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And then there was one. We've reached the end of the 2024 regular season, and we've seen an entire spectrum of quality football this year. Whether it was good or bad, this season delivered in ways we haven't seen in a long time, if ever.
Week 18 Power Rankings
Teams to Note
Cincinnati Bengals (Rose 2 spots)
The Bengals have been on a tear and make their way back into the top 15. If their defense was just below average, we may be looking at a top 8 team this season. Alas, Joe Burrow and Co. have had to carry this entire organization on their shoulders for most of the season.
Indianapolis Colts (Dropped 2 spots)
On the flip side, what an utter collapse from Indy. There have been rumblings that Anthony Richardson has been lackadaisical in his preparation and recovery, and this put them in a bad spot with Joe Flacco having to step in multiple times this season. The bad juju finally caught up to them, as they were eliminated from playoff contention by the hapless Giants.
Week 17 Awards
Awards | AFC | NFC |
Offensive MVP | Joe Burrow | Baker Mayfield |
Defensive MVP | Myles Garrett | CJ Gardner-Johnson |
Special Teams MVP | Matt Araiza | Ihmir Smith-Marsette |
Trench Tyrant | Ronnie Stanley | Sam Cosmi |
Relentless Rookie | Jackson Powers-Johnson | Malik Nabers |
Winners to Note
Sam Cosmi (G-WAS)
Cosmi has been one of the most underappreciated linemen in the league, and this past week was his best game of the season. He allowed 0 pressures against 49 pass rushes against a unit that has really turned it on late in the season. In the run game, his side of the line didn't account for a lot of yards, but Washington averaged 4.75 yards per carry running towards his area on designed runs, giving him an all-around solid performance.
Myles Garrett (DE-CLE)
Myles may not win a 2nd consecutive DPOY, but he sure has played like the best defender in the league this year. He posted 6 pressures for a 16.67% pressure rate, 4 stops + TFLs, and recorded 2 sacks for the 4th time this season - giving him another top-notch outing.
Joe Burrow (QB-CIN)
Joe Brrrrrrrrrr has been doing nothing but brrrrrrrr all over defenses since the midway point of the season. Since Week 8, he's led the league in yards, TDs, and big time throws, all while being pressured the 2nd most often in the entire league in that stretch. Week 17 was no different, as he balled out in a must win game against a stout Broncos defense. He tallied 412 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 25 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, and had 0 turnover worthy plays. He also had an insanely high adjusted completion rate of 83.7%, and he accounted for 24 of their 34 first downs.
Photo: Katie Stratman/Imagn Images
Fantasy Football
Week 17 Recap
Points | QB | RB | WR | TE | Flex |
Player | Jared Goff | Jerome Ford | Xavier Worthy | Mark Andrews | Jalen McMillan |
Projected | 16.7 | 12.1 | 12.0 | 10.0 | 10.6 |
Actual | 25.82 | 2.2 | 22.9 | 14.8 | 23.0 |
Difference | 9.12 | -9.9 | 10.9 | 4.8 | 12.4 |
Result | Boom | Bust | Boom | Boom | Boom |
Season Totals: 25 Booms / 29 Pushes / 30 Busts / 1 Inactive
Week 18 Prediction
For anyone who is in a league that extends into Week 18, these picks are for you.
QB: Geno Smith vs Los Angeles Rams (proj. 16.0 points)
The Rams are resting the majority of their starters on both sides of the ball, and the Seahawks have nothing to lose. Geno is gonna force-feed DK Metcalf targets so he can hit his bonus incentives.
RB: Michael Carter vs San Francisco 49ers (proj. 12.8 points)
The Cardinals have one of the best rushing attacks in the league, and Michael Carter did well stepping in for James Conner last week. He'll get the bulk of the touches out of the backfield in Arizona's finale.
WR: Brandin Cooks vs Washington Commanders (proj. 10.1 points)
This is a vibes pick. I like Cooks to put up a considerable performance in a game that really means nothing for either team.
TE: Chig Okonkwo vs Houston Texans (proj. 9.6 points)
Chig got red-hot and was a sneaky TE option at the end of 2022. Now, he's a must-start if you need a league winner
Flex: Jordan Whittington vs Seattle Seahawks (proj. 9.2 points)
When Jordan plays more than 51% of snaps in a given game, he goes off - and he should see the field a lot in the regular season finale. In Week 4 and 5, he put up 28.1 fantasy points combined without scoring a TD; the value play is obviously there if you need someone in a pinch.
Week 18 Game Predictions
AFC Games
Browns vs Ravens (Saturday 4:30PM)
Bengals vs Steelers (Saturday 8PM)
Texans vs Titans
Jaguars vs Colts
Bills vs Patriots
Chargers vs Raiders
Chiefs vs Broncos
Dolphins vs Jets
NFC Games
Panthers vs Falcons
Giants vs Eagles
Commanders vs Cowboys
Bears vs Packers
Saints vs Buccaneers
49ers vs Cardinals
Seahawks vs Rams
Vikings vs Lions (SNF)
Record from Week 17: 10-6
Season Record: 155-101
Photo: Jason Miller/GettyImages
Final Notes
It's sad this season is coming to an end, but we have a lot more in store with a wild postseason on the way. Here's to hoping Week 18 can deliver just one last dose of chaos.
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