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.

Wednesday, December 24, 10:26 PM

Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa posted his best performance of the season in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording four catches for 52 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. Although the 23-year-old has hauled in just 12 receptions across 15 games this season, five of them have gone for touchdowns. TeSlaa has seen his playing time spike in recent weeks, as he's played at least 40 offensive snaps in four straight games after failing to play more than 28 snaps in any of Detroit's first 11 contests. He may have an even greater role in his team's offense in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, as star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee) is questionable to play due to a knee injury. However, Minnesota enters the week ranked second in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (2,790) and tied for second in passing touchdowns allowed (14). In his first matchup of the season against the Vikings in Week 9, TeSlaa did not record a catch or earn a target. If St. Brown is active, TeSlaa should likely be avoided by fantasy managers in Week 17.