Who Should I Start? Diontae Johnson or DeVonta Smith

Monday, September 18, 6:50 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers placed wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hamstring) and running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (knee) on Injured Reserve on Monday and promoted running back Qadree Ollison from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster in a corresponding move. Johnson will now have to miss four games after injuring his hamstring in the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Pittsburgh also has a bye in Week 6, so the 27-year-old could return in Week 7 in a matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Fantasy managers should attempt to stash Johnson for now, as the 27-year-old should be heavily involved in the passing game once he's healthy again. In the meantime, George Pickens, Allen Robinson II and Calvin Austin III will be the team's three starting wideouts. Tight end Pat Freiermuth should also see an uptick in targets.

Friday, September 29, 8:31 PM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith will take on the division-rival Washington Commanders in Week 4 on Sunday. While the 24-year-old missed Thursday's practice due to an illness, he was a full participant on Friday and is not listed on the team's final injury report. Last week against Tampa Bay, Smith came back to earth after scoring in each of the season's first two games. The former Heisman winner took a backseat to A.J. Brown, who got the squeaky wheel treatment after being visibly frustrated about his involvement during Week 2. This matchup against the Commanders is excellent for fantasy wide receivers, setting Smith up for a bounce-back performance. Washington allows the seventh-most fantasy points per game to the position and was eaten alive by Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis last week. Consider Smith a high-end WR2 in Week 4.