Who Should I Start? Darnell Mooney or Xavier Worthy

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).

Wednesday, December 24, 4:24 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will now be the unquestioned WR1 for the team moving forward. The Chiefs placed Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton on IR on Wednesday morning, opening the door for Worthy to step into a more prominent role. Worthy led the wide receivers in receiving yards last week, catching two passes for 41 yards on three targets. Despite being the lead receiver, Worthy will have to deal with downgraded quarterback play and a difficult matchup in Week 17. Chris Oladokun is now the Chiefs starting quarterback, and they face the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day. Oladokun has 16 passing attempts in his career, and the Broncos defense has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Worthy's role in the offense could potentially be valuable, but he has a lot working against him this week. Worthy is ranked WR56 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR ranking, making him a desperation flex option this week.