Who Should I Start? Ben Skowronek or Ryan Flournoy

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.

Friday, December 12, 7:48 PM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy is considered a low-end desperation FLEX play in all standard leagues in Week 15. Flournoy saw his fantasy stock climb in Week 14 when he took on a larger role with CeeDee Lamb (concussion) exiting early with a concussion. In his absence, Flournoy slid in as the team's No. 2 WR opposite of George Pickens and was quite productive, catching nine of his 13 targets for 115 yards and a score. However, with Lamb cleared to return, Flournoy quickly reverts to the No. 3 spot on the WR depth chart, and No. 4 option in the passing game, behind tight Jake Ferguson. During Weeks 11 through 13, with a full complement of Dallas pass catchers in the lineup, Flournoy brought in just four of his five targets for 36 yards and a score. Even if Ferguson (calf) were to face a setback and not suit up, Flournoy would still carry desperation low-end FLEX value in deeper 14-team formats, given his placement on the depth chart. Flournoy has yet to carve out reliable targets with both Lamb and Pickens on the field, and his matchup against the elite Minnesota secondary makes him a high-risk fantasy option.