Fantasy football streaming pickups for NFL Week 18

Each week of the NFL season, we identify fantasy football waiver-wire pickups specifically for those of you looking for streaming options in deeper formats, including IDP (individual defensive players) leagues. These are players available in a majority of ESPN Fantasy leagues (or close) who have enticing matchups in the week ahead that make them worthy of consideration for your lineups on championship weekend.

Quarterback

Justin Fields, Chicago Bears at Vikings (19.6% rostered)

In his Monday news conference, head coach Matt Nagy said that Fields will start the Bears’ season finale against the Vikings. The Bears have been without him the past two weeks because of an ankle injury suffered in Week 15 against Minnesota. In that game, Fields completed 67% of his passes and finished with 17 fantasy points. In terms of pass block win rate, the Bears’ offensive line is ranked fifth, which bodes well for the rookie against a defense that allows the sixth-most points per game to quarterbacks (18.3). Fields has a high likelihood of meeting or exceeding that number, especially when you factor his ability to create additional yards via rushing.

Running back

Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots at Dolphins (40.0%)

After suffering a hamstring injury in the first half last week against the Jaguars, Damien Harris ceded the backfield duties to Stevenson. The Patriots simply steamrollered Jacksonville, so Harris’ health was not worth risking. New England clinched a playoff berth on Sunday, so it’s possible you’ll see Harris ruled out for Week 18 to get him ready for the playoffs. Stevenson has scored four touchdowns and averaged 95 rushing yards in three games in which he has exceeded 18 attempts this season. He can be considered an RB2 if Harris is out and a flex option if Harris is active.

Wide receiver

Gabriel Davis, Buffalo Bills vs. Jets (19.0%)

Buffalo is in the playoffs but can win the AFC East and host a playoff game if it beats the Jets on Sunday….