Who Should I Start? Calvin Austin III or Tetairoa McMillan

Saturday, November 1, 1:06 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III will hope to bounce back from a quiet Week 8 in a Week 9 showdown with the 7-1 Indianapolis Colts. Fellow receiver Roman Wilson had a breakout showing last week, but it was Austin that logged the second-most snaps among Pittsburgh's wideouts behind DK Metcalf. While the Colts have been difficult to defeat on the scoreboard, they've proven beatable through the air, giving up the third-most fantasy points per game and most receptions to opposing receivers. Austin has the explosiveness to break a big play against this defense and should be involved in what is projected to be a high-scoring affair. However, the fourth-year pro has not been consistent enough to warrant consideration in most fantasy leagues. He should be viewed as a low-end flex option with upside in deeper leagues on Sunday.

Monday, November 3, 12:44 PM

Tetairoa McMillan was the top receiver for the Carolina Panthers again in their 16-13 upset over the Green Bay Packers in Week 9, but the numbers were not outstanding. The rookie wide receiver totaled 46 yards on four receptions with 8.6 PPR fantasy points. Carolina's defense kept the game close, and the Panthers prioritize the running game over the passing game. Although McMillan remains the target hog for the team in the passing game, Carolina's run-first approach is likely to be on display again in Week 10 against the Saints. New Orleans ranks 28th in the last two weeks in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs (29.3), and gave up 172 rushing yards to the Rams RBs in Week 9. Despite the Panthers favoring the running game, fantasy players should continue starting McMillan in lineups, especially as he can flash upside in any given week.