Whether you're playing for a Week 18 championship or building DFS lineups, we still want to win at the DST position. The issue in this final week is who is playing for something and who is sitting their starters. I always like to focus on teams who need to win. They'll be playing their guys and giving their all. Some teams are already planning golf vacations. This is a week where you can get some wacky results because some squads just don't care anymore.
I can't stress enough how important it will be to watch inactive reports this week. There will be quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and skill players who won't play for various reasons. They matter. Please don't sleep on the news of the day because it will impact your DST.
If I'm Still Playing Season Long
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TB, 37%) - Tampa has a lot to play for in Week 18, and that means something when choosing fantasy options. In a dream matchup, the Bucs visit Carolina. The Panthers are fresh off being shut out by the Jaguars. Carolina is as pathetic as it gets in terms of offensive production. A week ago, they mustered 124 total yards and went 1-13 on third down. I have no doubt that Tampa Bay can get after Bryce Young and force a turnover or two. Young was sacked six times in Week 17. The Bucs are my number one add if I'm streaming at the DST position in a Week 18 championship. For DFS, they are $3900 on DraftKings and a solid option, even at the third-highest cost.
New England Patriots (NE, 21%) - As pathetic as the Pats offensive might be, the defense is pretty solid. A date at home against a Jets team with nothing to play for could have DST fireworks in store. In Week 3, these two met, and the Pats D recorded three sacks while allowing just 10 points. That was an eternity ago. This Jets team allowed the Browns to block a kick, recover a fumble, pick off a pass, and score a touchdown. I'd start the Patriots with confidence in any format.
New Orleans Saints (NO, 49%) - The Saints have been elite as a DST in three of their last four games. In the one game, they didn't show up; they goose-egged us and allowed 30 points. New Orleans will be playing for their playoff lives against an Atlanta team that just threw four interceptions against the Bears. This Saints bunch has scored double-digit DST points in three of four. It's a Jekyll and Hyde bunch, but I'd have faith they come to play in the season finale if you need them.
DFS Plays on DraftKings
Cowboys $4100 @ WAS - The most expensive unit on the main slate, and with good reason. The Commanders give up the sixth most points to opposing DSTs. One thing that Washington isn't doing, though, is getting sacked. They've only taken one sack per game for the last three weeks. I wouldn't be shocked if Dallas has a big week, but I'd rather find a lower-priced option.
Jets $3700 @ NE - While still a good unit, this Jets bunch is far from the elite one we talked about before the season. Then again, the Patriots are a walking turnover factory. They turned the ball over four times in just over one quarter on Sunday. I think Gang Green has a good chance for a DST score.
Chiefs $3300 @ LAC - KC got to the QB six times last week, but they also allowed a backup QB to convert 8/16 third downs. This week, they'll get a Chargers team that has its mind on the offseason. I could see Easton Stick throwing a pick-six (or two).
Raiders $3300 vs. DEN - I was high on Vegas last week, and they laid an egg. They'll be home against Jared Stidham and the Broncos this week. Don't expect much offense in this one. It might be the DSTs who get the touchdowns.
Jaguars $3200 @ TEN - It's not every week you get to face the lowly Panthers like Jacksonville did last week. But following it up with the Titans isn't too shabby. The Jags held Carolina to 1/13 on third down in Week 17 and just 124 total yards. This week's opponent, Tennessee, had 187. Yuck.
Browns $3200 @ CIN - The Browns are good. The Bengals are not. Cincy has nothing to play for, so we'll see how much we actually see of Ja'Marr Chase in this one. Browns could shut it down, too, seeing as they are locked into the No. 5 seed. I'd probably stay away from this one.
Lions $3100 vs. MIN - This is a pissed-off group of Lions. I wouldn't want to be Jaren Hall dropping back against them on Sunday in Detroit.
Rams $2600 @ SF - Now we're talking. The Rams and Niners are both in, but the 49ers have nothing to play for. Could we see them sit Brock Purdy and friends if not for the whole game, the second half? If that's the case, it could be Sam Darnold's time for San Fran vs. a surging Rams team. For the price, I like the risk. Nobody is going to play a DST vs SF.
