Who Should I Start? DK Metcalf or Theo Johnson

Tuesday, October 7, 6:46 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf delivered his best showing of the season in Week 4 with five receptions for 126 yards and a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings. Although nearly all of his production came in the first half, it was encouraging to see the seventh-year pro featured early and often after a slow start to the campaign. Coming out of a Week 5 bye, Metcalf will get his first taste of an AFC North rivalry with the Cleveland Browns on tap for Week 6. While Cleveland has been strong defensively this season, it has still allowed five wideouts to finish as top-24 fantasy options in as many games. Fantasy managers may have safer choices this week, but Metcalf remains firmly in the WR2 mix.

Tuesday, October 7, 10:26 PM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a risky, touchdown-dependent stream for the Thursday night matchup, despite his emergence as a key red-zone weapon. Johnson, the TE16 in fantasy with 7.08 fantasy points per game, has found the end zone three times this year, a figure made remarkable by the fact that rookie QB Jaxson Dart's only career touchdown passes have all gone to the tight end. This connection is vital, as Johnson operates with a high 75.4% snap share on his 15 receptions and 22 targets, but the Philadelphia Eagles present a brutal challenge. They rank as the 4th toughest fantasy defense against tight ends, allowing just 7.82 points against per game. Furthermore, the Eagles' elite 3rd-ranked red zone defense, which boasts a 42.9% Defense Red Zone TD Rate, significantly lowers the odds of Johnson continuing his unsustainable touchdown pace, making him a desperation play.