Who Should I Start? Amari Cooper or Justin Jefferson

Thursday, September 4, 2:14 PM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper has informed the team that he intends to retire ahead of Week 1, citing a lack of desire to continue playing. Cooper, who joined the Raiders this offseason in hopes of competing for a starting role, was listed behind rookie Dont'e Thornton Jr. on the initial depth chart. The five-time Pro Bowler spent last season with the Browns and Bills, starting 10 of 14 games while recording 44 catches for 547 yards and four touchdowns. Cooper leaves the NFL after a decorated career, finishing with over 10,000 receiving yards and 64 touchdowns across stops with the Raiders, Cowboys, Browns, and Bills. His departure opens additional opportunities for Thornton and fellow rookie Jack Bech to carve out meaningful roles in the Raiders' passing game this season.

Friday, December 19, 6:15 PM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has been in an awful slump over the last few weeks. In the previous three games, Jefferson has been held to six receptions for 37 yards and hasn't scored a touchdown during that span. The 26-year-old clearly isn't on the same page as quarterback J.J. McCarthy right now. The upside is too high for fantasy managers to keep Jefferson on the bench this weekend. He has a favorable matchup against the New York Giants in Week 16. A secondary that has allowed the fifth-most yards to wideouts this season. The duds aren't due to a lack of ability, but because of inconsistent quarterback play. Despite the rough stretch, Jefferson comes in as RotoBaller's WR22 in the latest rankings and will try to break out of his slump in a plus matchup vs. the Giants in Week 16.