Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel Sr. or Jordan Addison

Thursday, December 18, 7:05 PM

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. has been productive in his first season with the team, averaging 5.0 receptions for 46.5 receiving yards on 6.6 targets per game to go with six total touchdowns across 13 contests. The veteran started off the season as the engine of Washington's offense, clearing 80 yards from scrimmage in three of the first five games of the season. In eight games since, Samuel has failed to reach that mark. The former San Francisco 49ers wideout has hauled in 12 of 18 targets for 134 yards in three games since the team's WR1, Terry McLaurin, returned. He'll be looking for a vintage performance on Saturday against the Eagles, whom he's enjoyed facing in the past. Samuel totalled 138 yards and three touchdowns in his most recent game against Philadelphia in Week 13 of the 2023 season. He ranks as RotoBaller's WR34 in PPR leagues in Week 16.

Friday, December 19, 4:18 PM

For managers still playing, the decision to start or sit Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison against the New York Giants is a riddle. This week, the former USC and Pitt standout qualifies as an ultimate high-risk, high-reward WR3/flex option. He has an outstanding matchup against a poor Giants pass defense that has allowed the fourth-most points to half-PPR receivers and fourth-most air yards, both great signs for a home-run hitter like Addison. Additionally, the Vikings' offense has been markedly better during the past two weeks, during which the offense scored 30-plus points, and Addison recorded more than 60 yards both times. But there is also the downside: Minnesota still ranks among the league's worst in turnover percentage, sacks allowed, and scoring percentage. In the six games preceding back-to-back wins, Addison averaged a paltry 27.5 receiving yards. Managers in the fantasy playoffs will have to evaluate the full picture of their roster to gauge whether the possibility of Addison having a big game is worth the risk of a dud.