Who Should I Start? Calvin Austin III or Matthew Golden

Thursday, October 9, 4:34 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) did not practice for the second straight day on Thursday due to a shoulder injury. Austin III suffered the injury in Week 4, so it's not a great sign that it's still keeping him out of practice with Pittsburgh coming off a Week 5 bye. The 26-year-old has recorded 10 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns on 17 targets in four games so far this season. If Austin III is unable to play in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, Steelers wideouts Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, and Scotty Miller could all see an uptick in snaps. However, the only Steelers wide receiver that should be on the radar of fantasy managers in Week 6 against Cleveland remains DK Metcalf.

Tuesday, October 7, 3:45 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has seen an incremental upward trajectory over the past several weeks for the Packers and for fantasy managers. Golden is coming off his best week yet, with a season-high six targets, plus five receptions for 58 yards. He's also starting to see the field regularly with route shares of 82 percent and 72 percent in his last two games. In addition, Golden's first-read target shares have increased substantially, going from three total first-read targets in the first two weeks of the season to nine in the next two contests. Interestingly, Golden was used much more in the slot in Week 4, flipping his role with Dontayvion Wicks, who had been used in the slot more since Jayden Reed (clavicle, foot) was injured. That could prove to be a launching point to get Golden in more jet motion and use him in space for YAC opportunities. After the Packers' bye in Week 5, Green Bay hosts the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. With the continued upward climb of Golden, he's a big-time upside flex play for fantasy managers this week.