ClutchPoints
Week 18 is where fantasy football becomes less about projections and more about intent. Some teams are still fighting for playoff seeding, and others are chasing milestones. Meanwhile, a handful are simply trying to finish strong. For wide receivers, opportunity and motivation often trump matchup analytics in the season finale. Star receivers can disappear if teams pull back. Meanwhile, others erupt because they’re force-fed targets one last time.
With that in mind, here’s how to approach your most important wide receiver decisions for Week 18 of the 2025 fantasy football season.
Ja’Marr Chase picked the perfect time to snap his touchdown drought. He hauled in seven of nine targets for 60 yards and two scores in Week 17s. Those touchdowns ended a seven-game dry spell. They also reminded fantasy football managers why Chase remains one of the league’s most matchup-proof receivers.
Volume continues to be Chase’s greatest ally. His 175 targets tie a career high. He also enters Week 18 just shy of 1,400 receiving yards for the third time in his career. Cincinnati has no reason to take its foot off the gas offensively. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s secondary has struggled with elite receivers all season. Chase profiles as a locked-in WR1 with both floor and ceiling intact.
CeeDee Lamb didn’t explode on Christmas Day. However, his underlying usage remains rock solid. He led Dallas in targets and receptions against Washington. He caught five passes and extended his streak to five straight games with at least five receptions. Over that span, Lamb has quietly piled up 441 yards.
Week 18 brings a favorable matchup against the Giants. Even when touchdowns don’t materialize, Lamb’s role as the focal point of the passing game ensures steady production. In a week filled with uncertainty, that reliability makes Lamb a strong WR1/WR2 anchor.
Chris Olave continues to thrive as the unquestioned engine of New Orleans’ passing attack. He posted eight catches for 119 yards and a touchdown in Week 17. That was his third straight game with at least 85 receiving yards. More importantly, Olave has already locked in his first 100-catch season. That’s a milestone that underscores his consistency.
The chemistry between Olave and Tyler Shough has only strengthened down the stretch. The Saints have also shown no hesitation in peppering their top receiver with targets. Atlanta’s defense has been vulnerable to high-volume wideouts. This makes Olave a high-confidence start with WR1 upside.
AJ Brown overcame a quirky midweek distraction (wisdom teeth removal) to deliver a steady performance against Buffalo. He led Philadelphia in targets, catches, and yards. His 68-yard outing pushed him past the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth consecutive season. That reaffirmed his elite status.
Philadelphia still has motivation heading into Week 18. Brown also remains the offense’s most trusted weapon. Washington’s secondary has allowed splash plays throughout the year. Brown’s blend of physicality and...
