Who Should I Start? D.K. Metcalf or Isiah Pacheco

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, 4:35 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco will face the Houston Texans on Saturday in Week 16. Pacheco appeared to emerge as the lead back in Week 14, earning 16 touches compared to six for Kareem Hunt, but that changed in Week 15. The two running backs each handled 13 carries last week against the Cleveland Browns, and Hunt outproduced Pacheco. It will be interesting to see how the backfield split shakes out this week against the Houston Texans, who rank fourth in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this year. The 25-year-old is ranked RB25 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a low-end RB2/Flex option this week. Fantasy managers will have a tough time trusting Pacheco in the fantasy playoffs, especially with Hunt stealing touches.