Who Should I Start? Arian Smith or Isaac TeSlaa

Wednesday, November 19, 12:15 AM

New York Jets wide receiver Arian Smith had his lowest snap share since Week 1 in the team's 27-14 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 11. Smith played just 15.8% of the snaps and ran 21.2% of the routes, both significantly lower than his season averages. It seems the rookie wideout has moved into a depth role after the Jets acquired two wide receivers at the trade deadline in John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell. Smith wasn't a fantasy-relevant option to begin with, catching six of 10 targets for 47 yards in 10 games this season.

Friday, December 5, 11:23 AM

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa recorded two catches for 20 yards and a touchdown on three targets in his team's 44-30 Week 14 win over the Dallas Cowboys. While the 23-year-old has just eight receptions on the season, four of them have come in the end zone, including two in the last two weeks. TeSlaa has seen extended playing time thanks to the absence of Lions wideout Kalif Raymond (ankle), who has missed two straight games with an ankle injury. Raymond's return timeline is uncertain, but his return would almost certainly cut into TeSlaa's chances in the future. Still, Detroit may continue to utilize TeSlaa as a big-body threat in the red zone with tight ends Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck) on Injured Reserve. Fantasy managers interested in TeSlaa should monitor Raymond's injury status heading into Detroit's Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.