5 breakout fantasy football stars to pick up for Week 18

1. Top Fantasy Football Pickups For Week 18 – Las Vegas Raiders QB Jarrett Stidham

Heads were scratched around the NFL when the Raiders decided to bench Derek Carr for the remainder of the season and turn their offense over to career backup Jarrett Stidham. Head coach Josh McDaniels got the last laugh in Week 17 as Stidham lit up one of the league’s best defenses in a narrow overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

The Las Vegas offense flowed much better with Stidham, who had experience in the system from his time in New England, than it ever did under Carr. Stidham completed 23-of-34 passes for 365 yards and three touchdowns while also adding seven carries for another 34 yards.

There is no question that the Raiders will look to see if Stidham can duplicate his success in Week 18 against a Kansas City Chiefs defense that has given up the third most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. McDaniels would also love nothing more than to deny the Chiefs a shot at home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win so they will undoubtedly try to pick up a victory against Kansas City.

Stidham entered Week 17 rostered in just one percent of leagues but looked the part of an NFL starter against the 49ers. Owners in need of a starter at quarterback in Week 18 should grab Stidham and look to ride his performance to fantasy glory.