Fantasy Football News: Lamar Jackson among starters out for Week 18

The Baltimore Ravens have already secured the number one seed and with nothing to really play for in Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, multiple starters are officially inactive for this game. Shortly before the game, the Ravens announced their inactives which included Lamar Jackson, Zay Flowers, and Odell Beckham Jr. and that could have significant impacts on fantasy football championships in Week 18.

Jackson has been one of the best quarterbacks over the last month with Top 10 finishes every week from Week 14 to Week 17, including being the highest scoring quarterback in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams and last week against the Miami Dolphins.

The Ravens will have Tyler Huntley starting on Saturday against the Steelers in his place. This will be his first start this season but has started eight games over the prior two seasons. In those games, he has averaged under 150 yards with five total touchdowns and seven interceptions.

For any fantasy football managers looking for a replacement this week for Lamar Jackson, Huntley would certainly be a gamble. The Steelers have plenty to play for this week as they need a win to ensure a spot in the playoffs.

Which Baltimore Ravens should fantasy football managers start in Week 18?

If there are Ravens that managers want to start in Week 18, three players that come to mind are Rashod Bateman, Justice Hill and Isaiah Likely. In addition to Zay Flowers being inactive, the Ravens also have Odell Beckham Jr. inactive for this game and Bateman should be the top wide receiver this week.

At running back, while Gus Edwards is active the coaching staff could lean more on Justice Hill to keep Edwards fresh heading into the playoffs. Finally, Isaiah Likely has been the starting tight end since Mark Andrews injury and over the past four weeks has had 40 or more receiving yards in each game and in total four touchdowns.