Wacky Week 18: Who's Motivated?

With so many injuries and teams resting players for the real NFL playoffs, Week 18 is not ideal for fantasy football, which is why most leagues hold their Championship Game in Week 17. But we realize some of you are still battling, and this is the most important week of the season for those who are.

At 4for4, we will continue through the Super Bowl with our weekly rankings and projections, and if you aren't playing this week or want more action, we encourage you to check out the DFS and Betting sections of the site, where there will be fresh content until the bitter end of the NFL season.

This weekend, some teams will be highly motivated to produce, while others are already playing golf in their minds. Four teams compete on Saturday, with the remaining 26 playing Sunday afternoon at either 1:00 PM or 4:25 PM ET, plus one Sunday night monster battle between the Vikings and the Lions.

What we already know (AFC): Three of the four division titles have been decided, with Buffalo, Kansas City, and Houston coming out on top. Baltimore gets the AFC South crown with a win over Cleveland on Saturday or a Steelers' loss. If the Ravens lose and Pittsburgh beats Cincinnati, the Steelers win the division via a better division record, which is the second tiebreaker. One wildcard spot remains in the AFC, and it will go to Denver, Miami, or Cincinnati.

What we already know (NFC): Two NFC divisions have been decided, with the Eagles and Rams sitting as title winners. The NFC North and the No. 1 seed will come to down a massive Sunday night showdown between the Vikings and Lions. The victor gets the top spot, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, while the loser will be the fifth seed. The final NFC division title and playoff spot is between the Buccaneers and Falcons. Tampa Bay can claim the South and the No. 4 seed with a victory or tie against New Orleans, or a Falcons loss to Carolina. If both finish at 9-8, Atlanta would win the division since they beat the Bucs twice in 2024.

So, who’s motivated?

Highly Motivated

Detroit Lions (1/5 - 8:20 PM ET vs. Vikings)

The winner of this contest gets the No. 1 seed and the first-round bye and home-field advantage that comes along with it. Expect all healthy starters out there.

Minnesota Vikings (1/5 - 8:20 PM ET @ Lions)

The same stakes as outlined directly above for Detroit are in play for Minnesota.

Miami Dolphins (1/5 - 4:25 PM ET @ Jets)

The Dolphins can punch their ticket as the No. 7 seed with a win over AFC East rival New York and a Denver loss. These games take place simultaneously, so Miami will be at the fullest strength they have at this point in the season.

Baltimore Ravens (1/4 - 4:30 PM ET vs. Browns)

They’ll win the AFC North and secure a home game to open the postseason with a victory over Cleveland on Saturday. The Ravens play in the first game of the week, so will be highly motivated to take care of business.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1/5 - 1:00 PM ET vs. Saints)

The Bucs win the division, the No. 4 seed, and a first-round home game with a victory, a tie, or an Atlanta loss. Expect the full array of starters for this NFC South matchup against New Orleans.

Pittsburgh Steelers (1/4 - 8:00 PM ET vs. Bengals)

This game takes place directly after the Ravens, but even if Baltimore wins, the Steelers still have something on the line. They will get the No. 5 seed with a win or a Chargers loss, which comes with a trip to Houston instead of a return visit to Baltimore.

Atlanta Falcons (1/5 - 1:00 PM ET vs. Panthers)

The Falcons can earn a playoff berth with a win and a Tampa Bay loss. They would get the NFC South crown despite both ending at 9-8 since they beat the Bucs twice this season. Atlanta’s starters should be suiting up for this contest since it takes place at the same time as the Buccaneers’ tilt.

Denver Broncos (1/5 - 4:25 PM ET vs Chiefs)

A home win in the Mile High City earns the Broncos the last spot in the playoffs for the AFC. They can also get in if they lose and both the Bengals and Dolphins also fall short in their respective contests. Cincy does play the night before, but Miami will be battling simultaneously.

Cincinnati Bengals (1/4 - 8:00 PM ET @ Steelers)

Fighting for the final playoff spot in the AFC, the Bengals need a win and both Miami and Denver to lose. They play on Saturday night, so will be the first of that trio to take the field highly motivated.

Washington Commanders (1/5 - 1:00 PM ET @ Cowboys)

Even though Washington is in and is only playing for seeding, HC Dan Quinn has said they are playing to win with an emphasis that the seeding is important to the Commanders. A victory or a Green Bay loss - who are on the field at the same time - gives them the No. 6 seed in the NFC instead of the No. 7.

Somewhat Motivated

Los Angeles Chargers (1/5 - 4:25 PM ET @ Raiders)

The Chargers already have their ticket to the big dance as a wild card but could move up to No. 5 with a win and a Pittsburgh loss. If the Steelers lose on Saturday night, expect to see plenty of starters, but if they win, it could be a mixed bag.

Green Bay Packers (1/5 - 1:00 PM ET vs. Bears)

Currently the No. 7 seed in the NFC, the Packers can move up one spot with a victory over Chicago and a Washington loss. These teams will be playing at the same time, so there could be some motivation, but their starters will likely get some rest in Week 18.

Not Motivated and Probably Resting

Buffalo Bills (1/5 - 1:00 PM ET @ Patriots)

Buffalo is locked into the No. 2 spot in the AFC with no room for movement upward. Josh Allen will start under center to extend his consecutive start streak but will be taken out quickly. After that, it will be a mix of regular starters and others the Bills want to take a look at.

Philadelphia Eagles (1/5 - 1:00 PM ET vs. Giants)

They are locked in as the second seed in the NFC, so don’t expect much action from any of the starting fantasy pieces for Week 18.

Houston Texans (1/5 - 1:00 PM ET @ Titans)

The Texans get the fourth seed and a home playoff game because the NFL mandates that all division winners do. There is no real motivation here but HC DeMeco Ryans did say that everyone will at least play a bit based on their poor performance last week. Take that one as you will but I would not rely on any Texans this week.

Kansas City Chiefs (1/5 - 4:25 PM ET @ Broncos)

KC is locked in as the No. 1 seed and will likely sit their starters, considering they had an early bye (Week 6) and are ailing on both sides of the ball.

Los Angeles Rams (1/5 - 4:25 PM ET vs. Seahawks)

LA could fall one spot to No. 4 with a loss and a Tampa Bay win. However, it appears that HC Sean McVay has said he'll rest his starters.

Eliminated From Playoffs:

AFC: Colts, Jets, Raiders, Jaguars, Browns, Titans, Patriots

NFC: Seahawks, Cowboys, Cardinals, 49ers, Saints, Bears, Panthers, Giants

Note: The Browns, Panthers, Jets, Cowboys, Saints, and Raiders can all play spoiler to a division rival to some extent, so they may play at full strength.