NFL Weekly Preview Week 18 2024: Key Injuries, Difference Makers & Projected Upsets

Lamar Jackson (Darron Cummings, Google Images)

The National Football League regular season comes to a close on Sunday. Here are key injuries, difference makers and projected upsets.

Key Injuries

The most significant injury belongs to Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins. Even though the native of Ewa Beach, Hawaii has a history of concussion issues, this time the Dolphins number one quarterback has a hip problem and is doubtful for week 18. The Dolphins were able to keep their playoff hopes alive last week by beating the Cleveland Browns 20-3 with Tyler Huntley of Dania, Florida at the helm. It looks like the Dolphins will need Huntley again in order to beat the New York Jets.

Other notable injuries include Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard of Cincinnati, Ohio (knee), Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton of Tumwater, Washington (knee), Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean of Cocoa, Florida (knee), and Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. of Columbus, Ohio (knee).

Fantasy Stars

The top rated quarterback in Week 18 is Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. The native of Pompano Beach, Florida is projected to get 235 yards passing, 59 yards rushing and two touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. The top rated wide receiver is Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals. The native of Harvey, Louisiana is projected to get seven catches for 97 receiving yards and one touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. The top rated running back is Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions. The native of Dalton, Georgia, is projected to get 121 total yards (92 rushing yards and 29 receiving yards) and one touchdown on Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings.

Projected Upset

There is one underdog I like in Week 18 and that is the Houston Texans. Houston may not be starting their best players, but the Titans have been terrible this year, and I still like quarterback Davis Mills of the Texans over Mason Rudolph of the Titans.

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