Who Should I Start? Calvin Austin III or Jack Bech

Tuesday, January 6, 12:14 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has compiled 31 receptions (55 targets) for 372 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games this season. The 26-year-old came up huge in the regular-season finale win over the Baltimore Ravens, catching a 26-yard touchdown to give the Steelers the lead with less than a minute remaining. With D.K. Metcalf (suspension) set to return for the playoffs after missing the last two games, Austin offers minimal upside in a brutal matchup against the Houston Texans on Monday night. He's scored double-digit PPR points in only four of 14 games, and the Texans have allowed the sixth-fewest passing yards per game (183.5) and the seventh-fewest receiving touchdowns (20) this season. Austin is tough to trust for fantasy managers in playoff leagues, given the return of Metcalf and the challenging matchup.

Sunday, December 28, 2:50 PM

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (back) is inactive for his team's Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants due to a back injury. The 23-year-old rookie has recorded 20 catches for 224 yards on 27 targets across 15 games in 2025. Las Vegas placed star tight end Brock Bowers (knee) on Injured Reserve earlier this week, so the team is running out of capable pass catchers. With Bech sidelined, Raiders wideouts Tre Tucker and Tyler Lockett figure to lead the team in wide receiver snaps against New York. Wideouts Dont'e Thornton Jr., Alex Bachman, and Shedrick Jackson could all see an uptick in playing time as well.