sit most of its starters, including Patrick Mahomes, there’s no guarantee Denver will cruise to an easy win. In a win or go home scenario, don’t expect head coach Sean Payton and rookie quarterback Bo Nix ($6,400) to play it safe.
Marvin Mims is the human embodiment of ‘big play.’ The second-year pro might not be the most consistent player, but he does lead the Broncos with 13.3 yards per reception. The speedster put together his best game of the season last Saturday against the Bengals, catching eight passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns. In a game that might call for drastic measures, Denver should find a way to get their premiere deep threat involved. For those desperate enough for a boom-or-bust play, there are far worse options on Sunday’s board.
RB Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills ($5,200)
The Bills don’t have anything to play for in Week 18, as they are locked into the AFC’s No. 2 seed. While Josh Allen ($8,500) and James Cook ($7,000) might play a few snaps against the Patriots, head coach Sean McDermott is unlikely to leave them in for more than a drive. That should open up plenty of touches for Buffalo’s backups, including running back Ray Davis.
Davis hasn’t made a huge impact this season, rushing the ball 98 times for 378 yards and three touchdowns. Still, the rookie has shown he can thrive with a bigger role. When Cook was inactive in Week 6, the Kentucky product gained 152 total yards from scrimmage (18.2 FPTS). Going against a New England defense giving up the eighth-most DK fantasy points to opposing running backs, Davis has plenty of upside as an RB2/flex option.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is b.armetta) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
