Who Should I Start? D.K. Metcalf or Rashee Rice

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.

Tuesday, October 8, 6:11 PM

After having surgery to fix his right LCL on Tuesday, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is expected to be out for four months, according to multiple sources. It was a best-case scenario for Rice, who will miss the rest of the 2024 season, but the good news is he's expected to make a full recovery. In addition to his knee, Rice also had a hamstring tendon repaired on Tuesday. Barring any setbacks for the 24-year-old during his rehab, he should be ready to go for the start of the 2025 season next fall. With receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) already out for the year and running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) on Injured Reserve, the Chiefs have lost their best playmakers outside of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues can obviously drop Rice at this time and look for a replacement.