Fantasy
1/6/23
4 min read
Cheap Thrills: Russ, Rachaad White Great DFS Values in Week 18
Well we’ve finally made it, the last week of the NFL regular season. This is always a very tricky week for DFS, as many teams have nothing to play for. Even though this is an unusual slate, there is still value out there. It’s important to remember that even though some of these games are meaningless, they will still be competitive, and we will see plenty of great individual performances. That being said, it is definitely worth it to join in and dominate one more DFS matchup before we transition to the playoffs. Here’s what I’ve got:
Russell Wilson ($5,400)
Russell Wilson had a less than ideal 2022 season, to put it mildly. In fact, it’s safe to say that he was the most disappointing player in the league. However, in his performance last week against the Chiefs, Wilson showed that he planned on fighting hard until the season is over. Even though they lost by a narrow margin, Wilson repeatedly put his body on the line throughout the game and managed to score two rushing touchdowns. This is not something that you would see from most Hall of Fame quarterbacks playing in a game with no playoff implications.
However, Russ is not a normal Hall of Fame quarterback and I expect more of the same from him this week against the Chargers. Wilson has been arguably the most criticized athlete in American sports, and it would be a major victory for him to end the season on a high note. The Chargers pose a tough challenge for Wilson; their consistent defense over the past few weeks is definitely part of the reason his price fell below $5,500. Nonetheless, I believe Wilson is ready to play his heart out and give Broncos fans something to cheer about as they head into the offseason. I know it’s a brave pick, but for one last time this season, let Russ cook.
Rachaad White ($5,400)
Last week Mike Evans beat the Panthers in a pivotal game that clinched the division for the Buccaneers. Since the Bucs are at least two games behind every other division winner in the NFC, they have nothing on the line. However, they will send their starters out and play a competitive game against Atlanta so they can stay fresh as they prepare for the playoffs. Towards the end of the season, Rachaad White has emerged as a great weapon for the Bucs while splitting touches with Leonard Fournette. Over his last six games, White is averaging five receptions per game and has found the end zone twice.
Unlike last week, I don’t think we will be looking at a 400-yard passing performance from Brady. Instead, I see the Bucs taking a much more conservative approach to this game, which will benefit White. As the ninth-most targeted running back since Week 10, White has one of the highest floors of any player priced below $5,400. White is a safe pick in what will be a competitive game for the Bucs as they prepare for the playoffs.
Rashid Shaheed ($4,200)
Rashid Shaheed has quietly emerged as the most consistent receiver on the Saints. In fact, he has been New Orleans’ leading receiver for each of the past four weeks. This week, Shaheed is going up against a Panthers team that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. They are also without CB Jaycee Horn, who is one of the best players on their defense. Last week without Horn, the Panthers allowed 207 yards and three touchdowns to Mike Evans.
It is clear that this is a favorable matchup for Shaheed. Even though they are eliminated from the playoffs, the Saints are currently on a three-game win streak. In those three games, Shaheed is averaging 4.33 receptions and 71.6 yards per game. It is clear that both Andy Dalton and Taysom Hill have found a connection with Shaheed that equals success for the Saints. It’s hard to imagine a situation where the Saints don’t continue to look Shaheed’s way as they try to close out the season by winning four straight. At $4,200, Shaheed is dirt cheap for a player who has indisputably been the WR1 on the Saints over the last few weeks.
As we close out another NFL regular season and head to the playoffs, there is a lot to look forward to. This season the NFL was very top-heavy, meaning we are in for highly competitive and entertaining playoffs. I’ll be here, dispensing my DFS wisdom throughout the postseason. Until then, I’m anticipating a successful Week 18 so I can end the regular season with a smile.