Who Should I Start? D.K. Metcalf or Chase Brown

Friday, December 20, 7:34 PM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (shoulder) draws an excellent matchup against the Vikings in Week 16. However, Metcalf has been borderline unplayable in recent weeks. He has been bothered by a shoulder injury that has limited his practice reps but it has not stopped him from playing in any games. Metcalf has not caught more than four passes or exceeded 59 receiving yards since Week 11. He seems to have been overtaken as the No. 1 wide receiver by Jaxon Smith-Njigba. With Metcalf flailing recently, it isn't easy to consider playing him this week. In Metcalf's defense, he has faced solid to great defenses over the last several weeks. If there were ever a game for Metcalf to get back to normal, this would be the game. However, Metcalf should be treated as a flex option with upside. He has not delivered WR2 numbers since Week 11 so you will need to temper expectations if you deploy him in your lineup. He is always a candidate to catch a long touchdown, and he is due for a touchdown at this point. He has always been one of the better bets to find the end zone but he has not scored since Week 7.

Friday, December 20, 10:32 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown has had an excellent 2024-25 campaign. The 24-year-old has 832 yards off 191 carries and 47 catches for 318 yards. He's also combined for 11 touchdowns, finding the end zone at least once in seven of his previous nine appearances. With the Browns on tap for Week 16, Chase will need to stay involved for the Bengals, a team barely alive for the postseason. But since the 2023 No. 163 overall pick has been a go-to option for Joe Burrow (wrist, knee) all year, there's no reason to believe that will change versus a Cleveland defense that has allowed 25.4 points per game this season. As expected, Chase remains a must-start in all fantasy setups in Week 16.