Fantasy Football Week 18: Waiver wire pickups for the wildest week

Michael La Sasso, the only amateur in the 2025 Sanderson Farms Championship and a local favorite, received a two-shot penalty on the sixth hole for violating Rule 8.1a, adjusting his score from 6 to 4-under 64, placing him tied for 13th. Despite the setback, La Sasso, an Ole Miss golfer and 2025 NCAA champion, expressed excitement about competing in his home state, where he received support from local alumni. Want More Context? 🔎

Brock Bowers, dealing with a knee injury since Week 1, was limited in practice on Wednesday and did not practice Thursday. Despite a strong start with eight catches for 103 yards in his first game, his production has declined over the following weeks, and he has yet to score this season, expressing frustration with wearing a knee brace. Want More Context? 🔎

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu disclosed that Christian Horner, the former Red Bull F1 boss, had approached the American team regarding a potential role, but discussions did not progress. Horner's tenure at Red Bull ended after the British Grand Prix in July, where he reached a significant severance agreement following his departure. Want More Context? 🔎

Cooper Flagg is the frontrunner for the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year with odds of -195, although historically only two No. 1 picks have won the award in the last seven years. Potential challengers include Yang Hansen, Walter Clayton Jr., Tre Johnson, and Dylan Harper, who each possess unique skills that could make them contenders if Flagg underperforms or faces challenges. Want More Context? 🔎

Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season kicks off with the San Francisco 49ers facing the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. Tight end Jake Tonges, who has performed well in George Kittle's absence and ranked in the top 15 in fantasy leagues, is projected to be a key contributor due to multiple injuries on the team, making him a recommended start in both PPR and standard leagues. Want More Context? 🔎

The San Francisco 49ers, facing injuries to key players including Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk, are 6.5-point underdogs against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. Purdy has been ruled out, leading to backup Mac Jones stepping in, but the Rams' strong defense poses a significant challenge, limiting Jones' fantasy potential. Want More Context? 🔎