Who Should I Start? Colby Parkinson or Pat Freiermuth

Thursday, December 25, 10:06 AM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson is set to remain in a lead role during their Week 17 contest against the Atlanta Falcons despite his disappointing showing last week. On Thursday, with No. 2 WR Davante Adams (hamstring) out of action, Parkinson was expected to see a larger role in the passing game, but was only able to bring in two of his four targets for a mere 21 yards. Instead, depth wide receiver Konata Mumpfield was able to draw eight targets, and rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson found the back of the end zone. However, with Adams set to miss another game, managers in 12+ team formats should view Parkinson as a viable low-end TE1 in the fantasy championships. Before his Week 16 dud, Parkinson averaged a strong 13.5 PPR points per game from Weeks 10 through 15 and should be poised to bounce back on Monday night.

Saturday, December 20, 1:33 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was effective in Week 15, catching three passes for 45 yards, and will hope to stay involved in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions. Though the Lions have struggled against the pass this season, the majority of production they have allowed has come from opposing wide receivers. Still, this isn't necessarily a matchup to avoid, especially given the game's healthy projected point total. The concern for Freiermuth remains his volatile role, as Pittsburgh continues to split opportunities fairly evenly among him, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington. Fantasy managers in deep formats who are desperate at the position could look to stream Freiermuth in hopes of a touchdown, but the 27-year-old should be left on waiver wires in most redraft leagues.