Fantasy football quarterback rankings: Week 18

It’s Sunday the 18th fantasy footballis the most uncomfortable mirror. It reflects everything managers fear. That ranges from surprising inactives, snap counts dictated by playoff math rather than fantasy needs, and the very real possibility that your best player simply won’t play. And yet, for those still competing in Week 18 leagues, the quarterback position remains the clearest path to stability. Scale, game play and team incentives are more important than ever. Separating safe starts from risky reversals is the difference between closing the season strong or watching it slip away.

What follows is an analysis of the top quarterbacks based on the rankings Week 18 of the 2025 NFL Regular Seasonwith an emphasis on motivation, matching and realistic use.

Week 18 Best Fantasy Football Picks – 2025

Josh AllenBUF (against NIJ)

Josh Allen once again carried Buffalo in a close 13-12 loss to Philadelphia. He completed 23 of 35 passes for 262 yards. He also added seven carries for 27 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Even while playing through a sore right leg, Allen was the Bills’ most reliable weapon. He accounted for all of the team’s offensive touchdowns and delivered his fifth multi-scoring game of the season.

Post-game x-ray included Allen’s foot is negative. This suggests that its limitation is more related to pain tolerance than structural damage. However, Week 18 brings real suspense. Buffalo is locked into the Wild Card spot and can’t catch New England in the AFC East. This means that Laws can opt for caution. If Allen plays, he remains the top fantasy football option against the Jets. If he sits or is limited, fantasy managers need to pivot quickly. Carefully monitor participation in practice.

Drake MaiaNO (against MUP)

Drake Maie delivered the most dominant performance by a quarterback in Week 17. He completed 19 of 21 passes for 256 yards and five touchdowns in a 42-10 dismantling of the Jets. New England scored touchdowns on six consecutive drives. Maie looked completely in control.

Most importantly, the Patriots still have something to play for. A Week 18 win over Miami, combined with a loss in Denver, would secure the AFC’s top seed and stay in the first round. That boost alone elevates May to elite fantasy football status. Expect full loadout, aggressive gameplay, and no early hook unless the game goes full. Among all the quarterbacks in Week 18, Maie offers the purest combination of matchup, motivation and momentum.

Trevor LawrenceJAKS (against TEN)

Trevor Lawrence didn’t light up the stats in Week 17. He finished with 263 passes, one interception and no fumbles. However, he once again demonstrated his growing fantasy football floor by rushing for two touchdowns. Lawrence also made key plays late to secure Jacksonville’s seventh straight win.

Lawrence now has more rushing touchdowns through three games this season. Jacksonville can clinch the AFC South with a Week 18 win over Tennessee. That means Lawrence will be fully engaged. Of course, the Titans match is not intact. Still, Lawrence’s blend of chasing equity and team motivation makes him a strong KB1 in championship lineups.

Week 18 Fantasy Football Sleepers – 2025

Jackson Dart, New York (vs. DAL)

Jaxon Dart rebounded well in Week 17. He completed 22 of 30 passes for 207 yards while rushing for 48 yards and two touchdowns in a comfortable win over the Raiders. Of course, his passing efficiency wasn’t explosive. However, Dart’s willingness to use his legs saved his fantastic day of football and highlighted his Sunday advantage.

Against Dallas in Week 18, Dart profiles as a high-variance but intriguing streamer. The Giants relied on his mobility, especially near the goal line. That usage gives him sneaky KB1 potential in deeper leagues or superflex formats.

Lamar JacksonBALL (@PIT)

Lamar Jackson is trending back after missing Week 17 with a back contusion. The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Baltimore’s playoff hopes hinge on Week 18.

If Jackson practices in even a limited capacity early in the week, he should be viewed as a necessary starter. His rushing upside alone separates him from most of the quarterbacks on the list. Divisional games often reveal Baltimore’s most aggressive offensive approach. Health is the only concern here. Follow it carefully.

Bo Nix, DEN (vs. LAC)

Bo Nix’s Week 17 stats were overwhelming through the air. He had 182 passing yards and one touchdown. However, his nine rushes for 42 yards and a score preserved his fantasy football value. Denver intentionally kept things conservative against Kansas City. That limited the Knicks’ opportunities down the stretch.

Week 18 could look different depending on the playoff scenario. Still, Knicks remains a viable fantasy option because of his rushing involvement. Yes, his ceiling dropped late in the season. Still, his floor remains serviceable in leagues where managers struggle for safety.

Notes on injuries and late weeks

With no bye weeks remaining, health and the emergency countdown take center stage. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Baker Mayfield (shoulder), Jordan Love (concussion), Geno Smith (ankle) and JJ McCarthy (hand), among those already mentioned.

One late trade could completely turn the quarterback situation around, especially for teams resting starters.

Week 18 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings – 2025

30. Max Brosmer, MIN (vs. GB)
29. Josh Johnson, VAS (@PHI)
28. Riley Leonard, IND (@ HOU)
27. Shedeur Sanders, CLE (@ CIN)
26. Aaron Rodgers, PIT (vs. BAL)
25. Trey Lance, LAC (@DEN)
24. Quinn Evers, MIA (@NE)
23. Geno Smith, LV (vs. KC)
22. Cam Ward, TEN (@JAC)
21. Malik Willis, GB (@MIN)

20. Kirk Cousins, ATL (vs. NO)
19. CJ Stroud, HOU (vs. IND)
18. Brice Young, CAR (@ TB)
17. Jared Goff, DET (@CHI)
16. Sam Darnold, SEA (@SF)
15. Jacobi Brissett, ARI (@LAR)
14. Tyler Shough, NE (@ATL)
13. Baker Mayfield, TB (vs. CAR)
12. Brock Purdy, SF (vs. SEA)
11. Bo Nix, DEN (vs. LAC)

10. Lamar Jackson, BALL (@PET)
9. Jackson Dart, NIG (vs. DAL)
8. Caleb Williams, CHI (vs. DET)
7. Dak Prescott, DAL (@NIG)
6. Matthew Stafford, LAR (vs. ARI)
5. Joe Burrow, CIN (vs. CLE)
4. Jalen Hurts, PHI (vs. YOU)
3. Trevor Lawrence, JAC (vs. TEN)
2. Drake Maie, NE (vs. MIA)
1. Josh Allen, BUF (vs. NIJ)

Conclusion

Week 18 fantasy football is about intelligent risk management. Quarterbacks linked to playoff incentives, accelerated production and a secure workload deserve priority over bigger names with uncertain roles. Stay flexible, track practice reports relentlessly, and don’t be afraid to be late. In the final week, determination is just as important as talent.