But with the holiday bloom behind us, the duo plans to start 2025 in black. The challenge is no small one given all the complications of the postseason. Week 18. Still, the six props below have more popping potential.
Let’s go after it! — Liz Loza
All odds as of time of publication. For the latest odds, visit ESPN BET.
Quarterback props
Why fantasy managers should trust Baker Mayfield in Week 18
Eric Carrabelle says fantasy managers should be confident in Baker Mayfield as a solid QB1 in Week 18.
Baker Mayfield Over 1.5 passing TDs and Mike Evans 69.5 receiving yards per game (-120)
Loza: But a win New Orleans Saints will allow Tampa Bay Buccaneers To qualify for the postseason as NFC South champions. Tampa Bay can also secure a playoff berth if Atlanta Falcons Fall on Carolina Panthersbut the division rivals are all set to play at the same time, suggesting another all-out effort from Mayfield.
Mayfield is second in passing scores, having finished with 39 passing TDs this season. Additionally, he recorded four straight multi-touchdown attempts. Although New Orleans’ defense has given up the fewest passing scores to opposing QBs (17), it’s worth noting that Mayfield hung up four on the Saints in Week 6 (and Aidan O’Connell was successful in two against the squad last Sunday).
Evans, not surprisingly, thrived as his QB’s No. 1 endzone target, making an astounding 14 endzone looks (tied for fourth among WRs). The veteran wideout has also averaged a healthy 70.4 receiving yards while clearing the aforementioned line in three of his past five outings. Evans has traditionally struggled against the Saints’ secondary, but with Martian Lattimore Out of the gate, I expect the 31-year-old to make up for lost time.
Sam Darnold Passing ladder: 275+ (-130), 300+ (+135), 325+ (+225)
Dope: I’m betting a ladder for Darnold in Week 18. If you’ve never placed a ladder bet before, the idea (at least how I approach them) is that I like Darnold’s chances of eventually reaching that point. The most supportive line posted. But instead of just betting on the highest line, I’m taking multiple shots to squeeze the most out of that bet. Darnold has topped 275 passing yards on just five occasions this season, but his three highest passing marks have come in Weeks 12, 14 and 17. Minnesota Vikings They will bring everything they have against. Detroit LinesKnowing the No. 1 seed for the NFC playoffs is at stake, and it should start with Darnold.
Another reason I’m making this ladder bet: The Lions have put so much emphasis on defense that they’ve allowed QBs to torch them through the air the past few weeks. In Week 15 against Josh Allenthe Lions gave up 362 passing yards. He gave up 334 yards. Caleb Williams In week 16 and 377 Brooke Purdy In week 17. Teams have recognized that they can move the ball through the air against my Lions, which bodes well for this NFC North shootout. Other sportsbooks include 350+ and 375+ passing yards, and I’m playing those lines as well. Give me all the legs of Darnold’s passing yard line.
Darnold’s longest rush over 7.5 yards (-135)
Dope: One of the things I focus on in Week 18 is betting on players who have something to play for. We know how much Darnold and the Vikings line has, so why not go back to the well and look at his rushing line as well? I’ll keep this piece a little short, and you’ll understand why in a second.
Darnold isn’t a wizard with his legs, but he certainly has the ability to get out of the pocket and extend plays. Darnold has 13 carries of at least eight rushing yards this season, incl two Similar actions were taken against the same Lions team in Week 7. The only difference between now and Week 7 is that the Lions’ defense is much stronger, playing with multiple backups across the defensive line and secondary. One last thing to note: The Lions have allowed QBs to rush for at least eight yards 29 times this season. Get a list of the latest QBs to hit the line against my Lions:
Week 12: Anthony RichardsonFour rushes for eight yards
Week 13: Caleb Williams, three rushes for eight yards
Week 14: Jordan LoveTwo rushes for eight yards
Week 15: Josh Allen, four rushes for eight yards.
Week 16: Caleb Williams, three rushes for eight yards
Week 17: Brock Purdy, one rush for eight yards
That’s six games in a row they’ve let a QB get to that line. I look for Darnold to continue that streak thanks to Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s man-heavy scheme that allows for QBs to get on the field a lot.
Support is running back
0:58
Why Yates Says Bajon Robinson and Drake Will Start London in Week 18
Field Yates explains why the Falcons’ Bejon Robinson and Drake London are heading into their Week 18 matchup vs. the Panthers.
Bejan Robinson Over 115.5 rushing and receiving yards (-114)
Loza: Atlanta’s odds of advancing to the postseason may be longer than Peachtree Street, but that doesn’t mean the Falcons won’t give everything they’ve got against Carolina. Robinson is the embodiment of it all. The star running back ranks inside the top five at the position in total rushing and total receiving yards on the season, averaging more than 107 scrimmage yards per game.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have given up the most rushing yards (2,830) and the most YPC (5.1) to opposing rushers. Carolina’s receiving numbers against RBs aren’t all that surprising, mostly because the game flow doesn’t require opposing offenses against the Panthers’ defense. Still, the Cardiac Cats have given up an 86% conversion rate of targeted RBs and an average of 36.6 receiving yards per game (ninth-most) to opposing backfields.
There is definitely a chance. Tyler Allgeier Robinson could come to spell it was the Falcons who went up early. But in a win-win situation (and with Drake London (still looking at the knee issue), it would make sense to lean on a player who has touched the ball at least 20 times per game and managed at least 98 total yards on five consecutive attempts.
Wide receivers
1:13
Why should fantasy managers start all Vikings and Lions?
Field Yates previews the Vikings’ and Lions’ Week 18 matchup and encourages fantasy managers to start all available players in the game.
Jameson Williams Over 59.5 receiving yards (-110), Williams any time TD (+125)
Loza: I’m going to rescue Daniel from here myself. I want my friend to motivate his team without any work related pressure. You’re welcome, Bud.
Given the Lions’ lack of pass rush and Darnold’s incredible showing in Week 17, plenty of money is being placed on Minnesota. And the Vikings’ defense could be the key to securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC. But that doesn’t mean the Lions won’t go down swinging. Detroit has zero to drop. How Ben Johnson makes his playmaker statistics interesting.
Although Sam La Porta. has been dominant lately (either scoring a touchdown or clearing 100 receiving yards in three straight outings), I’m not counting on another rushing effort in Week 18. Not with LB Ivan Pace Jr. With Pace back to the middle of the field for Minnesota, the quarterback Jared Goff Statistics to pivot on the perimeter — and for good reason, as the Vikings have given up the second-most receiving yards to outside WRs (115.5 per game).
Of course, Williams stumbled in his first showing in Minnesota, but he also wasn’t involved as deeply in the offense in Week 7. But since returning from that two-game suspension in Week 10, the second-year pass catcher has averaged 1.6. More goals per game than he had in Weeks 1-7. He has also averaged nearly 76 receiving yards while finding the end zone four times since then (including his last three games). Given the stakes, Williams should be sky high.
Jordan Addison 69.5+ receiving yards and 5+ receptions (+125)
Dope: you know what Why not go back to the well one more time to close out the regular season? I already have two Vikings props, why not make it a hat trick and trust Addison’s ability? As I’ve said countless times in this column this season, the Lions have been awful against opposing WRs, leading in the NFL in yards and second in receptions (behind only the Vikings). He has given up more than 1,085 passing yards over the last three games, the most in the NFL by nearly 200 yards.
Addison is hitting that reception line with ease in the second half of the season, but the yards are up a bit more than usual. He has only topped 70 yards three times this season, but has everything lined up for him to take advantage of the Lions secondary. Given how bad the Lions have been against opposing WRs, Addison’s continued climb Justin JeffersonA super-high 56.5 points game in the biggest game of the season and two of the worst pass defense teams in the NFL, there are plenty of reasons to think this two-legged parlay could be a hit. And just for kicks, if you want to add Addison to TD at any point, it will turn into a +280 bet.
Good luck in Week 18, and we’ll see you next week with some playoff props.