Who Should I Start? Darnell Mooney or Calvin Austin III

Saturday, December 27, 5:27 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney recorded just two catches for 24 yards in Week 16, continuing a trend of disappointing performances that has persisted throughout the season. The 28-year-old has caught two or fewer passes in eight of the 13 games he's played this season, and has struggled to gain targets behind Drake London (knee), Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee), and Bijan Robinson. London heads into Week 17's home matchup against the Rams with a questionable designation, however, it would likely be more of a benefit to Kyle Pitts Sr. and David Sills V's target total if Atlanta's No. 1 receiver were to miss the game, not Mooney's. The veteran wideout is a risky play even in what appears to be a good matchup on paper, with Los Angeles allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers on the season and 277.7 yards passing over the last three weeks (second most in the NFL).

Friday, December 26, 4:25 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 17 contest against the Cleveland Browns. Austin suffered this injury during their thrilling victory over the Lions last weekend. This week, Austin was unable to participate in any practice sessions and will set his sights on returning in Week 18, when the Steelers face the Baltimore Ravens. Austin will join top wideout DK Metcalf on the sidelines as he will be unable to play in each of the final two regular-season games due to a suspension. As a result, fantasy managers should expect the Steelers to deploy Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Adam Thielen, Scotty Miller, and Roman Wilson as the starting wideouts. However, managers should expect both running backs, Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, and tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Jonnu Smith to operate as the top pass catchers.