As the NFL regular season comes to a close, fantasy football managers are eagerly preparing for their Week 18 matchups. With everything on the line, itâs crucial to have a strong lineup in order to secure that coveted playoff spot. While many managers are focused on their top performers, itâs important not to overlook some under-the-radar wide receivers who could make a big impact in Week 18. Here are some players that fantasy football managers should consider starting in their lineups for the final week of the season.
1. Emmanuel Sanders, New Orleans Saints
Sanders may not be the flashiest name on this list, but he has quietly been putting up solid numbers as the third wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints. In Week 17, he had 4 receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown, and with Michael Thomas out due to injury, Sanders could see an even bigger workload in Week 18. The Saints will be facing the Carolina Panthers, who have struggled against the pass this season, giving up an average of over 250 passing yards per game. With Drew Brees back at the helm, Sanders could have a big game and help propel fantasy teams to victory.
2. Cole Beasley, Buffalo Bills
Beasley has been one of the most consistent wide receivers in the NFL this season, recording at least 50 receiving yards in every game he has played in. In Week 17, he had a season-high 112 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. The Buffalo Bills will be facing the New York Jets in Week 18, who have one of the worst pass defenses in the league. Beasley could easily have another big game and be a valuable asset for fantasy managers in the final week of the regular season.
3. Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons
Gage has been a reliable target for the Atlanta Falcons all season long, especially in the absence of Julio Jones. In the last two weeks, he has seen an increase in targets and has recorded back-to-back 70+ receiving yard games. The Falcons will be facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18, who have allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Gage could be in for a big game and is worth considering for fantasy managers in need of a wide receiver.
4. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Green Bay Packers
Valdes-Scantling has had an up-and-down season, but he has shown flashes of potential as the second wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. In Week 17, he had 6 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown, and with Davante Adams drawing most of the attention from the defense, Valdes-Scantling could see more opportunities in Week 18. The Packers will be facing the Chicago Bears, who have struggled against the pass in recent weeks. Valdes-Scantling could have a breakout game and be a valuable asset for fantasy managers in the final week of the regular season.
5. Rashard Higgins, Cleveland Browns
Higgins has been a consistent performer for the Cleveland Browns this season, recording at least 50 receiving yards in each of his last three games. In Week 17, he had 4 receptions for 76 yards against a tough New York Jets defense. The Browns will be facing the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18, who could potentially rest some of their starters as they have already secured a playoff spot. This could give Higgins an opportunity to put up big numbers and be a valuable asset for fantasy managers in the final week of the regular season.
By considering these wide receivers for Week 18, fantasy managers could give themselves an edge and secure a victory in their crucial matchups. These players may not be the biggest names in the league, but they have shown potential for a big game and could be the difference-maker in the final week of the regular season. Donât overlook these under-the-radar receivers and give your team the best chance at success. Best of luck to all fantasy managers in Week 18!
