Who Should I Start? DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle

Friday, December 19, 10:06 PM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith tied his lowest target count in a game this season against the Raiders, mustering just two looks. He was not alone, however, as only one Philly player (Dallas Goedert) achieved more than three targets in the runaway victory. Plus, Smith was able to make the most of his little involvement, tallying 50 yards on two catches. Coming up, he'll face off against a Commanders defense that has been weak against the pass this season. In fact, Washington has allowed more than 300 passing yards in three of their last six outings. However, Smith has not dazzled recently, having failed to find the end zone since Week 10 and tallying more than four receptions in a game just twice in that same span. In what could be another game where Philly doesn't need to rely on throwing the ball, Smith may be outcasted yet again. The defensive matchup is favorable, but his involvement is no guarantee. Consider him a low-end WR3/FLEX this week.

Saturday, December 20, 7:44 AM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has clearly been the Dolphins' go-to wide receiver since Tyreek Hill (knee) sustained a season-ending injury, but this week against the Bengals, he'll be working with a new QB, which makes him much higher risk. Last week against the Steelers, Waddle only managed two catches for 26 yards in the Dolphins' defeat. Since that loss eliminated the team from playoff contention, it was also likely the end of the season for Tua Tagovailoa, who will be replaced by Quinn Ewers for this week's matchup. Waddle has turned his 90 targets into 59 catches for 838 receiving yards and six touchdowns this season, and he should remain the focus of the passing game with a high ceiling. The rookie QB taking over does raise Waddle's risk, though, which is why he's slid to no. 24 in RotoBaller's WR rankings this week, making him a WR3 or flex play in standard leagues, instead of a reliable WR2.