Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Calvin Austin III

Sunday, September 14, 12:47 PM

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard will make his 2025 debut in Week 2 against the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Sunday after he was a healthy scratch in the season-opening loss last Sunday to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lazard might only be active because Josh Reynolds is out with a hamstring injury. Although it's notable for New York's passing attack, we wouldn't recommend the 29-year-old as a streaming option this weekend, even in deep fantasy leagues. Garrett Wilson will continue to draw the majority of aerial targets from quarterback Justin Fields. Lazard, who has struggled with drops in his two seasons with the Jets, will be competing for targets with Tyler Johnson mostly. Last year in New York, Lazard bounced back from a rough 2023 campaign to catch 37 passes for 530 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games (10 starts).

Tuesday, September 23, 4:37 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III hauled in three of his five targets for 54 yards and a touchdown in a 21-14 win over the New England Patriots. Although Austin was quiet in Week 2, his numbers through the first three games of the season are shockingly similar to teammate DK Metcalf's. Metcalf leads the Steelers in targets, but Austin is averaging more yards per reception while building chemistry with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He has been on the receiving end of two deep touchdown passes, both thrown by Rodgers with the game on the line. While fantasy managers would be wise to avoid starting him against the stout Minnesota Vikings defense, Austin should be rostered heading into Week 4.