Though fantasy football ended for many managers last week, the most dedicated crowd is still going into Week 18. The final week is daunting — we have to overcome teams resting their stars on top of the usual weekly roadblocks to winning. Two wide receivers who could produce are Isaiah Hodgins of the New York Giants and Kadarius Toney of the Kansas City Chiefs. We’re on top of all angles in this matchup for fantasy managers and bettors alike — let’s dive into whether you should start Hodgins or Toney in Week 18.
Should You Start Isaiah Hodgins vs. the Eagles?
The Giants have been wonderfully enjoyable to watch over the last month of action. Some of that has been due to the entertaining nature of the games. Still, the development of young talent has allowed the Giants to be more competitive with more talented foes. One of those emerging studs is Hodgins.
The third-year playmaker started the year on the Bills before the Giants scooped him up after injuries decimated their receiving corps. He’s quickly become a go-to option who projects as a long-term contributor in head coach Brian Daboll’s offense. It’s fair to call him the WR1 for quarterback Daniel Jones after amassing at least four catches in five straight games and four touchdowns in that same span.
The Giants faced little competition in Week 17 against the Colts, but Hodgins still managed 42 yards and a score. One week before, he had a career-high eight receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown. With this in mind, take part in an Underdog Fantasy Best Ball league and throw Hodgins into your lineup to help separate yourself from the pack!
MORE: Fantasy Football Sleepers Week 18
Hodgins is currently ranked as the WR39 in our Week 18 PPR fantasy football rankings. Despite his outbreak, consistent targets, and growing role, there are more reasons to sit Hodgins than to start him.
The first issue is that New York has nothing to play for in Week 18 — they’re locked into their seed. They’re expected to sit some starters or limit their playing time, meaning Jones may not be throwing to Hodgins for long or at all. That could leave your fantasy season in the hands of Tyrod Taylor, who has eight passing attempts all season.
And then there’s the Eagles. Their stingy defense effectively limits WR fantasy production, and they are fighting to secure the No. 1 seed. In this light, Hodgins’ outlook is bleak. He’s a solid player who is carving a career for himself in front of our eyes, but I wouldn’t risk my fantasy championship on this being a stellar performance.
Should You Start Kadarius Toney vs. the Raiders?
All fantasy players’ eyes got wide as soon as the Chiefs acquired Toney from the Giants. Though Toney’s struggled mightily with injuries, his explosiveness when he’s on the field is undeniable. The Chiefs haven’t forced him playing time, though, as he has only two games with more than two receptions.
He’s been exciting in his two best games, totaling 90 yards and one touchdown in Week 10 and then 71 yards last week. Toney’s speed in the open field is a marvel to watch. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has shown a willingness to scheme opportunities for Toney, making him a possible X-factor come postseason time.
However, putting your fantasy championship odds into Toney’s hands is dicey. He’s played more than 32% of snaps with the Chiefs just once since joining the team. Kansas City will be playing to win as they want the No. 1 AFC seed, and having Patrick Mahomes on your team is always a plus.
Toney is a high-risk option, but if he hits, he’s more likely to provide a solid stat line (he has twice in six games for the Chiefs). The Raiders have an average secondary but have nothing to play for. I can’t recommend inserting Toney into your lineup unless injuries and other factors have you down to WR5 options, but he’s a reasonable roll of the dice if you need one.