Week 18 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Bryce Young, Jalen McMillan, and More
Sam Wallace uncovers the top Week 18 waiver wire options for fantasy managers heading into the final week of the regular season.
Sam Wallace uncovers the top Week 18 waiver wire options for fantasy managers heading into the final week of the regular season.
It's Week 18, and we warned you that it was going to be weird in the waiver wire streets for people still playing for championships. Repeat after us: In 2025, we're ending our league's season after 17 weeks.
There was enough craziness last week with players sitting and even going on IR. Now we're headed to the Wild West, when we don't know which teams are playing their “guys” and which might be sitting their starters early in the game. Here are a few players who could help you take home that title, and for more players go to our Waiver Wire tool.
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Bryce Young, Panthers (13% rostered)
First off, if you're playing for a fantasy championship in Week 18 of the NFL season, you better have a conversation with your league commissioner this offseason. There's even been talks about moving fantasy leagues up a week so they end in Week 16 on the heels of what has been a complete cluster of a Week 17.
Did you realize Week 17 encompassed games on five different days? Madness.
Anyway, if you are still in need of a QB, look no further than Bryce Young. Since his Week 11 bye, his last six games have been fantasy goodness. He's averaged 23 points per game in that span, accounting for 11 total TDs while throwing just 3 INTs.
Not only is he finishing the season on a strong note, but he also remains a highly intriguing dynasty buy (more on that in another article).
Jalen McMillan, Buccaneers (39% rostered)
This is just ridiculous. Why is Jalen McMillan available in over 60% of leagues? It's not like he's been a one-hit wonder who just had one good game. This kid has been balling for the better part of a month now. Here's how he's looked over his last four games:
- 6.2 targets
- 4.7 receptions
- 60.5 receiving yards
- 6 total TDs
- 20 PPG
Baker Mayfield has been absolutely dealing during that stretch as well. In those same four games, he's tossed 14 TDs. McMillan should absolutely not be on waivers at this stage of the season. If you still have something to play for in Week 18, make sure the talented rookie is right there with you.
Brandin Cooks, Cowboys (15% rostered)
With CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) out for the remainder of the season, Brandin Cooks assumes the WR1 mantle for the Dallas Cowboys. He led all pass catchers in targets (8), receptions (4), and receiving yards (52) in a blowout loss this past weekend and should remain the de facto No. 1 receiving option for Cooper Rush in the season finale.
Volume is volume, it doesn't always have to be pretty. To Rush's credit, in his six games prior to Week 17, the Dallas offense averaged more than 21 points per game. The potential for a strong finale for Cooks is certainly in the cards next weekend.
Marvin Mims, Broncos (4% rostered)
Let's not get caught chasing points, but Marvin Mims has been impressive over the last few weeks, even before his 30-point outburst against the Bengals last weekend.
In four of his last six games, he's either scored a TD or topped 60 receiving yards. The Broncos can clinch a playoff spot with a win next weekend against the Chiefs while the latter already has the No. 1 seed locked up. With Bo Nix slinging it like he has been, it's certainly within the range of outcomes for Mims (and his game-breaking speed) to rack up a few chunk plays and find the end zone.
Parker Washington, Jaguars (3% rostered)
For those of you who are sincerely desperate, I present to you Parker Washington. The second-year wideout for the Jaguars has quietly put together a strong ending to his sophomore campaign.
Over his last five games, he's averaged almost 12 points per game. If you need a second (or third) flex option in Week 18, Parker is seeing the field enough to warrant finding his way into the backend of your fantasy lineup.
Mike Gesicki, Bengals (26% rostered)
If you haven't been keeping up with football this season, Joe Burrow is on a legendary heater, despite the Bengals not being all that great at actual football. At least on defense.
He's now thrown for 3+ TD passes in eight straight games and is averaging 300+ passing yards per game during that stretch as well. It's not just Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins reaping the rewards either; if you need a viable TE option for this weekend, Mike Gesicki could be just the name you're looking for.
Gesicki is on the heels of a 10-86 performance on 12 targets. The Bengals need to win so expect them to continue letting Burrow cook. Let's hope a few of those targets find their way to Gesicki in the end zone.
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