Who Should I Start? Ainias Smith or Konata Mumpfield

Tuesday, August 19, 9:35 AM

Second-year Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith has enjoyed a healthy training camp, and his coaches have taken notice. Last season, as a fifth-round rookie, he struggled through camp with a stress fracture in his shin that would eventually land him on Injured Reserve for two months. This year, he is healthy and competing for one of the Eagles' last receiver spots on the 53-man roster. He has played in each of the team's first two preseason games, catching a touchdown in both and returning punts and kicks, as his path to the roster may run through special teams. Smith has been competing with fellow second-year wideout Johnny Wilson and undrafted rookie Darius Cooper for one of the team's final roster spots, and on Sunday, the Eagles acquired former second-round pick John Metchie III from the Houston Texans. Whoever can win the camp battle will have little relevance in managed redraft leagues, but could be worth a stash in deep dynasty formats.

Friday, January 2, 11:15 AM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Konata Mumpfield stepped up admirably in Week 16's loss to the Seahawks, while teammate Davante Adams (hamstring) sat with an injury, leaving fantasy managers to believe he was next in line with the veteran shelved. However, he slid back down the pecking order in the following game, signaling instability in a loaded Rams' offense. Mumpfield saw a robust eight targets two weeks back, but that slipped down to five in their loss to the Falcons on Monday night, as he took a back seat to teammate Xavier Smith (chest) (4/67) and tight end Colby Parkinson (6/53). Moreover, Puka Nacua still handled a hefty 10 targets. With Adams out, another asset in LA's passing game is sure to step up. That said, Mumpfield can't be relied upon for consistent fantasy production, considering quarterback Matthew Stafford's propensity to spread the ball around when Adams isn't active.