Fantasy Football Today: Start or Sit (AFC) – Week 18 Analysis

Episode: Start or Sit (AFC), 2025 Questions, Which Starters are Resting?
Release Date: January 2, 2025
Hosts: Adam Aizer, Heath Cummings, Jamey Eisenberg, Dave Richard

Introduction to Week 18 Analysis

In the inaugural episode of the 2025 Fantasy Football Today podcast series, host Adam Aizer and analysts Heath Cummings, Jamey Eisenberg, Dave Richard delve into the critical decisions looming over Week 18 of the NFL season. With key matchups and potential player restings on the horizon, the team provides listeners with strategic insights to optimize their fantasy lineups.

Adam (00:00):
“Good morning, everybody, and welcome to Fantasy Football Today presented by BetMGM, the sportsbook.”

Resting Players and Their Implications

The primary focus of this episode centers around the implications of resting starters during the final week, especially within the AFC. The hosts examine how resting players can impact fantasy lineups and offer strategies on whether to start or sit these players.

Heath (04:10):
“I talk about this a lot throughout the season about the uncertainty of groups of guys and how close they are together.”

Listener Questions and Mailbag

Listeners' emails and social media questions play a significant role in shaping the discussion. The team addresses queries about playing in Week 18, specific player decisions, and overall league strategies.

Jamie (02:08):
“I think we should do a mailbag now.”

Detailed Start or Sit Decisions for Specific Teams

Cleveland at Baltimore

A major topic is the performance and potential rest of key players in the Cleveland vs. Baltimore game. Jerry Judy emerges as a standout player, with discussions focusing on his breakout potential and consistent performance throughout the season.

Adam (20:33):
“Can a new coach make Trevor Lawrence a must-start quarterback?”

Heath (21:00):
“Jerry Judy has 196, 40 more yards than he's ever had in his career and 17 more catches.”

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh

The Bengals' running backs, including Chase Brown and Khalil Herbert, are scrutinized for their Week 18 roles. The uncertainty surrounding their workload is a focal point, with insights into how coaching decisions might affect their fantasy value.

Heath (25:35):
“The Bengals deciding that we don't want to give him 400 touches in a season, so we should find somebody better.”

Houston at Tennessee

The Texans' tendency to treat Week 18 as a preseason game is analyzed, emphasizing the unpredictability of player participation and its ramifications for fantasy managers. The flexibility in their quarterback lineup further complicates decision-making.

Jamie (32:51):
“I would downgrade almost everybody for them. Joe Mixon was a top 10 running back when I started doing the rankings. Now I have him just outside the top 24.”

Dolphins at Jets

The Dolphins vs. Jets game is highlighted as particularly challenging for fantasy managers due to uncertainties around both teams' starters and their strategies in the final week. The potential impact of player performance under pressure is discussed.

Heath (41:27):
“I will go with Garrett Wilson for right now.”

Buffalo at New England

The Bills' quarterback, Josh Allen, is spotlighted for his MVP potential and the strategic decisions regarding his playtime in the final week. The Patriots' defensive strategies against key receivers like Jerry Judy and Ray Davis are also examined.

Jamie (62:50):
“I think it's Josh Allen.”

Fantasy Football Strategies for Week 18

The hosts emphasize the importance of flexibility and informed decision-making when dealing with resting players. Strategies include:

• Evaluating Matchups: Assessing how rested players' teams are likely to perform based on their opponents.
• Monitoring Injury Reports: Keeping an eye on last-minute injury news that could affect player availability.
• Leveraging Depth: Utilizing bench players and waiver wire options to compensate for any unexpected absences.

Adam (34:59):
“This is a really tough spot to be in to play in Week 18.”

Player Updates and Injury Reports

Comprehensive updates on player injuries and practice statuses are provided, helping fantasy managers make informed choices:

• Jalen Hurts: Still in concussion protocol, leading the Eagles to rest starters.
• Saquon Barkley: Out for the record against the Giants.
• Alvin Kamara: Missed practice with a foot injury, but hopeful for play.
• Tua Tagovailoa: Limited practice affecting tight end options.

Adam (13:45):
“Here's an update on who's resting. Well, first of all, Jalen Hurts is still in the concussion protocol…”

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As Week 18 approaches, the hosts reiterate the importance of staying updated with the latest information and remaining adaptable. They encourage listeners to engage with the podcast through emails and social media for ongoing support throughout the fantasy football season.

Adam (74:33):
“We’ll talk to you tomorrow with the NFC home games. See ya.”

Notable Quotes

• Adam (03:06):
  “I think that, yeah, maybe he needs to make up 35 points in this league.”

• Jamie (07:30):
  “But the thing about that though is if it's a true championship, it's just two managers.”

• Heath (21:14):
  “I have Amir Abdullah, Jalen Warren, Blake Coram, and Isaac Grindo. Back to back to back to back.”

• Heath (58:27):
  “You can't Sit everybody. Like, you're gonna have to play some guys and you can't.”

This episode of Fantasy Football Today serves as an essential guide for fantasy managers navigating the complexities of Week 18, offering expert analysis, strategic advice, and timely updates to help dominate their leagues.