The clever bastards making the NFL schedule are doing everything in their power to keep your fantasy stars alive in the final games of the season. Nothing says “ratings” like desperate fantasy managers glued to “RedZone.” First-place showdowns between the Steelers-Ravens and 49ers-Seahawks purport that a healthy crop of fantasy difference-makers will play four full quarters. No early exits. No “coach’s decision.” But some coaches might not care about your fantasy football team (shocker). Jim Harbaugh has already announced that Justin Herbert will not play on Sunday. Josh Allen, limping with a bad foot, might follow suit. Do your homework before submitting lineups. The Packers have hinted at resting starters, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chiefs and Lions treat this week like a preseason game. Lastly — and I cannot stress this enough — you should not be holding your fantasy championship in Week 18. Take a league vote. Change the rules. Fix your mess. I have spoken.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
QB Jaxson Dart vs. Cowboys — Who needs the first pick in the draft anyway? The Giants have their franchise quarterback. This Dart kid is good. Very good. His moxie and competitiveness bode well for the future. He’ll go out on a high against the defensively challenged Cowpokes.
QB Drake Maye vs. Dolphins — The Pats’ cupcake schedule continues as they vie for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The Dolphins with their “Olé” defense are no match for the Drake, a man on a mission.
QB Bo Nix vs. Chargers — In his last seven games, Nix has thrown for one or fewer TDs six times. But the Broncos need to win, and the Chargers are said to be resting their starters. Giddy Up!
RB Kyren Williams vs. Cardinals — Williams’ solid-but-unspectacular season gets one last stat-padding opportunity. Expect a steady diet of clock-killing carries against an inferior Cards team while Stafford stays clean and Kyren quietly racks up points.
RB James Cook vs. Jets — Confirm that he is playing. The Bills are fighting for improved playoff seeding and the Jets are prepared to break their New Year’s resolution to “play harder.” Cook should get his ninth 100-yard game by the 3rd quarter, then watch from the sidelines.
WR Nico Collins vs. Colts — With back-to-back disastrous performances, Collins owes his fantasy managers a hand-written apology. He can make amends by torching the 31st-ranked Colts’ secondary in an important game for the Texans.
WR Justin Jefferson vs. Packers — J.J. needs 53 yards to log his sixth 1,000-yard season. Will he get it? If QB Max Brosmer (51 passing yards last outing) starts, the odds aren’t great. If J.J. McCarthy can suit up, the chances increase significantly. Plan accordingly.
WR Wan’Dale Robinson vs. Cowboys — Congrats to Robinson for his first 1,000-yard season. Last time he played Dallas, Robinson exploded for 142 yards and a TD. Expect more fireworks as he kicks off 2026 with a bang.,
TE Travis Kelce at Raiders — Is this Kelce’s final NFL game? Maybe. Andy Reid loves a storybook ending. One last Kelce TD feels written in the script.
SHOULD BE FORGOT!
QB Jordan Love/Malik Willis at Vikings — Love sat out last week with a concussion, but Green Bay might be resting him and other starters anyway. If Willis gets the nod along with other backups, expect less than optimal results against Minny’s solid pass defense.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs at Bears — Detroit on the road in frigid Chi-Town with nothing to play for doesn’t fill me with confidence. If I’m Coach Dan Campbell, Gibbs is bubble-wrapped in a parka on the bench, waiting for next season to arrive.
RB Breece Hall at Bills — Hall tweaked his knee last week against the Pats. Unless he’s 100%, I don’t see the Jets risking further injury on a frozen Buffalo field. Check his status, but he’s not in my lineup.
WR Drake London vs. Saints — Why is London still playing? A sprained PCL has diminished his game, and the Falcons have nothing to play for. Shut him down already.
TE Darren Waller at Patriots — The TD-dependent Waller sullied many a fantasy lineup the last two weeks (4/40 yards). He’s not fully healthy (groin, check status) and certainly cannot be trusted.
Saturday Specials:
In the battle for the NFC South title, it is winner takes all. The Bucs are a mess, coming off a shocking loss to the Dolphins while the Panthers lost to the Seahawks in a game that was closer than the score implies. I think the Bucs pull off a win but give me the Panthers and the three points. Buccaneers 21, Panthers 20
Seattle travels on a short week in a back-to-back road game to San Francisco. The 49ers have shown real offensive firepower in the last two weeks, but the Seahawks have the better defense. Sam Darnold plays his butt off and captures the NFC West title for Seattle. Seahawks 26, 49ers 24
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Bill Reinhard is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and a columnist for FantasyGuru.com.
