Who Should I Start? Demario Douglas or Malik Heath

Friday, November 22, 10:18 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas remains a viable fantasy football option for Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins. Douglas has maintained a steady role on offense lately, bringing his season totals to 43 catches, 415 yards, and one touchdown. He's on pace to break the statistical marks from his rookie campaign last year, both on a full-season and per-game basis. In addition to Douglas' year-long productivity, he also played quite well in his last matchup against the Dolphins back in Week 5. During that meeting, Douglas turned in one of his better performances of the season, catching six of nine targets for 59 yards. Miami has allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this year, but that number is likely skewed from the four-game stretch for which Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined; during that span, opponents adopted a run-heavy approach against the Dolphins and did not have to develop an overly aggressive passing attack. This Miami team allowed Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp to combine for 16 catches and 178 yards just two weeks ago. Douglas isn't on the same level as either Rams receiver, but the bottom line is that the Dolphins have shown they aren't going to shut down every pass-catcher they face (including Douglas when they faced him back on October 6.) Douglas is a viable WR3/FLEX option in fantasy leagues with at least 12 teams.

Saturday, August 24, 4:50 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Malik Heath led the Packers in all receiving categories during their final preseason tune-up against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday afternoon. Heath, the second-year receiver out of Ole Miss, led the Packers with five targets and a four-catch, 39-yard effort, including a third-quarter touchdown from Sean Clifford. The Packers sat Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks, leaving the starting wide receivers to be Heath and Bo Melton, of whom Heath is battling to be the team's WR5 this season. The Packers have an embarrassment of riches at the receiver spot, so the team may opt to keep six on the 53-man roster, but the race is too close to call if the Packers only keep one. Heath was a sporadic contributor last season but was not fantasy-relevant. He shouldn't be drafted, but if any of the receivers ahead of him are hurt, Heath could contribute if he makes the roster.