The Kansas City Chiefs faced uncertainty regarding their running back rotation at the start of the season, with Isiah Pacheco expected to lead but other roles up in the air. Clyde Edwards-Helaire's non-football illness and the addition of Samaje Perine and Kareem Hunt added complexity. Undrafted rookie Carson Steele, initially a question mark, has secured a spot on the 53-man roster and has adapted well under head coach Andy Reid's guidance.

Steele has learned valuable skills from Hunt, enhancing his game in blocking and catching. Despite a promising start, Steele's offensive workload has diminished significantly in recent weeks. However, with Pacheco out and Hunt doubtful for the upcoming game against the Denver Broncos, Steele may have an opportunity to contribute significantly alongside Perine. His role remains uncertain, but he is prepared to take on whatever is needed.

Kareem Hunt's fantasy football outlook for Week 18 is uncertain as the Kansas City Chiefs have already secured a first-round bye. With starting running back Isiah Pacheco dealing with a rib injury and quarterback Patrick Mahomes II not expected to play, Hunt's role may be limited. Although Hunt has outperformed Pacheco in three of their five games together this season, his recent committee role diminishes his fantasy value.

Given the circumstances, it's likely that Hunt will see limited action, possibly only at the beginning of the game. Fantasy players should be cautious about relying on him, as there’s little upside with Mahomes out and backup Carson Wentz starting. Hunt's best-case scenario would be an early goal-line carry, but overall, he may not offer much more than that.

The Miami Dolphins have made a notable impact in the Pro Bowl fan voting for the 2025 season, with four players securing positions in the top 10 of their respective categories. Fullback Alec Ingold, tight end Jonnu Smith, special-teamer Siran Neal, and kicker Jason Sanders all demonstrated their popularity among fans, finishing in the top 10. Notably, Neal and Sanders reached the top ranks in the final tally, while cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who was initially in the top 10, dropped out and did not regain his position.

The player selections for the Pro Bowl are determined through a consensus vote involving fans, players, and coaches, with each group contributing equally to the final decision. The official rosters for the AFC and NFC will be revealed on NFL Network's Good Morning Football. The Pro Bowl Games are set to take place in Orlando on February 2, 2025.

In comparison to last year, the Dolphins' performance in the fan voting has significantly declined. Previously, they had an impressive showing with 19 players finishing at the top of their positions, including four who ranked number one. Last year's Pro Bowl representatives included standout players such as Bradley Chubb, Duke Riley, Braxton Berrios, and Tyreek Hill, showcasing the team's strong performance throughout the season.

The Kansas City Chiefs have secured the top seed in the AFC playoffs with a remarkable 15-1 record, following their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day. This dominant performance has positioned them two games ahead of the Buffalo Bills as they head into the final week of the regular season. Their upcoming matchup against the Denver Broncos is rendered meaningless, given their playoff standing, leading to questions about whether the Chiefs will rest their key starters in Week 18.

Reports suggest that the Chiefs are indeed planning to sit several of their starters. FOX NFL Insider Jay Glazer indicated that the team is prioritizing health as they prepare for the playoffs, stating that key players like Patrick Mahomes, Isiah Pacheco, DeAndre Hopkins, and Travis Kelce are expected to be sidelined for the game against the Broncos. This decision is consistent with head coach Andy Reid's past approach to meaningless games, as he has previously rested starters to ensure they remain healthy for the postseason.

As a result, the Chiefs' offense will see significant changes in Week 18. Carson Wentz is poised to make his first start of the season, and the backfield will likely be led by Samaje Perine and Carson Steele. With the absence of several star players, fantasy managers should adjust their expectations accordingly, looking to other players like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Justin Watson to step up in the passing game.

The pursuit of a fantasy football championship has culminated in Week 18, where players must navigate injuries and performance fluctuations to secure victory. As the season draws to a close, the focus shifts to strategic roster decisions, particularly in targeting running backs available on waiver wires. This article outlines a comprehensive guide to the most viable running back options to consider as you prepare for the final matchups of the season.

In Tier 1, Ameer Abdullah of the Las Vegas Raiders stands out after a significant Week 17 performance, where he achieved over 100 rushing yards for the first time in his career. His role as a primary receiving option has also made him a valuable asset in PPR leagues. Michael Carter from the Arizona Cardinals has risen to prominence due to injuries in the backfield, positioning him for a substantial workload. Cam Akers of the Minnesota Vikings could see an expanded role depending on the health of Aaron Jones, while Antonio Gibson has emerged as a potential lead back for the New England Patriots amidst a tumultuous season.

Ray Davis and Ty Johnson of the Buffalo Bills could also provide depth as the team prepares for the playoffs, depending on the status of James Cook. In Tier 2, players like Khalil Herbert and Jaleel McLaughlin are recommended for their potential upside, while Kenneth Gainwell and D'Onta Foreman may offer value based on the health of their respective starters. The article also highlights several dark horse candidates in Tier 3, including Carson Steele and Samaje Perine of the Kansas City Chiefs, who could see increased opportunities as the team gears up for the postseason.

As Week 18 approaches, fantasy managers are encouraged to remain diligent in their roster decisions, utilizing this guide to maximize their chances of securing a league title.