Joe Burrow or Russell Wilson: Who should I start for Week 18 Fantasy Football?

Joe Burrow and Russell Wilson face each other in a crunch Week 18 clash that goes beyond the usual Bengals-Steelers AFC North rivalry. The two teams meet with their playoff destiny on the line with the outcome of the game pivotal for both franchises. They need help from other teams throughout Week 18 to ensure their objectives are met.

Russell Wilson and Pittsburgh are in a slightly better position than their opponents. They are already in the playoffs and all they are fighting for is their seeding. Their job is relatively straightforward there as well and they will know before the game commences exactly what they need to do. If the Browns defeat the Ravens, the Steelers need to defeat the Bengals to clinch the AFC North with an 11-6 record.

If Baltimore wins, they are in the Wild Card round and cannot win the division. However, with the Chargers tied with Pittsburgh at 10-6, a victory would still guarantee a higher position.

Joe Burrow and Cincinnati do not have that luxury. They are 8-8 and need a lot to go right for them to make the playoffs. First off, they need to defeat Pittsburgh. Then, the Broncos need to lose to the 15-1 Chiefs, which on paper is eminently possible. However, Kansas City is likely to rest its starters after having locked up the top seed in the AFC. Even if that result falls their way, the Bengals need to hope the 4-12 Jets can pull off an upset win over the 8-8 Dolphins.

This should be a fascinating Saturday matchup with so much riding on it for both teams. Both quarterbacks will be expected to lead the charge and we see what it means for fantasy football owners.

Is Joe Burrow a good pick in Week 18?

Joe Burrow's team might be 8-8 but he is having an MVP-caliber season. He leads the league in passing yards (4,641) and passing touchdowns (42). The last time he threw below 250 yards in a game was in mid-October against the Eagles, who have the best defense in the league. He has also thrown for at least three touchdowns in every match since. Last week, he notched up 412 yards through the air against the Broncos.

Fantasy football managers have a good chance to pick up some points with the Bengals quarterback and he should be in serious consideration to start.

Is Russell Wilson a good pick in Week 18?

Russell Wilson looks revitalized with the Steelers after a bad couple of years in Denver. He has 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2024. Most impressively, it looks like the old Seahawks quarterback is back as he has not been shy to scramble and pick up yards. It led to an unfortunate fumble last week against the Chiefs but he also picked up a rushing touchdown.

With his team having a superior record than their divisional rivals, fantasy football owners should look closely at the Pittsburgh quarterback for Week 18. With the Cincinnati defense giving up more than 350 yards and 26 points per game on average, the Steelers offense could be in for a good day.

Whom should I start between Joe Burrow and Russell Wilson in Week 18?

With so much to consider, we turn to Sportskeeda's Start/Sit Optimizer tool to decide for us.

Joe Burrow vs Russell Wilson - Start 'Em Sit 'Em - Week 18 - 2024 NFL Season - Fantasy Football - Sportskeeda Optimizer Tool Results

Despite the Bengals' defense's myriad frailties, our tool suggests going with Joe Burrow for good reason. He has been playing at a level that should see him get more passing yards and touchdowns. Their rushing numbers are also similar because, just like Russell Wilson, the Cincinnati quarterback also has two runs into the endzone this season.