Speculation around star wide receiver Tee Higgins’s availability for week 18 is rising as the Cincinnati Bengals play another must-win game. Higgins has often popped up on the injury report this season. Joe Burrow and Co. certainly do not want to miss their WR as they play a high-stakes game on Saturday.
Is Tee Higgins playing today? Will Joe Burrow have his key soldier for the ultimate battle?
Will Tee Higgins Play in Week 18?
Update: Higgins is officially active and will play in Week 18.
After a disappointing start, the Bengals have kept their playoff hopes alive by winning their last four games. The Bengals will go head-to-head with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the team’s season finale. Although a win would not clinch a playoff berth, the Bengals would like to take home the win on Saturday and let fate do its part on Sunday. Having both of their elite wide receivers — Higgins and Ja’Mar Chase — would help their cause.
Higgins has been struggling with his ankle and knee injuries throughout the season. Just like in other weeks, he has drawn a questionable tag ahead of the game against the Steelers. Higgins had limited participation in the practice sessions on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Bengals are likely trying to manage his workload to ensure Higgins’ availability. Last week against the Broncos, he showed limited participation, drew the questionable tag, and suited up for the game. His latest issue hasn’t forced him to the sidelines, and fans will be hoping he is likely to be on the field for the season finale as well.
Higgins’ Fantasy Outlook this Week
Despite his health issues, Higgins has been critical for the Bengals this season. He came in clutch in the Bengal’s week 17 victory against the Denver Broncos. Not only did he score the game-winning touchdown in overtime, but Higgins also recorded 131 yards and completed 11 catches on 12 targets. He had two additional touchdowns prior to the overtime winner against Denver.
JOE’S TAKING THIS INTO HIS OWN HANDS.
📺: #DENvsCIN on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/3izlmZGlSB— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024
Even against the Browns in week 16, Higgins caught three out of the first four passes from Joe Burrow and scored a touchdown. Except for a 2-23-0 dud against the Cowboys, the 25-year-old has been on a roll. Higgins is a fantasy star and a threat to be a top-12 receiver next season should he land in a situation with some level of stability under center.
For this week, Higgins is a top-20 fantasy receiver across all scoring types according to PFN’s weekly fantasy rankings.
Scenario for Bengals To Qualify for Playoffs
To make it to the playoffs, the Bengals must win their final game against the Steelers on Saturday. They are 8-8 this season and need to get to nine wins to even have a chance. They also need some help.
The Bengals will also need the New York Jets to defeat the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. In addition to that, the Kansas City Chiefs, who are likely to sit most of their starters after clinching the AFC’s top seed last week, need to defeat the Denver Broncos.
If the Bengals win on Saturday and both the Broncos and Dolphins lose on Sunday, Cincinnati would be playoff-bound as the AFC’s final Wild Card team.