Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson drew a first-round matchup with the longtime rival Pittsburgh Steelers in what he hopes will be a different playoff experience. Jackson and company split the season series with the Steelers but won via blowout in their last game at home. That was the first non-COVID era home game he started against the Steelers and he registered 207 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception on 15-for-23 throwing with nine carries for 22 yards. Since their bye week, Jackson has thrown for at least two touchdowns in each game and has averaged 220.5 passing yards with 59.3 rushing yards. Signs point to much of the same which would make Jackson the big-time favorite for any and all DFS lineups in this showdown.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson led the team to another AFC North title while dismantling the Cleveland Browns by a score of 35-10 on Saturday. The two-time MVP finished the game with 217 yards and two touchdowns on 16-for-32 throwing and nine carries for 63 yards. This game put him over the 4,000 passing-yard mark for the first time in his career and he became the first QB to ever finish with at least 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards. He also leads the league in seven different passing stats according to pro-football-reference. Jackson and company will host a first-round playoff game once the matchups are decided.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is in the race for his second consecutive MVP and third overall while leading the team into a regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns. Jackson and company control their playoff destiny, and if they beat the Browns, they win the AFC North and get a home playoff game. The last time these two teams faced off, Jackson posted 289 yards and two touchdowns on 23-for-38 throwing despite losing 24-29. The Browns have a long injury list this time around and have decided to rest some players since they're out of the playoff race. Fantasy managers still competing in Week 18 will want to keep Jackson in all lineups.

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's wild card game against the Houston Texans. Dobbins sustained this injury during last weekend's victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Dobbins logged three straight limited practice sessions this week but could not avoid a questionable tag on Thursday's final injury report. No.2 running back Gus Edwards (ankle) was limited to open the week but is off the final injury report. Dobbins missed time earlier this season with a knee injury but looked sharp in his return in Week 17 as he tallied 76 yards and a score against the New England Patriots. If Dobbins were to sit out on Saturday afternoon, Edwards would lead the backfield and be viewed as a low-end RB1 in DFS, given his projected volume.

Los Angeles Chargers running backs J.K. Dobbins (ankle) and Gus Edwards (ankle) were both limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Wednesday. Barring a setback on Thursday, Dobbins should be active for Saturday's wild-card playoff tilt in Houston against the Texans as the Chargers' lead back. Edwards, meanwhile, might need to upgrade to a full practice on Thursday to avoid a questionable tag going into Saturday after he missed the final two games of the regular season. Both backs have dealt with injuries in 2024, but the 26-year-old Dobbins has been much more productive as LA's primary backfield option when they've both been healthy at the same time. Against a Texans defense that has allowed the third-fewest half-PPR points per game to RBs this year, Dobbins checks in as a low-end RB1 for fantasy managers in the first week of the postseason.

According to the team, Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (ankle) was a limited participant during Tuesday's practice. Dobbins missed four games earlier this season due to an MCL sprain but now appears to have a minor ankle injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. However, seeing him open the week as a limited participant is a positive sign. Since returning in Week 17, Ekeler has averaged 18.5 attempts per game and tallied 69.5 rushing and 9.5 receiving yards per game over this stretch. Before his knee injury, Dobbins averaged a similar 69.6 rushing yards per game and found the back of the end zone eight times over his first 11 games. If he can take on his typical workload, the 26-year-old should be viewed as an elite running back option in all playoff competitions.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers finished as the WR3 in half-PPR leagues to cap off the regular season despite the 34-20 loss to the Chargers. Meyers registered nine catches for 123 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. He finishes the season with his first 1,000-yard total to go along with four touchdowns and a career-high 87 receptions. On the year, he ended up as the WR23, surpassing his previous career-best at WR24 last season.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers continues to be an appealing fantasy option, ranking in the WR2 range ahead of Sunday's Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Meyers is coming off yet another high-volume performance, catching five of his nine targets for 51 yards and a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints last Sunday. He and Brock Bowers continue to be Aidan O'Connell's favorite targets in the passing game. The Chargers rank near the middle of the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to wide receivers this season, and they're slightly better against slot receivers than those who play on the perimeter. For context, Meyers has played 30.7 percent of his snaps from the slot, which is the 28th-highest mark in the NFL. Los Angeles' respectable secondary could find itself shorthanded if the Chargers choose to rest some of their starters, but so far, there's no indication that that will happen. Expect the Bolts to play their top defenders, leaving Meyers as a mid-to-low WR2 option on Sunday.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers reeled in five of nine targets for 61 yards and a touchdown in his team's 25-10 win over the New Orleans Saints. The 28-year-old led all Raiders pass-catchers with his target total and was second to tight end Brock Bowers in catches and receiving yardage. It was the fifth time in his last six outings that Meyers registered at least five receptions, and he's been a solid WR2 for the majority of the season. With one game to go, the Georgia native has a shot at his first 1,000-yard season in the pros despite missing two games earlier in the year with an ankle injury. As it stands, he's already set a career-high with 904 yards and needs six receptions to surpass his career mark as well. Las Vegas will line up with the visiting Los Angeles Chargers for their final regular-season meeting of 2024 next weekend.

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker is an excellent fantasy option on Wild Card Weekend against the Houston Texans. Dicker was one of the most reliable and consistent kickers throughout the regular season, and he ended the season with a pair of top-five kicking performances in Weeks 17 and 18. In what should be a close game, Dicker can be expected to be given several chances to put up points. The regular season's third-ranked fantasy kicker should remain in the top tier for the playoffs.

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made six of his seven kicks in a Week 18 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Dicker made both of his extra point tries and four of his five field goal attempts. He made field goals from 33, 32, 49, and 20 yards away. His miss was on a 51-yard try in the first quarter. Dicker ends the regular season as one of the best and most consistent kickers, both in fantasy and on the "real life" field. He'll be one of the best options at the position in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, when the Bolts face off against the Houston Texans.

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker is a strong choice for Week 18 fantasy lineups when the Chargers take on the Las Vegas Raiders. Dicker has been one of the league's most consistent and reliable kickers all season and should remain that way in the regular season finale. While most of the Chargers starters are in a holding pattern awaiting the results of Saturday's Bengals-Steelers game, Dicker is one Charger fantasy asset who will be a top-10 option at his position regardless of the result of any other matchup.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) suffered a setback in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, according to general manager Andrew Berry. The development will delay Watson's ultimate recovery, but Berry couldn't specify what his timetable looked like. This setback is tough news for Watson, who has missed a whopping 49 games over the last four seasons due to suspensions and injuries. In fact, he hasn't played more than half the games in his schedule since 2020, which was his final campaign as the Houston Texans' starting quarterback. Amidst the injuries and suspensions, Watson has demonstrated poor performance, too. He had 1,148 passing yards, six touchdowns, and six turnovers through seven games before tearing his Achilles tendon this season, prompting fans to call for his benching. The Browns didn't look much better with a combination of Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Bailey Zappe, and Cleveland ultimately restructured Watson's contract to imply that he'll remain on the roster in 2025. He'll likely face the most competition of his career, though. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport previously reported that the Browns might look to bring in a veteran like Kirk Cousins or Aaron Rodgers, and they've also been linked to several top quarterback prospects after securing the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Even once he recovers from his injury, Watson's job is far from guaranteed, and his fantasy value is continuing to decline. Most fantasy managers in dynasty leagues will be forced to hold him, though, as it would be tough to find a trade partner who wants to take on an injured, struggling quarterback whose team is actively searching for his replacement.

The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is almost certain to never play a meaningful down for the Cleveland Browns again despite restructuring his contract last Friday to add additional void years down the road. The move creates salary cap space and flexibility for the team next year and pushes Watson's guaranteed money down the line, but it doesn't guarantee him any playing time in the future in Cleveland. Jackson believes it's clear that the Browns will be starting from scratch at QB next spring, especially given how bad Dorian Thompson-Robinson has looked in his two starts. Between suspension and injury, the 29-year-old Watson has been a disaster in his time with Cleveland and may not be ready for the start of the 2025 campaign. The good news for the Browns is that a loss in Week 18 to the Ravens should give them the second or third pick in next year's draft.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Cleveland Browns and quarterback Deshaun Watson have agreed to restructure his contract. As a result, this will provide the Browns more relief on their cap space over the remaining years of the deal. However, this move also suggests Watson will remain on the Browns next season. Since making his Browns debut in 2022, Watson has seen his production decline significantly compared to the start of his NFL career when he was a Houston Texan. Across 19 games, Watson has held a 19:12 TD:INT ratio and has lost five fumbles. This season, Watson made seven starts before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. Across this stint, Watson averaged just 164.0 passing yards per game. If Watson enters the 2025 campaign as the QB1, he should remain a target in deeper Superflex leagues but not in 1QB formats.

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) is expected to play in the NFC Divisional Round, according to head coach Dan Campbell. The 27-year-old suffered an MCL injury in the Week 15 game against the Buffalo Bills and has missed each of the last three contests. Early reports suggested Montgomery would need surgery and would miss the remainder of the season, but that is not the case. While it's an exciting development for Detroit, Montgomery could be limited by his lower-body ailment upon his return to action. Luckily, the Lions have a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs, giving Montgomery extra time off to rehab and prepare.

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) underwent a full workout on Saturday, according to NBC Sports' Sunday Night Football broadcast. This was Montgomery's first full workout since suffering an MCL sprain in Week 15, and it indicates that the veteran running back could be nearing a return to the field. Head coach Dan Campbell wouldn't comment on his timetable, though, and when NBC Sports' Melissa Stark asked Campbell if Montgomery could play next week, he said, "I'm excited. I'll just say that." That question is moot now that Detroit has clinched a bye through Wild Card Weekend, but the bottom line is that Montgomery might have a real chance to play in the Lions' next game during the Divisional Round. He and Jahmyr Gibbs arguably form the best one-two punch in the NFL, so having both backs healthy for the playoffs would give the Lions an enormous boost.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable but had an unfavorable outlook after NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted that Mooney faced an uphill battle to suit up this weekend. His absence should lead to an increased role for Ray-Ray McCloud III, who is the overall WR54 in PPR leagues with 58 catches, 620 yards, and one touchdown through 16 games. McCloud has quietly put together the best season of his career and possesses WR3/FLEX upside in his increased role Sunday.

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.

According to Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com, wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. Mooney popped up on the injury report on Thursday as a limited participant but was then downgraded to a non-participant on Friday. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status over the weekend. However, seeing him downgrade throughout the week is not a positive sign. If Mooney were to sit out on Sunday, Drake London would see further increase in targets and Ray-Ray McCloud would move up to the No.2 spot on the depth chart. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. has looked London's way 21 times over his first two starts and would be viewed as a high-end WR2 if Mooney cannot play.

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said that wide receiver Amari Cooper (personal) will practice in some capacity during the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday as they get set to prepare to take on the visiting Denver Broncos in the wild-card round of the playoffs this Sunday. Cooper did not travel with the Bills to New England in their loss against the division-rival Patriots in the Week 18 regular-season finale due to personal reasons, but the 30-year-old veteran is now back with the team and figures to be active this weekend. However, for fantasy purposes, Cooper will be avoided by most, especially going up against a top-five defense in the Broncos. In eight games with Buffalo in 2024 after being acquired from the Cleveland Browns, the five-time Pro Bowler caught only 20 passes for 297 yards and two TDs. Khalil Shakir and rookie Keon Coleman are both better upside plays.UPDATE: Cooper practiced in full on Wednesday.

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that wide receiver Amari Cooper (personal) hasn't rejoined the team after he was excused for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New England Patriots due to a personal matter. McDermott is hopeful Cooper will be available for the wild-card playoff game this Sunday against the visiting Denver Broncos, but right now the team is taking the situation a day at a time. The move from Cleveland to Buffalo at the trade deadline was supposed to give Cooper a much higher fantasy ceiling, but instead, consistent targets have been hard to come by in the Bills offense. The 30-year-old has caught just 20 of 34 targets for 297 yards and two TDs in his eight games with Buffalo and will be a low-end WR2, at best, in playoff leagues if he's active on Sunday. If he's not, Khalil Shakir and rookie Keon Coleman will become more interesting in fantasy.

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.

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall followed last week's breakout game with another strong showing in Sunday's 47-24 Week 18 loss to the Cardinals in Arizona. The Arizona native caught six of eight targets for 69 yards, including a six-yard touchdown grab on a contested slant pattern from backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs. Pearsall, who started his 49ers career on a terrifying note -- being shot in the chest during an armed robbery attempt -- had an up-and-down year once he debuted in Week 7. Pearsall produced four fantasy-useful performances in 2024 but seven in which he was held below six half-PPR points. With momentum and the validation of his first-round pedigree this season, Pearsall could be an intriguing late-round fantasy pick in 2025 depending on the health of Brandon Aiyuk's knee, and if Pearsall can move past Jauan Jennings and/or Deebo Samuel Sr. in the 49ers' hierarchy.

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (illness, chest) has been removed from the injury report and will try to duplicate his Week 17 breakout in a Week 18 matchup in Arizona against the Cardinals. The 2024 first-round selection was projected in most places as a WR6 or WR7 last week against Detroit but exploded with eight receptions of 10 targets for 141 yards and a touchdown. He added two carries for six yards and even threw one incomplete pass. Pearsall's potential ascendency could face a roadblock on Sunday, as he'll be catching his passes from backup Joshua Dobbs after Brock Purdy (right elbow) was ruled out. On the other hand, Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib, wrist) is also out, perhaps clearing the way for more targets. Consensus rankings have Pearsall just a few slots behind wideout Jauan Jennings given the three-straight zeroes that Pearsall produced following the last time he surged with 15.3 half-PPR points in Week 10. Arizona is the NFL's 10th-toughest matchup for fantasy wideouts. Consider Pearsall a boom/bust WR3 for the final game of his rookie campaign.

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest, illness) was limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. If Pearsall cannot upgrade to full participation at Friday's practice, he could carry a questionable designation into the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. The first-rounder is coming off the best game of his rookie season in the Monday night loss to the Detroit Lions, when he set season-highs across the board in catches (eight), targets (10) and receiving yards (141) while catching his second touchdown of the year. There's a chance fellow wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. (ribs, wrist) doesn't play this weekend, which would thrust Pearsall into the WR2 role behind Jauan Jennings. However, with backup QB Joshua Dobbs getting the start, Pearsall would still be an unreliable, boom/bust WR4/5 in fantasy.