🏆 Who's Motivated?

Plus - Lamar Jackson, Brock Purdy, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Flacco, Matthew Stafford All Sitting Out This Week  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 01/04/24 ​[Unsubscribe |]( [Read Online]() | [Join]( | [GO PRO](=)​ Howdy {NAME}[,](=)​ Welcome In and Buckle Up. It's Week 18 and some teams are packing it in and others are going all out. We've got you covered on everything as our Jeff Bell breaks it down for you below. Plus our Cecil Lammey has the News and Notes you need. Let's Go. J What's New At Footballguys - Week 18 is always tricky as some teams and players are motivated more than others. Jeff Bell breaks down which teams and players are motivated to play this week. [Week 18 Team Motivation]( [Week 18 QB Motivation](=) [Week 18 RB Motivation]() [Week 18 WR Motivation]( [Week 18 TE Motivation]() - [The Best Of Random Shots](=) - We do a lot of deep and thoughtful features at Footballguys with smart people analyzing and predicting player performance. This is not that. This is me sharing the fun things I saw this year. [Get it here.](=) Inside This Issue [] - [BAL: Lamar Jackson to rest Week 18](#article-1) - [SF: Brock Purdy to sit out Week 18](#article-2) - [CLE: Joe Flacco won't play in Week 18](#article-3) - [KC: Patrick Mahomes sitting out finale](#article-4) - [MIN: Nick Mullens to start](#article-5) - [NYG: Tyrod Taylor to start finale](#article-6) - [LAR: Matthew Stafford to rest Week 18](#article-7) - [TEN: Ryan Tannehill may start](#article-8) - [DAL: Deuce Vaughn placed on IR](#article-9) - [NYJ: Zach Wilson out for finale](#article-10) - [WAS: Sam Howell to start Week 18](#article-11) - [ATL: Taylor Heinicke to be limited](#article-12) - [TB: Baker Mayfield a 'DNP' Wednesday](#article-13) - [CAR: Bryce Young not getting much help](#article-14) - [GB: Jordan Love no stranger to the blitz](#article-15) - [JAX: Christian Kirk designated to return](#article-16) - [TEN: Will Levis not expected to practice](#article-17) - [JAX: Trevor Lawrence to be limited Wednesday](#article-18) - [CLE: Jerome Ford proving to be a tough one to tackle](#article-19) The Footballguys $10K Give-Back = Win or lose, Fantasy Football is awesome. And the Fantasy Football community is awesome. And we have an awesome way for you to say thanks and support some great causes. And here's the big news - Footballguys will help amplify your contribution by matching up to $10,000 in donations. You pick the charity, and we'll join you. We've partnered with our good friends Scott Fish and John Bosch at [Fantasy Cares](), and their company is handling all the administration. They're an accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, so all donations are tax-deductible. Maybe you want to say thanks to a favorite player who helped you win this year by donating to the player's favorite charity. Or maybe say thanks to Footballguys if we helped by donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Or even more likely, maybe you just want to celebrate a sweet 2023 Season of Fantasy Football by backing your favorite cause from the huge list of options we have. Again, your gift goes even further as all your donations in this Give Back campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Footballguys, up to $10,000 total. Let's team up to show just how awesome our fantasy community is. [Donate Today](=) ​ [] 1. BAL: Lamar Jackson to rest Week 18 [Source: WNST.net - Luke Jones](=) Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will not play in Week 18, head coach John Harbaugh said on Wednesday, Jan. 3. Our view: That makes sense. The Ravens have the no.1 seed wrapped up in the AFC, and they seem to be the most dangerous team in the NFL postseason - in either conference. Harbaugh added that QB Tyler Huntley will start in his place. [Back to Top](#top) [] 2. SF: Brock Purdy to sit out Week 18 [Source: San Jose Mercury News - Cam Inman]() San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy will not play in the Week 18 game, and QB Sam Darnold will be the starting quarterback for the game, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Our view: Darnold is a more-than-capable backup who can start and thrive in Shanahan's system. The 49ers are home for a season finale matchup against the Rams in Week 18. [Back to Top](#top) [] 3. CLE: Joe Flacco won't play in Week 18 [Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport]() Cleveland Browns QB Joe Flacco will be among the team's starters to rest in Week 18, head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Wednesday, Jan. 3. Instead, QB Jeff Driskel will start. Our view: The Browns have been on fire with Flacco as their starter. Winners of four in a row, the Browns are headed to the playoffs with momentum. With that defense and Flacco playing "YOLO" ball, nobody is going to want to face the Browns in a win-or-go-home situation. [Back to Top](#top) [] 4. KC: Patrick Mahomes sitting out finale [Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport]() Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes will be among the starters sitting out in Week 18, according to head coach Andy Reid. Blaine Gabbert will get the start. Our view: The Chiefs need a spark when they get to the Wild Card Round. They don't look the same as they used to on offense, and having Mahomes fresh for the playoffs will give them a better chance of advancing in a tough AFC bracket. [Back to Top](#top) [] 5. MIN: Nick Mullens to start [Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport]() Minnesota Vikings QB Nick Mullens will start in Week 18, head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Wednesday, Jan. 3. Our view: The Vikings have made their decision, and it's not great. They don't have great options at the quarterback position, but they feel Mullens gives them the best chance to win in Week 18. They travel to play the Lions on Sunday, and they'll have to win and get a lot of help if they want to make the postseason. [Back to Top](#top) [] 6. NYG: Tyrod Taylor to start finale [Source: The Bergen Record - Art Stapleton]( New York Giants QB Tyrod Taylor was named the Week 18 starter. Our view: Taylor is an upgrade for the Giants over Tommy DeVito. Last week, Taylor completed 27-of-41 passes for 319 yards, a touchdown, and an interception in the Giants' 26-25, Week 17 loss to the Rams. He gives them a better passing threat and is always dangerous when it comes to taking off to run. [Back to Top](#top) = 🎓 AVOID These Mistakes (and USE THESE STRATEGIES) in Dynasty Fantasy Football! 👑 On this episode of the Footballguys Dynasty Football Show: Jeff Bell, Kevin Coleman, and Christian Williams dive into Dynasty 101! What is dynasty fantasy football? What are the best ways to set up a successful dynasty league? Why should you play dynasty? ​ [[youtube]​](=)[[podcast]​]([[spotify]​]() ​ [] 7. LAR: Matthew Stafford to rest Week 18 [Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo]( Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford will not play in Week 18 and QB Carson Wentz will start in his place, according to sources on Wednesday, Jan. 3. Our view: The Rams travel to play the 49ers in Week 18. They're going with Wentz as their starter, and the 49ers are starting Sam Darnold. Rewind this matchup a few years ago and it would seem pretty good. Now, it's a matchup between a guy trying to hold onto his career (Wentz) and a quality backup (Darnold). Things change pretty quickly around here. [Back to Top](#top) [] 8. TEN: Ryan Tannehill may start [Source: TitansWire - Mike Moraitis](=) Tennessee Titans QB Ryan Tannehill will start in Week 18 if QB Will Levis (foot) isn't able to play, head coach Mike Vrabel said on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Our view: Keep an eye on Levis for dynasty purposes. He's looked good in limited starting duty, but this foot injury has knocked him off track late in the 2023 season. Vrabel added that Levis' foot has improved since Sunday but his status remains up in the air. [Back to Top](#top) [] 9. DAL: Deuce Vaughn placed on IR [Source: NFL.com](=) Dallas Cowboys RB Deuce Vaughn (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday, Jan. 3. In addition, DE Viliami Fehoko Jr. (knee) was activated from IR. Our view: Vaughn's rookie season is a wash. He's a talented player who can make defenders miss with speed and quickness, but Vaughn couldn't get much going in 2023. A sixth-round pick out of Kansas State, Vaughn finishes his rookie season with 23 carries for 40 yards and seven receptions for 40 yards in six games. After this poor of a season, Vaughn is likely to be on the roster bubble entering training camp next year. [Back to Top](#top) [] 10. NYJ: Zach Wilson out for finale [Source: NFL.com](=) New York Jets QB Zach Wilson (concussion) has not been cleared from the concussion protocol and won't play in Week 18, head coach Robert Saleh said on Wednesday, Jan. 3. Our view: Wilson's season is a wrap, and his time with the Jets could come to a close soon. There's one year left on his rookie contract, and Wilson has an $11 million cap hit in 2024 with $11 million in dead money. He was supposed to be the backup this year, but with Aaron Rodgers going down in Week 1 we saw Wilson start 11 games for the Jets. Wilson went 4-7 as the starter, and he had 2,271 passing yards with eight passing touchdowns and seven interceptions. [Back to Top](#top) Help Footballguys Get Even Better in 2024 I've long said there's not a smarter group of Fantasy GMs on the planet than our Footballguys Premium Subscribers. We'd like to hear from you about your experience with our in-season tools and features. We'll put your insights to work as we improve our offerings for the 2024 season. And as a thank you, we'll randomly pick five people who complete the survey who and give them a 2024 Footballguys Hall Of Fame Subscription. [Take the Survey](=) ​ [] 11. WAS: Sam Howell to start Week 18 [Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport]() Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell will start in Week 18, head coach Ron Rivera said on Wednesday, Jan. 3. Our view: Jacoby Brissett was supposed to start last week for an ineffective Howell, but a hamstring injury in practice kept him from doing so. Howell completed 17-of-28 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the Commanders' 27-10, Week 17 loss to the 49ers. Fantasy GMs still playing should consider the Cowboys' defense against Howell this weekend. [Back to Top](#top) [] 12. ATL: Taylor Heinicke to be limited [Source: AtlantaFalcons.com](=) Atlanta Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke (ankle) will be a limited participant during practice Wednesday, Jan. 3, according to head coach Arthur Smith. Our view: Let's see what Heinicke can do later in the week. The Falcons may have to turn to QB Desmond Ridder again if Heinicke can't play. [Back to Top](#top) [] 13. TB: Baker Mayfield a 'DNP' Wednesday [Source: Buccaneers.com](=) Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (ribs) did not practice on Wednesday, Jan. 3. His participation was an estimate after the team only held a walkthrough. Our view: A walkthrough doesn't give us much to go on. Mayfield is banged up, but ribs injuries come down to pain tolerance...and he's one tough cookie. We should see him out there practicing later in the week. [Back to Top](#top) [] 14. CAR: Bryce Young not getting much help [Source: ProFootballReference.com]() Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young leads the league with 45 passes thrown away this season, according to Pro Football Reference. The next closest quarterback is Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts with 32. However, Young isn't helping himself either by leading with a 20.1 percent bad throw percentage. Our view: Young has not looked like a player who was the no.1 overall pick in the draft. In the meantime, no.2 overall pick CJ Stroud (Texans) is a darling of the league and looks like a potential superstar. It's too soon to call Young a bust, but his rookie season was about as bad as it could be. The Panthers need owner Dave Tepper to stop meddling in the draft, and they need to find a head coach who can bring the best out of Young. He's smart and accurate; and that's a big start for young passers out there. Let's see if the Panthers can find the right fit. [Back to Top](#top) The best things sent in the Footballguys Group Chat today: - 😳 He’s how old? Joe Flacco could [be considered a “father figure” for the Browns.](​ - 🧐 Michael Penix Jr. throwing [right-handed might make him go 1.01 in the draft.]()​ - 😅 Maxx Crosby didn’t hold [back on Gardner Minshew last week.]()​ - 👀 Send this to your [league mate who lost the championship.]()​ - 🤯 Only Lamar Jackson [would be bold enough to pull this off.]()​ ​ [] 15. GB: Jordan Love no stranger to the blitz [Source: ProFootballReference.com]() Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love has been blitzed a league-high 192 times this season, according to Pro Football Reference. The next closest quarterback is Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff with 180. Our view: Teams are trying their best to rattle Love. He's struggled at times this year, but Love has taken his lumps as he gets used to the pro game. If the weapons around him can stay healthy, Love should continue to improve and has a bright future as the starter for the Packers. [Back to Top](#top) [] 16. JAX: Christian Kirk designated to return [Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo]() Jacksonville Jaguars WR Christian Kirk (abdomen) was designated to return from the Reserve/Injured list Wednesday, Jan. 3. Our view: This opens up a 21-day window for the Jaguars to activate the veteran receiver. We'll see if he can practice and be ready for the Week 18 finale against the Titans. If you're still playing in Week 18, be sure to watch the Jacksonville practice reports. [Back to Top](#top) [] 17. TEN: Will Levis not expected to practice [Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt]( Tennessee Titans QB Will Levis (foot) is not expected to practice on Wednesday, Jan. 3, head coach Mike Vrabel said. Our view: This foot injury may end his rookie season prematurely. We're excited by what Levis flashed in the few games he was out there as the starter. Now, the team has to decide if he's the quarterback of the future on an injury-shortened season. They'll finish with a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft in a quarterback-rich class. We'll see if they move forward with Levis or take a chance on a prospect like Jayden Daniels (LSU) or Michael Penix Jr. (Washington). [Back to Top](#top) [] 18. JAX: Trevor Lawrence to be limited Wednesday [Source: NFL Network - James Palmer]( Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) will practice on a limited basis Wednesday, Jan. 3. Our view: That's the plan, and we'll see if Lawrence can do more as the week goes on. Lawrence had to miss last week, leading to CJ Beathard starting. If Lawrence needs more time to heal, Beathard will start again. [Back to Top](#top) [] 19. CLE: Jerome Ford proving to be a tough one to tackle [Source: ProFootballReference.com]() Cleveland Browns RB Jerome Ford has broken a tackle an average of once every 11.2 rush attempts in 2023 - the seventh-best mark among qualified players - according to Pro Football Reference. Our view: Ford has some power to his game, but he's slippery as a runner so tacklers don't get a big shot on him. That allows him to keep moving after contact, and it's a hallmark of Ford's game. The Browns are a team nobody wants to face in the postseason because of their defense, but also because the offense can run through Ford on the ground. [Back to Top](#top) That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of the Footballguys Family. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J [avatar] Joe Bryant Guide ​ ​ [[twitter]​]([[facebook]​](=)[[discord]​]([[youtube]​]([[instagram]​]( = Written By Joe Bryant. News by Sigmund Bloom and Cecil Lammey Was this email forwarded to you? [Sign Up here](​ ​[Advertise with us](and get your brand in front of 600,000+ football fans [GO PRO](=) [PODCASTS]() [COMMUNITY]( [SHOP]( [CONTACT US]( You’re subscribed as [{EMAIL}](=) . [Unsubscribe here]( Copyright @ 2023 Sportsguys, LLC. 118 N Peters Road, Suite 208. Knoxville, TN 37922 ​[Opt-out of preference based advertising](=)​ ​