Week 18 in the NFL is what we call information week.
To predict what will happen in many games, you need to know the motivations of both players and teams.
This week is more important than any other in terms of monitoring injury reports and tracking each team's beat writers.
This week's picks focus on teams and players with clear motivations.
End the regular season on a high note with four winners on PrincePicks.
Rathard White (Bucs vs. Panthers) 70.5+ rushing yards
The Buccaneers have a lot on the line this week, as they need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
White has been one of the pleasant surprises in fantasy football this season and should be able to continue his strong form against the Panthers this week.
On the season, Carolina ranks last in both DVOA against the run and rush EPA. White should have a lot of opportunity in this game, as the Panthers have had Aaron Jones and Travis Etienne break their slump over the past two weeks.
As long as Tampa Bay is playing with a lead, I have a chance to see him get 20 carries, which has happened in four of the last five games.
Justin Jefferson (Vikings vs. Lions) 88.5+ receiving yards
As this game begins, the Vikings should technically be (barely) alive in playoff contention, so they should still be selling to win.
The Lions, who have all but clinched the No. 3 seed in the NFC, have hinted that they may rest their starters on Sunday, so we'll see what Detroit does with their starters in what is essentially a meaningless game. .
Even if the Lions were able to get their usual starters, they have been consumed by long plays in the passing game all season. Nick Mullens is going to make mistakes, but he's also going to take chances down the field. Jefferson has seen at least 10 targets in each of his last three games.
James Conner (Cardinals vs. Seahawks) 11.5+ receiving yards
There's nothing in his game log to suggest this is a good choice, but hear me out.
Although his receiving yards aren't there yet, Conner has had at least three receptions in three of his past five games.
There isn't much competition for touches in this backfield, and the Cardinals will face a Seahawks defense that has been shaken up late in the season.
Seattle has allowed the 11th-most receiving yards to running backs this season, and the Cardinals are playing as an underdog at home.
If Conner can get three or more receptions again, he should easily outperform the receiving prop.
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CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys vs. Commanders) 92.5+ receiving yards
This week's final pick is a pretty obvious one. Lamb faces one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL and the Cowboys need a win to win the division and earn the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
No team has allowed more receiving yards or fantasy points to wide receivers this season than Washington.
Meanwhile, Lamb is coming off a 227-yard performance against the Lions. He has topped 100 yards in three of his last five games and should be peppered with targets again.
Thank you for joining us this NFL season. Good luck in week 18!
