NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 09: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) warms up before the football game between the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 9, 2022 in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire)
Dallas is shooting to be the number two seed in the NFC, and they’ve got a great chance to do that if they can beat the Washington Commanders. Dallas has not looked right the last couple of games and I think this is a really great game for their passing attack to get back on track, so I’m all in on Dak against a horrible Commanders secondary.
Geno has a clause in his contract that guarantees him $2 million if the Seahawks make the playoffs, so you know that he’ll be giving his all. Arizona plays just well enough to score, which should ensure that Seattle has to move the ball on offense.
I’ve seen a lot of confounding things this season, but right up at the top of the list was Kevin O’Connell’s horrible idea to start Jaren Hall instead of Mullens in Week 17. Mullens makes a ton of mistakes, but he has proven that he can throw and it makes total sense for him to get another shot starting against the Lions. The last time these teams played, just a couple of weeks ago, he had over 400 yards passing. While I don’t expect those numbers again, he certainly should have close to 300 yards.
Allen is going to cost a fortune, but he’s the highest projected QB on the slate playing in a must-win game. There’s plenty of value elsewhere if you’re good with paying up for him.
The Cardinals give up yardage in droves to good opposing running backs. Walker has been dealing with a shoulder injury and there was one point on the sideline last week when he looked like he was in a terrific amount of pain, but to his credit, he’s been gutting it out. He’s going to do everything that he possibly can to help the Seahawks make the playoffs. I like him for about 80 yards and a touchdown.
With the Raiders out of the playoff picture, it doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense for them to bring Josh Jacobs back for one game. White has done a sensational job with Jacobs on the sideline, and Denver’s run defense has been very bad this season. White feels like he is a lock to get 100 yards and a touchdown.
All season we’ve talked about Seattle’s defense being a run funnel, and I don’t think anything will change this week. In fact, I think this game could blow up and be higher scoring than people are anticipating. Connor has done a good job since Kyler Murray has returned and I think he builds on that in Week 18.
Christian McCaffrey has already been ruled out and Elijah Mitchell seems to be on the doubtful side of questionable. Mason is a terrific one-cut runner who should dominate touches against a Rams defense that will be missing Aaron Donald and some other top players.
When I think about drafting in 2024, I really feel strongly that Lamb is a top-three overall pick in PPR formats. He’s the one Dallas Cowboy that you can rely on, and I believe that Dak will be relying on him too against a Commanders secondary that has been allowing receivers to gash them.
The last time these two teams played was just a couple of weeks ago, and Jefferson had an amazing game, almost helping the Vikings steal a victory. Now in Week 18, Minnesota has everything to play for while Detroit has nothing to play for, so I can’t imagine that Mullens is not going to feature Jefferson, especially with T.J. Hockenson out.
I was as shocked as anyone when Philadelphia lost to Arizona last week at home. The Eagles have to figure out their offense because they just look off. With the playoffs looming, they might be a first-round exit unless they can fix this problem quickly. When Philadelphia was playing at their best, they were featuring Brown. I think that Nick Sirianni will go back to doing that in this important game.
Arizona plays a ton of zone coverage which is exactly where Lockett thrives. Geno Smith has $2 million reasons to win this game, and I know he trusts Lockett in critical spots. D.K. Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will also take ownership away.
The Giants have always seemed to struggle to cover Goedert, and right now the Eagles need to figure out a way to get him the ball consistently as another target for Hurts. The Eagles are at their best when they get the ball to Goedert in space, and I think he should have a chance to get about five or six receptions in this game.
Denver has struggled mightily against opposing tight ends, and I'm not sure that rookie Michael Mayer will be back in Week 18. It's likely that Hooper will be looking for a new team this offseason, so putting some good play on tape will be important for him in this game.
Tyrod Taylor is a much better passer than Tommy Cutlets, and Philadelphia has struggled to cover tight ends all season. This could be a 6/60/1 type game for Waller.
