Who Should I Start? Courtland Sutton or DeVonta Smith

Saturday, January 24, 10:35 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton recorded four catches for 53 yards on a team-high nine targets in Denver's AFC Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills. Sutton played 85% of the Broncos' offensive snaps against Buffalo, and he should play a lead pass-catching role once again in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. However, Denver's offense will be led by backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who is filling in for the injured Bo Nix (ankle). The Broncos are also facing an uphill battle against a Patriots defense that has held each of its first two postseason opponents under 200 passing yards. In Stidham's most recent start for Denver, which came at the end of the 2023 regular season, Sutton recorded one catch for two yards on four targets. While much has changed for the Broncos' offense overall since that game, Sutton may struggle against a tough opponent in the AFC Championship Game, given the less-than-ideal circumstances around him.

Wednesday, January 7, 11:23 AM

Across 17 games in 2025, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith recorded 77 receptions for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns on 113 targets. While the 27-year-old's season-long numbers are solid, he ended the year on somewhat of a cold streak. Over his last six games played, Smith recorded more than 10 PPR points just once. However, Smith remains the clear second option in the Eagles' passing game alongside wideout A.J. Brown. Philadelphia also has a relatively favorable matchup in the first round of the NFL playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers. In the regular season, San Francisco's defense ranked 23rd among all NFL units in passing yards allowed (4,110) and tied for 21st in passing touchdowns allowed (29). Smith should have a chance to make plays, particularly if the 49ers' high-powered offense forces Philadelphia into a shootout. Fantasy managers in playoff leagues can view Smith as a solid wide receiver option entering the postseason.