Who Should I Start? Demarcus Robinson or Isaiah Bond

Saturday, December 27, 5:31 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson scored his first touchdown of the season in Week 16, but was only involved enough to see one other target and finished the game with two catches for 23 yards and the score. Since the 49ers' Week 14 bye, Robinson has slid back behind Kendrick Bourne on the depth chart, but saw a slight uptick in playing time last week with Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) sidelined due to injuries. Pearsall is questionable for Week 17, as is tight end George Kittle (ankle). Even if both players were to be declared inactive, Robinson would be a long shot to provide fantasy value. In 12 games with the 49ers, Robinson has averaged 2.3 targets per game and owns a 17-222-1 line despite the many injuries to key pass-catchers throughout the season. Robinson is too low of a priority in the 49ers' pecking order to warrant use in the final weekend of fantasy football.

Saturday, December 27, 9:31 AM

Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Isaiah Bond has taken over as the team's WR2, even though the Week 16 box score against the Buffalo Bills did not show it, and is likely to continue his ascension in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns' passing attack struggled to get anything going against the Buffalo Bills last week. However, the team tried to get Bond involved via a trick play for 21 yards on the Browns' opening drive. The young rookie appears to be part of the Browns' offensive game plan, averaging 45% snaps and 58% route participation since Week 12, edging out fellow wide receiver Cedric Tillman for playtime. Bond offers big-play potential and, with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders as the starter, he is carving out his niche as a vertical threat. Sanders' preferred target, rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin), popped up on the injury report Friday, and he is pushing to play on Sunday. However, if Fannin Jr. does miss time, Bond would be in line to benefit from additional looks against a tough Steelers' pass defense. Bond is an extremely risky start with big-play potential and is best suited for DFS dart throws or desperate deep-league managers looking for volatility.