Who Should I Start? Courtland Sutton or Jayden Reed

Friday, December 20, 12:42 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton had a modest performance in the team's 34-27 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Thursday night in Week 16, catching five of his six targets for 50 yards. In a rare occurrence this year, Sutton didn't lead the team in targets or receiving yards. However, he was still one of rookie quarterback Bo Nix's favorite targets, as his six looks were second on the team behind running back Javonte Williams. The 29-year-old had a six-game streak of at least six receptions and 70 yards snapped in last week's win over the Colts, and his six targets on Thursday were his fewest since a zero-target game in Week 8 against the Saints. Sutton saved his fantasy day with a touchdown in Week 15, but he was unable to do so on Thursday night. Fantasy managers still playing for something in Week 17 will want Sutton in their lineups in a great matchup against Cincy.

Saturday, December 21, 4:41 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed had a hot start to his 2024 NFL season but has been stuck in a slump and Reed looks like climb out of it in Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints. Reed has 34 receiving yards or fewer and is averaging less than four targets per game in his last five games. While Reed has three touchdowns in those games, those touchdowns are what is fueling his fantasy value lately, not his target-earning ability. Add in Romeo Doubs returning to the Packers' lineup from concussion protocol last week, and that addition continues to smooth out targets for every other pass-catching option for Green Bay. The Saints have been a middle-of-the-pack team in defending slot receivers this season, so the matchup good. Despite that, Reed is a low-end flex option for fantasy managers given the Packers' focus on the run and dwindling passing-game opportunities.