The A List at DFS Academy | Week 18 NFL DFS

If you are still reading this NFL DFS article in Week 18, thank you. This article will continue through the Super Bowl, which is increasingly transitioning to a tournament focus.

As for this week, we are still focusing on DFS Cash plays. Week 18 brings plenty of uncertainty, with teams sitting starters to prepare for the playoffs. Fortunately, there are still plenty of players to choose from.

Because of the uncertainty of this week, I tend to play more tournaments than usual. Whenever there is uncertainty and high variance, I want to lean into it and take more shots at tournament contests. 

That said, I love my Cash lineup this week. Let’s get into our Week 18 NFL DFS Cash picks.

Cash is in session.

REMINDER: You can play NFL DFS against Austin and Ryan Weisse in Week 17! Join our contests by clicking the links:
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NFL DFS Week 18

Teacher’s Pet

Bijan Robinson (DraftKings: $8,500 / FanDuel: $9,200)

The Falcons are among the teams with the most to play for this weekend. With a win, they maintain a chance to make the playoffs. Fortunately, they play the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have continued to be a great matchup for opposing running backs. Additionally, the Falcons have been heavily relying on Bijan Robinson since Michael Penix took over as the starter. Look for Robinson to have another stellar fantasy performance.

Honor Roll

Jayden Daniels (DraftKings: $7,800 / FanDuel: $8,700)

Despite defeating the Falcons and securing a playoff spot, the Commanders want to win this weekend. This weekend’s outcome has meaningful implications for their seeding. With a win or loss, the Commanders will either play the Eagles or the Rams/Buccaneers in the Wild Card round. I know which I would choose. As such, Jayden Daniels should get meaningful playing time, and with some cheap running backs on the slate, it is easy enough to fit him into your roster.

Brian Thomas Jr. (DraftKings: $7,300 / FanDuel: $8,000)

This is a weird situation where there is nothing to play for, but it hasn’t been for many weeks. Despite that, Brian Thomas Jr. has been heavily utilized down the stretch. He has received double-digit targets in each of the last five games. Now, he faces an Indianapolis Colts defense that has allowed the sixth most points to receivers since Week 14. Good enough for me.

Michael Pittman Jr. (DraftKings: $5,200 / FanDuel: $6,200)

With the return of Joe Flacco, Michael Pittman Jr. was resurrected in Week 17. He finished the game with a stunning nine targets and 109 yards, plus a touchdown. I felt like I had been taken back to 2023 with those numbers. Flacco is starting again this week while Anthony Richardson manages back spasms. If you are hesitant to trust Pittman, Josh Downs is also a great option at a similar salary.

Check the Chalkboard

Blake Corum (DraftKings: $5,600 / FanDuel: $5,500)

This is the reason to play Week 18 DFS Cash. Sean McVay has decided to sit all key starters, including Kyren Williams. McVay is known for riding one running back. This week that running back will be Blake Corum. Yes, that Blake Corum. The one that you rostered on 40% of your Best Ball teams. The one you drafted in the 15th round of your Redraft league and then dropped in Week 6. That one. He will likely be highly rostered, making him an easy play regardless of the outcome. 

Participation Grade

Noah Gray (DraftKings: $3,800 / FanDuel: $5,500)

There are several cheap tight end options this week that enable us to pay up at running back and quarterback. Perhaps the tight end with the most upside is Noah Gray. With Travis Kelce sitting, Gray will be the number one tight end. Not only does Kansas City like to utilize its tight ends, but so does Carson Wentz, who will be under center this week. If you want to look elsewhere, Brenton Strange, Tucker Kraft, Chig Okonkwo, and Austin Hooper are also great punt options. 

Back of the Classroom Studs

Demario Douglas (DraftKings: $4,300 / FanDuel: $5,100)

This will be an interesting game for the New England Patriots. They are likely to face the Bills backup defense. Even the Bills’ starting defense has been picked apart, though. Since Week 14, they have allowed the most points to wide receivers. With the backups in, Drake Maye should see success. DeMario Douglas has continued to be a prominent part of the offense, and at $4,300 should easily pay off his salary.

Michael Carter (DraftKings: $4,700 / FanDuel: $5,800)

While the Arizona Cardinals may have nothing to play for this week, Michael Carter does. James Conner and Trey Benson are both on the IR, making space for Carter to lead the Cardinals backfield this weekend. Carter was the lead back in Week 17 as well, bringing in 15 touches against the Rams. He is incentivized to perform well this week to ensure he gets picked up by a team during the upcoming offseason. Plus, the 49ers have been one of the better matchups for running backs down the stretch, allowing the 10th most points to the position since Week 14.

New York Giants (DraftKings: $2,400 / FanDuel: $3,200)

The other benefit of teams sitting their starters is that it opens up some cheap defense options. The Philadelphia Eagles are down to Tanner McKee at quarterback. The New York Giants have quietly been a solid fantasy defense this year, having a safe floor. They have managed to have no games with negative points, which is quite an accomplishment for a three-win team. They also have a solid front seven that can get after the quarterback.

Check out the NFL Week 18 episode of DFS Academy now!

Report Card

DraftKings

Scoring System

• A: Scored over three times their price
• B: Scored over two times their price
• C: Matched their price
• F: Scored lower than their price

Player	Price	Points	Grade
Saquon Barkley	$8,600	21.90	B
Baker Mayfield	$6,900	37.56	A
Jakobi Meyers	$6,000	17.10	B
Adam Thielen	$5,700	31.00	A
Bucky Irving	$6,700	26.00	A
Grant Calcaterra	$3,100	4.40	C
Calvin Ridley	$5,500	14.10	B
Wan’Dale Robinson	$4,400	18.10	A
Philadelphia Eagles	$3,100	19.00	A
Overall	$50,000	189.16	A
Season Long	$793,300	1,949.98	B

FanDuel

Scoring System

• A: Scored over two times their price
• B: Scored over one and a half times their price
• C: Matched their price
• F: Scored lower than their price

Player	Price	Points	Grade
Saquon Barkley	$9,600	20.90	A
Baker Mayfield	$8,200	37.56	A
Jakobi Meyers	$6,600	14.60	A
Adam Thielen	$6,200	28.50	A
Bucky Irving	$8,000	24.00	A
Grant Calcaterra	$4,700	3.90	F
Calvin Ridley	$5,500	11.60	A
Wan’Dale Robinson	$4,400	15.60	A
Philadelphia Eagles	$5,000	19.00	A
Overall	$58,200	175.66	A
Season Long	$946,500	1,719.98	B

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