Who Should I Start? Calvin Austin III or Tetairoa McMillan

Friday, December 26, 4:25 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Cleveland Browns. Austin suffered this injury during their thrilling victory over the Lions last weekend. This week, Austin was unable to participate in any practice sessions and will set his sights on returning in Week 18, when the Steelers face the Baltimore Ravens. Austin will join top wideout DK Metcalf on the sidelines as he will be unable to play in each of the final two regular-season games due to a suspension. As a result, fantasy managers should expect the Steelers to deploy Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Adam Thielen, Scotty Miller, and Roman Wilson as the starting wideouts. However, managers should expect both running backs, Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, and tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Jonnu Smith to operate as the top pass catchers.

Monday, December 29, 11:15 AM

Tetairoa McMillan had the worst game of the season in Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks. The rookie WR was targeted four times but only caught one pass for five yards. Although he reportedly worked past an illness to play, he finished with 1.5 PPR points, marking the second time in the last three weeks he totaled less than 5.0 PPR points. In Week 18, the Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, their NFC South rival, for the division title. The Buccaneers ranked sixth in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to WRs over the last four weeks leading up to Week 17. In Week 16 against Tampa Bay, McMillan had six receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. He totaled 19.3 PPR points in one of his best games of the year. Despite the seemingly unfavorable matchup, McMillan may bounce back against a Tampa Bay team he performed well against previously. Fantasy leaguers who are playing in Week 18 can consider starting McMillan as a WR3 or flex option in a winner-take-all game for Carolina.