Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or Adam Thielen

Tuesday, December 9, 3:38 PM

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller has not looked the same in two games since his return from a stint on Injured Reserve for a pectoral injury. In the last two contests, Waller has three receptions for 60 yards and no touchdowns on six targets. The 33-year-old veteran played only 37% of the snaps in the Week 14 win over the New York Jets on Sunday, which was down from 47% in his return in Week 13. Not only did he see fewer snaps, but he was outsnapped by both Greg Dulcich and Julian Hill at the position. Waller had one catch on three targets for 13 yards and added one carry for four yards versus the Jets. After coming out of retirement to play for Miami, he scored four touchdowns in his first four games. It's possible that Waller needs some time to get back up to speed, but fantasy managers can't afford to wait. He will be a risky, touchdown-dependent TE2 streamer in fantasy in Week 15 versus the Steelers, especially if Dulcich continues to be involved.

Sunday, December 7, 12:53 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen are active for Sunday's Week 14 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. Both players are making their team debuts. Valdes-Scantling was signed from the Steelers' practice squad earlier this week after previously playing for the Buffalo Bills. In five games with Buffalo, he caught four of his eight targets for 40 yards. Meanwhile, Thielen was claimed off waivers after he and the Minnesota Vikings mutually agreed to part ways. The 35-year-old had caught just eight passes through 11 games. He is one year removed from a solid 2024 campaign with the Carolina Panthers in which he caught 48 passes for 615 yards and five touchdowns. Neither player is much of a hot commodity in fantasy football, but they both have the potential to carve out significant roles. After all, the Steelers have been underwhelmed by the wide receiver position across the entire depth chart, including receivers DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III, and could be looking for meaningful contributions from new faces.