Who Should I Start? Ben Skowronek or Isaac TeSlaa

Friday, October 10, 11:49 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (illness) was limited in practice earlier this week but carries no injury designation into a Week 6 showdown with the Cleveland Browns. Although the fifth-year pro has just one reception this season, he could be in line for additional opportunities on Sunday with Calvin Austin III (knee) sidelined. Scotty Miller and Roman Wilson may also step into expanded roles, but Skowronek logged the most snaps of the three in Week 4 before the team's bye. He's also the only one with any meaningful fantasy output this year, taking his lone catch into the end zone for a 22-yard score back in Week 1. With the Browns stifling the run through the first five weeks, quarterback Aaron Rodgers could be forced to throw the ball early and often. Skowronek can't be considered a viable option in most redraft formats, but he does have some sneaky appeal as a deep-league dart throw.

Saturday, October 18, 11:18 PM

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa played a season-high 46% of his team's offensive snaps in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the 23-year-old failed to earn a target, marking the third time in his last four games that TeSlaa has not recorded a reception. TeSlaa has flashed a high upside at certain points this season, as two of his three catches have gone for touchdowns. Still, he's impossible for fantasy managers to trust as a starter, even heading into a favorable Week 7 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay currently ranks 23rd in the NFL in passing yards allowed (1,520), and Lions quarterback Jared Goff attempted 55 passes in his last matchup against the Buccaneers in Week 2 of the 2024 season. TeSlaa could avoid being blanked for a second straight game should the Lions be forced into a pass-heavy game script in Week 7, but he should remain out of the starting lineups of fantasy managers.