Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings: Week 18 2025

Week 18 is fantasy football’s most uncomfortable mirror. It reflects everything managers fear. That ranges from surprise 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. Volume, game script, and team incentives matter more than ever. Separating safe starts from risky pivots is the difference between closing the season strong or watching it slip away.

What follows is a ranking-driven breakdown of the best quarterback options for Week 18 of the 2025 NFL regular season, with an emphasis on motivation, matchup, and realistic usage.

Week 18 Top Fantasy Football Picks – 2025

Josh Allen, BUF (vs. NYJ)

Josh Allen once again carried Buffalo in a narrow 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 foot, Allen was the Bills’ most reliable weapon. He accounted for all of the team’s offensive touchdowns and delivering his fifth multi-rushing-score game of the season.

Postgame X-rays on Allen’s foot have come back negative. That suggests his limitation is more about pain tolerance than structural damage. Still, Week 18 introduces real uncertainty. Buffalo is locked into a Wild Card spot and cannot catch New England in the AFC East. That means the Bills may opt for caution. If Allen plays, he remains a top-tier fantasy football option against the Jets. If he sits or is limited, fantasy managers must pivot quickly. Monitor practice participation closely.

Drake Maye, NE (vs. MIA)

Drake Maye delivered the most dominant quarterback performance of 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 straight drives. Maye looked utterly in control.

Crucially, the Patriots still have everything to play for. A Week 18 win over Miami, combined with a Denver loss, would secure the AFC’s top seed and a first-round bye. That incentive alone elevates Maye to elite fantasy football status. Expect a full workload, aggressive play-calling, and no early hook unless the game becomes a complete blowout. Among all Week 18 quarterbacks, Maye offers the cleanest combination of matchup, motivation, and momentum.

Trevor Lawrence, JAX (vs. TEN)

Trevor Lawrence didn’t light up the stat sheet through the air in Week 17. He finished with 263 passing yards, one interception, and no passing touchdowns. However, he once again demonstrated his growing fantasy football floor by rushing for two touchdowns. Lawrencealso made key plays late to secure Jacksonville’s seventh consecutive win.

Lawrence now has multiple rushing touchdowns in three games this season. Jacksonville can clinch the AFC South with a Week 18 win over Tennessee. That means Lawrence will be fully engaged. Sure, the Titans matchup isn’t pristine. Still, Lawrence’s blend of rushing equity and team motivation makes him a strong QB1 in championship lineups.

Week 18 Fantasy Football Sleepers – 2025

Jaxson Dart, NYG (vs. DAL)

Jaxson Dart rebounded nicely 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. Sure, his passing efficiency wasn’t explosive. However, Dart’s willingness to use his legs salvaged his fantasy football day and highlighted his weekly upside.

Against Dallas in Week 18, Dart profiles as a high-variance but intriguing streamer. The Giants have leaned into his mobility, particularly near the goal line. That usage gives him sneaky QB1 potential in deeper leagues or superflex formats.

Lamar Jackson, BAL (@ PIT)

Lamar Jackson is trending toward a return 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 even in a limited capacity early in the week, he should be viewed as a must-start. His rushing upside alone separates him from most quarterbacks on the slate. Divisional games often bring out Baltimore’s most aggressive offensive approach. Health is the only concern here. Monitor it closely.

Bo Nix, DEN (vs. LAC)

Bo Nix’s Week 17 stat line was underwhelming 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 Nix’s downfield opportunities.

Week 18 could look different depending on playoff scenarios. Still, Nix remains a viable fantasy option due to his rushing involvement. Yes, his ceiling has dipped late in the season. That said, his floor remains usable in leagues where managers are scrambling for certainty.

Injury and late-week notes

With no bye weeks remaining, health and snap counts take center stage. Fantasy managers should closely monitor Baker Mayfield (shoulder), Jordan Love (concussion), Geno Smith (ankle), and JJ McCarthy (hand), among those already mentioned.

A single late downgrade could upend the quarterback landscape entirely, particularly for teams resting starters.

Week 18 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings – 2025

30. Max Brosmer, MIN (vs. GB)
29. Josh Johnson, WAS (@ PHI)
28. Riley Leonard, IND (@ HOU)
27. Shedeur Sanders, CLE (@ CIN)
26. Aaron Rodgers, PIT (vs. BAL)
25. Trey Lance, LAC (@ DEN)
24. Quinn Ewers, 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. C.J. Stroud, HOU (vs. IND)
18. Bryce Young, CAR (@ TB)
17. Jared Goff, DET (@ CHI)
16. Sam Darnold, SEA (@ SF)
15. Jacoby Brissett, ARI (@ LAR)
14. Tyler Shough, NO (@ ATL)
13. Baker Mayfield, TB (vs. CAR)
12. Brock Purdy, SF (vs. SEA)
11. Bo Nix, DEN (vs. LAC)

10. Lamar Jackson, BAL (@ PIT)
9. Jaxson Dart, NYG (vs. DAL)
8. Caleb Williams, CHI (vs. DET)
7. Dak Prescott, DAL (@ NYG)
6. Matthew Stafford, LAR (vs. ARI)
5. Joe Burrow, CIN (vs. CLE)
4. Jalen Hurts, PHI (vs. WAS)
3. Trevor Lawrence, JAC (vs. TEN)
2. Drake Maye, NE (vs. MIA)
1. Josh Allen, BUF (vs. NYJ)

Bottom line

Week 18 fantasy football is about managing risk intelligently. Quarterbacks tied to playoff incentives, rushing production, and secure workloads deserve priority over bigger names with uncertain roles. Stay flexible, track practice reports relentlessly, and don’t be afraid to pivot late. In the final week, decisiveness is just as important as talent.

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