NFL stars sitting out Week 18: Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey among those resting

Ahead of Week 18, the NFL regular season finale, 11 of the possible 16 playoff spots have been claimed.

The San Francisco 49ers were the first team to lock up a playoff spot when they did so back in Week 14. Christian McCaffrey has bolstered the multi-dimensional offense.

Despite having lower offensive production than in years past, the Kansas City Chiefs won the AFC West for the eighth straight year.

The Baltimore Ravens are the owner of the No. 1 seed in the AFC after claiming the AFC North title with their lightning offense led by Lamar Jackson.

It's common practice in the NFL to rest starters at the end of the season to ensure they are healthy and fully energized for the playoffs.

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Here's the NFL stars who will be sitting out Week 18 of the 2023 NFL season:

Lamar Jackson — Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson told reporters on Wednesday that he will be sitting out the Ravens' season finale with the No. 1 seed and home field advantage already clinched.

"I'm cool with it," the MVP quarterback said.

Tyler Huntley will lead the Ravens against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are hoping for a win to boost their own playoff chances.

Patrick Mahomes — Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs won the AFC West for the eighth straight season, and are locked into the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoff race.

So, starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes will have the week off in Sunday’s game on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Andy Reid told reporters on Wednesday.

Instead, Blaine Gabbert will be the Chiefs’ starter in the final game of the season.

While the Chiefs could use some playing time to fine-tune their offensive chemistry, they’re opting to rest their best player before defending their Super Bowl title.

Christian McCaffrey — San Francisco 49ers

Christian McCaffrey will sit out the 49ers' season finale against the Los Angeles Rams as he nurses a mild calf strain.

The All-Pro running back told reporters on Wednesday that he "100%" could have played, but the decision to sit made the most sense.

"I've played through worse," he said. "... It was more of a precautionary situation and being smart about it than doing something stupid."

McCaffrey leads the league with 1,459 rushing yards. Kyren Williams is a distant second by a margin of 315 yards.

Matthew Stafford — Los Angeles Rams

The Rams have clinched a playoff spot, and Sean McVay is giving Matthew Stafford the week off.

McVay announced on Wednesday that Stafford won’t play in Sunday’s game against the 49ers.

Instead, Carson Wentz will start behind center.

If the Rams win, there’s a possibility Stafford could start on the road in his old stomping grounds against the Detroit Lions in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Other Rams players who will sit are wide receiver Cooper Kupp, running back Kyren Williams, defensive lineman Aaron Donald and linebacker Ernest Jones.

Joe Flacco — Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have secured a playoff berth, and the quarterback who helped them secure it will have the week off on Sunday.

Former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco will not play in Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski announced Wednesday.

Instead, Jeff Driskel will start for the Browns with P.J. Walker serving as backup.

The quarterback was the only player Stefanski would name as sitting out for the Browns.