Week 18 Fantasy Football Outlook

[Steeler Nation]

The Pittsburgh Steelers head into Week 18 at 8-7-1 desperately hoping for a Jacksonville Jaguars win, and of course a Steelers win, to sneak into the playoffs. The NFL’s greatest rivalry will be renewed once again Sunday as the Steelers travel to M&T Bank Stadium to take on the Baltimore Ravens. If you still have a fantasy lineup to set, congratulations, that probably means you’re playing for a fantasy football championship! So what Steelers are worth playing!?

Must Starts for Week 18​

1. Diontae Johnson

Dionate Johnson has shown all year why he continues to be a set it and forget it fantasy WR1. Johnson has eclipsed at least 15 fantasy points in all but four games this season and is ranked WR8 after missing a game as well. Johnson caught 8 balls for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns vs Baltimore in Week 13. He was then placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, but quickly reactivated, and is playing Sunday afternoon unless another positive pops up Sunday morning. With it being fantasy championship week, that’s something to monitor. Johnson remains set and forget any week he suits up.

2. Najee Harris

Harris remains a set it and forget it as well, as he is probably one of the major reasons you’re still setting your lineup in Week 18. Harris is coming off a season high in carries and yards in Week 17. He racked up 15.7 fantasy points in Week 13 when the Ravens came to Pittsburgh. Look for the Steelers to get Harris involved early and often.

3. Pat Freiermuth

Muuuuuuuuth remains a must start fantasy TE because of his redzone looks and the thin options displayed at TE. He caught 5 of 6 targets in Week 17’s home matchup vs the Cleveland Browns. Freiermuth is almost a TD dependent play, but with 10 targets in the last two games, he could make some noise.

Optimistic Plays​

1. Chase Claypool

Claypool’s rollercoaster ride of a sophomore season has continued all the way into Week 18. He has only had one doubl-digit fantasy output since Week 11. His double-digit game came in Week 14 on Thursday Night Football when he helped an almost amazing comeback, only to hurt the Steelers with a first down celebration. Claypool only had 2 catches off 3 targets in the Week 13 Ravens game. He also only has 1 touchdown all season. Claypool could be due a score, so he is the definition of an optimistic play.

2. Ben Roethlisberger

Big Ben Roethlisberger will suit up for what seems to be one last time. One last Ravens game, one last AFC North game, one last Pittsburgh Steelers regular season game. The fantasy numbers haven’t been great over the past three weeks as this Steelers offense has struggled to score. Ben tossed 2 touchdowns in Week 13 vs the Ravens and hung up 19.34 fantasy points, which makes it just intriguing enough for Steelers fans. I am in a championship game in one of my fantasy leagues and this diehard Steelers fan is using this last opportunity to start #7. Big Ben fits the bill of an optimistic play for his final regular season start.

My Projections (PPR)​

(QB) Ben Roethlisberger – 14.2 pts

(RB) Najee Harris – 16.4 pts

(WR) Diontae Johnson – 20.0 pts

(WR) Chase Claypool – 10.8 pts

(WR) James Washington – OUT (Reserve/COVID-19)

(TE) Pat Freiermuth – 10.0 pts



Any projections too high or too low? Let us know in the comments!

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