Who Should I Start? DeAndre Hopkins or JuJu Smith-Schuster

Saturday, January 4, 1:52 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will face the Denver Broncos on the road in Week 18. In the past three weeks, Hopkins has taken a backseat as Xavier Worthy has emerged as the team's WR1. The Chiefs have already clinched the top seed in the AFC, so they have nothing to play for in the regular season. Given their status atop the league, Hopkins and other starters could be rested to save them for the playoffs. That said, Hopkins does have some contract incentives to play for if he does suit up. The 32-year-old could earn $500,000 if he finds the endzone this week against the Broncos, who rank 16th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Hopkins will have to rely on Carson Wentz to feed him the ball since Patrick Mahomes is doubtful for this week's contest. The veteran receiver is ranked WR77 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option this week.

Saturday, January 4, 2:02 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will take on the Denver Broncos in Week 18. Smith-Schuster appeared to be the Chiefs WR1 in the wake of Rashee Rice's injury, but then he also lost time to injury. By the time he returned, Kansas City had acquired DeAndre Hopkins, and Xavier Worthy had become more integrated into the offense. This week, Smith-Schuster could find himself with a more significant role, given the state of the team. The Chiefs have already clinched the top seed in the AFC and a first-round bye, meaning they are inclined to rest their starters in anticipation of the playoffs. If the starters rest and Smith-Schuster plays, he could be an interesting PPR play due to the routes he runs. That said, the veteran receiver must rely on Carson Wentz throwing him the football. Patrick Mahomes is doubtful for this week's contest and likely will not suit up. Another obstacle Smith-Schuster will have to contend with is the Broncos, who rank 16th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. The 28-year-old is ranked WR76 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a deep flex option this week. Fantasy managers starting Smith-Schuster will have to hope for a touchdown.