For most fantasy football managers, Week 17 was the conclusion of the roller coaster ride that was the 2024 fantasy season. Some managers are hoisting championship trophies while others are licking their wounds from defeat. Which one are you?
Then, there are a select few still competing for that treasured title going into Week 18. Are you contending in a league this week? This feature is for you! I will evaluate three players: Xavier Worthy, A.J. Brown, and Jaylen Waddle, and determine if they are a Tootsie's Pick to start or sit.
WR Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
Rookie receiver Xavier Worthy has had a successful debut season, rising to solidify his place as a top receiving target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes II. With 98 targets on the season, Worthy is second only behind Travis Kelce's 133 targets. Since Week 11, Worthy has consistently had over five targets and over five receptions per game. This led to an average of 15.6 fantasy points per game in point-per-reception (PPR) scoring. In addition, Worthy has been a dual threat on the ground, racking up a season total of 104 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. This utilization has been helpful with a mixed backfield of Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt.
However, the tricky thing with Week 18 fantasy lineups is knowing whether teams will rest their key players. Because the Chiefs have clinched the number one seed in the AFC, Worthy may be rested or limited in this game against the Denver Broncos. According to Footballguys rankings, the consensus of our experts places Worthy at WR66, only projected to get 6.90 fantasy points. With your fantasy championship on the line, look at other receiving options like Jameson Williams, Adam Thielen, or Jalen McMillan to start instead.
Tootsie's Pick: Sit
WR A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
In a similar story, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown is ranked WR67 on the Footballguys consensus rankings. The Eagles have clinched the number two seed in the NFC and have nothing to gain in this week's matchup against division rival, the New York Giants. The Eagles will likely rest starters like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, conserving them for the playoff run. Not to mention, quarterback Jalen Hurts has been in concussion protocol. Without Hurts last week, Brown had 36 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown for 12.6 PPR fantasy points. It was his counterpart DeVonta Smith who had the big show with 30 PPR fantasy points with Kenny Pickett and Tanner McKee under center.
There has been a little regression for A.J. Brown this year compared to last. Finishing 2023 as the fifth-best receiver, Brown had 106 receptions and seven receiving touchdowns. This produced an average of 17.3 fantasy points per game. Though he has seven touchdowns again this year, Brown's receptions are down to 67 in his 13 games played. He is currently the 16th-best receiver of the year, averaging 16.7 fantasy points per game. Other receivers who have surpassed Brown this year in overall fantasy points include rookie talents Brian Thomas Jr., Ladd McConkey, and Malik Nabers.
Look to Brown to sync up with Hurts again for the NFL playoffs, but don't trust getting a lot of fantasy points from him in Week 18.
Tootsie's Pick: Sit
WR Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins
In the same neck of the woods on our expert rankings as Worthy and Brown, Waddle is ranked at 65 and projected 7.01 points. The story with Waddle is a little more complicated, though. The Miami Dolphins still have a chance to make the playoffs. They can do that this week if they beat division rival New York Jets and the Chiefs win over the Denver Broncos. This makes us take a closer look at whether or not Waddle is a viable starting option. Though he has been out with a knee injury since Week 15, there's a chance he will play in Week 18. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was also out in Week 17 due to a hip injury, and it is unclear if he will return to action or if Tyler Huntley will be under center again. With Huntley in charge, the Dolphins knocked out an easy win over the Browns 20-3 in Week 17.
In the 14 games Waddle played this season, he averaged 50 receiving yards and 9.8 PPR fantasy points per game. In super deep leagues, Waddle could be considered a flex option with that floor, given the fact the Dolphins desperately need this win. That being said, with your championship dreams on the line, try to find a better option who would be more reliable. As mentioned in the Worthy section, options like Williams, Thielen, and McMillan are worth a look.
Tootsie's Pick: Sit (start only as a deep flex)
The Last Hurrah
Well, if you're one of the few fantasy managers vying for a chip in Week 18, congratulations on making it this far! Week 18 holds even more volatility and uncertainty than Week 17. Aside from the regular lineup factors, you will also need to consider playoff teams resting players. Coaches aren't always transparent about these plans, so no matter how you tackle it, there's extreme risk involved with these decisions. The three players discussed in this feature: Xavier Worthy, A.J. Brown, and Jaylen Waddle are unfortunately all Tootsie's Picks to sit.
Do not fret, though; Footballguys is here for you. Use our expert rankings as a guide to find alternate options. Note: these rankings are customizable for your particular league settings!
Enjoy this final ride of your fantasy season! Go get that win!