Week 18 Early Stories and Injuries: Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, Trevor Lawrence and More
Week 18 is almost here and these are the early-week stories you need to keep an eye on as we inch closer to Sunday's season finale.
Top Stories and Injury Reports for Week 18
Christian McCaffrey not expected to play
CMC is not expected to play this week. He is dealing with a minor calf issue, and the team will rest him for the next two weeks after locking up the top seed in the NFC and earning a first-round bye. Elijah Mitchell is expected to get the start in his absence and Jordan Mason will probably see plenty of work as well. The 49ers may rest multiple other starters along with CMC.
Dalvin Cook released by New York Jets
The Jets have cut Cook prior to Week 18, and he is expected to sign with a playoff contender, or at least be given the opportunity to see if a playoff team is interested in him. Cook's season was a massive disappointment and now the question is whether he's washed or was the offensive line in New York just that terrible. More important is what teams in the playoff mix believe.
Baltimore Ravens expected to rest key starters
John Harbaugh has already come out and stated that he doesn't know if Lamar Jackson is going to play this week. He does know, and he's not playing. If he does play, it won't be much. You can also expect to see Zay Flowers sidelined as he rests up with minor injuries. They have locked up the top seed in the AFC and have no reason to risk the health of their stars. If you are searching the waiver wire this week, guys like Justice Hill, Melvin Gordon and Rashod Bateman could see increased roles this week.
Arizona Cardinals expected to stick with Kyler Murray beyond this season
Murray has been the talk of trade rumors for a long time. Now that the Cards have locked up a top draft pick, don't expect that trend to change anytime soon. However, their official team website is reporting that the team plans to roll with him moving forward. That's not to say things can't change, but dynasty owners should be viewing him as a Cardinal for 2024.
Miami Dolphins' defense is decimated by injuries with the Buffalo Bills looming
The Dolphins' defense is a mess, which could mean big things for the Bills, who could finish as the second seed in the AFC if they win or even completely out of the playoffs if they lose. The Dolphins will now be without Bradley Chubb, Xavien Howard, Jaelen Phillips and Jerome Baker this week. The struggling Stefon Diggs will still be locked up by Jalen Ramsey, but the rest of the passing attack should thrive, especially if Miami continues to run Eli Apple out there.
Despite a healthy Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph will get start for Pittsburgh Steelers
This has to be a concern for Pickett. In a must-win game, the Steelers are opting for Rudolph simply because they believe he gives them a better chance to win than Pickett. The outlook for his future in Pittsburgh is not great and dynasty owners should be very concerned if they weren't already.
Philadelphia Eagles considering resting starters this week
The only way the Eagles can win the NFC East is if the Dallas Cowboys lose to the Washington Commanders. Because of this, the Eagles may be willing to concede the division and rest their stars to be healthy for the playoffs. They are still mulling over their options, but it's something fantasy owners need to be prepared for.
Trevor Lawrence hopes to return
The Jacksonville Jaguars need to win this week to lock up the AFC South. After missing last week with a shoulder injury, Lawrence hopes to return this week and help get his team into the playoffs. If Lawrence is able to suit up, it will be a massive upgrade for the entire offense.
Minnesota Vikings have yet to announce a starting QB
According to Vikings' head coach Kevin O'Connell, he knows who his starting quarterback will be for Week 18. This is what he said on Monday. He added that he wasn't going to announce the starter to the media until he had a chance to speak with his team. It's now Wednesday and we are yet to hear an announcement. This announcement will have a significant impact on Justin Jefferson and the rest of the Minnesota offense.
