Who Should I Start? CeeDee Lamb or Rashee Rice

Friday, December 12, 7:45 PM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (concussion) passed the league's concussion protocol and is off the injury report heading into their Sunday night tilt against the Minnesota Vikings. Lamb sustained this concussion during their Week 14 loss to the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. However, before exiting, the superstar wideout still made an impact, catching six of his eight targets for 121 yards on just 47% of the team's snaps. This was his second-straight game eclipsing the century mark. Since his three-game absence due to an ankle injury in Weeks 4 through 6, Lamb has returned to his high-end status at the position. During this seven-game stretch, Lamb has averaged a strong 17.6 PPR points per game and has continued to see a massive target share, earning 9.3 targets per game, despite playing alongside George Pickens. Given Dallas' high-octane passing game, QB Dak Prescott has been able to support both Pickens and Lamb as they have continued to produce WR1 stat lines on a weekly basis. Even though Lamb will face a formidable Minnesota secondary that has allowed the fewest PPR points to opposing WRs this season and just contained Terry McLaurin to 41 yards last Sunday, Lamb remains a must-start WR1 in all formats in the opening week of the fantasy playoffs.

Friday, December 12, 4:35 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was held in check by the Houston Texans in last week's loss. The Chiefs WR1 caught four passes for 34 yards, finishing third on the team in receiving yardage. Despite his lackluster performance, Rice still finished with a team-high eight targets, demonstrating the team's determination to keep him involved. The 26-year-old may once again struggle to find success this week against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers defense is allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, making them one of the most difficult matchups at the position. Rice has been the team's focal point on offense since his return, so he should continue to be heavily involved despite the matchup. Rice was also listed on the injury report with a hamstring injury this week, but was a full participant in every practice and does not have an injury designation for Sunday's game. Rice is ranked WR4 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a top-end WR1 option again this week despite his recent struggles.