Team of the Week
QB: Tom Brady, TB
Just when it looked like time to count out Brady for high-end QB1 production, he went off for 37.68 fantasy points in the fantasy championship—throwing for 432 yards and three touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. It was a stark difference from the first matchup versus Carolina (11.7 fantasy points), and the Bucs will now have the option to rest ahead of the playoffs.
RB: Austin Ekeler, LAC
Ekeler said he wanted to play over the final two weeks despite dealing with an ankle injury and Los Angeles locking up a playoff berth—and he didn’t disappoint fantasy owners with 159 total yards and two touchdowns on just 14 touches. Assuming the Chargers keep their foot on the pedal, Ekeler will be one of the top plays of the Week 18 slate.
RB: Christian McCaffrey, SF
San Francisco got more of a fight from Las Vegas than expected, and McCaffrey was given 25 touches for 193 total yards and a touchdown in the overtime win. The No. 1 seed is well within reach for the Niners heading into the final week, so McCaffrey should see plenty of work as they at least hope to remain in the No. 2 spot.
WR: Mike Evans, TB
Evans hadn’t scored a touchdown since Week 4, but he completely dominated in the fantasy championship—catching ten-of-12 targets for 207 yards and three touchdowns to help Tampa Bay clinch the NFC South. The performance was enough to boost Evans into the low-end WR1 ranks on the season.
WR: Davante Adams, LV
The domination by Adams versus the 49ers continued in a near upset win, as the uniform change didn’t make a difference as the former Packer went for a 7/153/2 line while catching passes from Jarrett Stidham. Adams should be in for another huge outing on Saturday versus Kansas City.
TE: Dalton Schultz, DAL
Tennessee made it a battle against Dallas last Thursday night, but they struggled to defend Schultz in scoring territory—allowing him to catch two scores in the Cowboys’ 27-13 win. Schultz was shutout against Washington back in Week 4, but we’ll see if he had more success with Dak Prescott under center in the rematch.
FLEX: D’Andre Swift, DET
The Lions destroyed the Bears in Week 17, and Swift was a significant reason for it by rushing 11 times for 78 yards and a touchdown while catching all four of his targets for 39 yards and another score. Detroit should completely unleash Swift in the season finale as they hope to sneak into the postseason.
D/ST: Packers
Starting Green Bay’s defense probably wasn’t something many considered versus Minnesota’s high-powered offense—but the Packers forced four turnovers and returned two touchdowns (including a kickoff) in the season-saving victory. The 23.0 fantasy points easily tops the leaderboard among D/ST units.
K: Matt Prater, ARI
Prater missed a field goal on Sunday, but he hit another long-range bomb from 50+ yards and went four-of-five overall on his attempts. Remarkably, the veteran has scored exactly 14.0 fantasy points in each of his past three games.
Surprise of the Week: Jarrett Stidham
Considering the weapons for the Raiders and his experience in Josh McDaniels’ system, Stidham playing well might not have been a huge surprise if not for it coming against the stingy defense of the 49ers. It didn’t result in a win, but Stidham threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns (two interceptions) in his first career start—putting him on the streaming radar against the Chiefs in Week 18.
Disappointment of the Week: Justin Jefferson
Jefferson being held to one reception and 2.0 fantasy points in the fantasy championship encapsulates how crazy this season has been, and teams that have gotten major production from him all year might have lost a title because of the dud. Minnesota needs to build momentum next week against Chicago to avoid real-life disappointment in the playoffs.
Rookie of the Week: Trey McBride
The rookies around the league mostly had quiet games in Week 17, but McBride broke out with a 7/78/1 line as a favorite target of quarterback David Blough. Although next week will be a much tougher matchup with a trip to face the Niners, Arizona’s tight end will be worth considering as a fantasy option.
Week 17 MVP: Mike Evans
Those fortunate enough to still be playing with Evans as a key part of their roster were rewarded with a 43.7-point outburst in the fantasy championship, and all three touchdowns were long ones from 30, 57, and 63 yards. If the Bucs have Tom Brady and Evans on the same page in the postseason, watch out.