Who Should I Start? Chase Brown or Calvin Austin III

Saturday, December 20, 12:29 AM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown struggled on the ground in the last three games. However, he at least made up for it by catching 17 passes during that span. Without question, fantasy managers were expecting more from the 25-year-old after a quality 2024 campaign. Still, the upside is there, as evident by his two-touchdown effort in the Week 14 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Bengals have already been eliminated from postseason contention. While that could result in Brown and some of the other starters shutting it down before the end of the regular season, he should handle his usual workload versus Miami in Week 16, keeping him in the must-start conversation. That applies even more for PPR participants if Tee Higgins (concussion) can't suit up, considering Brown will presumably remain in line for additional pass-catching opportunities.

Sunday, December 14, 10:57 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (calf) practiced in full on Saturday. He has been removed from the injury report and will play in Monday's Week 15 contest against the Miami Dolphins. The 26-year-old is the No. 2 receiver on the depth chart, but he has been held to two or fewer targets in four of his last five games. During those five weeks, he's averaging just 1.6 catches, 17.2 yards, and zero touchdowns per game. Pittsburgh could go run-heavy this week because Miami's defense has allowed the 10th-most rushing yards to opposing running backs in 2025. The Dolphins have also allowed the third-fewest receiving yards to opposing wide receivers. All signs point to Austin having another dud week despite being cleared to suit up. He should be avoided in fantasy football on Monday.