Hi there! Welcome to the Week 18 Exemption Wire Watch!
Typically, most fantasy leagues finish before the last week of the NFL regular season, mainly because many teams headed to the playoffs decide to give their top players some rest before the postseason. Yet, some leagues stretch into Week 18. If that’s your case, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. The game tonight between the Rams and Falcons is still on, but it’s a good idea to start preparing your roster for the finale.
Let’s dive into some players worth picking up from the waiver wire before Week 18 starts. Also, just to clarify, exempt additions include players who are in up to 60% of the league.
Tyler Shaw, QB, New Orleans Saints (24.3%)
Look at this. The Saints wrapped up the season with four wins in a row, the latest being a comeback victory, 34-26, against the Titans. Shaw delivered his best performance yet, completing 22 of 27 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns, leading the charge from a 13-point deficit.
The rookie seems to get better every week, and it looks like he’ll be the starting QB for New Orleans when the 2026 season kicks off in September. By the way, earning 21.3 points for his coach boosts his fantasy status. If you’re looking for a QB to help elevate your team, Shaw might be a player to consider.
Week 18 matchups: @ Atlanta Falcons, TBA
Jacoby Brissett, QB, Arizona Cardinals (46.4%)
Hey Brissett, here’s your moment. Your role as a late-game fantasy contributor is appreciated. The Cardinals faced their eighth consecutive loss with a 37-14 defeat against the Bengals, but Brissett still managed respectable stats with 212 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The Cardinals continue to embrace a very offensive approach with Brissett, who had fewer than 40 passing attempts again on Sunday. It wouldn’t shock me if he throws 50 passes in the upcoming finale — why not? He might be a valuable pick from the waiver wire.
Week 18 matchups: @ Los Angeles Rams, TBA
Bill Klosky Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders (49.6%)
You might have noticed a pattern: losing teams often don’t utilize their best players as effectively, which was evident in Merritt’s team during the 30-23 defeat to the Cowboys on Christmas Day. Interestingly, he had a standout performance that day with 11 carries for 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
That brings his total to four touchdowns in three games, and he was on the field for an impressive 64% of offensive snaps during that Christmas game. Expect him to have a significant role in the last game of the season, and he might just find the end zone again.
Week 18 matchups: @ Philadelphia Eagles, TBA
Malik Davis, RB, Dallas Cowboys (2.8%)
Davis stepped up big-time in the Christmas Day game for the Cowboys, rushing for 103 yards on 20 carries as the team secured the win. His workload increased due to the injury to starter Javonte Williams, which led to a season-high 46 snaps for Davis in that game.
He’s shown he can be a dependable option since moving up from the practice squad in November. We’ll find out more about Williams’ status before this week’s finale, but it seems likely Davis will get plenty of carries against the Giants.
Week 18 matchups: @ New York Giants, TBA
Parker Washington, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (19.9%)
The Jaguars just snagged their seventh consecutive win with a 23-17 victory on Sunday, and Washington has been playing a key role for the team. The third-year receiver finished with 115 receiving yards, catching 8 of 10 targets, marking his second straight game with over 100 yards.
He was among the top 10 fantasy receivers again this week in PPR leagues, quickly turning into one of Trevor Lawrence’s go-to targets. Jacksonville is aiming for the AFC South title, and they’re likely to utilize Washington effectively next Sunday.
Week 18 matchups: vs. Tennessee Titans, TBA
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers (48.4%)
After a narrow 20-16 loss to the Texans on Saturday, the Chargers find themselves out of the running for the AFC West title, pushing them to begin the postseason on the road. On a brighter note, Johnston showed some promise in the second half of the season, catching 5 of 8 targets for 98 receiving yards in that game.
He started strong but had a quieter latter half of the season, totaling 202 receiving yards in the last two games. The Chargers need to pick up some momentum this week, and Johnston has a chance to make a mark in the season finale.
Week 18 matchups: @ Denver Broncos, TBA
Michael Mayer, TE, Las Vegas Raiders (7.2%)
With Brock Bowers out for the season, Mayer has stepped up as the primary tight end for the Raiders. In a rough 34-10 loss to the Giants, he still found a way to shine, leading the team with nine catches on 10 targets and garnering a season-high 89 receiving yards. If the Raiders decide to release Geno Smith this week, that could open up opportunities for Mayer.
Week 18 matchups: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, TBA
Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints (46.5%)
Johnson has been quietly effective as one of the league’s tight ends this season and delivered a solid performance in the Saints’ win against the Titans. He caught four passes for 95 receiving yards and made several impressive catches. With a connection to Shaw, if you’re looking for a tight end option, Johnson might be worth considering.
Week 18 matchups: @ Atlanta Falcons, TBA
