Who Should I Start? Allen Lazard or Justin Jefferson

Tuesday, October 28, 9:53 PM

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard has seen minimal usage so far this season, recording seven catches for 45 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets across six games played. However, Lazard got a chance to play 78% of New York's offensive snaps in Week 8 due to injuries to top Jets wideouts Garrett Wilson (knee) and Josh Reynolds (hip). Wilson is expected to return in Week 10 following the team's Week 9 bye, but Reynolds must miss at least three more games on Injured Reserve. Still, Lazard's lack of production to this point makes him difficult for fantasy managers to rely upon. Even with Wilson and Reynolds sidelined in Week 8, Lazard recorded one catch for five yards in a game where the Jets scored 39 points. Lazard should remain off the radar of fantasy managers.

Friday, November 7, 6:11 PM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is yet again a WR1 option when his team plays host to the Baltimore Ravens, who have allowed opposing teams to score on 48% of their drives, the fourth-highest rate in the NFL. Baltimore ranks 23rd against PPR receivers this season and has allowed the seventh-most air yards on the season, though the Ravens have looked significantly improved during the past month, during which they've allowed their past three opponents an average of 13 points. Behind quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is playing for the first time after missing his entire rookie season and five games this year, the Vikings threw for only 143 yards last week in a win at Detroit. Even in a light week, Jefferson still drew nine targets and caught a touchdown, which should inspire some optimism as Minnesota sticks with McCarthy full-time. Though Minnesota figures to have some bumps in the road with a young quarterback, Jefferson is too good to be held in check for long stretches.