With several teams locked into the playoffs ahead of their Week 18 season finales and not having much to gain with another win, we can expect to see several starters on the sideline for Sunday’s games. It’s better to have them rested and fresh for the playoffs than exposed to potential injuries.
Below is a look at some of the biggest names we can expect to miss Sunday’s games, not including players who were expected out regardless, due to injuries or other personal reasons, like Anthony Richardson, Brock Purdy or Tua Tagovaioloa.
Josh Allen
Buffalo Bills (at Patriots)
Allen is a weird one because he actually will play, but it won’t be for long. Allen will open the game for the Bills to simply extend his consecutive starts streak to 115 games. After that, he’ll sit, as coach Sean McDermott plans to play a mix of starters and backups as he rests some players. Knowing that, I wouldn’t expect to see much of key players like James Cook, Khalil Shakir and Pro Bowler Dion Dawkins either. Amari Cooper will miss the game too, though he was ruled out due to personal reasons.
Saquon Barkley
Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Giants)
You’ve heard this already, but Barkley won’t get a chance to chase Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing yards record because he’ll be sitting the finale against his former squad. And he isn’t the only Eagle sitting this game. Jalen Hurts remains out as he continues to progress through the concussion protocol, and other key starters like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jalen Carter and Darius Slay are listed as doubtful to play too.
Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City Chiefs (at Broncos)
Carson Wentz is starting in place of Mahomes for the Chiefs, who have the AFC’s top seed locked up already. But quarterback isn’t the only position KC is resting key players. Among 10 other starters also listed as doubtful or out for the game are Chris Jones, Travis Kelce and Trent McDuffie.
Matthew Stafford
Guaranteed a home playoff game as the NFC West champs, the Rams aren’t too concerned about seeding and are prepared to sit Stafford along with other starters. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed Puka Nacua, Cooper Coup and Kyren Williams are also sitting this one out.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Which NFL players are sitting out in Week 18? Here’s all the big names you need to know.
