Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Brandon Powell

Thursday, October 31, 4:04 PM

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) was placed on the injured reserve according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Lazard was unable to participate in any team practices this week and was previously ruled out for Thursday. However, he will now have to sit out for at least the next four games. Lazard has been a stable contributor in the New York offense this season averaging 58.9 yards per game with a high of 114 in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills. Fantasy managers should expect Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams to see the majority of passing work going forward with Mike Williams now operating as the No.3 option.

Wednesday, August 7, 9:20 AM

Minnesota Vikings wide receivers Jalen Nailor and Brandon Powell were listed as co-starters in the No. 3 role on the team's first unofficial depth chart. The wideout spot behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison is open following the departure of K.J. Osborn, and the pair of pass-catchers are the prime candidates to fill that gap. Nailor, a sixth-round pick out of Michigan State in 2022, has tallied 12 receptions for 208 yards and one touchdown through his first 21 NFL games. Powell, an undrafted free agent in 2018, has hauled in 76 receptions for 678 yards and three touchdowns in 55 games with the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, and Vikings. It will be interesting to see who comes out of the camp battle victorious, but neither is likely to have much fantasy value in an offense led by Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy. However, one of the two wideouts could have deep-league value early in the season if Addison is suspended following his misdemeanor DUI charge, especially since tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is likely to miss the start of the regular season.