Who Should I Start? DeVonta Smith or Trey McBride

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, 4:02 PM

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride remains a top fantasy option despite a difficult matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. On paper, it may appear that the odds are stacked against McBride. Not only is he facing a Falcons defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025, but he could also face additional competition if Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel, questionable) returns from his two-game absence. However, McBride has consistently established himself as matchup-proof this year, so he should feast despite facing Atlanta. Furthermore, he could still lead the team in targets and catches, even if Harrison does return to the mix. In total this year, the 26-year-old has 105 catches, 1,071 yards, and a career-high 10 touchdowns. He is on track to finish this year as the overall TE1 in PPR leagues after finishing 2024 as the TE2. McBride has especially benefited from the presence of quarterback Jacoby Brissett. In full-PPR leagues, he averaged 12.5 fantasy points per game with Kyler Murray (foot) as the starter, and a whopping 23.3 fantasy points per game with Brissett as the starter. We should expect more otherworldly, video-game numbers from McBride this week. He's the undisputed TE1 in this week's fantasy rankings and should be a must-start as the fantasy playoffs continue.