Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Calvin Austin III

Saturday, December 6, 9:32 AM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is coming off back-to-back games with at least five receptions and 60 or more receiving yards for the first time since Weeks 4 and 5. Samuel was managing a heel injury right around his season-best performance in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers. In the next four games, the former San Francisco 49er totaled just 16 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets while adding three carries for three yards. The return of Terry McLaurin in Week 13 against the Broncos took away some targets from Samuel, but his presence also helps Samuel by allowing him to work underneath while McLaurin stretches the defense vertically. Quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will also be back on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, so Washington's offense will look pretty close to whole. The Vikings have allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards per game and the seventh-fewest passing touchdowns this season, placing Samuel in WR3/flex territory for fantasy football in Week 14.

Friday, December 5, 9:55 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III went catchless on two targets in Week 13 and will look to carve out a larger role against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Baltimore allows the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers, but while the matchup is appealing, Austin's role is becoming increasingly uncertain. Pittsburgh claimed veteran Adam Thielen off waivers earlier this week, signaling a desire to upgrade its receiving corps. It's unclear how involved Thielen will be in his Steelers debut, but any added competition only further clouds Austin's already inconsistent usage. That said, Austin is not a viable fantasy option this week and should remain on waiver wires in most redraft formats.